Sen. Cal Bahr

Maddy summarySF 616 appropriates $6,000 for fiscal year 2026 to provide $1,200 bonuses to eligible Minnesota service members who did not receive prior bonuses under Minnesota Statutes §197.79 but have a DD214 confirming qualifying service. It directly affects veterans whose military service meets specific criteria outlined in state law, requiring them to submit documentation to the Veterans Affairs commissioner by December 31, 2028. The funds are available until June 20, 2029, and are intended to supplement existing bonus programs for qualifying service. This bill creates a new payment mechanism for veterans meeting defined service requirements, without altering existing eligibility rules.

Maddy summarySF 536 creates a refundable tax exemption for construction materials used in new residential housing in Minnesota. The bill requires that sales tax on these materials be collected at the standard rate but then fully refunded to eligible purchasers. This directly affects developers and builders who purchase materials for new single-family homes, apartment complexes, or other new residential projects. The exemption applies to materials consumed during construction, with refunds processed under existing tax procedures. The provision takes effect for sales after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council to seek federal approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) before discontinuing the Northstar Commuter Rail line. It mandates that they specify the state will not reimburse federal funds used for the service and report the FTA's response to legislative committees within seven days. If approved, they must submit a detailed termination plan to lawmakers within 90 days. The law directly affects the Northstar rail service (connecting Minneapolis to Big Lake through Anoka, Ramsey, and other counties) and the state agencies managing it. The bill creates a formal process for ending this rail service, ensuring federal and legislative oversight before discontinuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits counties, municipalities, and school districts in Minnesota from accepting contributions from for-profit businesses or nonprofit organizations to cover election expenses. It directly affects local governments by banning them from using funds from these outside sources for federal, state, or local election costs. The key provision adds a new section to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 204B.32, explicitly stating that such contributions cannot be accepted "in any form" for election expenses. The policy change removes any existing local authority to accept these contributions, making the prohibition enforceable statewide.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota Senate resolution (SF 566) asks Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments addressing three specific issues: limiting federal spending (fiscal restraints), reducing federal power over states, and imposing term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. It does not create new laws but formally requests Congress to convene a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution is a continuing application, meaning Minnesota will maintain this request until two-thirds of states support similar proposals. It directly affects Minnesota's relationship with federal governance by formally advocating for constitutional changes through the state legislature's petition.

Maddy summarySF 499 reduces the filing fee for complaints about government data practices from $1,000 to $200. This change directly affects individuals or organizations filing formal complaints alleging violations of Minnesota's data practices laws against government entities. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 13.085, specifically modifying the fee requirement in the complaint process while keeping all other procedural rules unchanged. It aims to lower financial barriers for citizens seeking to address potential government data misuse. The fee reduction applies to all complaints filed under this section, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the market value exclusion from $150,000 to $200,000 for veterans with a 70%+ disability rating, and from $300,000 to $400,000 for veterans with a total (100%) and permanent disability. The change directly affects qualifying veterans (requiring VA certification and honorable discharge), their surviving spouses who inherit the homestead, and approved primary family caregivers. The exclusion applies to the homestead property's taxable value, with specific application deadlines and eligibility requirements outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for Minnesota to select delegates to a potential constitutional convention called under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It requires the Senate majority leader, Senate minority leader, House speaker, and House minority leader to each appoint one delegate, with the four appointing authorities needing to unanimously choose a fifth delegate. If they cannot agree on the fifth delegate, Minnesota would send only four delegates. The bill also outlines procedures for appointing alternates and sets a 30-day deadline before the convention date for all appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a temporary pause on most light rail transit project development in seven Minnesota counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington). It prohibits the Metropolitan Council from spending funds on planning, design, engineering, or construction for new light rail capital projects, excluding the existing Southwest Line (Green Line Extension) and work completed before the bill's effective date. The moratorium ends when the Southwest Line begins revenue operations, requiring the Council to notify legislative leaders of that date. The law applies immediately upon final enactment and affects all pending light rail development except the specified Green Line Extension project.

Maddy summarySF 256 ensures students with disabilities in Minnesota schools can access their service animals as part of their individualized education plan. The bill prohibits school districts from denying access to service animals (defined as trained dogs or animals assisting people with disabilities) and requires schools to provide staff support - like helping with tethering or water - for students to use their animals. Schools must modify policies by August 2025 to comply with federal ADA rules, but they are not responsible for animal care (feeding, toileting, or vet visits). This directly affects students with disabilities who rely on service animals for educational access.