Sen. Cal Bahr

Maddy summarySF 345 creates a sales and use tax exemption for nonprofit organizations in Minnesota focused on preserving bird habitats. It directly affects 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary work involves developing, preserving, restoring, or maintaining waterfowl, pheasant, or quail habitats in the state. The exemption covers purchases of items used for these habitat activities, excluding construction materials, lodging, food, and vehicle leases. This policy change takes effect for sales after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 644 makes election judges' major political party affiliations public data in Minnesota. The bill amends state law to require appointing authorities to maintain and publish a list showing each election judge's party affiliation (or if they don't affiliate with a major party), which will be accessible to the public. This replaces a previous restriction that limited access to this information only among election judges for verifying party balance requirements. The change directly affects election judges by making their party affiliation part of public records, while repealing the prior rule that restricted its disclosure. The bill does not alter voting procedures or election outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to exempt certain off-highway vehicles made for children (like mini ATVs or dirt bikes), their replacement parts, and associated protective gear from the definition of a "juvenile product" under Amara's Law. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these child-sized off-highway vehicles by removing them from regulatory requirements that apply to other juvenile products. The key mechanism adds a specific exclusion to the statute's definition of "juvenile product" (Section 116.943, subdivision 1(m)(3)), clarifying these items are not covered by the law's restrictions on PFAS in children's products. This change focuses on regulatory scope, not new requirements.

Maddy summarySF 751 increases penalties for businesses violating Minnesota's antitrust laws. It raises civil penalties for violations from $50,000 to $150,000 per offense and for failing to comply with court orders from $100,000 to $300,000. Criminal penalties for willful violations also increase from $50,000 to $150,000, with potential prison time up to seven years. The bill directly affects businesses that engage in anti-competitive behavior, such as price-fixing or market division, by imposing higher financial and criminal consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 808) allows property owners to restrict access to government-held easements if they suffer harm, such as by installing gates or fences. It requires owners to provide government entities with reasonable access (e.g., keys or codes) to maintain the easement's purpose. Government entities that refuse to permit this protection forfeit their easement rights. The bill directly affects property owners and local/state government entities managing easements on private land.

Maddy summarySF 754 (Penalty enhancement for assaulting a police officer) amends Minnesota law to increase penalties for assaulting peace officers. It makes it a felony (up to 3 years in prison or $6,000 fine) if an assault causes demonstrable bodily harm or involves throwing bodily fluids or feces at an officer. This directly affects individuals who commit these specific acts against police during lawful duties. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to crimes committed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires government entities (like cities, counties, or state agencies) to provide actual notice to private property owners before using an easement on their land. Owners must be notified via mail, email, or phone, and failure to do so results in a $500 civil penalty per violation. Affected property owners can sue for actual damages, penalties, court costs, and attorney fees if the notice requirement is violated. The law applies to all existing easements held by government entities and aims to ensure property owners are informed before government access or use.

Maddy summaryThis bill, SF 83 (the "No Patient Left Alone Act"), requires licensed healthcare providers (like hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities) to allow at least one support person of a patient’s or resident’s choice to be physically present during care. It defines "support person" broadly to include individuals assisting with physical/mental needs, religious support, or requested services like haircuts, and sets specific rules for minors, end-of-life care, and pandemic visits. Providers must create written policies explaining this right, including any reasonable restrictions, and cannot force patients to sign advance directives to have a support person. The law prohibits providers from terminating this right during emergencies and imposes a $500 daily penalty for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota law enforcement agencies to use drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) under specific, defined circumstances. It permits drone use during emergencies involving risk of death or injury, to search for missing persons (including children or vulnerable adults), to locate individuals fleeing arrest, and to find escaped inmates from correctional facilities. The authorization is strictly limited to these scenarios and does not allow general surveillance. This directly affects the public during emergencies and missing persons cases, as well as incarcerated individuals in escape situations.

Maddy summarySF 600 requires county auditors and municipal clerks to publish temporary polling location details online. Specifically, they must post the address, dates, and hours of any temporary polling place on their website within five business days of designating it. The secretary of state must also post this information on their website within five business days of receiving notice. This applies to all temporary locations established under the law, including those requested by federally recognized tribes or postsecondary institutions with on-campus housing for 100+ students. The bill directly affects local election officials and ensures voters can access location information promptly.