Sen. Judy Seeberger

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's laws related to identity theft and financial crimes by expanding how identity is legally defined and strengthening investigative powers. It adds digital likenesses and voice recordings to the definition of identity, allowing prosecutors to charge crimes involving deepfakes or synthetic media that could deceive people. The legislation also grants the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension broader authority to issue administrative subpoenas for financial crime investigations and extends reporting requirements for insurance fraud. Additionally, the bill modifies statutes of limitation for certain fraud-related offenses and clarifies definitions for victims and unlawful activities in identity theft cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 from Minnesota's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support sports programs for children of military personnel and veterans. The funds will be given to the United Heroes League, a nonprofit organization, to provide sports experiences, equipment, camps, and related activities for these children. This is a one-time appropriation intended to help the organization deliver its programs without requiring additional funding in future years. The legislation is currently in its early stages and has been referred to the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates March 8 through 14, 2026, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week in Minnesota. The bill does not change any laws or allocate funds; instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and raise public awareness about the disease. By recognizing this specific week, the legislature aims to highlight the challenges faced by nearly one million people affected by multiple sclerosis and acknowledge the organization's efforts in research and advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health insurance coverage for injured paramedics and emergency medical technicians in Minnesota who are disabled in the line of duty. It amends existing state statutes to include these first responders alongside peace officers and firefighters, ensuring their employers continue paying for health coverage for them and their dependents. The coverage duration depends on the type of disability benefits received, lasting until age 65 for those with total and permanent disability or for up to 60 months for others. The legislation also establishes a formal process for determining eligibility and allows for administrative review if the initial decision is contested.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state granting agencies to conduct unannounced, in-person site visits for grants exceeding $10,000 to monitor how funds are used. The law mandates at least one visit per grant and additional visits every 12 months for grants disbursed over a longer period, with exceptions only allowed for entire grant programs rather than individual cases. Granting agencies must also report on grant status whenever requested by the commissioner, and the commissioner retains authority to approve or deny exceptions to the site visit requirement. The changes directly affect state agencies that manage grant programs and the organizations receiving those grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies evidentiary standards for property tax appeals in Minnesota's Tax Court, primarily affecting property owners and government assessors. It requires government units to prove the validity of property valuations rather than having their orders automatically accepted as correct, and it allows comparable property sales and assessed valuations to be used as evidence in court. The changes also ensure that assessor records are available for inspection and cannot be excluded from evidence due to confidentiality claims. These rules will take effect for appeals filed on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's property tax refund program to provide additional relief to homeowners whose property taxes increased by more than six percent compared to the previous year. The key provision allows eligible homeowners to receive a refund equal to 60 percent of the tax increase, with a maximum refund amount of $2,500, while excluding tax increases caused by property improvements. Homeowners must file a claim with their property tax refund return and provide documentation from the prior year's tax statement to qualify for the additional refund. The bill also requires counties to electronically provide eligible homeowner contact information to assist with claims, with the changes taking effect for property taxes payable in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota peace officers to use oral fluid screening devices to test drivers for the presence of drugs when there is reason to believe the driver is impaired. It allows officers to require a preliminary breath or oral fluid test if they suspect a driver has violated impaired driving laws, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The bill also updates implied consent laws to include oral fluid testing as a valid chemical test option when officers have probable cause to believe a driver was impaired. These changes apply to all drivers and specifically address testing for controlled substances, intoxicating substances, and cannabis products.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3.3 million from the general fund to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians for wastewater infrastructure construction. It specifically funds a wastewater stabilization pond and associated water/sewer lines in the Little Rock District on the Red Lake Reservation. The one-time grant is intended to improve sanitation infrastructure directly serving tribal residents in that area.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Task Force on Standardized Identification for Emergency Responders in Minnesota to develop a uniform identification system for all emergency personnel. The task force will include representatives from state agencies and emergency responder associations, and it must meet monthly to design an ID that includes a photo, name, physical description, role type, and certification information. Members will serve without pay and must create a plan for mandatory use of this standardized identification by emergency responders and their employers. The bill also appropriates funds to support the task force's work and requires a final report to be submitted to the legislature.