Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota municipalities to hold at least two public hearings before approving the construction of new data centers. The legislation mandates that specific information about the proposed facility be disclosed to the public at least 48 hours before each hearing, including details about the applicant, the end user, the site location and size, security guard arrangements, and utility requirements. These disclosure rules apply regardless of any private agreements that might otherwise restrict information sharing. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to data center agreements entered into on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires wage remediation for individual healthcare providers in Minnesota if federal approval of a state plan amendment includes a retroactive rate increase. It applies specifically to providers covered by the collective bargaining agreement between SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa and the state of Minnesota. If such retroactive increases are approved, the bill mandates that wage provisions from the agreement take effect retroactively from the same date as the rate increase, with the commissioner of human services responsible for issuing instructions to ensure all affected providers receive back pay for the period between federal approval and the effective date. The legislation takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state from issuing permits for new solid waste disposal facilities located within 1,320 feet of elementary or secondary schools. It directly affects waste management companies seeking to build new landfills and the communities where schools are located. The key provision requires the commissioner to deny any permit for a new disposal facility if the proposed site falls within the specified distance from a school. This measure aims to prevent new waste facilities from being built in close proximity to educational institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $6.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $13.7 million for fiscal year 2027 to the Board of Public Defense in Minnesota, with an additional base funding of $183.529 million starting in fiscal year 2028. The funds come from the state's general fund and are intended to support public defender services, which provide legal representation to individuals who cannot afford attorneys. The appropriations are in addition to previous funding provided in 2025 and will be available until July 1, 2027 for the 2026 allocation. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $450,000 from the state's general fund to support the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Men's World Championship, which will be held in Duluth. The money is designated for Explore Minnesota to provide a grant to Minnesota Sports and Events for costs associated with hosting the tournament. The funds are a one-time appropriation available for use until June 30, 2028, and are intended to cover expenses related to the event's organization and execution.

Maddy summarySF 4060 requires employers at specific Minnesota airports to pay workers a "quality service wage" (QSW) starting July 2026. This applies to workers at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Wold-Chamberlain Field, and other airports managed by the Metropolitan Airports Commission, including food service workers for departing flights. The QSW combines the local minimum wage, health/welfare benefits based on federal standards, and local wage rates. Employers must pay at least this QSW, which will adjust annually using federal McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act guidelines. The bill directly affects airport service workers and their employers at designated locations.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 4003 requires employers to provide suitable seating - such as chairs, stools, or benches with back support - near work areas when sitting is reasonable for the job. It applies to all Minnesota employers in work environments where employees can reasonably use seats, like retail or manufacturing roles involving standing tasks. The law mandates that employers permit seat use and ensures enforcement through the state's occupational safety commissioner under existing statutes, with administrative penalties for violations. This bill directly affects businesses across Minnesota that employ workers in roles where seated breaks are feasible.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes St. Louis County, Minnesota, to sell specific parcels of land through private sales instead of the usual public auction process. The legislation permits the county to sell tax-forfeited land and fee-owned land in designated areas to resolve issues like structure encroachments and to better serve county land management interests. The sale must follow a deed form approved by the state attorney general, who can also correct any errors in the land descriptions. This change allows the county to transfer ownership of two distinct property groups in St. Louis County without competitive bidding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Minnesota state government to issue up to $4 million in bonds to fund local recreation projects. The money will be used to provide matching grants for parks and outdoor recreation areas, as well as for trail connections. Local communities and organizations working on outdoor recreation and trail development would directly benefit from these grants. The bill requires the state to sell the bonds and distribute the funds through the commissioner of natural resources. It takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to restore the historic Denfeld pipe organ at Denfeld High School in Duluth, Minnesota. The funds will be provided as a grant to the Duluth Public School District for organ assessment, rehabilitation, and related arts-education programming. The legislation requires that the restored organ remain accessible for student use, community performances, and public events to preserve Minnesota's cultural heritage.