Sen. Cal Bahr

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $16.5 million in bonds to fund improvements at the intersection of Trunk Highway 65 and Bunker Lake Boulevard Northeast in Ham Lake. The funds will cover engineering, environmental work, design, land acquisition, and construction of the interchange and associated roads. The project directly affects Ham Lake residents and drivers using this major intersection, with no requirement for local matching funds. The bond proceeds will be deposited into the state's trunk highway fund to finance the project.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires campaigns to disclose the names and addresses of contributors who give $200 or less to a candidate but live outside the district or area the candidate represents. Currently, such small donors living within the candidate's district are exempt from full disclosure. The amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.20, would extend this reporting requirement to all small donors outside the candidate's geographic area. This change applies specifically to legislative and statewide candidates' campaign finance reports. The policy directly affects candidate campaigns and their fundraising activities by increasing transparency about out-of-district small contributions.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1659 appropriates $11.95 million from state bonds to fund capital improvements at the Rum River Dam in Anoka. The funding supports safety upgrades, hydroelectric power generation enhancements, river surfing facilities, and fish passage modifications (or a lock if needed). The city of Anoka will receive a grant from the commissioner of natural resources to implement these specific dam improvements. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds to cover the cost, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1692) eliminates the ability of public employee unions (exclusive representatives) in Minnesota to require non-union members to pay "fair share fees" for collective bargaining services. It amends multiple sections of Minnesota Statutes to remove references to fair share fees and repeals specific provisions that allowed these fees to be charged. The change directly affects public sector unions and non-member employees who previously could be required to pay these fees. The bill modifies statutes related to union certification, commissioner duties, and fee challenges, ending the legal authority for unions to collect such fees from non-members.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota towns to adopt their own home rule charters, which are local governing documents granting towns greater autonomy over their operations. It requires a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters or a resolution from the town board to trigger the appointment of a charter commission by the district court. The commission (7-15 members) would draft the charter, with the town voting on it to take effect. This process mirrors existing provisions for cities but extends them to towns for the first time under current law.

Maddy summarySF 1660 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design and construction of new municipal water mains in Andover's Red Oaks neighborhood. This addresses contamination found in private drinking water wells by replacing them with public water service. The funds come from bonds authorized under Minnesota law, specifically for Phase II of the Red Oaks contaminant mitigation project. The bill directly affects Andover residents in the Red Oaks neighborhood who rely on contaminated private wells.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota military members who were discharged due to refusing the military's COVID-19 vaccination mandate to exclude certain back pay from their state income tax. Specifically, it creates a tax subtraction for back pay amounts authorized under a federal executive order (Executive Order 14184) related to such discharges. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly affecting eligible discharged service members. It modifies Minnesota's tax code to provide a financial benefit for this specific group of military personnel.

Maddy summarySF 1482 requires applicants for a Minnesota driver's license or identification card to provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 171.04, adding a new eligibility requirement that explicitly prohibits issuing licenses to applicants who fail to provide such proof. It directly affects all new applicants for driver's licenses or ID cards in Minnesota, including non-citizens who cannot verify lawful immigration status. The bill states its intent is to "enhance safety" and comply with federal law (U.S. Code Title 8, Section 1324), though it does not specify acceptable forms of proof.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1 million from the state general fund to New Pathways, Inc., for the design, construction, and equipment of a regional shelter facility in Cambridge. The facility will provide comprehensive support services specifically for families with children experiencing homelessness in Cambridge and surrounding areas. The funds are available until the project is completed or abandoned, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes. The appropriation becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 1556 amends Minnesota's retirement law to require that one of the six trustees elected by the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) membership must be a member of the local government correctional service retirement plan. This change directly affects correctional service workers covered by that specific retirement plan, ensuring their representation on PERA's board. The bill modifies section 353.03 of Minnesota Statutes to add this requirement to the existing rule that elected trustees must include a police/fire fund member and a former member meeting specific criteria. The change does not alter the total number of board members or the election process, only specifying the required background for one elected position.