Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's school bus regulations by updating the definition of school buses to include vehicles used for employee training, clarifying weight classifications for different bus types, and requiring USDOT identification numbers on all school buses. It also adjusts first aid kit requirements for school buses and authorizes the use of school buses on public roads for training purposes under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill maintains existing safety rules requiring vehicles to stop at least 20 feet away from stopped school buses with flashing red lights and prohibits non-school buses from being painted yellow or equipped with school bus markings.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits tow trucks in Minnesota to display portable variable message signs while performing emergency services on or near highways. It directly affects tow truck operators by allowing them to use these signs (e.g., to display warnings like "STOP" or "ACCIDENT AHEAD") during emergency responses, as long as the signs meet Minnesota's traffic control device standards. The key provision amends traffic regulations to explicitly authorize this use during emergency service, supplementing existing requirements for flashing red and amber lights. The bill does not change general towing operations but adds a safety tool for emergency scenarios. It is a procedural change to traffic equipment rules, not a broad policy shift.

Maddy summarySF 1714 requires Minnesota public contracting agencies to provide detailed, timely payment notifications to all contractors and subcontractors on public improvement projects. Agencies must send written notices within three business days of any payment (including progress, retainage, or final payments), including the payment amount, date, recipient details, scope of work, and reasons for any withholding. These notifications must be provided to every tier of contractors and subcontractors at no cost, ensuring transparency about how and when payments are made. The bill directly affects state/local government agencies managing public contracts and the contractors/subcontractors working on those projects. It aims to improve payment clarity without changing payment amounts or timelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "public safety radio and crime victims account" funded by a 50-cent monthly fee on wireless and wire-line telecommunications services (excluding prepaid wireless). The fee applies to each customer access line or basic service, with proceeds deposited into the account to cover two specific purposes: purchasing interoperable public safety radio equipment for Minnesota's statewide emergency response system, and providing grants to crime victim service providers. The bill amends existing telecom fee statutes to create this dedicated funding stream and requires annual reporting on how the funds are used. It does not change the existing 95-cent fee for general 911 service maintenance.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond proceeds to fund grants for "safe routes to school" projects under Minnesota Statutes §174.40. The funds will be used by the commissioner of transportation to support local projects that improve walking and biking infrastructure around schools, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures. The state will sell bonds up to $10 million to finance this program, following standard bond procedures outlined in Minnesota law. This directly affects school districts and communities seeking to enhance student safety during commutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Minnesota's library construction grant program to the "Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grants Program" and appropriates $1 million in state bond funds for library improvements. It allows public library jurisdictions (cities, counties, or regional library systems) to apply for grants covering up to 50% of costs for accessibility renovations ($450,000 max) or new construction/renovations ($1 million max), requiring local matching funds. The program prioritizes projects based on collaboration, tax burden, feasibility, and need, while prohibiting grants for libraries without internet obscenity policies. The funds are sourced from state bonds issued under existing bond procedures.

Maddy summaryHF 2354 strengthens Minnesota's response to Medicaid fraud by expanding the Attorney General's authority to subpoena records from entities like phone companies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. It establishes criminal penalties for submitting false Medicaid claims, including fines up to $100,000 and up to 20 years in prison for fraud exceeding $35,000, with lesser penalties for smaller amounts. The bill directly affects Medicaid providers and individuals who submit fraudulent claims for medical assistance funds. Key mechanisms include new subpoena powers for investigations and tiered penalties based on the value of the fraudulent claims. The law amends existing statutes (256B.12, 609.467) and repeals outdated provisions.

Maddy summarySF 2082 is a transportation funding bill that allocates $4.88 billion for 2026 and $3.96 billion for 2027 to Minnesota's Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Public Safety, and Metropolitan Council. It provides specific funding for highway maintenance ($1.1 billion annually from the state-aid highway fund), airport development ($19.6 million annually from the state airports fund), and transit/active transportation ($18.4 million annually from the general fund). The bill also includes provisions allowing unused airport funds to carry over for up to five years to advance projects, with notifications required to legislative committees if such funds are used. This bill directly affects state agencies managing transportation infrastructure, airports, and transit systems, as well as local governments receiving state-aid highway funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all operators of electric-assisted bicycles under age 18 in Minnesota to wear a helmet approved by the public safety commissioner while riding. It directly affects minors aged 15-17 who currently operate e-bikes, adding this safety requirement to existing rules. The law amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.222 to include this helmet mandate, with violators facing a fine (amount unspecified in the bill text). The bill also prohibits anyone under age 15 from operating electric-assisted bicycles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for state agencies to temporarily withhold payments from program participants suspected of committing fraud. It directly affects individuals and organizations receiving state or federal funds, requiring agencies to provide written notice at least 24 hours before withholding payments and outlining the reasons for the decision. The bill defines fraud as intentional deception to obtain benefits and sets a maximum withholding period of 60 days, while also protecting data related to fraud investigations and allowing recipients to appeal the decision through existing legal procedures.