Sen. Jim Carlson

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registration fees for Minnesota veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Specifically, it exempts these veterans from the $60 public-use or $6 private-use registration fees under Minnesota Statutes §84.922, providing a three-year free registration. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or military retirement board. The exemption directly affects eligible veterans, not all ATV owners or general veterans.

Maddy summarySF 1071 would allow Minnesota local governments (like cities and counties) to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections. The bill creates procedures for jurisdictions to adopt the system, including rules for counting votes where voters rank candidates by preference instead of selecting just one. It specifies that if a voter ranks multiple candidates equally or ranks more than one at the same position, that vote is handled as a partial defect. This bill does not require any jurisdiction to adopt ranked choice voting, only permits them to do so if they choose, and applies only to local elections, not state or federal races.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's campaign finance law to increase funding for the state elections campaign account. It raises the annual appropriation from $2.4 million to $4.4 million per general election, with 97% of designated funds transferred to the account and 3% retained in the general fund for administrative costs. The funds support election administration, including voter registration, ballot processing, and election security. This change directly affects how state election resources are allocated and managed. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 10A.31, subdivision 4, effective for upcoming general elections.

Maddy summarySF 1321 modifies Minnesota's definition of "motor vehicle dealer" to include dealers licensed under the laws of contiguous states (like North Dakota or South Dakota). This change directly affects out-of-state dealers operating near Minnesota borders, allowing Minnesota officials to treat them as licensed dealers for specific purposes. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 168.002, subdivision 6, enabling the commissioner to consider these out-of-state licensed dealers as "dealers" under sections 168.27, 168.33, 168.345, and 168.346. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the validity period for temporary vehicle permits issued to nonresidents from 31 days to 60 days. It directly affects nonresidents purchasing vehicles in Minnesota who need to transport them out of state. The key change modifies Minnesota Statutes sections 168.091 and 168A.11 to update the permit duration from "31 days" to "60 days" from the sale date. Dealers must still issue the permit, remove license plates, and notify the state electronically within 48 hours. The change takes effect October 1, 2025.

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 930 establishes the Minnesota Health Plan, a universal health care program requiring all Minnesota residents to be covered. The plan mandates comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term care, with premiums based on income and no co-pays. It creates new entities including the Minnesota Health Board and Minnesota Health Fund to administer the program, ensure provider access, and negotiate fair prices. The bill requires the state to seek a federal waiver under the Affordable Care Act to implement this system. All Minnesotans, including temporary out-of-state residents and nonresident workers in Minnesota, would be eligible for coverage under this plan.

Maddy summarySF 1068 establishes a "Share the Road" special license plate for Minnesota vehicle owners. To obtain the plate, owners of passenger cars, noncommercial trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles must pay a standard special plate fee plus a $40 annual contribution to the active transportation account. The funds collected will support bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects. The plate design must include "Share the Road" with a specific layout, and the program takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 1069 modifies the membership structure of Minnesota's Rare Disease Advisory Council. It adds specific new categories, including requiring at least one council member with a rare disease or as a caregiver to reside in rural Minnesota, and creates formal legislative representation (two senators and two House members appointed by leadership). The bill also establishes clear roles for ex officio members (health commissioner, Mayo Medical School, University of Minnesota Medical School) and allows for temporary "ad hoc" members with expertise for specific projects. These changes clarify who serves on the council but do not alter the council's purpose or direct healthcare policies. The bill affects the council's composition, not the delivery of rare disease care.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1067 creates a process allowing immediate family members (such as parents, spouses, or children) of cold case homicide victims to request a review of case files. If the review finds meaningful investigative leads or a potential perpetrator, the law enforcement agency must conduct a full reinvestigation. Agencies must complete the initial file review within six months (with a possible six-month extension) and consult with the family throughout the process. This bill directly affects families seeking closure in unsolved homicides where all initial leads were exhausted and no suspect was identified.