Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's water discharge notification laws to require public treatment facilities and sewer system owners to inform downstream users, including Tribal governments and drinking water facilities, when a pollution discharge occurs. The key provision adds a new requirement that these facilities must notify potentially impacted parties using the most efficient communication methods available, such as phone calls, social media, or in-person contact, and post signage at affected public areas. The bill also mandates that notices include specific details like the discharge date and time, material description, potential health risks, and contact information for the responsible party. Additionally, the state agency must provide guidance on methods and protocols for delivering timely notifications under these new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state of Minnesota to create a centralized online portal and database for collecting certified payroll information from all contractors working on state projects that are subject to prevailing wage laws. The system will allow the public to search and view details about workers, including their job classifications, hours worked, and hourly wages, starting in 2026. Contractors must submit their payroll data through this new electronic system, which will also serve as their official record for meeting existing reporting requirements. The legislation includes funding for the technology and administrative costs needed to establish and maintain the portal.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota statutes to adjust pension funding rules for teachers, specifically changing employer contribution rates and pension adjustment revenue calculations. It directly affects school districts and teachers in the Teachers Retirement Association and St. Paul Teachers' Retirement Fund Association by modifying how much employers contribute and how state pension revenue is distributed. The legislation updates contribution percentages for different districts and establishes new caps on pension adjustment revenue for specific fiscal years. These changes aim to standardize financial contributions and revenue limits across the state's teacher retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support the Duluth office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The funds are intended to promote economic growth in northeast Minnesota by helping local community organizations and improving commercial areas. The money can be used for workshops, networking events, staffing, and providing loans to businesses. This is a one-time appropriation that will be managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new special license plate program called "Minnesota Main Streets" for vehicle owners in Minnesota who wish to support local community initiatives. To qualify, vehicle owners must pay standard registration fees and contribute at least $30 annually to a dedicated account, with the plate design featuring the phrase "Legendary Landmarks" to celebrate Minnesota's historic sites and commercial districts. The collected contributions will fund the Minnesota Main Streets program through the commissioner of public safety, while the plates can be transferred to another eligible vehicle owned by the same person for a $5 fee. The program will become effective on January 1, 2027, allowing qualifying vehicle owners to display these plates starting from that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale and possession of lead ammunition in Minnesota to protect public safety and the environment. It establishes a phased ban where manufacturers and wholesalers cannot sell lead ammo starting August 1, 2027, while retailers are banned from selling it beginning August 1, 2028. By August 1, 2028, individuals are also prohibited from using or possessing lead ammunition, with civil penalties of up to $5,000 for violations. The law includes exemptions for peace officers and government employees performing official duties, and it requires a public buyback program to help residents dispose of or exchange existing lead ammunition. Additionally, the bill mandates that shooting ranges and hunting programs incorporate education about the dangers of lead and the benefits of nontoxic alternatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission to increase transparency regarding flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport that carry passengers being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Specifically, it mandates that the airport operator notify the commission of these flights and provides details on the number of detained passengers, including minors, along with flight schedules and routes. To further ensure public oversight, the commission must install a live-streaming camera at the relevant terminal to broadcast the loading and unloading of these flights and submit monthly reports to state legislators. These provisions apply directly to the airport authority and the specific terminal handling private and business flights, aiming to make the presence and movement of detained individuals more visible to the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the retirement system for Minnesota public school teachers by adjusting how early retirement penalties are calculated and changing how school districts receive pension funding. Under the new rules, teachers who retire before their normal retirement age will face a smaller reduction in their monthly pension, while those with 30 or more years of service credit will not face any reduction at all. Additionally, the legislation sets specific rates for how much money school districts receive to help cover pension costs, with different rates for the district in St. Paul compared to other districts. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and directly impact teachers in the Teachers Retirement Association and the school districts that employ them.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new state general levy specifically for residential homestead property in Minnesota and modifies how city aid is distributed to municipalities. The legislation requires the state to calculate a specific tax amount for home properties each year to fund a set level of financial assistance for cities, with these changes taking effect for taxes payable in 2027. Additionally, the bill updates the formula for city aid by ensuring each city receives an amount equal to the greater of its unmet need or a calculated percentage of its previous funding, while also defining a new category for high-value residential properties. These adjustments aim to create a more predictable funding stream for local governments and clarify how state taxes are applied to different types of real estate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota employers to inform current employees within 72 hours if a federal immigration agency plans to inspect their employment eligibility records. It also mandates that employers prohibit federal immigration agents from entering nonpublic work areas, such as offices or storage rooms, unless the agents present a valid judicial warrant or court order. To support compliance, the state labor commissioner must provide a standardized notice template by August 2026, and employers face civil fines of up to $10,000 for failing to follow these notification and access rules.