Sen. Bill Lieske

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public referendums (voting) before certain capital improvement projects can proceed. It directly affects cities and economic development authorities when projects are financed through revenue bonds issued by those authorities. Specifically, cities must hold a public vote before entering lease-purchase agreements for qualifying capital improvements (like buildings or infrastructure) if the project is funded by bonds from an economic development authority. The requirement applies when the project meets specific capital improvement criteria under state law. This change modifies existing statutes to mandate local voter approval for these types of projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's definition of an "adult operator" for motorboats and personal watercraft. It raises the minimum age requirement based on birth dates: operators must be 12+ and born on or after July 1, 2004 (effective July 1, 2025), with later birth date requirements phased in over subsequent years. The change directly affects individuals operating motorboats in Minnesota who must meet these age criteria. The bill updates Minnesota Statutes section 86B.30, subdivision 3, to reflect these revised age thresholds.

Maddy summarySF 3775 prohibits abortion coverage in MinnesotaCare, medical assistance programs, and the State Employees Group Insurance Program. It eliminates abortion and abortion-related services as a mandatory benefit for all health plans except large group plans. The bill repeals existing provisions that previously required coverage of abortion services in medical assistance programs and created reimbursement mechanisms for health plans covering abortions. These changes directly affect state health programs for low-income residents, most individual and small-group health insurance plans, and state employee health coverage.

Maddy summarySF 3816, the Minor Party Ballot Access Act, modifies Minnesota's rules for minor political parties to appear on election ballots. It establishes specific requirements for parties to maintain minor party status, including having a candidate receive at least 1% of statewide votes (or 10% in legislative districts) in the previous election, or collecting verified signatures equal to 1% of voters. Parties must also file annual certifications with the secretary of state confirming compliance with organizational requirements. This bill directly affects minor political parties seeking ballot access for statewide or district-level offices, changing how they qualify and retain their status without altering major party rules.

Maddy summarySF 3810 establishes a ten-year property tax exemption for Minnesota homeowners who have continuously lived in their primary residence (classified as class 1a or 1b) for at least ten years prior to application. To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the property as a homestead for ten years, have no unpaid property taxes or special assessments, and submit specific documentation to their county assessor. The exemption ends if the property is sold, transferred, or no longer used as a primary residence, requiring owners to notify the assessor within 30 days of such changes. This exemption applies starting with the 2027 property assessment year and directly affects long-term homeowners of qualifying primary residences.

Maddy summarySF 3773 appropriates $500,000 from the environment and natural resources trust fund to replace the Sullivan Lake Dam in Morrison County. The funds are designated for use by the commissioner of natural resources during fiscal year 2027. This bill directly provides funding for a specific infrastructure project without changing laws or regulations. It affects Morrison County residents and the dam's structural safety, as the replacement aims to maintain the lake's ecosystem and flood control.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $25,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for a statue commemorating Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in Utah on September 10, 2025. The statue will be placed on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. As a procedural appropriation bill, it directly affects the University of Minnesota's campus design and the state's arts funding allocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's Human Rights Act to update the legal definition of "sexual orientation." It specifies that sexual orientation includes attraction to people based on sex or gender identity (such as men, women, both, neither, or genderqueer individuals), while explicitly stating it does not cover adult attraction to children. The change directly affects individuals protected under the Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The amendment aims to clarify and broaden the definition to align with current understandings of gender identity.

Maddy summarySF 3645 allows employees covered by Minnesota's paid family and medical leave program to formally opt out of participating. Employees would submit a form to the commissioner (available online and in print) to choose not to participate in either the family or medical benefit program, or both. The bill creates a simple administrative process for opting out but does not change the core benefits or eligibility requirements of the existing paid leave program. It is a procedural change requiring the state to provide an opt-out mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies MinnesotaCare and medical assistance coverage for chiropractic services by removing the previous age restriction (which limited coverage to those under 21). It now covers chiropractic services for all eligible individuals, including adults, with a limit of 24 visits per year unless prior authorization is obtained for more. Coverage specifically includes spinal pain treatment, manual therapy, and spinal manipulation, while x-rays are restricted to full-spine exams necessary for diagnosing subluxation. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, or after federal approval.