Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a tax exemption that previously allowed large data centers to purchase construction materials and technology equipment without paying sales tax. It directly affects data center operators and the state government by ending a financial benefit that was intended to encourage investment in these facilities. The legislation defines a "qualified large-scale data center" as a facility costing at least $250 million to build or upgrade within a six-year period, and it removes the specific exemption for their enterprise IT equipment from the list of tax-free items. Additionally, the bill reverses a prior decision that reduced special education funding, restoring the full appropriation amount to the state budget. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, meaning businesses purchasing supplies for these centers will need to pay sales tax and may be eligible for refunds if they had previously claimed the exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $15,000,000 in bonds to fund capital projects for the local public housing program. The money raised from these bonds, along with an additional $15,000,000 from the general fund, will be provided to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for use in fiscal year 2027. These funds are restricted to qualified capital improvements for public housing facilities managed under state law. The legislation directs the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale according to existing state statutes and constitutional requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for artificial intelligence chatbots used by people in Minnesota, specifically targeting companies that own or operate these systems. It requires chatbots to clearly inform users that they are interacting with an AI rather than a human and prohibits the technology from giving advice on medical, mental health, or legal matters without a professional license. The legislation also mandates that chatbots designed to simulate relationships must actively prevent users from self-harm and provide crisis contact information if such risks are detected. If a chatbot violates these safety or disclosure rules, the company could be held financially responsible for any resulting harm to users.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill prohibits health insurance plans from using step therapy protocols to limit coverage for FDA-approved drugs treating neurological conditions. It directly affects people with neurological disorders and the health plans that cover them by requiring insurers to pay for these medications if they are on the plan's formulary and align with official medical guidelines. The law defines neurological conditions as any disorder causing neurological impairment and specifies that coverage cannot be denied based on step therapy if the drug is approved for the patient's specific condition and supported by clinical practice guidelines. The policy change will take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to any health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state to update its building code by April 1, 2027, to permit apartment buildings with only one stairway exit. The primary mechanism requires the state commissioner to adopt new rules based on the recommendations of a 2025 study specifically focused on single-exit stairway apartment buildings. While the bill does not set specific safety standards itself, it mandates that any future regulations must align with the findings of that study. This change aims to allow more flexible housing designs while ensuring compliance with the upcoming study's conclusions.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises Minnesota's legal age for kratom possession and sale from 18 to 21 years old. It makes it a misdemeanor for anyone under 21 to possess kratom and a gross misdemeanor to sell it to minors. The law applies to all kratom products containing mitragynine or related compounds, directly affecting young adults under 21 and businesses selling these products. The bill takes effect August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 2691 establishes clear standards for rent, utility charges, and fees in Minnesota manufactured home parks. It requires uniform rent rates (except for lot size/location or special services), prohibits fees based on household size, guests, home size, or occupancy, and mandates itemized billing for utilities. The bill also requires park owners to address safety hazards like dangerous trees within 14 days of resident notice and gives residents 60 days' written notice before rent increases. These changes directly affect manufactured home park residents and owners by increasing transparency and limiting arbitrary charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's conditional medical release program to include geriatric release for older incarcerated individuals and family caregiver release for those caring for incapacitated relatives. It establishes specific eligibility criteria, such as age and time served requirements for geriatric release, and mandates medical reviews and supervision conditions for those granted release. The legislation also creates a new category for extraordinary and compelling circumstances, requiring written decisions within 30 days and allowing applicants to seek court review if denied. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to maintain a public database of release requests and submit annual reports on outcomes and cost savings, with all provisions taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens Minnesota's campaign finance enforcement by requiring the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to impose enhanced penalties for specific violations without allowing waivers. It defines "enhanced penalties" as late fees or civil penalties applied when contribution or disbursement thresholds of $25,000 or $250,000 are exceeded, using multipliers based on the amount involved. The legislation clarifies definitions for total contributions and disbursements, mandates stricter record-keeping requirements for four years, and increases civil penalties for knowingly submitting false reports or failing to maintain accurate financial records. All collected fees and penalties must be deposited into the state elections campaign account rather than the general fund.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1961 requires most health insurance plans covering maternity benefits to provide comprehensive coverage for infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates that cost-sharing (copays, deductibles) for these services cannot exceed the level applied to maternity coverage, and prohibits limits on coverage duration or services. The bill applies to MinnesotaCare and medical assistance programs, with the state reimbursing health plans for the additional costs starting January 1, 2026. This directly affects individuals seeking infertility care or fertility preservation, ensuring they face no greater out-of-pocket costs than for maternity services.