Sen. Judy Seeberger

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's public safety officer death benefit program by broadening the definition of "killed in the line of duty" to include deaths from heart attacks, strokes, or vascular ruptures caused by on-duty stress (e.g., during emergency response or training), PTSD-related suicide within 45 days of a traumatic event, and complications from specific infectious diseases (like COVID-19 or tuberculosis) contracted during duty. It also clarifies that more public safety roles qualify for benefits, including volunteer firefighters, good Samaritans assisting officers, and certain medical responders. The changes apply retroactively from February 1, 2020, allowing families to file claims for past deaths that now meet the expanded criteria, with a filing deadline of July 1, 2027, for retroactive cases. This directly affects the families of qualifying public safety officers who died under these new circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.4 million from the general fund for one-time funding in fiscal year 2026 to support mental health crisis services in Dakota County. The funds will directly support mobile crisis response teams, crisis follow-up and stabilization services, and social workers embedded with local public safety agencies. It affects Dakota County residents requiring immediate mental health crisis assistance by expanding access to these specific on-the-ground services. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and does not establish new policy or alter existing programs.

Maddy summarySF 1543 appropriates $500,000 from the workforce development fund to fund the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career pathways program in partnership with Operating Engineers Local 49, specifically for Independent School District No. 294 in Houston. The program provides up to five semesters of courses leading to eligibility for the Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship program, with additional academic and counseling support from participating school districts. The bill requires targeted outreach to students of color, Indigenous students, low-income students, and other underserved groups throughout Minnesota. It mandates annual reports detailing program participation, spending, demographics, and recommendations for statewide program improvement, with funds available until June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support mental health initiatives in Minnesota's construction industry. The funds will be used by the commissioner of labor and industry for outreach, education, stigma reduction resources, worksite strategies, and grants to industry groups focused on preventing suicide and improving mental health. It directly affects construction workers in Minnesota by providing targeted support through these programs. The appropriations are one-time and must be spent by June 30, 2027.

Maddy summarySF 2717 establishes requirements for testing fire life safety dampers in commercial buildings. It directly affects non-residential buildings with HVAC systems containing these dampers (excluding single-family homes and small multi-family buildings), requiring regular testing to ensure proper function. Key provisions mandate that testing be performed by qualified inspectors - such as ICB-certified technicians employed by independent contractors (not owned by building owners) - following NFPA standards and ISO/IEC 17024 certification requirements. The bill also defines technical terms like "fire dampers" and "dedicated smoke control systems" to clarify testing obligations. This creates a standardized process for verifying safety systems without altering building codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts veterans with a total service-connected disability from specific vehicle-related fees in Minnesota, including registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. It applies to passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles registered by qualifying veterans, allowing them to claim exemptions for up to two vehicles. The exemption covers all standard fees under Minnesota law but excludes personalized plate fees and required donations for special plates. The changes take effect January 1, 2026, applying to taxes payable for registration periods starting on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum lump-sum pension amount for firefighters' relief associations from $15,000 to $20,000 per year of credited service. It directly affects volunteer and on-call firefighters who receive lump-sum pensions through their relief associations, rather than monthly payments. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes to raise the cap on how much these associations can pay per year of service. The bill does not alter monthly pension limits ($100 per year) or require new municipal approval for existing pension calculations. It becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota farmers with irrigation water permits to transfer unused water gallons to other permit holders using the same water source, without requiring additional fees or conditions. It also permits using "excess water" (unused gallons from the previous year) during official drought conditions, and authorizes an additional 27,154 gallons per acre for cover crops if sustainable. The commissioner must approve these uses only if permit holders meet all conditions and water use remains sustainable. These provisions directly affect irrigators and farmers managing water resources in drought-prone areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the Transportation Advisory Board, a body that previously provided input on transportation policy to the Metropolitan Council. It modifies the Metropolitan Council's governance by amending appointment procedures for its 44 members, including changes to how county commissioners and local representatives are selected. The bill also removes provisions related to the Transportation Advisory Board from state law (repealing Laws 1994, chapter 628, article 1, section 8). These changes directly affect the Metropolitan Council's structure and transportation stakeholders who previously engaged with the Advisory Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota insurance companies to provide policyholders with a copy of their current insurance policy within 21 days of a request. It directly affects insured individuals who ask for their policy documents, ensuring they receive a clear copy either in paper, electronically, or via a website link. Insurers must deliver this copy once per policy period, not repeatedly for the same coverage term. The change amends Minnesota Statutes section 72A.20 to add this requirement, making policy access more straightforward for consumers.