Sen. Steve Cwodzinski

Maddy summarySF 1182 would allow Minnesota cities to authorize "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed venues, but not buy or sell it in those areas. The bill requires cities to define district boundaries, hours, and safety signs, and mandates that all consumed alcohol must be in non-glass containers (max 16 oz) with specific labeling. It directly affects cities that adopt the program, on-sale liquor license holders (like bars), and the public who can consume alcohol in designated zones. Cities must also report on the program's impact to legislators within two years, including community feedback and safety concerns.

Maddy summarySF 529 proposes adding a new constitutional section to Minnesota's state constitution that states: "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in state elections. The bill requires voters to approve the amendment with a "Yes" or "No" vote on the question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide for free, fair, and equal elections and prohibit civil and military powers from interfering with the right to vote?"

Maddy summarySF 949 appropriates $3 million annually for 2026 and 2027 to fund registered special education apprenticeship programs in four specific intermediate school districts in Minnesota: 287, 288, 916, and 917. Each district receives $740,000 per year to support these programs. The funds cover program administration, apprentice stipends and tuition, mentor teacher stipends, and substitute teacher costs. This bill directly affects these districts and their special education apprenticeship participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires charter school authorizers (such as school districts or organizations that approve and oversee charter schools) to comply with Minnesota's government data practices under Chapter 13 of state law. It amends existing statute to explicitly state that authorizers must follow state data privacy and security rules, including handling student and operational data. The requirement applies to all authorizers when reviewing applications, monitoring schools, and reporting annually. This change ensures authorizers adhere to the same data protection standards as other public entities, directly affecting how they manage school data.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Eden Prairie to establish up to two tax increment financing (TIF) districts in a specific area bounded by Flying Cloud Drive, West 78th Street, and Prairie Center Drive. It waives two standard TIF requirements: it deems these districts compliant with general TIF rules (Minn. Stat. § 469.174, subd. 10) and exempts them from a specific provision about district boundaries (Minn. Stat. § 469.176, subd. 4j). The authorization expires December 31, 2026, and applies only to Eden Prairie's development plans within the defined area. Property owners in these districts would see future tax revenue allocated to funded projects under this special rule.

Maddy summarySF 398 would establish a new special license plate design for Jewish war veterans in Minnesota. The bill amends state law to add a specific plate category requiring the inscription "JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF AMERICA" and a designated emblem. This plate would be available to veterans who served in the U.S. military during wartime and are already eligible for other veteran license plates under existing law. The provision is part of Minnesota's broader program offering specialty plates for various veteran groups, with no new eligibility requirements beyond current veteran status.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 736) extends time limits for Minnetonka's Opus Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. It changes Minnesota law to allow the district 10 years (instead of 5) to use tax increment funds for development projects, and extends the period for using those funds after the initial period to 11 years (from 5). The bill specifically exempts the Opus TIF district from certain standard rules (Minnesota Statutes 469.176, subd. 4j). It directly affects the city of Minnetonka's Opus TIF district, established in 2021, by providing more time for its financial planning and project implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes when local elections are held in Minnesota. Most cities, towns, and school districts must hold general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even-numbered years. However, cities of the first class (like Minneapolis) may choose to hold elections in either even or odd years, provided they adopt a transition plan to manage term lengths for current officials and notify election officials. The bill amends election laws to implement these changes while requiring cities to follow specific procedures for switching election years.

Maddy summarySF 264 prohibits possessing dangerous weapons, including rifles and shotguns, within Minnesota's Capitol complex (excluding the National Guard Armory) starting August 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals with concealed carry permits who previously had an exception allowing them to carry rifles/shotguns in public places, by eliminating that exception specifically in the Capitol area. The bill amends existing law to clarify that permit holders may no longer carry these weapons in the Capitol complex without violating felony possession rules, though exceptions remain for law enforcement on duty and for evidence display with permission. This creates a uniform ban on rifles and shotguns in the Capitol complex, aligning it with existing restrictions for other dangerous weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from state bond proceeds to fund specific improvements at The Marsh facility in Minnetonka. The funds will support the city's acquisition of property, renovation of the facility (including ADA accessibility upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and safety features), and exterior repairs with environmental enhancements. The money is authorized through the sale of up to $15 million in state bonds under existing bond law. The city of Minnetonka directly receives the grant to implement these facility upgrades.