Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summarySF 3431 restores legislative review of state employee compensation plans and salaries by requiring the Legislative Coordinating Commission to approve these plans before they take effect. The bill directly affects state employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements (including many classified and unclassified staff) and the Legislative Coordinating Commission. Key provisions mandate that the commissioner of management and budget submit compensation plans to the Commission for approval under amended sections 3.855 and 43A.18, rather than allowing interim implementation without legislative review. This reinstates a process that was previously removed, ensuring the legislature has a formal role in approving pay structures before they are implemented. The bill does not change existing collective bargaining agreements but requires similar review for non-bargaining employee compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide energy performance standards for large buildings in Minnesota, requiring owners to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. It directly affects owners of buildings over 50,000 square feet (classified into four types based on ownership and size), mandating they meet specific energy use intensity (EUI) targets by 2042-2045. Key mechanisms include phased deadlines (e.g., public buildings by 2042, private buildings by 2045), annual reporting on progress, and provisions for extensions if buildings face financial distress. The goal is a 90% reduction in emissions from covered buildings compared to 2005 levels by 2045.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,059,000 from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The funds will support the Lake Superior Center Authority for predesign, construction, and renovations - including critical upgrades to mechanical, electrical, water treatment systems, utility infrastructure, life-safety features, and exterior facilities like parking and grounds. The money comes from bonds authorized under Minnesota law, not general state funds. This directly affects the aquarium’s operations and physical infrastructure, with no changes to public policy or regulations.

Maddy summarySF 3401 expands Minnesota's unitary tax system to include foreign corporations, meaning foreign-owned corporate groups operating in Minnesota will now be treated as a single entity for state tax purposes. The bill adds a tax subtraction for global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), which is income from foreign subsidiaries subject to a federal minimum tax under U.S. law. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill directly affects foreign corporations with Minnesota operations that are part of multinational groups subject to unitary taxation.

Maddy summarySF 3265 repeals a sales and use tax exemption for data centers in Minnesota. It removes the provision that previously allowed data center operators to avoid paying sales tax on enterprise information technology equipment and computer software used in qualified data centers. This change means data center businesses will now pay the standard sales tax on these items starting July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects data center operators who previously qualified for this exemption under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 297A.68, subdivision 42.

Maddy summarySF 2523 modifies Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) rules to improve retirement benefits for educators. It allows teachers to retire without penalty at age 60 with 30 years of service, adjusts early retirement reductions, and removes delays for postretirement adjustments. The bill increases employer contributions to the TRA fund (from 13.3% to 17.3% for most members by 2026) and raises school district pension adjustment rates (from 1.05% to 2.05% by 2026). These changes directly affect public school teachers in the TRA system, school districts funding retirement, and the state budget through new appropriations.

Maddy summarySF 2149 modifies Minnesota's labor laws regarding wages for workers with disabilities and online continuing education standards. It prohibits employers from paying disabled workers less than the minimum wage after August 1, 2026 (for new hires) and August 1, 2028 (for all employees), eliminating the use of federal "section 14(c)" certificates that previously allowed subminimum wages. The bill also establishes detailed technical requirements for internet-based continuing education courses, including encryption, identity verification, interactivity standards, and specific content features. These changes directly affect employers (particularly those using special certificates) and training providers for professions like manufactured home installers and elevator constructors. The bill does not address earned sick and safe time provisions, as referenced in its title.

Maddy summarySF 2162 allows cities and counties to adopt approved alternative road design standards for state-aid projects without needing state variance approvals. Local road authorities can use specific guides like AASHTO's highway standards or NACTO's urban design guides, eliminating the need for state review of designs meeting these standards. The bill requires the state commissioner to notify legislators within 30 days if a variance is denied, including the advisory committee's reasoning. This directly affects local governments managing road projects by streamlining design approvals while maintaining safety standards for nonmotorized transportation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.5 million from the general fund for Minnesota's "Lawns to Legumes" program in fiscal year 2026. The funding, available until June 30, 2029, supports the Board of Water and Soil Resources in replacing traditional lawns with legume-rich plantings that improve soil health and support pollinators. The program will partner with local governments, Metro Blooms, and other organizations to implement this initiative. It directly affects landowners participating in the program and local entities managing public or private green spaces.

Maddy summaryHF 1723 modifies St. Louis County's unclassified civil service rules by adding specific positions - like a legislative lobbyist/grant coordinator, county administrator deputies, and certain administrative staff - to the unclassified service list. It also repeals outdated provisions, including a $2,500 annual county appropriation for historical work (Minnesota Statutes 383C.74) and a rule about board members' three-year terms (383C.07). The bill directly affects St. Louis County government operations, removing obsolete funding for historical societies and clarifying which county roles are unclassified. This is a procedural update to county staffing and budget rules, with no new funding or major policy shifts.