Sen. Julia Coleman

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales tax on construction materials for two specific Watertown projects: a new water tower (materials purchased April 2024-February 2026) and a wastewater treatment facility (materials purchased February 2022-July 2025). Purchasers must pay the tax upfront and receive a refund through the state’s standard process, with refunds delayed until after June 30, 2025. The state appropriates funds from the general budget to cover these refunds, which apply retroactively to purchases made since February 2022. The exemption directly affects Watertown contractors, suppliers, and the city’s infrastructure projects.

Maddy summarySF 441 creates a temporary income tax credit for Minnesotans who install solar energy systems. Homeowners can claim up to $2,500 (15% of costs in 2025, decreasing to 11% by 2027), while businesses can claim up to $15,000 per property. The credit applies to solar photovoltaic systems, water heaters, and thermal systems under 40 kilowatts, placed in service between 2025 and 2028. The program expires January 1, 2029, and refunds excess credit if it exceeds tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13 million in state bond funds to Laketown Township for replacing its entire wastewater infrastructure. It directly affects Laketown Township residents by funding the design, construction, and equipment of a new system to replace outdated septic tanks, sewer mains, service lines, and lift stations. The funds cover demolition of old infrastructure, street restoration, and other necessary project completion work. The state will sell bonds under Minnesota law to provide the $13 million, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's existing "in lieu tax" for older vehicles to include motorcycles. It creates a $10 tax (replacing the regular sales tax) for motorcycles that are 10+ years old and valued under $3,000, and a $150 tax for collector motorcycles registered under specific classifications. The tax applies to purchases made after June 30, 2025, directly affecting owners of qualifying older and collector motorcycles. The change aligns motorcycles with passenger cars under the current tax structure for these vehicle categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits counties from charging fees when homeowners seek to remove discriminatory housing restrictions (like those based on race or religion) from property titles. It directly affects homeowners in Minnesota who need to clear outdated restrictive covenants from their property records. The key provision amends state law to require county recorders to accept the removal form without charging a fee, ensuring the process is cost-free. This change applies to covenants related to protected classes and takes effect upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 801 modifies Minnesota's teacher licensing rules for educators licensed in other states. It exempts these teachers from retaking subject-matter exams if they passed equivalent tests in their home state, eliminating redundant testing. The bill also shortens the probationary employment period from three years to one year for teachers with three consecutive years of experience (in Minnesota or another state). These changes streamline licensure for out-of-state educators while maintaining Minnesota's licensing standards.

Maddy summarySF 753 requires Minnesota public school districts to obtain written consent from a parent or guardian before providing sexual education to minor students. This bill directly affects school districts, parents/guardians of minors, and minor students in public schools. The key provision mandates that written consent must be secured for sexual education curriculum, which was not previously required by law. School districts must now implement a process to collect this consent, while existing parental review processes for other curriculum remain unchanged. The bill does not alter requirements for alternative instruction or other instructional materials.

Maddy summarySF 677 requires the Metropolitan Council to publish monthly ridership data for all transit routes and quarterly crime statistics related to transit vehicles, stations, and facilities on its website. The bill mandates that monthly ridership reports include actual ridership numbers and prior projections, while crime reports must break down incidents by transit mode and crime type. These reports must be posted within 60 days after each month or quarter and remain accessible for at least five years. The bill directly affects the Metropolitan Council, requiring it to make this data publicly available without changing transit operations or funding.

Maddy summarySF 316 expands Minnesota's sales tax exemption for baby products by adding specific items to the existing list. The bill adds baby wipes, cribs and bassinets, crib/bassinet mattresses, changing tables/pads, strollers, car seats, and infant eating utensils to the exemption, which already covers items like breast pumps and baby bottles. This change directly affects parents and caregivers purchasing these essential baby products, as they will no longer pay state sales tax on these items. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, and amends Minnesota Statutes section 297A.67, subdivision 9.

Maddy summarySF 784 requires courts to automatically prohibit abusive parties in domestic child abuse cases from possessing firearms when an order of protection includes specific findings about credible threats to a child's safety. It mandates that abusive parties transfer all firearms to a federally licensed dealer, law enforcement, or a legally permitted third party within three business days. The bill specifies that temporary transfers allow the firearm to be returned after the protective order expires (if the person is no longer prohibited from owning firearms), while permanent transfers involve surrendering firearms without compensation. This applies directly to individuals found by a court to pose a credible threat to children in domestic abuse cases, as defined under Minnesota law.