Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10.85 million from state bonds to fund infrastructure improvements for Duluth's Lot D redevelopment project. The funds will directly support the City of Duluth in constructing public infrastructure, including seawall repairs, utility connections, debris removal, transportation upgrades, and site preparation for the redevelopment site. The state will issue bonds up to this amount to cover these capital improvements, as authorized under Minnesota law. The project aims to prepare publicly owned land for future development through physical infrastructure work.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $21.2 million from state bond proceeds to fund capital improvements at Duluth's Lakewood water treatment plant. It directly affects the city of Duluth by providing funds for specific upgrades, including rehabilitation of the granular infiltration system, roof repairs, and enhancements to water reservoirs and pump stations. The key mechanism authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $21.2 million under Minnesota law to cover these project costs. The funds will support ongoing plant operations through physical infrastructure upgrades, not new services or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of $15 million in state bonds to fund predesign, design, and preconstruction services for a new Academic Health Center facility at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The facility will house the Duluth College of Pharmacy and Medical School, colocated in downtown Duluth's emerging Medical District. The funds, appropriated from the bond proceeds fund, are specifically for planning and preparation of the new building.

Maddy summarySF 264 prohibits possessing dangerous weapons, including rifles and shotguns, within Minnesota's Capitol complex (excluding the National Guard Armory) starting August 1, 2025. It directly affects individuals with concealed carry permits who previously had an exception allowing them to carry rifles/shotguns in public places, by eliminating that exception specifically in the Capitol area. The bill amends existing law to clarify that permit holders may no longer carry these weapons in the Capitol complex without violating felony possession rules, though exceptions remain for law enforcement on duty and for evidence display with permission. This creates a uniform ban on rifles and shotguns in the Capitol complex, aligning it with existing restrictions for other dangerous weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the automatic expiration (sunset) of specific property rate increases for four nursing facilities in Minnesota. It directly affects facilities in St. Paul ($10.65 increase), Duluth ($20.81), Chatfield ($21.35), and Fergus Falls ($38.56 for six months), all effective January 1, 2025. The key provision extends these rate increases permanently (or through June 2025 for Fergus Falls) instead of ending them on a set date. The changes apply to the facilities' property payment rates under state law, with the full effect beginning July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a refundable sales tax exemption for construction materials used in specific airport projects at Duluth International Airport and Sky Harbor Airport. It covers materials purchased between June 2023 and January 2028 for a new air traffic control tower at Duluth, two general aviation hangars at Duluth, and a new terminal at Sky Harbor. Purchasers pay the tax upfront but receive a refund from the state, with refunds only issued after January 2028. The exemption applies retroactively to purchases made after December 2022.

Maddy summarySF 492 establishes a voluntary certification program for commercial deicer applicators who remove snow and ice on privately owned properties for hire. To become certified, applicators must complete approved training on water-friendly practices, pass an exam, and renew every ten years. Certified applicators gain limited liability protection if they follow approved best management practices, but this protection does not apply for gross negligence, intentional harm, or failure to follow the practices. The bill requires certified applicators to maintain detailed records of deicer use for six years and submit annual reports on deicer types and amounts to the Pollution Control Agency. The program takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7 million in state bond funds to construct a wastewater system in the unorganized area of Ash River, St. Louis County. The funds will be granted to the Voyageurs National Park Clean Water Joint Powers Board to cover predesign, design, and construction costs. The bond issuance process follows standard state procedures for capital investments. This directly affects residents in the unorganized Ash River area by enabling wastewater infrastructure improvements. The bill exempts the appropriation from certain statutory requirements under Minnesota law.

Maddy summarySF 519 creates a $5,000 annual tax credit for Minnesota graduates of aerospace or aviation-related educational programs who work full-time for a qualified employer in the aviation/aerospace sector, for up to five consecutive years. It also provides a tax credit for employers who reimburse tuition for these graduates during their first five years of employment. The credit applies to graduates with degrees, certificates, or FAA-recognized certifications from accredited programs at eligible institutions (like those participating in federal Pell Grants). Employers must operate primarily in the aviation/aerospace industry, and the credit is limited to the individual's tax liability each year. The bill specifically targets workforce development in Minnesota's aerospace and aviation sectors.

Maddy summarySF 330 authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $6 million in state bonds to fund a new solid waste management campus in St. Louis County. The bill appropriates these bond proceeds to the Pollution Control Agency for a grant to St. Louis County, covering property acquisition, design, engineering, and construction costs. The campus will handle waste from all county landfills and closed sites, specifically aiming to prevent PFAS and other contaminants from entering Lake Superior. This funding directly supports St. Louis County's waste management infrastructure upgrade.