Sen. Rob Kupec

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund grants for Minnesota gas stations (retail petroleum dispensers) to upgrade equipment for dispensing E25 biofuel blends. Eligible stations must be located in Minnesota, have no more than 15 dispensing sites, and use grants to replace non-certified equipment. Grants cannot exceed $200,000 per station, with unused 2026 funds carrying over to 2027, and the annual appropriation reducing to $3 million after 2027. The Agriculture Commissioner must annually report on grant usage, including project types, geographic distribution, and support for minority/female-owned businesses.

Maddy summarySF 1316 prohibits Minnesota state legislators from receiving per diem payments during regular legislative sessions, which directly affects all elected members of the Minnesota Legislature. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.099, by adding a specific provision (subdivision 1(c)) stating members "are prohibited from receiving per diem payments during a regular session." It also clarifies that legislators may only receive certain specified compensation types, such as salary, insurance contributions, and retirement plan contributions, excluding per diem during regular sessions. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1171 increases Minnesota's state rail safety inspector workforce from six to ten positions. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 219.015, to adjust how railroad companies are assessed for funding: the assessment now covers costs for up to ten inspectors (including salaries, training, and equipment), rather than the previous six. This change directly affects railroad companies classified as Class I or II carriers operating in Minnesota, requiring them to pay higher annual assessments to support the expanded program. The bill updates the funding mechanism to reflect the increased staffing level without altering the core inspection authority outlined in section 218.041.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's Senate Resolution SF 569 is a symbolic request to Congress, not a binding law. It asks Congress to propose a constitutional amendment clarifying that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (people), not corporations or other artificial entities. The resolution specifically requests that Congress amend the Constitution to: (1) limit constitutional rights to people, (2) allow government to regulate campaign spending as non-speech, and (3) require public disclosure of political contributions. The bill directly affects Minnesota's relationship with Congress, urging federal action to overturn the *Citizens United* Supreme Court decision.

Maddy summarySF 475 amends Minnesota Statutes section 181.932 to expand whistleblower protections for public employees by adding three new categories of protected disclosures. It now prohibits retaliation for employees reporting scientific or technical studies (in good faith) to government bodies, classified state employees reporting information about state services (including financing) to legislators or the legislative auditor, and employees reporting gross mismanagement or waste of public funds to entities like the legislative auditor, legislators, or constitutional officers. The law already protected employees reporting violations of law, participation in investigations, refusal of unlawful orders, and health care quality issues, and this bill extends those protections to the new categories. The bill directly affects public employees in state and local government who disclose concerns about illegal activities, safety risks, or misuse of public resources without fear of retaliation.

Maddy summarySF 1270 appropriates $12 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, and replacement of aging water distribution, storm sewer, and street infrastructure in the City of Tracy. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $12 million to provide this funding, following Minnesota's bond sale statutes. This direct funding targets Tracy's municipal infrastructure needs, specifically addressing failing systems and street reconstruction. The appropriation is intended for the city to complete these public works projects.

Maddy summarySF 1412 establishes a grant program to provide prepared meals for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have difficulty preparing meals due to limited mobility, disability, or limited resources. The program funds nonprofit organizations and tribal entities in Minnesota to distribute culturally tailored meals, requiring grantees to prepare meals in licensed kitchens following ServSafe standards and source at least 50% of ingredients from Minnesota producers or donated/waste food. Grants specifically target individuals aged 18-60 and their dependents, with priority given to applicants serving diverse, high-risk populations and minimizing overlap with other meal programs. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027, requiring grantees to track expenditures and report meal distribution data to the commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 and $10 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support regional food banks and federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Minnesota. The commissioner of children, youth, and families must distribute these funds using the federal TEFAP formula, prioritizing food banks and tribes that comply with U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. Funds may be used to purchase, transport, and distribute food to those in need, including personal hygiene items like diapers. Recipients must report spending and retain records, with ineligible expenditures requiring repayment to the general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $48.586 million from state bond proceeds to fund flood mitigation projects in Minnesota's Red River Basin. It directly affects local watershed districts (including Middle-Snake-Tamarac, Bois de Sioux, Roseau River, and Two Rivers) and communities like Newfolden, which will be removed from floodplains through specific projects. Key provisions include authorizing bonds for this funding, allocating specific sums for six projects (e.g., $13.7M for the Mustinka River Rehabilitation, $9M for Roseau Lake), and allowing up to 75% grant coverage for qualifying flood prevention measures. The funds cover construction, engineering, land acquisition, and design for infrastructure aimed at reducing flood damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4,518,000 annually from the general fund for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It provides funding to support AURI's existing statutory duties under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116V, which focus on agricultural research and development. The funding directly supports AURI's work in advancing agricultural innovation and economic development in Minnesota. This is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely providing financial resources for the Institute's current operations.