Sen. Eric Lucero

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Minnesota State Board of Investment from investing in or contracting with companies that boycott mining, energy production, agriculture, or commercial lumber. It requires the state board to divest from such companies (called "listed companies") by July 1, 2030, and bans state agencies from entering contracts with these companies. The bill defines "boycott" as refusing business due to a company's lack of adherence to environmental standards beyond legal requirements. It also mandates annual reports detailing affected investments and includes limited provisions against financial discrimination based on subjective criteria.

Maddy summarySF 1242, the "Facial Recognition Technology Warrant Act of 2025," requires Minnesota law enforcement agencies to obtain a court order before using facial recognition technology for ongoing surveillance (tracking individuals in public spaces for more than 72 hours). Exceptions exist for urgent situations, but officers must seek a court order within 48 hours. The law limits surveillance to 30 days per court order (with possible 30-day extensions) and mandates minimizing data collection about people not under investigation. It also allows individuals to challenge evidence obtained in violation of these rules in court.

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 2278 clarifies which state's laws apply to securities transfers handled by financial institutions (like banks or brokerages) in Minnesota. It removes confusing language from the Uniform Commercial Code and defines clear rules for determining whether an issuer's or intermediary's state jurisdiction governs issues like security ownership and transfer rights. This directly affects securities intermediaries and their customers by standardizing how legal disputes over securities are resolved across state lines. The bill focuses on procedural clarity for financial transactions, not on creating new financial policies or altering substantive rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 718) would remove a current prohibition that prevents Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission from issuing a "certificate of need" for new nuclear power plants. If passed, it would directly affect nuclear energy developers and the commission by allowing them to approve new nuclear plant construction. The key change is amending Minnesota Statutes section 216B.243 to eliminate the specific ban on certifying new nuclear facilities. This does not address existing plants or spent fuel storage provisions, only the new construction prohibition. The bill focuses on enabling regulatory approval for potential future nuclear projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota state universities' authority to offer applied doctoral degrees in specific professional fields. It directly affects state universities (like Minnesota State universities) and students seeking doctoral-level education in high-demand workforce areas. Key provisions add cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields to the list of approved programs, alongside existing fields like nursing and business. The Board of Trustees may also designate additional areas as needed to address workforce needs. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 135A.052, updating the mission statement for state universities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2672) amends Minnesota Statutes 16A.41 and 609.455 to strengthen accountability for state employees and officials handling public funds. It requires officials to certify claims are valid before payment and mandates reporting suspected fraud before disbursing funds, with failure to do so violating anti-fraud law. Key changes include doubling the maximum fine for knowingly approving fraudulent claims from $10,000 to $20,000 and increasing potential prison time from five to seven years. The law directly affects state employees and officials with payment authority who process claims, grants, contracts, or direct appropriations.

Maddy summarySF 379 establishes a $20 million state-funded grant program to help Minnesota counties and cities improve cybersecurity. It provides grants covering up to $25,000 per project for eligible local governments that lack resources to access existing federal or state cybersecurity programs. Grants can fund specific cybersecurity tools and services like firewalls, data backups, email security, and professional consulting, with a total cap of $1 million per jurisdiction. Recipients must report annually on fund usage, and the commissioner must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing all grants awarded. The program targets critical infrastructure protection and equitable geographic distribution of funds.

Maddy summarySF 2693 modifies Minnesota's requirements for verifying a candidate's residence on an affidavit of candidacy. Candidates must now submit proof of address (such as a driver's license or approved documentation) and can request privacy for their address if they provide safety documentation (e.g., police report or order for protection). False statements on these forms carry criminal penalties, including up to 90 days in jail or a $10,000 fine. The bill applies to most elected offices, excluding judicial, county attorney, and sheriff positions.

Maddy summarySF 2677 requires Minnesota state agencies to include a specific clause in contracts with the federal government when administering federal funds. This clause authorizes the state to withhold payments from recipients if state officials have a reasonable suspicion that the recipient obtained the funds through intentional or deceptive acts for an unlawful benefit. The bill directly affects state agencies managing federal programs and the recipients of those federal funds. It becomes effective the day after enactment and applies to all new contracts signed on or after that date.