Sen. Keri Heintzeman

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Baxter to impose a local sales tax and outlines how the resulting revenue can be used for specific infrastructure projects. The legislation allows the city to allocate tax funds to water and wastewater facilities, fire substations, transportation safety improvements, airport enhancements, street infrastructure, and a new public safety building, with additional spending options subject to voter approval. The bill also permits the city to issue bonds up to $77 million to finance these projects without counting them toward the city's debt limits or requiring a separate voter election to approve the bonds.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the city of Brainerd to issue an on-sale liquor license to the Northern Pacific Center, an event venue located at 1511 Northern Pacific Road. The license would permit alcohol sales to event attendees on all days of the week and allows for sales in a space that is not compact and contiguous, provided the premises are described in the approved license. The legislation applies only to the specific event center and does not change existing liquor laws for other businesses. It becomes effective once the Brainerd City Council approves it and the state compliance requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.5 million from the state's renewable development account to fund energy efficiency projects for Brainerd Public Utilities in fiscal year 2027. The funds can be used for upgrading existing turbine generators, replacing them with new units, or making structural improvements to accommodate new generators. The money is allocated to the commissioner of commerce, who will provide the grant to the utility company, and the funds remain available until fully spent. The legislation specifically authorizes these investments without changing existing state laws regarding renewable energy funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state of Minnesota to issue up to $12,000,000 in bonds to fund the renovation and expansion of the Itasca County Family YMCA facility in Grand Rapids. The funds will be granted to Itasca County to cover costs for planning, construction, furnishing, and equipping the facility improvements. The legislation directs the commissioner of management and budget to sell and issue the bonds according to state statutes and constitutional requirements. Once enacted, the bill becomes effective the day following final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for regulating traditional and gestational surrogacy arrangements in Minnesota, primarily affecting intended parents, surrogates, and surrogacy agents. It creates specific definitions for key terms like gestational surrogacy, intended parents, and surrogacy agents, while proposing a new crime for operating a for-profit surrogacy agency. The legislation requires medical and mental health evaluations for participants and sets standards for written agreements between parties involved in surrogacy arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Minnesota's health commissioner to integrate education on restorative reproductive medicine, fertility awareness methods, and body literacy into existing public health programs for family planning, maternal and child health, and women's health initiatives. It requires updating health education materials to include information on these approaches and mandates that Title X-funded facilities incorporate these services within 12 months of the law's effective date. The legislation provides for provider training and patient education materials on these topics, while defining specific terms related to reproductive health conditions and fertility awareness methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase penalties for misconduct by public officers and employees in Minnesota. It directly affects government officials who fail to perform required duties, exceed their authority, unlawfully harm others, or knowingly submit false official documents. The legislation would classify these actions as felonies with potential prison sentences of up to one year for first offenses and up to five years for repeat offenses, along with fines ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The changes would take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates iron ore as the official state mineral of Minnesota. It requires the Office of the Secretary of State to preserve a photograph and a typical specimen of iron ore for public display. The legislation applies to state government records and adds this designation to the Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new unemployment benefits program for iron ore mining workers in Minnesota who lose their jobs between January 15, 2026, and March 15, 2026, due to layoffs. It also extends these benefits to employees of explosive manufacturing companies that supply iron ore mining firms if those mining companies experience significant layoffs. To qualify, workers must have worked for an iron ore mining employer that laid off at least half its workforce during the specified period, have already used up their regular unemployment benefits, and meet standard eligibility requirements. The program provides the same weekly benefit amount as regular unemployment insurance for up to 26 weeks, with special rules for workers who qualify for new benefit accounts during the payment period.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250 million from Minnesota's general fund to the Public Facilities Authority for lead service line replacement grants. The money is designated for fiscal year 2027 and remains available until June 30, 2034. Funds will be distributed under existing state law to help property owners replace water pipes containing lead. The appropriation is a one-time allocation intended to support infrastructure improvements related to drinking water safety.