Sen. Erin Maye Quade

Maddy summarySF 608 prohibits municipalities from allowing new enterprise data centers (facilities over 800,000 sq ft for digital data storage/processing) in most zoning districts. It allows such data centers only as a conditional use within designated "industrial districts" where manufacturing facilities are permitted. This bill affects local governments in Minnesota, requiring them to adjust zoning rules by June 20, 2025, for new data center construction. The law directly impacts developers seeking to build large-scale data centers outside industrial zones. It does not apply to existing data centers or smaller facilities meeting the size threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill implements Minnesota's Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) service delivery system. It allows eligible Minnesotans aged 55+ with care needs - such as those qualifying for Medicaid or elderly waivers - to enroll in PACE programs as an alternative to traditional home and community-based waiver services. Key provisions include enabling combined Medicare and Medicaid funding for PACE providers, requiring county approval for disability-related demonstrations, and ensuring voluntary enrollment with protections like the right to change health plans within 60 days. The bill modifies Medicaid rules to establish fair provider rates that don’t exceed current fee-for-service costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). Before July 1, 2030, applicants need 150 college credits plus one year of relevant experience; after that date, they must have either a master's degree plus one year experience or a bachelor's degree plus two years experience. It also establishes reciprocity, allowing CPAs licensed in states with equivalent standards to practice in Minnesota without reapplying, provided they hold a valid license, have an accounting degree, and passed the CPA exam. The changes affect new CPAs seeking certification in Minnesota and out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice there. The current rules expire July 1, 2030, with a transition period in place until that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue $22.25 million in general obligation bonds and $22.25 million in trunk highway bonds to fund the reconstruction of the interchange at Trunk Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue in Burnsville. The funds will cover predesign, right-of-way acquisition, engineering, and construction of grade separation and safety improvements at this specific intersection. The project directly affects Burnsville residents, commuters, and local traffic flow by addressing capacity and safety needs at a major intersection. The legislation creates a funding mechanism through bond sales to finance the project, with proceeds deposited into designated state funds. It does not change existing laws or policies but provides specific budgetary authorization for this infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays the implementation of new rates for family residential services and life sharing services in Minnesota from 2026 to 2029 (or until federal approval is obtained). It also establishes an Advisory Task Force on Family Residential Services to evaluate proposed rate changes and their impact on providers before final decisions are made. The Task Force includes representatives from foster care providers, county associations, service recipients, and state agencies, and must submit reports to the legislature. This directly affects licensed adult family foster care providers, family residential service agencies, and the Department of Human Services, which must provide administrative support and data for the Task Force's analysis.

Maddy summarySF 379 establishes a $20 million state-funded grant program to help Minnesota counties and cities improve cybersecurity. It provides grants covering up to $25,000 per project for eligible local governments that lack resources to access existing federal or state cybersecurity programs. Grants can fund specific cybersecurity tools and services like firewalls, data backups, email security, and professional consulting, with a total cap of $1 million per jurisdiction. Recipients must report annually on fund usage, and the commissioner must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing all grants awarded. The program targets critical infrastructure protection and equitable geographic distribution of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers Minnesota's "Healthy Eating, Here at Home" program (which provides $10 vouchers for SNAP/Summer EBT users to buy fresh food at farmers' markets) from the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Department of Health. It also establishes the "Fresh Bucks" pilot program, allowing SNAP and Summer EBT participants to get a dollar-for-dollar match on fresh produce purchases (up to $20 daily/$80 monthly) at participating retailers like grocery stores. Both programs target low-income households using federal nutrition benefits, with the Fresh Bucks program specifically requiring produce to be fresh fruits/vegetables without added sugars or fats. The bill appropriates funds for implementation and requires annual reporting on program usage and effectiveness.

Maddy summarySF 1268 prohibits local governments (like cities and counties) from requiring minimum parking spaces for new residential, commercial, or industrial developments. This bill directly affects developers and property owners by removing a common local zoning requirement. Key provisions ban mandatory off-street parking minimums, except for disability parking spaces required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or nonbinding recommendations. The law changes current practice by giving local governments less control over parking requirements for new construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support "supported decision making" programs under Minnesota law. The funds are for grants to organizations helping people with disabilities make their own decisions, reducing reliance on guardianship or conservatorship. The commissioner of human services must submit three reports by December 2024, 2025, and 2027 detailing grant usage, people served, and how the program increased supported decision making. It does not change existing policy but provides funding and tracking for current programs.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 2867 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for individual income tax to replace revenue lost due to federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the commissioner of revenue to set a specific tax rate for high-income earners (applying to taxable years 2025-2026) that generates revenue equal to the certified loss from federal policy shifts. This new rate applies to income above the existing highest bracket thresholds ($1,667,000 for joint filers, $1,000,000 for single filers). The measure directly affects high-income Minnesotans by increasing their tax burden to offset state Medicaid funding shortfalls.