Sen. Cal Bahr

Maddy summarySF 2386 provides $50,000 in state funds for transition expenses for Minnesota's newly elected secretary of state, state auditor, and attorney general who have won general elections but have not yet taken office. The funds, transferred from the general contingent account, cover necessary costs like office space, technology, temporary staff, and consulting services to prepare for assuming their roles. Officials must use the funds before their inauguration date, and any unused funds must be returned to the general fund by March 31 of the inauguration year. The bill specifies that expenses must be reasonable and determined by the incoming official, with the Department of Management and Budget administering the funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual property tax increases for residential properties in Minnesota to 3% of the prior year's assessment value, directly affecting homeowners and county assessors. It prohibits county assessors from raising residential property values by more than 3% each year, except when a property is sold (in which case the 3% limit doesn't apply for that assessment year). If a sold property's value jumps more than 3% over its prior assessment, the county must spread the excess increase over two years for all residential properties. The changes take effect for 2026 assessments and aim to stabilize property tax bills for homeowners.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 2661, the "Minnesota Bitcoin Act," allows state agencies to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for payments (like taxes or fees) and authorizes the State Board of Investment to allocate up to 35% of its funds into cryptocurrency investments. It sets strict limits, including capping individual crypto investments at 20% of a vehicle's value and requiring at least four unrelated owners per investment. The bill defines "cryptocurrency" using existing legal terms and specifies that most investment data (like commitment amounts and returns) must be publicly disclosed, while sensitive financial data remains private. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting state agencies, taxpayers, and the State Board of Investment.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's prohibition on legislators engaging in certain lobbying-related activities. It directly affects sitting Minnesota legislators by expanding restrictions on accepting employment or compensation from businesses primarily involved in lobbying, government relations, or facilitating government affairs services. Key provisions clarify that legislators cannot work for businesses whose main revenue comes from these services, including those that connect third parties in government relations, and the ban applies regardless of where the business operates. The amendment requires legislative bodies to establish rules for enforcing these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $5 million grant program to help small businesses in Blaine affected by Trunk Highway 65 construction. It provides financial support to businesses employing up to 40 people that experience substantial access issues (like impaired road access, parking, or visibility) for at least one month during the project. Grants cover payroll, operating, or facility costs but cannot fund bonuses, new equipment, or construction. The Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development will prioritize awards based on revenue decline, construction duration, proximity, traffic disruption, and pedestrian access. Annual reports detailing all grants must be submitted starting January 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement that American Indian Parent Advisory Committees must concur before school districts can carry forward unused American Indian education aid funds to the next fiscal year. Currently, districts must get committee approval to carry forward up to half of unspent funds (per Minn. Stat. § 124D.81, subd. 2b). The bill amends this statute to eliminate the committee concurrence step, simplifying the process for districts. It directly affects school districts receiving American Indian education aid and their parent advisory committees. The change only applies to fund carry-forwards, not the initial receipt of aid.

Maddy summarySF 2517 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Minnesota legislature asking Congress to propose a constitutional amendment. It requests that Congress send to the states a proposed amendment clarifying that states and Congress may set reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections, including distinguishing between natural persons (individuals) and artificial entities like corporations or unions. The resolution cites Minnesota's existing constitutional authority (Section 9 of Article VII) to limit campaign spending and argues that Supreme Court decisions have wrongly equated unlimited spending with free speech. This resolution does not change any laws itself but formally requests action from Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a requirement that Minnesota's state budget forecast must account for inflation when estimating expenditures. Specifically, it amends state law to state that expenditure estimates must not include an allowance for inflation, shifting how the state projects future costs. The bill also adds a consultation process requiring the budget commissioner to consult with legislative finance committee leaders and fiscal staff at least three weeks before releasing the forecast, and to notify them of any changes to forecast variables two weeks prior. This directly affects state budget forecasters, finance committees, and legislative fiscal staff in preparing the annual state budget. The change simplifies the forecast process by removing inflation adjustments from expenditure calculations.

Maddy summarySF 209 repeals Minnesota's tax on illegal cannabis and controlled substances by removing specific tax provisions from state law. It eliminates statutes including 13.4967, subdivision 5, and sections 297D.01 through 297D.13, which previously imposed taxes on these illegal products. This change directly affects businesses and individuals selling or possessing illegal cannabis and controlled substances, as the tax would no longer apply to those transactions. The repeal takes effect on August 1, 2025.