Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart

Maddy summarySF 2131 authorizes Minnesota local jurisdictions (such as cities and counties) to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections. The bill establishes procedures for how communities can implement ranked choice voting, including allowing electronic voting systems that automatically transfer votes when candidates are eliminated. It also includes funding to support implementation and amends election laws to integrate ranked choice voting into local election processes. This bill directly affects how local offices - like mayors or city council members - are elected in communities that choose to adopt the system.

Maddy summarySF 2091 appropriates $40 million from the trunk highway fund for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund Minnesota's Corridors of Commerce program. This program focuses on improving highway infrastructure in key commercial corridors across the state. The funding directly supports the Minnesota Department of Transportation in implementing projects under existing law (Minnesota Statutes § 161.088), targeting major freight and commerce routes. The bill does not create new policy but allocates specific state funds for ongoing infrastructure work.

Maddy summarySF 2096 authorizes the state to issue $400 million in bonds to fund Minnesota's Corridors of Commerce program, which focuses on transportation infrastructure. The bill appropriates these bond proceeds to the commissioner of transportation for highway projects, with up to 17% allocated for program administration. Funds will be deposited into the trunk highway fund and used under Minnesota Statutes, section 161.088. This bill directly affects state transportation planning and highway funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.35 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). It directs MPR to use these funds for creating original programming, live events, and arts education; partnering with artists and cultural creators; increasing representation of communities of color and Indigenous communities in its content; and preserving Minnesota's historical audio archives. The funding directly supports MPR's operations and programming efforts across the state. This is a straightforward funding allocation, not a policy change affecting broader legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund two existing Minnesota programs: the Safe Routes to School Program (under Minn. Stat. § 174.40) and the Active Transportation Program (under Minn. Stat. § 174.38). The funds, directed to the Commissioner of Transportation, support projects that improve walking and biking infrastructure near schools and for community active transportation. It directly affects school districts, local communities, and transportation planners who implement these specific infrastructure improvements. This is a funding measure with no new policy requirements, solely providing budget authority for established programs.

Maddy summarySF 1752 requires health insurers and Minnesota medical assistance programs to cover all FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It mandates that plans cover all types of OTC contraceptives purchased at pharmacies at the point of sale, without restrictions on quantity, frequency, or brand. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptives clearly for enrollees and prohibits referral requirements or delays for these services. This applies to health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes roadside signage to help people locate public defibrillators during emergencies. It allows businesses or locations with registered outdoor defibrillators (under existing law) to request directional signs from road authorities, which must be placed 200-300 feet before intersections or 800-1,600 feet before interchanges. The requesting location pays all sign costs and must maintain the defibrillator’s registration and accessibility. The state transportation commissioner must also develop standardized signs using a universal defibrillator symbol by September 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8.4 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to school districts, nonpublic schools, charter schools, and school bus service companies. The funds are specifically for purchasing and installing camera systems that capture vehicles passing stopped school buses with flashing lights. The commissioner of public safety must distribute these grants following existing requirements from 2021 legislation, and the one-time appropriation expires June 30, 2027. The policy directly affects school transportation safety by funding technology to enforce stop-signal laws.

Maddy summarySF 1760 limits the use of the westbound E-ZPass lane on Interstate Highway 394 in Minneapolis. It requires the transportation commissioner to keep the reversible lane eastbound by default, allowing it to open westbound only for major events (like sports or cultural gatherings) with at least 48 hours of public notice. The lane must return to eastbound as soon as practicable after the event. This bill directly affects drivers using I-394 during events, with changes taking effect June 1, 2025. (SF 1760, Section 1)

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's driver's license application requirements by expanding the list of acceptable documents to prove identity, date of birth, and name changes. It adds specific documents like REAL ID-compliant licenses, U.S. passports, certified birth certificates, immigration documents (e.g., I-551 cards), and court-ordered name change proofs (marriage certificates, divorce decrees). Applicants must now provide unaltered, legible documents from the approved list. The changes directly affect anyone applying for or renewing a Minnesota driver's license or ID card who relies on these alternative documents. The bill does not alter license revocation rules, which remain unchanged in section 171.17.