Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to modify mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. It maintains a general prohibition on mining in the BWCA but adds a specific exception: mining for taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, or granite may proceed on state lands in the Rainy River headwaters if the commissioner of natural resources determines it won't harm the BWCA. The bill requires the commissioner to investigate alternatives before approving such mining and mandates legislative approval for permits in these cases. It directly affects state land management decisions and mining operations in these specific regions.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for driving without a valid license in Minnesota. It sets minimum fines at $300 for first offenses, $550 for offenses within 10 years of a prior violation, and $850 for two or more prior violations within that timeframe. The changes apply to drivers operating vehicles while their license is revoked, canceled, or disqualified (e.g., for commercial vehicles), with an exception for licenses expired less than three months. The new penalties take effect August 1, 2025, and directly affect individuals convicted of these driving violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a moratorium on environmental reviews and permits for new nonferrous sulfide ore mining projects (such as copper, nickel, or gold mines) until specific safety conditions are met. Before issuing permits, Minnesota’s environmental agencies must confirm that a similar mine in the U.S. operated safely for 10 years, closed safely for 10 years without pollution, and used comparable reclamation techniques in a similar environment. Project applicants must prove these conditions, and agencies must allow public comment and hold hearings if new evidence challenges the proposed review. Existing permits for such projects must be renewed every 10 years with updated applications. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking new projects and state agencies responsible for environmental oversight.

Maddy summarySF 1327 appropriates $30,046,000 in state bond funds to the city of Mound for constructing a water treatment facility. The facility will specifically address elevated manganese levels in Mound's drinking water supply. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to this amount, with funds administered through the Public Facilities Authority to cover construction, equipment, and furnishings. This directly affects Mound residents by improving their drinking water quality and the city government as the recipient of the grant.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to build a new facility for the Westonka Community Food Shelf. The funds will cover predesign, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the new location, administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development. The appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned. This directly supports the food shelf's operations and the community it serves in Westonka.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's public land survey system monument grant program by changing how counties and tribal governments are prioritized for funding. It establishes new criteria favoring applicants demonstrating financial need and meeting one of three conditions: preserving monuments at risk of destruction, having low certified monument corners, or showing remonumentation supports economic development. The bill appropriates $10 million for fiscal year 2026 (with $10 million annually for 2027-2028) to fund these grants, plus $350,000 yearly for program administration. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 548 amends Minnesota law to increase the income limit for medical assistance eligibility for two groups: people with disabilities and Minnesotans aged 65 and older. The bill raises the allowable income threshold from 100% to 133% of the federal poverty guidelines for these individuals, making it easier for them to qualify for medical assistance without losing benefits. This change applies to those covered under specific sections of Minnesota Statutes related to medical assistance eligibility. The amendment is set to take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects specific sales tax revenues to the highway user tax distribution fund. It requires that 43.5% of sales tax revenue from motor vehicle repair and replacement parts (including tires, fluids, and accessories) be deposited into the highway fund each year, with the percentage increasing gradually through 2033. It also mandates that estimated sales tax revenue from short-term vehicle rentals (28 days or less) be deposited into the highway fund based on prior year's deposits. The bill directly affects businesses selling motor vehicle repair parts and short-term vehicle rental services in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from state bonds to fund the replacement of wetlands drained or filled during local road repairs, reconstruction, or rehabilitation projects. The Board of Water and Soil Resources will use these funds to acquire land, restore wetlands, and create replacement credits to offset impacts from road projects required under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 103G.222). It authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds to finance this program, with funds dedicated specifically to wetland restoration rather than other capital projects. The policy change directly affects local road maintenance projects that require wetland mitigation under state environmental requirements.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1180 modifies how traffic fine revenue is distributed between local governments and state highway funds. The bill changes the current split so that two-thirds of most traffic fines collected by local officers go directly to their law enforcement budgets (with at least half used for policing), while one-third goes to the state highway user tax fund. It also adjusts the split for fines issued by State Patrol troopers (one-third to local entities, two-thirds to the highway fund) and updates surcharge distributions, directing $25 from certain traffic violations to the general fund instead of highway funds. These changes affect local law enforcement agencies, state highway programs, and the Minnesota grade crossing safety account. The bill does not create new traffic laws but alters revenue allocation for existing fines.