Sen. Grant Hauschild

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary program providing additional unemployment benefits to workers laid off from iron ore mining jobs or related explosive manufacturing due to significant layoffs (50%+ workforce reduction) between March 15 and June 16, 2025. Eligible workers receive benefits equal to their regular unemployment amount for up to 26 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2025, through June 19, 2026. To qualify, workers must have exhausted regular benefits from a previous job in the affected industry and meet standard unemployment requirements. The program excludes those already receiving federal Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates temporary additional unemployment benefits for workers laid off after May 19, 2025, due to job losses in the iron ore mining industry or from companies supplying goods/services to that industry. Eligible workers must have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits from a mining-related job and meet standard eligibility requirements. The program provides up to 26 weeks of additional payments at the same weekly rate as their regular unemployment benefits. These benefits are funded from Minnesota's unemployment trust fund and do not affect employer tax rates for most employers (except mining employers). The program ends May 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 1050 would create a state grant program to fund multi-day outdoor educational experiences for Minnesota students in grades 4-8. The program would provide funding to accredited outdoor schools and nonprofit learning centers meeting specific criteria, including connecting to school curriculum, developing skills like leadership and critical thinking, and ensuring equitable access for underserved students (including those with disabilities). Grants would support immersive, nature-based learning that integrates academic standards and addresses barriers to outdoor access based on race, income, or zip code. Funding would come from state general funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 3065 would impose a monthly tax on social media companies based on the number of Minnesota users whose data they collect. It targets for-profit social media platforms with more than 100,000 Minnesota users per month, charging tiered rates: $0.10 per user for 100,001-500,000 users, $0.25 for 500,001-1,000,000 users, and $0.50 for over 1 million users. The tax applies to data collection (not just user count), with "Minnesota consumer" defined as residents based on address or IP. The bill would take effect for data collected after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 3110 appropriates $750,000 from Minnesota's renewable development account to fund a study by the University of Minnesota's Natural Resources Research Institute. The study examines potential raw materials (feedstock) for a next-generation iron ore industry, including resources like iron ore, energy, water, hydrogen, biomass, and infrastructure for cross-industry applications such as liquid fuels. The institute must submit an interim report by May 15, 2027, and a final report by May 15, 2028, to relevant legislative committees. This bill directly affects the University of Minnesota's research institute and the future development of Minnesota's iron ore industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to make it a crime for someone to approach or remain within 25 feet of a firefighter, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, or certain healthcare providers who are providing emergency care, after being verbally warned not to do so and with the intent to interfere. It directly affects first responders and healthcare providers working in emergency situations, as well as individuals who violate this restriction. The key provision requires that the person must know the responder's status, have received a warning, and intend to impede their duties. The law becomes effective August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10,000 income tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who volunteer as fire or rescue workers, increasing to $20,000 for married couples filing jointly where both spouses qualify. It directly affects volunteer firefighters (per §299N.03), ambulance personnel, emergency medical responders, and search/rescue team members who complete at least 40 hours of qualified work annually without working full-time (1,600+ hours). The subtraction reduces taxable income, not the tax bill itself, and applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. This policy change specifically targets volunteer emergency service workers to offset their out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summarySF 2327 creates a Minnesota-specific New Markets tax credit program to incentivize investments in low-income communities. It allocates $100 million for investments in "qualified active low-income community businesses" in Greater Minnesota (non-metro counties) and $100 million for similar investments in metro counties. Investors receive tax credits over six years (0% for first two years, 10% annually for the next five) based on equity investments in qualifying community development financial institutions. The program requires businesses to meet specific criteria, such as having principal operations in low-income areas and employing at least 60% of workers locally. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit and report on its implementation.

Maddy summarySF 3028 establishes special license plates for snowmobile owners in Minnesota. To obtain these plates, applicants must be registered owners of qualifying vehicles (like passenger cars or motorcycles), pay standard fees plus additional annual contributions to a snowmobile trails account, and meet other registration requirements. The funds collected under this bill are specifically appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources for developing, maintaining, and grooming snowmobile trails. This bill takes effect January 1, 2026, for new plates issued on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's child care licensing rules to improve clarity and support for providers. It requires the commissioner to create standardized inspection timelines and conduct standards for child care centers and family child care providers, ensuring consistent processes and clear communication. The bill also updates the definition of "education" to include relevant postsecondary coursework for teachers and establishes a permanent background study liaison to speed up background checks. Additionally, it appropriates $50,000 for developing these standardized inspection procedures, effective by January 2026. The changes directly affect licensed child care providers, aiming to reduce confusion and streamline compliance.