Sen. Grant Hauschild

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,919,000 from the bond proceeds fund to provide a grant to the city of Ely for critical water infrastructure upgrades. The funds will replace the raw water intake and pump house on Burntside Lake, repair aging water mains, install new pumps and remote monitoring systems, and upgrade the water treatment plant with solar energy and other equipment. The state will issue bonds to cover the cost, repaid from the bond proceeds fund. The bill directly benefits Ely residents by modernizing their aging water system to improve reliability and sustainability.

Maddy summarySF 3766 authorizes the state to issue up to $6 million in bonds to fund capital improvements at Duluth's Lake Superior Zoo. The bill appropriates these bond proceeds to the city of Duluth for projects including major repairs to mechanical/electrical systems, utility infrastructure, and exhibit renovations. The funding directly supports the zoo's operations and long-term maintenance needs. The state will sell bonds under Minnesota's bond issuance laws, and the appropriation is exempt from standard state spending rules. This is a funding bill focused on physical infrastructure, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6 million for planning and design work (2024) and $8 million for implementation (2027) to expand a segment of U.S. Highway 169 in Itasca County from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway. The project specifically covers the route between Taconite (at Itasca County State-Aid Highway 7) and Pengilly (near Trunk Highway 65). Funds are allocated from the state's trunk highway fund for activities including engineering, environmental analysis, and land title searches. The appropriations are one-time, with the 2024 funds expiring June 30, 2029, and the 2027 funds also expiring June 30, 2029.

Maddy summarySF 958 amends Minnesota's definition of "all-terrain vehicle" (ATV) by increasing the maximum allowable dry weight from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. This change directly affects ATV manufacturers, owners, and enforcement agencies by expanding the scope of vehicles classified as ATVs under state law. The bill also clarifies that ATVs exclude electric-assisted bicycles, golf carts, mini-trucks, dune buggies, go-carts, and vehicles designed for specific purposes like lawn care or mining. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes section 84.92, subdivision 8, to reflect this updated definition.

Maddy summarySF 19 modifies environmental and energy regulations for data centers in Minnesota. It requires data centers planning to use over 100 million gallons of water annually to provide preapplication water use data (including volume estimates and sources) to state agencies. The bill also mandates that permitting inquiries for such data centers be referred to the Minnesota Business First Stop program and requires water conservation measures - like recycling and closed-loop systems - in new or modified water permits. These changes apply specifically to large data centers meeting the water use threshold and take effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires underground telecommunications installers working near existing utilities to be "safety-qualified" starting in 2025. It mandates that certified installers must perform utility location checks (via hand/hydro-excavation) and monitor directional drilling operations, with at least two certified installers present during drilling. Installers must complete a 40-hour training course covering utility safety, incident response, and equipment use, pass an exam, and take 4-hour refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. The rule applies to all installations within 10 feet of existing utilities or crossing them, beginning July 1, 2025, in the seven-county metro area and January 1, 2026, statewide - excluding private property installations under 36 inches deep.

Maddy summaryHF 3023 creates additional unemployment benefits for iron ore mining workers laid off due to reduced operations between March 15 and June 16, 2025. It provides up to 26 weeks of benefits at the same weekly rate as their regular unemployment benefits, available only after workers exhaust their standard unemployment benefits. Eligibility requires being laid off by an employer in the iron ore mining industry that cut 50%+ of its workforce during the specified period, or by an explosive manufacturer serving that industry. The benefits are retroactive to March 15, 2025, and do not apply to those receiving federal Trade Readjustment Allowance.

Maddy summarySF 3540 appropriates $10 million from state bonds to fund infrastructure upgrades in Hermantown, specifically targeting aging drinking water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and utility systems in the city's southwest corner. The funds will cover predesign, design, construction, and equipment for rehabilitating and replacing failing infrastructure. The Public Facilities Authority will administer the grant to the city of Hermantown, with state bonds authorized up to $10 million under Minnesota’s bond procedures. This bill directly affects Hermantown residents relying on these utility systems and enables physical improvements to aging infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million from state bonds to fund infrastructure upgrades at Grand Marais' wastewater treatment facility. The funds will cover design, construction, and equipment for improvements addressing risks from aging infrastructure. The state will issue up to $5 million in bonds to provide the grant, administered through the Public Facilities Authority to the city. The direct effect is on Grand Marais residents, whose wastewater system will receive critical modernization.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to redefine "agricultural land" for property tax classification purposes. It specifies that agricultural land must be at least 10 contiguous acres used for agriculture in the prior year, or land used for intensive livestock confinement (excluding land used solely for grazing). This change affects landowners seeking lower agricultural tax rates by clarifying eligibility criteria for property classification. The bill does not alter tax rates but adjusts which properties qualify for the agricultural classification under current law.