Sen. Andrew Mathews

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a requirement that would have mandated Minnesota to adopt new residential energy codes starting in 2026. It deletes the specific provision (previously section 326B.106, subdivision 1(g)) that required the commissioner to adopt codes aiming for a 70% reduction in residential building energy use by 2038. The repeal eliminates future updates to residential energy standards, removing a requirement that would have affected builders, developers, and local jurisdictions implementing construction codes. This change directly alters the process for updating Minnesota's residential energy efficiency rules without establishing new targets.

Maddy summarySF 4058 exempts certain transportation workers from Minnesota's Paid Leave Law. It specifically excludes individuals in jobs regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (under 49 U.S.C. § 31502) and workers employed by businesses in the motor freight transportation and warehousing industry (defined by SIC codes 4212-01 through 4231-02). This means these workers will no longer be covered by the state's paid leave requirements, which typically mandate employer-provided paid leave for qualifying events like illness or family care. The bill adds these categories to the existing list of exemptions in Minnesota law, directly affecting transportation workers in these specific roles and industries.

Maddy summarySF 3793, the "Fraud Isn't Free Act," requires Minnesota state agencies administering programs funded by public money to take specific actions when fraud is suspected. If fraud occurs - defined as intentional deception to obtain funds - the agency must submit a corrective action plan within 30 days, including steps to prevent future fraud, recover stolen funds, and dismiss responsible staff (like program directors). The law also mandates suspending program enrollment until corrective measures are completed and may trigger agency budget reductions. This applies directly to state agencies managing public programs, such as those handling state or federal funds for education, healthcare, or social services.

Maddy summarySF 3788 would authorize Isanti County to impose a 0.25% local sales tax, pending voter approval, to fund a new highway department facility and related bond costs, with a total project funding cap of $25 million. The tax revenues must cover collection costs and finance up to $25 million for the facility construction and associated bond expenses, with the county allowed to issue bonds up to $25 million without standard debt limits or a separate election. The tax would expire after 25 years or once the $25 million target is met, whichever occurs first.

Maddy summarySF 3363 requires the Prairie Island nuclear plant operator to move all spent nuclear fuel from its current dry cask storage to a new site outside Prairie Island or Monticello by January 1, 2028. The bill mandates that an additional spent fuel storage facility must be built at the Monticello nuclear plant to receive fuel transferred from Prairie Island. It authorizes the public utility to withhold funds from the renewable development account to cover transportation costs, with annual payments based on the number of dry casks storing spent fuel at each plant. The law amends Minnesota statutes to enforce these storage requirements and funding mechanisms, directly affecting the Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plant operators.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the legislative body's disapproval of Department of Human Services employees who allegedly concealed fraud during an audit. The document formally condemns these actions as a breach of public trust and urges the department's leadership to investigate the conduct and impose disciplinary measures. Unlike laws that create new rules, this measure serves only as a symbolic statement of the Senate's stance on the issue. It does not establish new penalties or change existing statutes but highlights concerns regarding the integrity of state social service programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from state bond proceeds to fund water treatment facility improvements in Becker, Minnesota. The funds will cover land acquisition, predesign planning, and construction of well pump facilities and related infrastructure for a new municipal water system. The state will issue up to $1,000,000 in bonds to finance this appropriation, following standard state bond procedures under Minnesota law. The direct beneficiaries are Becker residents, who will see upgrades to their local water treatment infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 432 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota vehicle owners. Applicants pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution (in addition to standard fees) to fund the Choose Life account. The money is distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies in each county that assist pregnant women considering adoption - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The plates must display the "Choose Life" logo and will be available starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 717 prohibits Minnesota government agencies from enforcing vaccine mandates, including requirements for vaccine passports or credentials. It requires employers who mandate vaccines to accept proof of natural antibodies (from prior infection) as an alternative to vaccination. The bill directly affects employers in Minnesota who require vaccines and government entities enforcing such requirements, effective upon final enactment. It does not ban all vaccine requirements but restricts government enforcement and mandates alternative proof for employers.

Maddy summarySF 280 would allow most Minnesotans without legal firearm prohibitions to carry handguns openly in public without a permit, effective immediately. It also creates an optional state-issued permit for those who prefer one, requiring applicants to be 21+, complete firearm safety training, pass background checks (excluding specific prohibitions like violent offenses), and submit a standardized application. The law defines "public place" broadly to include most public areas but explicitly excludes private homes, businesses owned by the applicant, gun shops, and hunting areas. This replaces Minnesota's current permit requirement with a "right to carry" framework while maintaining background checks for the optional permit.