Sen. Carla Nelson

Maddy summarySF 1942 updates Minnesota's estate tax rules to match current federal exclusion amounts. It amends statutes to set a $3,000,000 exclusion threshold for estates of decedents dying in 2020 and later, aligning Minnesota's tax requirement with federal law. This means Minnesota estate tax returns are now required only when an estate exceeds $3 million (compared to lower thresholds previously). The bill directly affects estates valued above this threshold, particularly larger estates of decedents dying after 2024. It simplifies tax filing by ensuring Minnesota's rules follow federal changes without creating new tax rates or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from state bonds to fund Dodge County's purchase of adjacent quarry and private land for expanding Restoration Park. The funds will reclaim the area to create multiuse, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The state will sell up to $1.5 million in bonds under standard bond procedures to cover this cost, with the grant administered through the commissioner of employment and economic development. The bill directly affects Dodge County residents by enhancing local recreational access.

Maddy summarySF 3979, the "Preserving Girls Sports Act," requires Minnesota public schools to designate athletic teams as "males," "females," or "coeducational" based on participants' biological sex at birth. It specifically mandates that teams designated for females must only include participants who were biologically female at birth, overriding any conflicting laws. This bill directly affects Minnesota public school athletic programs and school athletic leagues, requiring them to adopt policies aligning with this biological sex requirement. The law would take effect the day after final enactment, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summarySF 3975 appropriates $5.6 million from the state transportation fund and $2.4 million from the trunk highway fund to improve intersections along U.S. Highway 14 in Byron. The funds will cover environmental studies, design work, and construction of overpasses (replacing traffic lights) at key intersections with County Highways 3 and 5. The city of Byron and Olmsted County will directly receive these funds to plan and build the interchanges. Any unused funds after planning will be applied to construction and right-of-way acquisition for the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue $14.4 million in bonds to fund improvements at Rochester Community and Technical College's Heintz Center. The funds will specifically cover designing, renovating, furnishing, and equipping space for Career and Technical Education programs. The bond proceeds will be appropriated directly to the college's Board of Trustees from the state's bond proceeds fund, with the commissioner of management and budget responsible for issuing the bonds under established state procedures.

Maddy summarySF 3974 requires Minnesota’s child care commissioner to create a system by July 1, 2027, that automatically uploads available child care slots from providers’ management software to Parent Aware, the state’s child care resource system. This directly affects child care providers (who must use compatible software) and parents seeking available spots. The system must only share real-time slot availability data, excluding confidential information, and the bill appropriates funds for development ($... in 2027) and ongoing maintenance ($... in 2028-2029). The bill mandates integration with existing provider software to streamline access to open child care positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.2 million from state bond funds to improve a one-mile section of 15th Avenue NE in Stewartville, Minnesota, specifically within High Forest Township. The funds will pave the roadway and fix drainage issues at the 6th Street NE intersection, including replacing culverts and storm sewers. The state will issue up to $3.2 million in bonds to cover this cost, following Minnesota's bond procedures. The project directly affects Stewartville residents and local infrastructure by upgrading a key neighborhood road.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25 million from state bond proceeds to fund Minnesota's Small Cities Assistance Program (under Statute 162.145), directly supporting small cities for infrastructure projects like roads and utilities. It authorizes the state to sell up to $25 million in bonds through standard procedures to cover this funding, with the money to be managed by the commissioner of transportation. The program specifically assists qualifying small cities with capital improvements, providing them with dedicated state funding for local infrastructure needs. The bill becomes effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who receive certain AmeriCorps-related benefits. It specifically allows individuals to subtract from their state taxable income: (1) AmeriCorps volunteer stipends, (2) National Civilian Community Corps living allowances, (3) AmeriCorps Seniors stipends, and (4) National Service Educational Awards. The provision applies to benefits received through federally approved AmeriCorps programs under U.S. Code sections referenced in the bill. This change takes effect for tax returns filed in 2026 for income earned in 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3545 modifies Minnesota's liquor licensing laws to allow specific municipalities to issue licenses to certain venues and entities. It authorizes St. Paul to grant on-sale liquor licenses to the Fitzgerald Theatre, Science Museum of Minnesota, and Union Depot without usual zoning restrictions. The bill also updates requirements for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, allowing licenses for Northrop Auditorium, football stadiums (including TCF Huntington Bank Stadium), and up to seven other campus locations, with conditions requiring public sales through halftime during football games. These changes directly affect the University of Minnesota, St. Paul venues, state recreation facilities, and the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.