Sen. Doron Clark

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in bond proceeds to acquire private lands within existing Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The funds will be used to purchase property from willing sellers for creating new parks or expanding current ones, as defined in Minnesota law. The state will sell up to $10 million in bonds under established procedures to fund these land acquisitions. It directly affects landowners within designated park boundaries and the state's natural resources management system.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesotans to modify the sex indicator on their birth records. Adults 18+ or emancipated minors can request changes directly, while parents/guardians may request changes for minors or incapacitated individuals. To request a change, applicants must provide documentation like a medical provider's statement, court order, or sworn statement confirming good faith. The commissioner must approve valid requests, and replaced records become confidential, with original records sealed from public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that when Minnesota's Attorney General brings civil enforcement actions on behalf of the state, records from other state agencies (like departments or commissions) cannot be requested through discovery by opposing parties. It specifies these records are not considered to be in the Attorney General's possession or control for such cases. The bill also explicitly states that each state agency is the sole custodian of its own records, documents, and information. These changes aim to prevent disputes over access to agency records during Attorney General enforcement actions.

Maddy summarySF 3479 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters in 2026, it would guarantee all people equal rights under Minnesota law and prohibit state discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The amendment requires state actions that limit rights to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a compelling government goal. This constitutional change would apply to all state agencies and political subdivisions, taking effect January 1, 2027, if ratified. It does not replace existing anti-discrimination laws but adds a new constitutional standard.

Maddy summarySF 3426 allocates $1,810,000 in one-time state funding to provide grants for law enforcement emergency entry devices at Minnesota schools. The bill directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and cooperative school units by allowing them to apply for up to $1,000 per school building to install secure exterior master key boxes meeting Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1037. Schools must update their safety plans to include these devices, and the Department of Education will prioritize funding for all applicants before using a lottery for remaining funds. Unused 2018 school safety grant funds are canceled to redirect resources toward this specific security measure. The appropriation expires June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 3425 establishes a monthly excise tax on social media platform businesses that collect consumer data from Minnesota residents. It directly affects large social media companies (defined as those collecting data from over 100,000 Minnesota residents monthly), imposing tiered rates based on user counts: $0 for under 100,000 users, $0.10 per user above 100,000 up to 500,000, and higher fixed/variable rates for larger user bases. The tax applies specifically to data collection activities, with Minnesota residents counted based on address or IP data, and companies must report payments to the state revenue commissioner. Revenues from this tax will fund Minnesota's general fund.

Maddy summarySF 472 exempts the Office of Ombudsperson for American Indian Families and federally recognized tribes (or their representatives) from paying court fees for specific family-related legal actions. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to add these entities to existing exemptions covering child support enforcement, medical assistance enforcement, parentage establishment, civil commitment, conservatorship/guardianship appointments, and certain family court proceedings. This change removes a financial barrier for tribal and tribal-affiliated entities when navigating court systems for these matters. The policy directly affects tribal organizations and the Office of Ombudsperson in their legal interactions with Minnesota courts. It does not alter substantive law but ensures these entities are not charged fees for specified court services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota health care facilities (like hospitals, assisted living centers, and hospices) to accommodate patients using medical cannabis and specific hemp products under state law. Facilities may set reasonable rules - such as requiring patients to store products in locked containers or restricting use to designated areas - but cannot unreasonably limit access or prohibit use solely because cannabis is federally illegal. The law also clarifies that facilities must allow use authorized by state medical cannabis programs and cannot deny care based on federal drug status. If federal agencies take enforcement action against facilities for cannabis use, they may temporarily pause accommodations until federal guidance changes.

Maddy summarySF 3348 establishes fair lending requirements for non-bank lenders providing loans over $10,000 to cannabis businesses in Minnesota. It directly affects cannabis business applicants, license holders, and non-bank lenders (excluding federally regulated banks/credit unions). The bill requires lenders to provide borrowers with detailed written disclosures at least five days before a loan agreement, including interest rates, finance charges, payment schedules, and total repayment amounts. Violations make the loan void, relieving borrowers of repayment obligations. The law takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 3346 authorizes cities of the first class (like Minneapolis) to create designated "social districts" where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed establishments. The bill requires cities to formally designate district boundaries, hours, and safety plans via ordinance, and mandates special non-glass containers with clear labeling (including "Drink Responsibly - Be 21" and a 16-ounce limit). It prohibits alcohol consumption outside designated areas, requires disposal before exiting the district (except when re-entering the purchase location), and mandates a city report to legislators within 24 months evaluating community impact and safety. This directly affects city governments, licensed bars, and residents/businesses near designated zones.