Sen. Andrew Mathews

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota laws to regulate large data centers by adjusting how they are evaluated for water use, electricity sales, and certain fees. It establishes a process where the state agency can request specific water usage details from facilities that consume over 100 million gallons annually to assess local water availability, while exempting qualified large-scale data centers from these requirements if they meet specific filing deadlines or location criteria. The legislation also defines technical terms like "emergency backup generator" to ensure facilities can operate independently of the main power grid and directs utilities to offer a special tariff for clean energy and capacity needs. Additionally, the bill allows state boards to adopt alternative environmental review methods that are more efficient than standard impact statements for certain development projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for intentionally disrupting worship services at religious establishments in Minnesota. It applies to individuals who enter a clearly marked place of worship with the goal of interrupting a scheduled service and commit a crime there. A first-time violation is classified as a gross misdemeanor, while repeat offenders face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is visibly identified by a sign or other clear means. These provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to support the planning and construction of an anaerobic digester or biomass thermal generation facility in Becker, Minnesota. The money will come from the renewable development account and is designated as a one-time grant to Liberty Diversified International. The legislation defines the facility types as systems that convert organic waste into renewable natural gas and biochar, or generate industrial heat by burning organic materials. This funding is intended to advance renewable energy projects in the city and will take effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 1529 prohibits discrimination against individuals who refuse specific medical interventions (such as vaccines, pharmaceuticals, gene editing, or RNA/DNA-based products) for reasons of conscience or religious belief. It directly affects adults (18+ or emancipated minors) and bars businesses, employers, health care providers, government entities, and educational institutions from denying employment, services, access to commerce, or treating such individuals differently. The bill allows affected individuals to seek court-ordered relief or file civil lawsuits for damages, including triple damages or $200, plus attorney fees if they win. It also states this law overrides conflicting state laws unless specific exemptions exist.

Maddy summarySF 1707, titled "Parent's Bill of Rights establishment," proposes a law in Minnesota that formally recognizes specific parental rights regarding minor children (under 18). The bill requires schools, health care providers, and government entities to obtain written parental consent before certain actions - such as medical treatments, biometric scans, DNA collection, or sharing records - unless an emergency exists. It also guarantees parents the right to direct their child's education, access all school and medical records, oversee moral/religious training, and receive prompt notification if a child is suspected of being a victim of a crime. The bill explicitly states it does not override child abuse laws or eliminate existing legal obligations for schools to address student misconduct. This proposed law would directly affect parents, schools, and health care providers in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's obstructing legal process crime to include interfering with federal immigration officers and prohibits local governments from passing rules that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It requires county sheriffs to enter into agreements with federal agencies to assist with immigration enforcement without needing approval from local county boards. Additionally, the law makes it a crime to approach or stay near a peace officer, including federal officers, while they are actively making an arrest or investigating a crime, provided the person received a warning to back away. These changes apply to all municipalities and counties and are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the SAVE Minnesota Act, requires voters in Minnesota to present a photo identification card to register to vote and to cast a ballot at the polls. To obtain this new voter identification card, applicants must provide proof of citizenship, and the state will issue a specific card for this purpose. The legislation also establishes a new trust fund to support child abuse prevention efforts and waives fees for obtaining vital records needed to apply for the voter ID card. Additionally, the bill creates a system for provisional ballots and modifies existing rules regarding absentee voting for certain program participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota law to clarify that eligible postsecondary institutions, including public colleges and private trade schools, are not required to ask students for faith statements or make admission decisions based on race, creed, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. By removing these specific restrictions from the statute, the legislation ensures that current enrollment options for concurrent enrollment courses remain free of such nondiscrimination mandates. Additionally, the bill provides a one-time appropriation in fiscal year 2026 to cover legal fees and expenses awarded to the plaintiff in the Loe v. Jett lawsuit, should the court grant such an award.

Maddy summarySF 1435 requires Minnesota's commissioner of commerce to study the potential costs, benefits, and impacts of advanced nuclear reactors in the state. The study must examine effects on greenhouse gas goals, electricity rates, grid reliability, environmental impacts, local jobs, economic development, and necessary changes to current state laws. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the general fund for this study, with a report due to legislative energy committees by January 31, 2026. This bill directly affects the commissioner's office and shapes future energy policy decisions, but does not authorize or fund nuclear projects itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota calculates transition aid for local governments that host electric generating plants powered by coal, nuclear, or natural gas. It changes the criteria for qualifying jurisdictions to receive financial assistance when these power plants retire or switch fuel sources, with new rules taking effect for aid payments in 2027 and later. The legislation updates how aid amounts are calculated based on tax capacity changes and introduces stricter thresholds for continuing to receive aid, including a provision that eliminates aid if a jurisdiction's overall tax capacity grows beyond certain limits. Local governments, public utilities, and the state Department of Revenue are the primary entities affected by these changes to the existing aid program.