Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the commissioners of Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency and Department of Transportation to hold a licensed professional engineer (PE) credential. It amends state law to mandate that both commissioners must be licensed under Minnesota's engineering statutes (sections 326.02-326.15), replacing current appointment standards. The requirement takes effect January 5, 2027, applying only to future commissioners appointed after that date. This directly affects the qualifications for these two key environmental and transportation leadership roles.

Maddy summarySF 1904 allows owners of all-electric vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and dynamic shoulder lanes without paying a fee, provided they display a $24 decal issued by the state. The bill requires EV owners to apply for the decal (valid for four years, non-transferable) and specifies that only single-occupant all-electric vehicles qualify. It also mandates public outreach through signage, websites, auto dealers, and vehicle registration materials to inform owners about the program. This policy directly affects EV owners who wish to use these lanes without additional charges, while maintaining existing HOV lane rules for other vehicles.

Maddy summarySF 1836 limits law enforcement authority to issue citations to pedestrians who cross streets during standard green traffic signals (excluding green turn arrows). The bill amends Minnesota traffic laws to clarify that pedestrians facing a green signal (not just a green arrow) may legally cross marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must yield. It specifically prevents citations for pedestrians crossing during these permitted green signal periods, reducing ambiguity in current enforcement practices. This directly affects pedestrians who cross safely during green lights and law enforcement officers who issue traffic citations. The bill does not create new crossing rights but formalizes existing safety expectations under current traffic signal rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota counties and municipalities to protect sand, gravel, and stone resources (used in construction) in local land use planning. It amends statutes to mandate that local governments incorporate aggregate resource protections into comprehensive plans and zoning, and directs the Natural Resources Commissioner to report by 2026 on permitting changes to better protect these resources. The bill appropriates $950,000 for fiscal years 2026-2027 to map aggregate resource potential in non-metro counties, update reclamation guidelines, and provide technical assistance to local governments. It directly affects local planning authorities and aims to balance resource preservation with development needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $200 rebate program for Minnesota property owners (residential or commercial) to replace outdated time-based water softeners with more efficient demand-based models. To qualify, the new softener must reduce water hardness below 1 grain per gallon, use salt efficiently (over 3,500 grains per pound), and be installed by a licensed contractor between July 2025 and June 2027. The program requires documentation of equipment specs and contractor certification, limits contractors to 30 rebates each, and is funded by a one-time $1.5 million appropriation from the general fund for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects property owners and licensed contractors in Minnesota seeking to upgrade water softening systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits county funding for certain property assessment services in Minnesota. It restricts counties from levying taxes (funding) for assessment services in cities of the first class (over 400,000 people) or cities with populations over 30,000, except for two specific purposes: (1) assessment duties for cities under 30,000 population, and (2) limited supervisory duties for larger cities. The change applies to counties with cities meeting these population thresholds and takes effect for the 2026 assessment year. It shifts responsibility for property assessments in large cities from county assessors to city assessors for most services.

Maddy summarySF 1360 increases the speed limit for farm equipment used in agricultural operations to 35 miles per hour. This change applies to vehicles like tractors and other machinery commonly operated on public roads during farming activities. The bill directly affects farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities by allowing these vehicles to travel at a higher speed on designated roads. It was signed into law on April 10, 2025, and became effective on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural bill authorizing the issuance of capital investment bonds for state projects. It does not specify particular projects or funding amounts, only establishing the framework for future bond sales. The bill directly affects state budgeting processes and future capital projects funded through bond proceeds. As introduced, it lacks concrete policy details beyond enabling bond issuance, with no specific affected groups or mechanisms described in the provided context. The bill is currently in committee referral.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections related to pregnancy, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation. It would require state actions denying equal rights to use the "least restrictive means" to achieve a "compelling governmental interest." If approved by voters in 2026, the amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, applying to all state agencies and political subdivisions. The measure does not change existing anti-discrimination laws but codifies these protections directly into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a state goal to restore or permanently protect at least 1 million acres of lost or degraded wetlands by 2050. It requires state agencies administering grants or discretionary funds to prioritize wetland restoration projects in counties that have lost over 50% of their prestatehood wetlands. Agencies must report annually on progress, including specific areas restored, future opportunities, and obstacles to meeting the goal, starting in 2027. The policy directly affects state agencies managing environmental funding and counties with significant historical wetland loss.