Sen. Bill Lieske

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state tax credit for Minnesota taxpayers who donate money to women's pregnancy centers, which are defined as organizations that provide support to help pregnant women carry their pregnancies to term. The credit allows individuals and businesses to reduce their income, corporate franchise, or insurance premiums taxes by up to $50,000 for each year they make qualifying contributions, with any unused amount carried forward to the next year. To prevent double benefits, the law prohibits claiming this credit if the taxpayer has already used a specific itemized deduction or subtraction for the same donation, and it requires the state commissioner to maintain a list of eligible centers. The policy is set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants Minnesota townships the authority to regulate lawful gambling within their borders, similar to existing powers held by cities and counties. It allows local governments to charge investigation fees for gambling permits, requiring approval from township boards before new gambling sites can operate. Additionally, the legislation permits townships to impose a local gambling tax to cover regulation costs and mandates that any stricter rules or prohibitions apply equally to all forms of gambling, with the specific exception of paddlewheels.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes employment restrictions for former state employees and legislators in Minnesota to prevent conflicts of interest related to state grants. It prohibits former legislators from working for companies they voted to fund with grants within 12 months of leaving office, and bars former state employees from working for organizations they helped evaluate, rank, or administer grants for during their tenure. The legislation also defines violations as criminal offenses and allows the state to void affected grants, require repayment of funds, and ban violators from receiving future state grants for one year. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of serious crimes used to recall state officers to include more misdemeanor offenses involving public safety and dishonesty.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum from exercising any authority within Minnesota. It prevents state, county, and local governments from enforcing rules, regulations, fees, taxes, or mandates issued by these three international groups. The legislation directly affects all Minnesota governmental entities by stripping them of the power to implement any directives from these organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing ban on conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults in Minnesota, allowing mental health practitioners to offer such services to these groups again. The legislation repeals the specific statutes that previously prohibited mental health professionals from attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity with clients under 18 or those classified as vulnerable adults. While the bill eliminates the prohibition, it retains the legal definition of conversion therapy, which excludes counseling that supports gender transition or provides acceptance and coping strategies without seeking to alter sexual orientation or gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for intentionally disrupting worship services at religious establishments in Minnesota. It applies to individuals who enter a clearly marked place of worship with the goal of interrupting a scheduled service and commit a crime there. A first-time violation is classified as a gross misdemeanor, while repeat offenders face felony charges punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is visibly identified by a sign or other clear means. These provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires playgrounds built or significantly renovated with state money in Minnesota to follow inclusive design standards that welcome children with and without disabilities. To comply, projects must incorporate features like accessible paths, varied play equipment for different abilities, sensory activities, and comfortable seating areas, while also being reviewed by an expert in accessibility. The law defines "substantial renovation" as replacing half the equipment or changing the main play area and mandates the use of established universal design principles. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources is authorized to create guidance documents in partnership with the Minnesota Council on Disability to help implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota state law to modify requirements for issuing water aeration permits for shallow lakes. It mandates that the state commissioner must issue a permit to applicants using nonstate funds for aeration systems in lakes that are eight to 15 feet deep and between 100 and 750 acres in size. However, the law specifies that a permit is not required if the aeration system would be used more frequently than two out of every three years. These changes directly impact property owners and organizations planning to install aeration equipment in lakes within these specific dimensions and funding parameters.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and other health care facilities in Minnesota to stop charging patients for medical costs related to infections acquired during their stay. It also bans providers from using open-ended agreements that ask patients to pay for services without first disclosing the specific price. Under the new rules, the facility where an infection occurs must cover all treatment expenses, including extended hospitalizations and follow-up care, regardless of the patient's insurance status. Additionally, the legislation establishes a framework for unique provider numbers to ensure clearer pricing and financial responsibility. These changes aim to protect patients from unexpected bills for complications caused by health care facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates emergency managers as essential employees in Minnesota, ensuring they are included in the state's list of workers who must remain on duty during emergencies. It amends existing statutes to add emergency managers alongside firefighters, peace officers, dispatchers, and other critical personnel who are protected from being sent home during crises. The law also clarifies that for state employees, essential workers include specific groups like law enforcement and healthcare professionals regardless of severance pay, while excluding employees whose negotiating employer is the state court administrator. Additionally, the bill specifies that all employees at Hennepin Healthcare System are considered essential employees under this definition.