Sen. Andrew Mathews

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's definition of "carbon-free" electricity to include specific biomass sources. It adds that carbon-free electricity must now include biomass that generates at least 50% of a utility's annual retail sales using wood chips from: (1) tree trimming waste during non-energy timber harvesting, or (2) discarded wood products. This change directly affects electric utilities (including cooperatives, municipal agencies, and power districts) that report on carbon-free electricity sources under state law. The definition update clarifies which biomass energy qualifies as carbon-free for regulatory reporting purposes.

Maddy summarySF 454 requires Minnesota's legislature to approve any extension of a declared emergency beyond five days. It also mandates that certain executive orders and rules must be enacted by the legislature to have legal force, rather than taking effect automatically. The bill directly affects governors, legislators, and citizens by limiting executive emergency powers and requiring legislative oversight. Key provisions include defining "public health emergency" and "bioterrorism" while adding a 5-day limit on emergency declarations without legislative approval. These changes aim to strengthen legislative checks on emergency authority.

Maddy summarySF 350 removes a legal prohibition that prevented Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission from issuing certificates of need for new nuclear power plants. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 216B.243, subdivision 3b, eliminating the specific language stating the commission "may not issue a certificate of need for the construction of a new nuclear-powered electric generating plant." This change would directly affect nuclear energy developers seeking to build new facilities and the commission responsible for reviewing such proposals. If enacted, the bill would allow the commission to evaluate and approve new nuclear plant projects under the certificate of need process, which was previously barred by law.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2898 would require all pharmacies in Minnesota to offer ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets (suitable for human use) for sale without a prescription. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to define "over-the-counter drug" and adds a new section mandating that registered pharmacies must make these specific medications available without a prescription. The law would override existing prescription requirements for these drugs, directly affecting all pharmacies in the state. This is a policy change focused on pharmacy dispensing rules, not medical recommendations or health outcomes.

Maddy summarySF 2456 allocates $5 million in fiscal year 2026 to provide a grant to a specific biomass energy plant in Shakopee. The funds will cover equipment to process and dispose of wood infested with emerald ash borers, which the plant uses in its energy production process. This equipment will enable the plant to safely handle the infested wood as part of its operations, which involve using waste heat from electricity generation in the malting process. The bill directly affects this plant by providing targeted funding for disposal infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that American Indian Parent Advisory Committees must concur before school districts can carry forward unused American Indian education aid funds to the next fiscal year. Currently, districts must get committee approval to carry forward up to half of unspent funds (per Minn. Stat. § 124D.81, subd. 2b). The bill amends this statute to eliminate the committee concurrence step, simplifying the process for districts. It directly affects school districts receiving American Indian education aid and their parent advisory committees. The change only applies to fund carry-forwards, not the initial receipt of aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires solar project developers to obtain approval from all local governments and Minnesota Tribal governments with jurisdiction over the project site before proceeding. It mandates that applicants provide 30 days' notice to these entities, describing the project and allowing for feedback. The requirement applies to all solar projects, including those under 50 megawatts that previously did not need commission permits. This change directly affects solar developers by adding a mandatory local and Tribal approval step to the project process.

Maddy summaryHF 23 amends Minnesota Statutes section 181.932 to strengthen whistleblower protections for public employees. It expands the list of protected disclosures to include reporting gross mismanagement or waste of public funds (subsection 7), clarifies protections for health care quality concerns (subsection 4), and adds specific scenarios like reporting truthful scientific studies (subsection 5) or classified service communications about state services (subsection 6). These changes directly affect state and local government employees who report violations of law, safety risks, or financial misconduct. The bill modifies existing anti-retaliation language to explicitly cover these new disclosure types while maintaining that protected disclosures cannot override other legal data protections.

Maddy summarySF 2528 requires North Star Promise scholarship recipients in Minnesota to live and work in the state for three years after completing their degree or certificate program (starting within six months of graduation). If they fail to meet this requirement, their scholarship converts to a repayable student loan for the full amount plus interest. The bill applies to students receiving scholarships awarded for fall 2026 and later, directly affecting low-income Minnesota residents pursuing postsecondary education through this program. Limited waivers exist if recipients haven't completed their program, aren't enrolled in college, or face extreme hardship.

Maddy summaryThis bill ends Minnesota's current renewable development account and sunsets the utility-run solar production incentive program by December 31, 2025. It establishes a new solar energy production incentive account to fund solar projects from 2026 through 2036, appropriating $5 million annually starting in 2026. The new account will support solar system owners (including low-income programs) while requiring utilities to transfer unspent funds from the old program to the new account. The bill directly affects utilities managing solar incentives, residential solar system owners, and low-income energy programs.