Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies St. Louis County's unclassified civil service rules and removes outdated funding for historical work. It updates which county positions (like the legislative lobbyist/grant coordinator and county administrator roles) fall under unclassified service, while repealing obsolete statutes that allocated $2,500 annually for county historical society activities. The changes specifically affect St. Louis County government operations and its historical society funding mechanism. The bill makes no new funding commitments but eliminates an existing, unused appropriation provision.

Maddy summarySF 1245 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Natural Resources to consider decommissioning off-highway vehicle (OHV) roads or trails when presented with evidence of significant environmental harm, such as impacts to water quality, aquatic life, or wildlife. The bill mandates that such consideration must be triggered by petitions signed by at least 50 local residents or 100 residents from the county or adjacent counties. It also adds new requirements for environmental assessments before constructing or expanding OHV trails, particularly near sensitive waterways (within 150-200 feet of public waters). This bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 84.777 to strengthen protections for natural resources affected by OHV use.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $8.856 million from the state general fund to fund a community engagement center in Duluth for people experiencing homelessness. The funds will support Union Gospel Mission, Inc. (a nonprofit organization), to predesign, build, and equip the center with specific facilities including a commercial kitchen, warming center, health services, classrooms, and hygiene spaces. The appropriation is one-time and must be used for the Duluth project, directly benefiting unhoused residents through expanded support services. The bill establishes a concrete funding mechanism for this specific facility without altering existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $8 million in bonds to fund renovations at the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center (the Depot) in Duluth. It appropriates $8 million from bond proceeds for building system upgrades - including mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and safety improvements - subject to a requirement that at least $5.67 million in local or private funding is secured first. The funds are specifically for preserving and expanding the existing facility, not for new construction. The bill does not affect individuals or businesses directly but supports a public cultural facility in Duluth.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 1072) allows St. Louis County to sell two specific parcels of land seized for unpaid taxes directly to private buyers, bypassing standard public auction requirements. The county must determine this private sale serves its land management interests, and the sale requires approval from the attorney general to ensure accurate land descriptions. The parcels are located in West Duluth (Lot 5, Block 47) and Section 14, Township 54 (described by legal boundaries). This is a targeted authorization for these exact properties, not a broad policy change affecting other lands or counties.

Maddy summarySF 929 would establish the Minnesota Health Plan to guarantee comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Minnesota residents. The plan requires coverage for all medically necessary care - including medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term services - with premiums based on ability to pay and no co-pays. It mandates automatic eligibility for all Minnesotans (including temporary out-of-state residents and border community visitors), while requiring cost reductions through negotiated provider prices rather than care restrictions. The bill also creates new entities like the Minnesota Health Board and Health Fund to administer the plan.

Maddy summarySF 1091 establishes a one-time $20 million program ($10 million for FY2026, $10 million for FY2027) to fund traffic calming projects in Minnesota's largest cities (those with over 10,000 residents). The funds are distributed equally: half based on each city's population share (using 2020 census data) and half based on cities' calculated "money needs" under state law. Eligible projects include curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks, bollards, and other infrastructure improvements designed to enhance traffic safety within city streets. This appropriation is a single-year funding mechanism with no ongoing annual funding commitment.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate File 1073 is a symbolic joint resolution designating January 16 as Religious Freedom Day in Minnesota. It recognizes the historical significance of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (enacted January 16, 1786) and commits the state legislature to celebrating religious diversity while affirming that religious freedom is a fundamental right for all Minnesotans, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but encourages respect for all individuals' religious practices and promotes the protection of religious freedom from interference.

Maddy summarySF 910 would repeal the current exception allowing motorcyclists to split or filter between lanes of traffic in Minnesota. It removes the specific provision (Minnesota Statutes § 169.974, subd. 5(g)) that permitted motorcycles to operate between lanes at speeds under 25 mph or up to 15 mph over traffic speed. This change would make lane-splitting fully prohibited for all motorcycle riders statewide, directly affecting motorcycle operators who currently rely on this exception. The bill amends traffic safety statutes to eliminate this specific allowance, aligning motorcycle lane operation with standard traffic lane usage rules. This is a substantive policy change to Minnesota's vehicle code, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summarySF 829 prohibits Minnesota municipalities from enacting or enforcing zoning ordinances that ban emergency housing facilities, except in residential or agricultural zones. The bill defines an emergency housing facility as a temporary shelter providing day-to-day sleeping and restroom access for people without permanent housing, for less than six months. This law directly affects cities, towns, and townships by restricting their zoning authority to block such facilities in most areas, ensuring they cannot be prohibited through local ordinances. The policy change requires municipalities to allow these facilities in non-residential zones, impacting how communities manage short-term housing solutions for homeless residents.