Sen. Justin Eichorn

Maddy summarySF 417 establishes a property tax credit for eligible senior homeowners in Minnesota. It directly affects residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary residence as a homestead, have household income under $96,000, and have owned the property for at least five years. The credit amount equals the difference between current property taxes and taxes from 2020 (for pre-2020 owners) or the prior year (for newer owners), capped at $500 annually. Applications are submitted yearly by March 1 to county assessors, with reimbursements paid to local governments in two installments, effective for taxes payable in 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's homestead property tax exclusion rates for specific assessment years. For 2025 and 2028+, it sets a 40% exclusion for homes under $95,000, with a sliding scale up to $517,200. For 2026-2027, it temporarily increases the exclusion thresholds to $107,450 and $585,000, respectively. Additionally, it temporarily boosts property tax refunds for 2026-2027 by increasing maximum refund amounts by $500 and reducing the percentage of income taxpayers must pay toward their refund. These changes directly affect homeowners with qualifying homestead properties who pay property taxes in those years.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual increases in the assessed value of residential properties to 2% (except for improvements) and caps property taxes at 1% of the current assessment value. It directly affects residential property owners in Minnesota, including those with homestead and nonhomestead classifications. Key provisions include a 2% annual valuation cap for 2025 assessments and a 1% tax rate adjustment for 2026 tax payments. The changes apply to all residential properties classified under Minnesota's property tax system. The bill takes effect for 2025 property valuations and 2026 tax bills.

Maddy summarySF 2445 exempts pens containing lead from Minnesota's general ban on manufacturing or selling lead-containing products, effective until January 1, 2028. The bill requires pen manufacturers benefiting from this exemption to submit six-month reports to the Pollution Control Agency detailing compliance barriers, progress toward meeting the ban, and updated timelines. This directly affects pen manufacturers using lead in their products, providing a temporary exception while mandating transparency about their compliance efforts. The exemption specifically applies to pens, not other lead-containing items covered by the broader statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's PFAS and lead/cadmium prohibitions by delaying certain deadlines. It exempts electronic/internal components (like circuit boards in devices) from PFAS bans until January 1, 2032, and delays restrictions on lead in products (such as pens and circuit boards with lead solder) until January 1, 2028. Airport operators using PFAS-containing firefighting foam in hangars are exempt until 2028, requiring annual reports to state agencies on their transition plans. Manufacturers of exempt products must submit semi-annual compliance reports detailing barriers and timelines. The changes apply specifically to electronics, certain pens, and airport firefighting foam operations.

Maddy summarySF 2446 delays the ban on lead solder in key fobs with internal circuit boards until January 1, 2028, instead of the original enforcement date. This directly affects manufacturers of such key fobs, allowing them to continue using lead solder in internal circuit boards during the delay period. The bill requires these manufacturers to submit six-month reports to the Pollution Control Agency detailing barriers to compliance, progress made, and an updated timeline for meeting the lead limit. The delay applies only to key fobs with lead solder in internal circuit boards, while other products must still comply with the existing lead (0.009%) and cadmium (0.0075%) limits.

Maddy summarySF 2409 exempts electronic and internal components of products from Minnesota's PFAS prohibitions until January 1, 2032. This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116.943, subdivision 8, specifically adding that exemption under subsection (c). It directly affects manufacturers of electronics (like phones, computers, and appliances) who use PFAS in internal parts, giving them additional time to find alternatives. The key provision extends the compliance deadline for these components beyond the general PFAS ban timeline, while other product categories remain subject to existing restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays the ban on PFAS-containing class B firefighting foam at airport hangars until January 1, 2028. It directly affects airport operators who currently use this foam, requiring them to submit annual reports to the state fire marshal by December 31 each year about their transition plans, disposal of PFAS foam, and progress toward meeting federal safety requirements. The delay allows time for the Federal Aviation Administration to finalize guidance on fluorine-free foam alternatives and for those alternatives to become commercially available in sufficient quantities. Airport operators may request a one-year extension with approval from both the Pollution Control Agency and State Fire Marshal, provided environmental and public safety protections are maintained.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates legal liability for individuals who trespass on or damage critical infrastructure like pipelines, utilities, or public service facilities, and holds recruiters or organizers of such trespasses responsible for resulting property damage. It amends Minnesota law to make damaging critical infrastructure with intent to disrupt services a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $20,000 fine, while unauthorized entry (without consent) becomes a gross misdemeanor under specific conditions like refusing to leave or ignoring posted signs. The law directly affects trespassers and those who recruit, train, or aid them, extending liability to entities that facilitate such actions. It applies to crimes committed on or after August 1, 2025, and focuses on property damage and trespass to infrastructure rather than other activities.

Maddy summarySF 2382 allows conservation officers in Minnesota to have certified sporting group dogs accompany them during patrols under specific conditions. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 84.0286, requiring dogs to be AKC sporting breeds, fully vaccinated, healthy, and non-aggressive, with officers personally certifying these conditions and assuming liability. Officers must take responsibility for any damage or injury caused by the dog, and the state, commissioner, or department is not liable. This directly affects conservation officers seeking to use trained dogs during patrols. The bill focuses on safety protocols and liability for dog-assisted patrols.