Sen. Michael Kreun

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from state bonds to fund the replacement of wetlands drained or filled during local road repairs, reconstruction, or rehabilitation projects. The Board of Water and Soil Resources will use these funds to acquire land, restore wetlands, and create replacement credits to offset impacts from road projects required under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 103G.222). It authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds to finance this program, with funds dedicated specifically to wetland restoration rather than other capital projects. The policy change directly affects local road maintenance projects that require wetland mitigation under state environmental requirements.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1180 modifies how traffic fine revenue is distributed between local governments and state highway funds. The bill changes the current split so that two-thirds of most traffic fines collected by local officers go directly to their law enforcement budgets (with at least half used for policing), while one-third goes to the state highway user tax fund. It also adjusts the split for fines issued by State Patrol troopers (one-third to local entities, two-thirds to the highway fund) and updates surcharge distributions, directing $25 from certain traffic violations to the general fund instead of highway funds. These changes affect local law enforcement agencies, state highway programs, and the Minnesota grade crossing safety account. The bill does not create new traffic laws but alters revenue allocation for existing fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases minimum fines for drivers operating vehicles without insurance. For a first offense, fines rise from $200-$300 to $550 if it occurs within 10 years of a prior violation, and to $850 for two or more prior violations within that timeframe. It applies to both drivers and vehicle owners who fail to provide proof of insurance when required by law. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, and aim to strengthen enforcement of insurance requirements for all vehicle operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Division of Driver and Vehicle Services to update its website to show real-time availability for road skills examinations. It mandates that the website display the next available exam dates and times at each location and include a feature allowing applicants to enter an address to find the closest available appointments sorted by distance. The changes apply to all applicants needing a class D road skills test for driver's license issuance. The policy modifies existing website requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 171.13 to improve transparency and accessibility of scheduling. The changes take effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 244.40-244.51) and related provisions from Laws 2023, chapter 52, article 12. It directly affects the state corrections system by removing the legal framework for rehabilitation programs, including definitions and mechanisms like earned incentive release credits. The bill does not create new policy but eliminates existing statutes governing incarcerated individuals' rehabilitation plans and supervision terms. This is a procedural repeal with no new provisions.

Maddy summarySF 1104 appropriates $300 million from bond proceeds to fund Minnesota's "Corridors of Commerce" program, which focuses on improving key transportation routes for commerce. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $300 million, with proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund to finance this program. The commissioner of transportation can use up to 17% of the funds for program administration. This bill directly affects state transportation planning and funding for designated commercial corridors, without creating new policy requirements for businesses or residents.

Maddy summarySF 1002 requires voter approval for Minnesota's regional transportation sales tax to continue after 2026. It defines the "authorized area" as specific counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) where a majority of voters approved the tax in the 2026 election. The bill sets a 0.75% tax rate on retail sales and services within the metropolitan area until December 2026, after which it would only apply to the "authorized area" determined by voter approval. This directly affects residents and businesses in those seven counties, as the tax's geographic scope depends on future voter decisions. The legislation ensures ongoing tax authorization through direct voter input rather than automatic continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Minnesota's "Success Incentive Aid Program," which provides extra state funding to public schools based on two performance metrics: graduation rates and college enrollment success. Schools receive funding if their graduation rate exceeds 90% (with points for each percentage point above 90%) and if over 90% of recent graduates enroll in in-state colleges without needing remedial courses. The amount each school receives is calculated by multiplying its combined metric scores by its total enrollment, then dividing by the total available program funds. The program begins funding for the 2026-2027 school year with specific appropriations for 2026 and 2027.

Maddy summarySF 894 establishes "Donate Life" special license plates for Minnesota drivers. To obtain these plates, vehicle owners must pay an additional $10 annually to a special account supporting Donate Life's mission of promoting organ and tissue donation. The bill requires the commissioner to design plates featuring Donate Life branding and specifies that funds collected will cover administrative costs before supporting Donate Life's work. These plates are transferable between eligible vehicles owned by the same person for a $5 fee.

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.