Sen. Rob Farnsworth

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds for compensation payments to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who suffer livestock losses or property damage from wolves or elk. Specifically, it allocates money for wolf-related livestock destruction (under Minn. Stat. § 3.737) and elk-related crop/fence damage (under Minn. Stat. § 3.7371) in fiscal years 2026-2027. The funding allows the Agriculture Commissioner to use up to $5,000 annually for university extension agent costs in valuing damaged livestock. If claims exceed expected levels, the Commissioner may shift funds between the wolf and elk programs to cover higher demand. The bill directly affects agricultural producers in areas with wolf and elk populations.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat, a nonprofit organization. The funds will support building a new shooting range and retreat designed specifically for disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities. The grant covers predesign, construction, furnishing, and equipment to create an accessible facility. This is a one-time appropriation with funds available until the project is completed.

Maddy summarySF 1681 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Minnesota governors and lieutenant governors to two terms each. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would change the state constitution to restrict future officeholders to no more than two consecutive terms. The bill requires the amendment to be submitted to voters with a specific ballot question asking whether term limits should be added to the governor and lieutenant governor positions. The amendment would apply to all elections beginning in 2026, including counting prior elections toward the term limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1432) amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.1691, by updating the definition of "biomass" for energy purposes. It clarifies that eligible biomass includes wood waste, landfill gas, anaerobic digesters, and specific wastewater by-products, while explicitly excluding wastewater sludge incineration. The change directly affects electric utilities that generate power from biomass sources and seek renewable energy credits under state law. The key mechanism is a precise definition to ensure consistent application of biomass eligibility in energy programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 to Forgotten Heroes Ranges and Retreat, a nonprofit organization. The funds are designated for expenses related to veteran retreats, including transportation and customized activities. The commissioner of veterans affairs must submit annual reports detailing how the grant money was used, including administrative costs, to legislative committees by January 15 each year. This bill directly supports veterans participating in the nonprofit's retreat programs through financial assistance.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 720 withdraws Minnesota from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC), a multi-state agreement to award presidential electors based on the national popular vote. The bill repeals Minnesota laws (208.051 and 208.052) that implemented the compact, ending the state's participation in the agreement. As a result, Minnesota will no longer commit to awarding its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner; instead, presidential electors will be chosen based on the state's own popular vote outcome. This change affects how Minnesota's presidential electors are selected in future elections, reverting to the state's standard electoral process.

Maddy summarySF 876 creates a public online dashboard to track environmental reviews and permits for metallic mineral mining projects in Minnesota. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to add projects to the dashboard within 15 days of submission, including summaries of project locations, environmental reviews needed, and public hearing opportunities. The dashboard must display real-time deadlines, agency compliance status, and updates like permit modifications or litigation status. This affects mining project developers, state agencies (like DNR and environmental regulators), and the public seeking transparency in the permitting process. The bill aims to improve coordination and accountability in the existing environmental review system under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 93.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of labor and industry. The funds support Minnesota's existing Loggers Safety Grant Program, established under 2021 laws, which provides financial assistance to loggers for safety equipment and training. The program directly benefits logging workers and employers by helping them adopt safety measures to reduce workplace hazards. This funding ensures the program continues operating with dedicated state resources for two fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits disciplinary dismissals for kindergarten through grade 3 students in Minnesota public schools, expanding existing protections to cover all such dismissals except for absences of less than one school day or cases involving students receiving special education services under federal law. It requires schools to exhaust other interventions before using expulsions or exclusions, which are permitted only when there is an ongoing serious safety threat. The law amends Minnesota Statutes section 121A.425 to clarify these restrictions. This directly affects all public schools serving K-3 students statewide.

Maddy summarySF 360 modifies Minnesota's high school mathematics requirements by requiring grade 8 standards to include algebra, geometry, and statistics as preparation for the three required math credits in grades 9-12. It specifies that students must earn three math credits meeting statewide academic standards, as determined by their local school district. This bill directly affects all Minnesota public high school students and school districts, updating curriculum expectations for math education and graduation requirements.