Sen. Sandy Pappas

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's definition of "carbon-free" electricity to include specific biomass sources. It adds that carbon-free electricity must now include biomass that generates at least 50% of a utility's annual retail sales using wood chips from: (1) tree trimming waste during non-energy timber harvesting, or (2) discarded wood products. This change directly affects electric utilities (including cooperatives, municipal agencies, and power districts) that report on carbon-free electricity sources under state law. The definition update clarifies which biomass energy qualifies as carbon-free for regulatory reporting purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a technical amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to update specific language in Article I for consistency with current Minnesota Statutes. It corrects minor grammatical inconsistencies and outdated phrasing (e.g., changing "his the member's peers" to "his peers" in Section 2) without altering any substantive rights or legal protections. The amendment directly affects the wording of the state constitution itself, aligning it with modern statutory drafting standards. It has no direct impact on citizens, policies, or voting rights, as it only addresses technical language. This is a procedural update, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySF 2950 appropriates $11.5 million from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the Rondo Community Land Trust. The funds must be used to create a home buyer initiative pilot program targeting households with adjusted incomes at or below 115% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). This program aims to expand affordable homeownership opportunities specifically for low-to-moderate income residents in the Rondo community. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and cannot be used for other purposes.

Maddy summarySF 2933 authorizes $258.3 million in state funding for capital improvements to public buildings and infrastructure across Minnesota. It directly affects state universities (University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges), public libraries, and state academies by providing specific appropriations for projects like campus utility upgrades, library construction, and facility repairs. Key provisions include $40 million for university infrastructure projects (e.g., heating plants, HVAC systems, and building code compliance), $177.1 million for library construction grants (including $1 million for a new Clara City library), and $1.2 million for state academy facility preservation. Funds must be used for capital improvements only, with recipients required to demonstrate financial readiness to complete projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $6.5 million in bonds to fund a new National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota. The funds will be granted to the city of Crosslake to construct a building and outdoor public spaces - including visitor facilities, educational exhibits, and parking - for the center. The money comes from the state's bond proceeds fund, not new taxes, and the project must comply with Minnesota's bond issuance laws. The center will serve as a public education and visitor facility focused on loon conservation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota state universities' authority to offer applied doctoral degrees in specific professional fields. It directly affects state universities (like Minnesota State universities) and students seeking doctoral-level education in high-demand workforce areas. Key provisions add cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields to the list of approved programs, alongside existing fields like nursing and business. The Board of Trustees may also designate additional areas as needed to address workforce needs. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 135A.052, updating the mission statement for state universities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of $44.66 million in housing infrastructure bonds specifically for the St. Paul Port Authority's "The Heights" housing development project. It requires that all bond proceeds be used for housing meeting income limits defined in Minnesota law, unless the Port Authority designates the project for a specific affordability purpose. The bill also establishes annual funding transfers from the general fund to cover debt service payments for these bonds over multiple years (2015-2044), with varying annual amounts depending on the bond series. The direct beneficiary is the St. Paul Port Authority for its designated housing development.

Maddy summarySF 2657 extends the expiration date of St. Paul's local sales tax from December 31, 2042, to December 31, 2060. This tax funds specific city projects approved by voters, such as infrastructure improvements. The bill directly affects St. Paul residents who pay this sales tax and benefit from the funded projects. The key provision amends existing law to delay the tax's expiration by 18 years, allowing continued funding for approved projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $240 million from the general fund for one-time grants to replace lead service lines connecting water mains to homes. The funds, available until June 30, 2033, will be administered by the Public Facilities Authority under state law. It directly affects communities and homeowners with lead pipes, which pose health risks, by providing financial support for their replacement. The key mechanism is a state grant program targeting the physical infrastructure upgrade of aging water service lines.

Maddy summarySF 1788 appropriates $20 million from state bonds to fund grants for metropolitan cities in Minnesota to reduce stormwater and groundwater entering municipal wastewater systems (inflow and infiltration). Eligible cities must be identified by the Metropolitan Council as contributors of excessive inflow/infiltration or near allowable limits, and grants cover up to 50% of eligible capital improvement costs for system upgrades. The funds come from bonds issued under Minnesota law, with the Metropolitan Council distributing grants based on city applications and established guidelines. This directly affects cities within the metro area defined under Minnesota Statutes §473.121, focusing on infrastructure improvements to reduce strain on regional sewer systems.