Sen. Rob Farnsworth

Maddy summarySF 1255 appropriates $8 million from state bond proceeds to fund the Progress Parkway project in Eveleth, Minnesota. The bill authorizes funds for predesign, construction, and improvements to the road, including intersection upgrades, realignment, and extension from U.S. Highway 53 to Trunk Highway 37. St. Louis County and the city of Eveleth will receive the grant funds through the state commissioner of transportation, with bonds sold to cover the cost. This is a concrete infrastructure funding measure for local road improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts regulatory authority for gray water discharges (non-toilet wastewater) from commercial houseboats in St. Louis, Koochiching, and Lake Counties from the state Pollution Control Agency to those counties. It prohibits the state agency from regulating such discharges in these counties and requires counties to adopt local rules compliant with the federal Clean Boating Act of 2008. The bill specifically applies to commercial houseboats operating in those three counties and excludes discharges containing toilet waste. This is a policy change transferring local regulatory responsibility without altering federal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3,840,000 to the City of Aitkin for extending water and sanitary sewer utilities to its housing and economic development park, including space for a new public school. The funds, to be raised through state bonds, will cover predesign, design, engineering, and construction of these utilities. The direct beneficiaries are residents of the new housing park and future students at the Aitkin public school facility. The bill authorizes the sale of state bonds under Minnesota Statutes to finance this utility extension project.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $5.5 million from state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in Keewatin, Minnesota. It authorizes the sale of state bonds to provide a grant to Keewatin for designing, constructing, and equipping replacements for water mains, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer systems, and streets. The funds will directly support the city's local infrastructure projects, with the commissioner of management and budget handling bond issuance per state law. The bill creates a concrete funding mechanism for specific physical infrastructure upgrades in Keewatin, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $5.2 million in state bonds to fund improvements at Carey Lake Recreation Area in Hibbing. The funds will be used by the city of Hibbing to design, construct, and equip specific upgrades, including the beach area, campground, park roads, and new ski, bike, and multi-purpose trails. The money comes from the bond proceeds fund, with the state selling bonds to cover the cost. The bill directly affects Hibbing residents by enhancing recreational facilities at this local park.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million from state bond funds to improve Virginia's city hall building. The grant covers specific capital upgrades, including replacing the HVAC system, windows, and other structural improvements. The funds will be provided through state bond sales authorized under Minnesota law, with the money directed to the City of Virginia for design and construction. The bill becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes additional long-term facilities maintenance revenue for Minnesota school districts that operate buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It adds a new per-pupil funding amount (to be specified in appropriations) to existing maintenance revenue, specifically for districts with historic facilities. The funds may only be used for preservation-related work like HVAC systems or remodeling that maintains historic integrity, and cannot fund new construction, portable classrooms, or unrelated projects. The changes take effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota Statutes to exempt certain off-highway vehicles made for children (like mini ATVs or dirt bikes), their replacement parts, and associated protective gear from the definition of a "juvenile product" under Amara's Law. It directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these child-sized off-highway vehicles by removing them from regulatory requirements that apply to other juvenile products. The key mechanism adds a specific exclusion to the statute's definition of "juvenile product" (Section 116.943, subdivision 1(m)(3)), clarifying these items are not covered by the law's restrictions on PFAS in children's products. This change focuses on regulatory scope, not new requirements.

Maddy summarySF 586 appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs. The funds are designated for grants to Veterans on the Lake to cover expenses related to veteran retreats, including therapy, transportation, and customized activities. This bill directly affects veterans participating in these retreats by providing funding for support services through the Veterans on the Lake organization. The legislation is a funding measure with no substantive policy changes beyond the specified appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $850,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the design of a new wastewater treatment facility in the city of Eveleth. The funds will be provided as a grant to Eveleth through the Public Facilities Authority to address environmental and human health concerns. The state will issue bonds up to $850,000 to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. The direct beneficiary is the city of Eveleth and its residents, who will receive funding for a facility targeting wastewater infrastructure improvements.