Sen. Jeremy Miller

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 72 is a non-binding statement that reaffirms Minnesota's sister-state relationship with Taiwan and encourages businesses in the state to refer to the region as Taiwan. The resolution highlights economic ties, such as trade and agricultural exchanges, and expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and negotiations for trade and tax agreements with the United States. It does not change any laws or create new legal obligations but serves to publicly support diplomatic and economic engagement between Minnesota and Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses in Minnesota tourism improvement districts to pass along service charges to customers, similar to how they currently handle sales tax. It modifies state tax definitions to clarify that these service charges are not included in the sales price for tax purposes, provided they are separately listed on receipts or invoices. The legislation also defines how service charges can be calculated, including options like a percentage of gross revenue or a fixed amount per transaction, and permits businesses to choose whether to collect these charges from purchasers. These changes apply retroactively to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Minnesota's commissioner of health to conduct a comprehensive study on how the state can support innovations in cell and gene therapies for treating rare diseases. The study will examine current research capacity, healthcare infrastructure, workforce needs, funding options, and access barriers across the state, with input from patients, healthcare providers, industry experts, and other stakeholders. By January 1, 2028, the commissioner must submit a report to the legislature with findings and recommendations for strategic investments, policy changes, and regulatory actions to advance these therapies. The bill also defines key terms such as cell and gene therapy and rare disease to establish a clear framework for the study.

Maddy summarySF 3753 modifies Minnesota's sales tax law to exempt certain nonprofit organizations from paying tax on prepared food purchases. Specifically, it adds a new provision (subdivision 4(e)) clarifying that prepared food bought by nonprofits operating for charitable, religious, or educational purposes is tax-exempt when distributed as part of their exempt activities. This directly affects nonprofits like community kitchens, shelters, or schools that serve meals while conducting their core mission. The change removes a current tax barrier for these organizations, effective for sales after June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 3684 modifies Minnesota's Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program to increase the maximum grant amount for library renovations, expansions, or new construction from $1 million to $2 million (or 50% of approved costs, whichever is less). It changes the required matching funds from "local" to "non-state" funds, allowing libraries to use broader non-state funding sources like private donations or local revenue. The bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund the program, with bonds authorized for sale to cover this cost. These changes will take effect for grants awarded after June 30, 2026, directly affecting public library jurisdictions statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January as "Snow Professionals Appreciation Month" in Minnesota. It recognizes snow professionals - including those who clear streets, plow roads, and manage winter weather - who keep communities safe during winter. The bill allows the governor to promote public awareness of this month but does not create new laws, funding, or requirements. It focuses solely on honoring these workers' contributions to Minnesota's winter economy and public safety. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as per guidelines.)

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes and regulates sports betting in Minnesota by establishing a licensing system for operators and requiring the state commissioner to oversee mobile sports betting activities. It prohibits local governments from restricting sports betting and creates a framework for taxation, including modifications to existing gambling tax rates. The legislation also includes provisions for responsible gaming measures such as background checks for employees, restrictions on advertising targeting minors, and requirements to prevent problem gambling. Additionally, the bill provides for amateur sports grants and modifies laws related to pari-mutuel horse racing and charitable gambling.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4.75 million in state bonds to fund the construction of an 18-mile multimodal shared-use trail extending the Root River State Trail from La Crescent to Hokah and Houston. The funds will be used for property acquisition, environmental reviews, design work, and preliminary engineering for the trail, which will follow existing roadways and rail corridors through the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. Any remaining unspent funds after the initial phase can be used for final engineering and construction of the bike trail. The legislation is effective immediately upon enactment and directs the commissioner of natural resources to manage the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $1,875,000 in state bonds to fund a new public library in Caledonia, Minnesota. The money will be used to cover the costs of designing, building, furnishing, and equipping the facility. The commissioner of education will receive the funds as a grant to the city of Caledonia for this project. The bill becomes effective the day after it is passed by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies evidentiary standards for property tax appeals in Minnesota's Tax Court, primarily affecting property owners and government assessors. It requires government units to prove the validity of property valuations rather than having their orders automatically accepted as correct, and it allows comparable property sales and assessed valuations to be used as evidence in court. The changes also ensure that assessor records are available for inspection and cannot be excluded from evidence due to confidentiality claims. These rules will take effect for appeals filed on or after January 1, 2027.