Sen. Bill Lieske

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Farmington to issue social district licenses that permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated outdoor areas near licensed bars and restaurants. The legislation requires cities to clearly define district boundaries with signage, establish management plans for public safety, and mandate that drinks be served in non-glass containers with responsible drinking warnings. Key provisions include rules that beverages must be purchased from on-sale licensees within or adjacent to the district, consumed only during specified hours, and disposed of before leaving the area unless returning to the original establishment. The bill also requires the city to submit a report within 24 months detailing the district's operation, community response, and any public safety issues encountered.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 4053) requires Minnesota's Secretary of State to share voter and election data with federal agencies upon request, overriding other state laws. It mandates that all data from the statewide voter registration system be provided within 180 days of a request or 90 days before the next election, whichever comes first. The bill defines "voters" broadly to include individuals who attempted to register but weren't approved, had expired registrations, or registered but never voted. This would directly affect Minnesota's election administration and federal agencies seeking voter data for purposes like research or compliance.

Maddy summarySF 4054 modifies MinnesotaCare eligibility to exclude undocumented noncitizens. The bill amends state law to state that undocumented noncitizens (defined as those residing without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval) are ineligible for MinnesotaCare, effective January 1, 2026. Lawfully present noncitizens meeting federal definitions and income guidelines (up to 200% of the federal poverty level) remain eligible, as do families with citizen children who provide required citizenship documentation. This change directly affects undocumented noncitizens seeking MinnesotaCare coverage after the effective date. The bill does not alter eligibility for emergency medical assistance under separate provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Minnesota State Auditor's authority to investigate fraud within state government and audit agencies. It directly affects state agencies (by requiring audits) and the public (by creating new fraud reporting tools). Key provisions include granting the auditor explicit power to investigate fraud and mandating a public fraud complaint line with an electronic tip form. The bill does not change existing audit requirements but adds these specific fraud-fighting mechanisms to the auditor's duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 169) would make a veteran's official discharge papers (DD214) legally equivalent to a permit to carry a pistol in Minnesota. It directly affects veterans who possess their original or certified DD214, allowing them to carry pistols without needing a separate permit, paying fees, or proving firearm training. The key provision requires veterans to carry their DD214 while carrying a pistol in locations where a permit would otherwise be required, but other permit-related laws still apply. This change specifically covers pistol carrying under Minnesota's permit-to-carry statutes, not broader firearm regulations.

Maddy summarySF 3818 repeals Minnesota's estate tax, meaning estates of people who die after December 31, 2025, will no longer owe state tax on inherited assets. The bill removes specific tax provisions from Minnesota Statutes (including sections 270C.585, 289A.10, and others) and updates related definitions to reflect the repeal. It directly affects heirs and executors of estates passing to beneficiaries after the effective date. The change eliminates a state tax that previously applied to estates above certain value thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from state bonds to fund improvements at the Northfield Community Resource Center. The funds will cover predesign, construction, and equipment for facility expansion, safety/security updates, HVAC system replacements, and interior renovations. The money comes from bonds sold by the state under Minnesota's capital investment laws. The city of Northfield will receive the grant to carry out these specific facility upgrades for its residents.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3812 prohibits classroom instruction about gender identity for students in kindergarten through grade 8 in public schools. It requires schools to obtain parental written permission before administering student well-being questionnaires or health screenings to K-8 students and mandates parental notification if a student's health or well-being services change. The bill also establishes procedures for parents to address concerns with school officials within specific timeframes and requires schools to support parental involvement in decisions about student health. The provisions take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summarySF 3817 creates two tax benefits for public safety officers in Minnesota. It exempts their primary home (classified as "class 1a" property) from property taxes if they live and work as a public safety officer (like police or firefighters) in the same city where the home is located, effective for 2027 assessments. It also allows a subtraction from taxable income for public safety officers who reside in the city where they work, effective for tax years after 2025. The bill directly affects officers employed by statutory or home rule charter cities, requiring cities to verify their status for both provisions.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 3811 prohibits public school classroom instruction about gender identity for students in kindergarten through grade 8, effective for the 2026-2027 school year. It requires schools to notify parents about changes to a student's health or well-being services, obtain parental permission for health screenings in early grades, and adopt procedures ensuring parental involvement in health-related decisions. The bill also establishes a grant program to fund firearms safety, archery, hunting, and angling instruction in school physical education courses, with appropriated funding. These provisions apply to all public schools in Minnesota and aim to align classroom content and parental notification practices with specific legislative requirements.