Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart

Maddy summarySF 1802 prohibits the use, sale, and manufacture of lead sinkers and jigs that weigh one ounce or less or measure 2.5 inches or less in length in Minnesota. It directly affects anglers who use such small lead tackle and businesses that sell or make it, but excludes fishing flies, lures, weighted line, and jig heads. The law will take effect on July 1, 2027, targeting small lead tackle commonly lost or discarded in waterways. This bill creates a clear size/weight threshold for the prohibition without referencing environmental goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $14 million in state bond funds to the Duluth Airport Authority for capital improvements at Duluth International Airport. It specifically authorizes the construction of a new air traffic control tower base building, including office spaces, support areas, equipment rooms, and site work like demolishing old structures and replacing fuel tanks. The funds will cover design, construction, and equipment, with part used to match federal funding. The project directly affects the Duluth International Airport and its operations, with the state issuing bonds to finance the construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale or transfer of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons in Minnesota, directly affecting owners and sellers of these firearms. It defines such weapons as specific models (like AR-15s, AK-47s, and Uzis) and firearms with features including folding stocks, detachable magazines, or pistol grips. The bill also authorizes a state-funded buyback program for these weapons and amends Minnesota law to implement the ban. The definition excludes weapons permanently made inoperable.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $153 million from Minnesota's general fund to the commissioner of transportation for matching federal funds under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It directly affects the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which will use the funds to cover the state's share for eligible infrastructure projects funded by the IIJA. The appropriation is a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2029, and must comply with existing requirements from Laws 2023, chapter 68, article 4, section 111. The bill does not create new policy but provides specific funding to align Minnesota's contributions with federal infrastructure investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25 million in state bond funds to improve Hennepin County's regional trail system. The funds will be used by the Three Rivers Park District to build 10.7 miles of new trails, reconstruct 11.4 miles of existing trails, and extend the life of 30.2 miles of current trails. The money comes from state bonds sold under Minnesota's bond laws, with the project directly benefiting Hennepin County residents who use the regional trail network. The bill authorizes the sale of bonds to cover these trail improvements, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 1500 modifies Minnesota's driver and vehicle services by changing fee structures and adding online renewal options. It imposes an $8 fee for vehicle registration renewals and a $12 fee for other transactions (like new registrations), while eliminating fees for refunds, corrections, and permanent title surrenders. The bill establishes online renewal for driver's licenses (both REAL ID-compliant and noncompliant) under specific conditions, such as no identity changes and having a recent photo on file. It also allocates fees to state accounts (including technology and operating funds) and requires quarterly payments to deputy registrars for processing no-fee transactions ($9 per renewal, $13 per other transaction). The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 1171 increases Minnesota's state rail safety inspector workforce from six to ten positions. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 219.015, to adjust how railroad companies are assessed for funding: the assessment now covers costs for up to ten inspectors (including salaries, training, and equipment), rather than the previous six. This change directly affects railroad companies classified as Class I or II carriers operating in Minnesota, requiring them to pay higher annual assessments to support the expanded program. The bill updates the funding mechanism to reflect the increased staffing level without altering the core inspection authority outlined in section 218.041.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's Senate Resolution SF 569 is a symbolic request to Congress, not a binding law. It asks Congress to propose a constitutional amendment clarifying that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (people), not corporations or other artificial entities. The resolution specifically requests that Congress amend the Constitution to: (1) limit constitutional rights to people, (2) allow government to regulate campaign spending as non-speech, and (3) require public disclosure of political contributions. The bill directly affects Minnesota's relationship with Congress, urging federal action to overturn the *Citizens United* Supreme Court decision.

Maddy summarySF 1383 modifies financial assurance requirements for mining permits in Minnesota, specifically affecting companies seeking permits for nonferrous metallic minerals (like copper or zinc). The bill requires applicants to provide an environmental liability insurance policy covering pollution cleanup costs during mining and reclamation, with the required amount set by the commissioner. It also mandates that the commissioner annually reviews and updates the financial assurance (cash bond or deposit) needed to cover reclamation costs and corrective actions if permits are violated. These changes apply to new permits and permit modifications for nonferrous mining operations.

Maddy summarySF 289 authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $400 million in state bonds to fund local infrastructure. It appropriates $250 million for county road projects, prioritizing statewide/regional roads and rural safety improvements on county state-aid highways. An additional $150 million is allocated for bridge repairs, including matching federal funds to replace or rehabilitate deficient bridges, covering design, construction, and land acquisition costs. The funds directly support counties and local communities by improving road safety and bridge infrastructure. The bill enables these investments through bond financing rather than direct state budget spending.