Sen. Cal Bahr

Maddy summarySF 4014 requires a licensed human driver to be physically present in the driver's seat of a commercial motor vehicle whenever an automated driving system (designed to handle all driving tasks without a human, such as SAE levels 4 or 5) is used for operation. The human must monitor the vehicle and intervene if necessary to prevent unsafe or illegal driving. Violations by vehicle owners or lessors result in escalating fines, starting at $2,000 for a second offense, with penalties doubling for each subsequent violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's escort requirements for oversized loads by adding specific rules for manufactured and modular homes. It allows the state's commissioner of public safety to pay for licensed peace officer escorts when required by law enforcement, rather than requiring the transport company to cover the cost. The legislation also clarifies that brief centerline crossings permitted under existing traffic laws do not count as extending beyond the left lane for escort determination purposes. These changes directly affect transportation companies moving large homes and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1 million grant program for Minnesota public school districts to integrate firearms safety, archery, hunting, and angling into physical education courses. School districts must apply for grants to fund these activities, which must align with state PE standards, and the program requires geographic balance in selecting participating schools. Funds cover staff training, equipment, student licenses, and curriculum development, with a one-time fiscal year 2027 appropriation. A report on program outcomes must be submitted to the legislature by January 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota state budget forecasts to include estimates of how fraud affects state programs and revenues. It mandates that the state budget commissioner consult with legislative committee chairs and staff when determining variables like inflation and fraud impacts, with specific timing requirements for these consultations. The law also adds a new requirement for forecasts to explicitly address the budgetary consequences of fraud committed against state programs. These changes apply to the state budget forecasting process and affect the Minnesota Department of Revenue and legislative budget committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Office of the Legislative Auditor and the state auditor to access and review expunged criminal records when evaluating final candidates for employment. The change directly affects these two state auditing agencies by permitting them to consider prior convictions that have been legally sealed or expunged during their hiring processes. Under the new provisions, auditors may disqualify candidates based on these records without needing a separate court order, provided the conviction is directly related to the job position. The legislation amends existing state statutes to create this specific exception to expungement protections for these particular government hiring roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulated therapeutic program in Minnesota allowing adults aged 21 and older to use psilocybin under medical supervision for qualifying conditions such as PTSD, depression, and chronic pain. The program requires patients to be certified by a licensed physician and administered by registered facilitators who oversee preparation, administration, and integration sessions. Key provisions include creating an advisory committee, setting up data collection requirements, establishing fees, and defining criminal penalties for violations. The legislation authorizes the state health commissioner to implement rules and protections for patients, suppliers, facilitators, and healthcare practitioners involved in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate Minnesota's child care assistance program by repealing numerous existing state statutes that govern its operation and administration. The legislation directly affects families who currently receive financial support for child care services and the agencies responsible for managing the program. Key provisions include removing specific legal definitions, payment structures, and regulatory requirements related to child care assistance, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2027. The bill also directs state officials to identify and remove all references to the program from the state code by February 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of a crime of violence from receiving Minnesota's major public assistance programs, including food support, medical assistance, economic assistance, and MinnesotaCare. The legislation directly affects people who have been found guilty of violent offenses as defined by state law, extending eligibility restrictions to similar crimes committed in other states or federal jurisdictions. By adding new subdivisions to existing statutes, the bill removes these individuals from eligibility for benefits while maintaining current rules for other categories of offenders. The changes apply regardless of the person's age or whether they are currently incarcerated, creating a permanent disqualification from these specific public aid programs.

Maddy summarySF 3894 modifies Minnesota law to restrict current legislators from taking jobs in lobbying-related fields after their term. It prohibits sitting lawmakers from accepting employment with businesses primarily engaged in lobbying, government relations, or facilitating such services, including roles involving direct or indirect consulting on these activities. The bill also covers public employers that use lobbyists, if the legislator's duties include lobbying or related work. These restrictions apply regardless of where the work is conducted and take effect January 1, 2027. The change aims to prevent conflicts of interest by limiting post-legislative employment opportunities tied to lobbying.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 2488) shortens the timeframe for Minnesota election officials to provide voter list copies to registered voters. It amends state law to require county auditors and the secretary of state to deliver requested voter lists within **two business days** (previously 10 days) upon receiving a written or electronic request with payment for reproduction costs. The bill directly affects registered Minnesota voters seeking voter list access and election officials responsible for fulfilling these requests. It also maintains existing provisions allowing free public inspection of voter lists and prohibits using voter list information for non-election purposes. The change aims to improve the speed and efficiency of accessing voter data for eligible individuals.