Sen. Scott Dibble

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from bond proceeds and $11.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026, plus $15 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2027, to fund the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. It directly affects local road projects that require wetland replacement under Minnesota Statutes §103G.222, as these projects often drain or fill wetlands during repairs or upgrades. The program enables the Board of Water and Soil Resources to purchase land/easements or acquire wetland replacement credits at fair market value to restore or preserve wetlands, using agreements with federal agencies, local governments, or nonprofits. The funds are specifically for offsetting wetland loss caused by public road maintenance activities, not for new road construction.

Maddy summarySF 1082 increases the percentage of solid waste management fees allocated to Minnesota's resource management account over time. Starting in 2026, 7% of these fees will go to the account, rising to 20% in 2027, and 30% annually from 2028 onward. This change shifts funds previously directed to the general fund toward environmental programs, with the money distributed to counties via the Pollution Control Agency under existing rules. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.5 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide operating assistance to transit systems in Greater Minnesota (rural and non-urban areas outside Minneapolis-St. Paul). It directly affects local transit agencies that receive state funding under Minnesota Statutes §174.24, specifically replacing shortfalls when local funding falls below required state-mandated percentages. The funds must cover operating costs for these systems and are available only until June 30, 2027, as a one-time appropriation. This is a direct funding mechanism to stabilize transit services in underserved regions, not a policy change to existing statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota property assessors to reduce the taxable value of land subject to certain conservation easements or restrictions. It directly affects landowners who hold qualifying conservation easements on their property, particularly in rural areas. The key provision requires that the easement must be for conservation purposes, recorded on the property, and the land must be used according to the easement terms. However, the reduction does not apply to easements covering riparian buffers, properties in counties with specific farmland protection programs, or properties with easements entered before May 2013. The change takes effect for property tax assessments starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management to review all verified social equity applicants before considering general licensing applications for cannabis licenses. It directly affects cannabis business applicants who qualify as social equity applicants (typically from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition) versus general applicants. The key provision mandates that the Office must complete all reviews of verified social equity applicants in a given licensing period before moving to general applications. This changes the review order but does not alter the number of licenses available for either category. The amendment updates Minnesota Statutes section 342.14, subdivision 4.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18 million in bond proceeds to fund reforestation and forest management on Minnesota's state forest lands. The funds will cover purchasing native seeds and seedlings, planting, site preparation, and protecting state forests, with $8 million specifically allocated for forest stand improvement and managing pests like emerald ash borer and spruce budworm. The state will sell $18 million in bonds to finance these projects, following established bond issuance procedures under Minnesota law. The commissioner of natural resources will administer the funding and projects directly affecting state forest management operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates financial reporting requirements for the Metropolitan Council's transportation services. It requires the Council to submit detailed annual financial reviews by January 15 and updated reports by August 15, comparing budgeted vs. actual revenues and expenditures. The reports must break down funding sources (like federal funds, fares, and property taxes) and spending categories (including bus, light rail, and commuter rail services). These changes apply to the Metropolitan Council and the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.

Maddy summarySF 2890 amends Minnesota law to allow licensed cannabis retailers to give away samples at cannabis events, which was previously prohibited. The bill permits retailers to offer one sample per product type (cannabis plants, flower, products, or edibles), with strict limits: samples cannot exceed 8 grams of flower/concentrate or 100mg THC in edibles. Samples must be stored in labeled containers, displayed securely, and not sold to anyone under 21 or visibly intoxicated. This change directly affects authorized cannabis retailers hosting events, modifying existing rules to permit controlled sampling while maintaining safety and age verification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5 million in state bond funds to help Minneapolis upgrade public sidewalks and curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. It directly affects Minneapolis residents, particularly people with mobility disabilities who use public sidewalks, by funding accessible pedestrian infrastructure. The key mechanism requires the city to secure matching funds from non-state sources before receiving the state grant, and authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $5 million to cover the cost. The funds are specifically for constructing ADA-compliant facilities in public right-of-way areas like streets and sidewalks.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide a grant to the Minnesota Orchestra. The funding is specifically designated for "arts and cultural heritage programming in musical performance" by the orchestra. The grant will support the orchestra's musical programming activities as part of the state's cultural funding initiatives. The bill directly affects the Minnesota Orchestra by providing dedicated state funding for its performance activities.