Sen. Scott Dibble

Maddy summarySF 3946 clarifies Minnesota's law against assaulting transit workers by expanding the definition of "transit worker" to include all employees, contractors, and volunteers in public transportation (not just drivers or operators). It specifies that assaulting or intentionally transferring bodily fluids onto these workers while they're performing job duties becomes a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine. The bill removes outdated references to "transit vehicle operation" and broadens protection to cover more transit staff types during work. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, applying to incidents occurring after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts Minnesota state and local governments from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement activities, such as detaining individuals for deportation. It defines prohibited actions and clarifies that state resources should not be used for federal immigration purposes while still allowing cooperation on criminal matters. The legislation also requires hospitals to create policies for interactions with law enforcement and prohibits denying education based on immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new grant program in Minnesota to fund capital improvements for emergency shelters that help people experiencing homelessness. The program allows eligible entities, such as cities, counties, tribal governments, and non-profit organizations, to apply for up to $1 million per project to renovate existing facilities, add new beds, or construct new shelters. Funding comes from two state accounts, with a requirement that at least 40% of the money be awarded to projects in rural "greater Minnesota" areas. To receive a grant, applicants must submit a competitive proposal, and the projects must meet all state and local building codes. Additionally, the bill prioritizes new construction projects where the applicant contributes at least 10% of the total funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $900,000 from the state's general fund to support the Southeast Service Cooperative in creating a transportation management organization for ten southeastern Minnesota counties. The funds are designated for planning, implementation, and operational services related to public transit and other transportation methods, with the money available until June 30, 2029. A key provision restricts the use of these funds, prohibiting any spending on administrative costs. This is a one-time appropriation intended to help the region develop a coordinated approach to transportation needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials and equipment used to build Minnesota's Blue Line Extension light rail line and its associated facilities. Under the new rules, contractors and developers purchasing these items will first pay the standard sales tax, which the state will later refund to the governmental entity responsible for the project. The exemption applies to purchases made after June 30, 2026, and includes materials for stations, park-and-ride lots, and maintenance centers. This measure adds the Blue Line Extension to a list of other public infrastructure and community projects that already qualify for this tax refund process.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's PROMISE grant program to provide financial assistance to small businesses operating in communities impacted by economic challenges or racial discrimination. To qualify, a business must be located in Minnesota, have annual revenue of $750,000 or less, and meet specific criteria regarding its location or the taxpayer's residence. The legislation establishes a tiered funding structure where grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 based on the business's prior year revenue and gives preference to those demonstrating financial hardship or operating since 2021. Funds received can be used for essential operational expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, and equipment, with a limit of one grant per business unless additional documentation proves higher revenue levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota laws to clarify how housing cooperatives are organized and operated, directly affecting residents and owners of these communities. It establishes that membership interests in cooperatives count as personal property for tax and legal purposes while ensuring each unit qualifies for homestead exemptions. The legislation also defines key terms like "assessment" to include all charges for operating expenses, taxes, and reserves, and clarifies that cooperatives must carry insurance and maintain their properties. Additionally, the bill updates various sections of the state statutes to provide clearer guidance on member rights, financial responsibilities, and the legal status of cooperative units.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and use of paraquat dichloride, a pesticide, in Minnesota. Starting January 1, 2027, no one can sell or distribute this pesticide, and by January 1, 2028, its use is also banned. The state's agriculture commissioner will collect and dispose of any prohibited stockpiles and must submit a report by January 1, 2028, detailing past usage and supply chain status to legislative committees. These measures directly affect farmers, pesticide distributors, and state agricultural regulators. The legislation aims to remove paraquat dichloride from the market through a phased timeline while ensuring proper disposal and oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies certain data reported to Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management as nonpublic or private information rather than making it available to the general public. It specifically protects application data for cannabis and hemp business licenses, customer lists, worker identities, financial records, and information submitted through the statewide monitoring system from public disclosure. While some basic business details like applicant names, ownership information, and proposed event locations remain public, the law shields sensitive operational and personal data from public access. The changes apply to both current license applicants and existing license holders, updating how the state manages transparency versus privacy in the cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses in Minnesota tourism improvement districts to pass along service charges to customers, similar to how they currently handle sales tax. It modifies state tax definitions to clarify that these service charges are not included in the sales price for tax purposes, provided they are separately listed on receipts or invoices. The legislation also defines how service charges can be calculated, including options like a percentage of gross revenue or a fixed amount per transaction, and permits businesses to choose whether to collect these charges from purchasers. These changes apply retroactively to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively.