Sen. Liz Boldon

Maddy summarySF 1353 establishes a minimum aid distribution for Minnesota cities receiving state funding under the city aid program. It directly affects all cities receiving aid under Minnesota Statutes section 477A.013, particularly larger "first-class" cities. The bill sets a floor of $150 multiplied by a city's population for first-class cities, preventing aid from falling below this amount. This replaces previous calculation rules and takes effect for aid payments starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain health-related purchases from state sales tax. It creates two new tax exemptions: (1) for "health care materials" like single-use medical supplies prescribed by a physician (e.g., bandages, syringes), and (2) for other items purchased through private health plans that aren't already covered by existing exemptions. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, directly affecting health plans (both public and private) and businesses selling these medical supplies. This change simplifies tax treatment for essential health products without altering coverage or costs for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the City of Rochester to issue an on-sale alcoholic beverage license to the Chateau Theater, a historic venue at 15 1st Street Southwest. It specifically permits the theater to sell alcohol during all performances, exhibitions, or events, overriding any conflicting local ordinances. The license operates under Minnesota's general liquor laws (Chapter 340A) unless those laws conflict with this specific authorization. The city must approve the license, and it becomes effective after compliance with state procedures.

Maddy summarySF 567 bars former state officials from acting as lobbyists for seven years after leaving office. It directly affects former legislators, constitutional officers (like the governor or attorney general), and senior state department leaders (such as commissioners and their deputies). The bill prohibits these individuals from attempting to influence legislative or administrative actions during this seven-year period. This restriction applies to any lobbying activity, whether directly or through others, as defined under Minnesota's lobbying laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Housing Finance Agency to collect and report data on contractors receiving agency financing, specifically adding two new categories: veteran-owned small businesses (as defined in Minnesota law) and LGBTQ-owned businesses certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The commissioner must submit an annual report by February 1 of even-numbered years to housing finance committees, detailing the total number and dollar amount of contracts for each business category. The report focuses solely on tracking participation and spending data, not on altering financing rules or eligibility. This affects the Housing Finance Agency in its data collection duties and the contractors who receive agency financing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Minnesota to cover evidence-based treatments for obesity, including behavioral counseling, dietary support, physical activity programs, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved weight-loss medications. It applies to all health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and policyholders seeking obesity care. The law mandates coverage without additional restrictions beyond standard plan requirements for these specific treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency to study the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) by January 1, 2027. The report must cover AI's full lifecycle energy/water use (including data centers and hardware), assess both positive impacts (like energy efficiency improvements) and negative effects (such as increased pollution or grid stress), and identify local environmental risks. The study will include stakeholder input and cost an estimated $ for fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affects the Pollution Control Agency (as the lead agency) and informs future environmental policy decisions in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 1253 prohibits common interest communities (such as homeowner associations, condominiums, and cooperatives) from charging fees for estoppel letters or certificates. These documents verify a property owner’s compliance with association rules and are often required during real estate transactions. The bill amends Minnesota law to explicitly state that associations cannot charge for preparing or delivering these documents, making any such fee void. It directly affects property owners and sellers who rely on these certificates for property transfers. The policy change is a clear, direct prohibition on a specific fee, with no additional mechanisms or exceptions outlined.

Maddy summarySF 548 amends Minnesota law to increase the income limit for medical assistance eligibility for two groups: people with disabilities and Minnesotans aged 65 and older. The bill raises the allowable income threshold from 100% to 133% of the federal poverty guidelines for these individuals, making it easier for them to qualify for medical assistance without losing benefits. This change applies to those covered under specific sections of Minnesota Statutes related to medical assistance eligibility. The amendment is set to take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100 million in state bond proceeds to rehabilitate public housing for low-income residents. The funds, managed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, will finance repairs to preserve federally financed public housing under state law. Priority is given to projects improving health, safety, and energy efficiency while maximizing federal or local funding. The bill authorizes the state to sell up to $100 million in bonds to cover these rehabilitation costs.