Sen. Andrew Mathews

Maddy summarySF 1600 eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting first-degree arson in Minnesota. This means prosecutors can file charges for this crime at any time, regardless of when the offense occurred, removing the current 6-year deadline. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 628.26 to specifically remove the time limit for violations of section 609.282 (which covers first-degree arson). It applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, or if the limitations period hadn't expired before that date. This change directly affects prosecutors and individuals who commit first-degree arson, allowing for potential charges to be filed years or decades after the crime.

Maddy summarySF 1142 modifies Minnesota's net energy metering rules for small solar and renewable energy systems. It allows residential and small commercial customers with systems under 40 kilowatts to choose compensation at the average retail energy rate instead of the current avoided cost rate. This change applies when they send excess electricity back to the grid, directly affecting homeowners and small businesses with solar installations. The bill adjusts billing provisions for these systems under Minnesota Statutes 216B.164, giving customers a new option for how they're paid for surplus energy. The amendment focuses on updating compensation methods without changing the 40-kilowatt capacity threshold for small systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1 million from the state general fund to New Pathways, Inc., for the design, construction, and equipment of a regional shelter facility in Cambridge. The facility will provide comprehensive support services specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness in Cambridge and surrounding areas. The funds are available until the project is completed or abandoned, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 1554 creates a tax credit for Minnesota taxpayers who enroll children in qualifying nonpublic schools. The credit equals the number of qualifying children (meeting IRS criteria and attending full-time at a nonpublic school that meets state attendance requirements) multiplied by a formula allowance. Taxpayers can claim the credit only if they owe state income tax, with strict rules preventing double claims (only one parent per child) and requiring documentation for noncustodial parents. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and cannot be used to pay past-due taxes or penalties.

Maddy summarySF 1433 requires Minnesota electric utilities to obtain explicit customer consent before implementing time-of-use rate programs. These programs charge different electricity prices based on the time of day (e.g., higher during peak hours). The bill mandates that utilities provide a clear, 12-point boldface form explaining the program, stating that opting in is not required (customers remain on current rates if they decline), and confirming written consent is needed to install necessary equipment. This directly affects residential and business customers receiving electric service in Minnesota who may be offered these new rate structures.

Maddy summarySF 1434 amends Minnesota law to end annual funding for the solar energy production incentive program after 2025. Currently, $5 million is allocated yearly from 2026 through 2035; this bill removes that future funding commitment. The change affects utility companies operating the program and homeowners/businesses installing solar systems under the incentive. It modifies Minnesota Statutes section 116C.7792 by eliminating the specified annual allocations beyond 2025, though existing 2025 funding remains in place.

Maddy summarySF 1528 bans social media platforms with over 1 million global users from using algorithms to target children under 18 in Minnesota with content created by other users. It requires these platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before minors under 18 can create new accounts in Minnesota. Exceptions include parental control tools, internal content filters, and educational content from schools or government. Violations could lead to liability for damages and up to $1,000 per violation (capped at $100,000 annually), effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 1429 exempts electricity generated outside Minnesota from the state's requirement that utilities provide a certain percentage of carbon-free retail electricity by specific dates. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 216B.1691, subdivision 2g, by adding a provision stating the carbon-free standard (80% by 2030 for public utilities, 90% by 2035, 100% by 2040) does not apply to electricity generated outside the state. This directly affects Minnesota electric utilities that purchase power from out-of-state sources, as such electricity no longer counts toward their compliance with the carbon-free requirements. The policy change clarifies that only electricity generated within Minnesota must meet the state's carbon-free procurement targets.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the city of Baldwin calculates its local government aid for 2026. It sets Baldwin's 2025 aid amount (used to calculate 2026 aid) as a fixed dollar amount multiplied by the city's population, instead of using the standard formula. This change applies only to 2026 aid payments and does not alter Baldwin's overall funding level.

Maddy summarySF 1555 amends Minnesota campaign finance rules to require full disclosure of all contributors for legislative or statewide candidates and ballot questions. The bill mandates that campaign reports list the name, address, employer/occupation, and contribution amounts for anyone giving over $200 (for candidates) or $500 (for ballot questions) in a year, including donations in kind valued at fair market price. Contributors must be listed alphabetically with all transactions from each source aggregated. This applies directly to campaign committees, political committees, and entities supporting candidates or ballot measures. The change increases transparency by replacing aggregate reporting with detailed, itemized contributor lists.