Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "plug-in solar photovoltaic devices" as portable solar systems under 1,200 watts designed to offset personal electricity use. It exempts these devices from requiring interconnection agreements with utilities, net metering rules, and utility-imposed fees or reporting for installation or operation. Homeowners and renters using these small-scale devices would face simplified installation processes without utility oversight. The bill also states utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by these devices. This regulation directly affects Minnesota residents installing small, personal solar systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota state agencies and local governments to use untreated rainwater or stormwater for outdoor purposes like irrigating parks or gardens, as long as there's no risk of people or animals consuming it or swimming in it. It explicitly prohibits using this water for drinking, swimming, or growing food crops for humans or livestock. The law applies to all government entities that set water-quality standards, expanding permitted outdoor water reuse without requiring treatment for low-risk applications. It focuses on practical, non-potable uses while maintaining safety restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4.5 million in state bonds to fund improvements to the Gitchi Gami State Trail in Minnesota. The funds will be used to build two new paved trail segments, upgrade a trailhead at Flood Bay State Wayside, and design a third trail segment. The project directly affects the state's Department of Natural Resources and local communities along the trail route.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Minnesota that provide monetary parking benefits to employees to also offer an equivalent monetary benefit for using public transit or other non-driving transportation options. The law applies to any business that currently pays for employee parking and mandates that these employers give workers the choice to receive the same dollar amount for alternative transit methods instead. The commissioner of labor and industry is responsible for enforcing this requirement, ensuring compliance with the new transportation benefit parity rule.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 4052 prohibits the sale or distribution of certain crop seeds (like corn, soybeans, and wheat) coated with systemic insecticides after January 1, 2029, unless a commissioner-approved waiver is obtained. It also bans the use of neonicotinoid insecticides on outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except in specific environmental emergencies where the commissioner determines it's necessary and no safer alternatives exist. The bill requires farmers seeking waivers to complete integrated pest management training and provide third-party pest risk assessments proving the need for treated seeds. Violations could result in civil penalties, and the commissioner must issue annual orders for emergency uses with strict geographic and duration limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year moratorium on issuing permits for new data centers in Minnesota, preventing state and local governments from approving such projects until a comprehensive report is completed. The Public Utility Commission must submit this report by July 1, 2027, or January 1, 2028 if extended, which will assess energy, water, and materials usage, environmental impacts, economic effects, and suitable locations for data centers. The report must also analyze impacts on Tribal Nations, include public feedback, and be prepared by an independent contractor with no conflicts of interest. The bill directly affects data center developers, local governments, and the Public Utility Commission, requiring them to wait for the report before approving new facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's mandatory reporting requirements for child maltreatment, expanding the scope of who must report and clarifying penalties for failure to report. It includes clergy members and other religious ministers in the list of mandatory reporters, while protecting confidential communications that are otherwise privileged under state law. The legislation also strengthens criminal penalties, making failure to report a gross misdemeanor and elevating it to a felony when multiple children are involved, while adding civil liability for false reports. Additionally, the bill prohibits organizations from having policies that discourage mandatory reporters from making required reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers in Minnesota from using surveillance technology to set different prices for individual consumers or specific groups of people. It directly affects retail food stores and other businesses that might use cameras, facial recognition, or other monitoring tools to track shoppers and charge them varying amounts for the same items. The law defines surveillance-based price setting as offering customized prices based on data collected through electronic surveillance technology, including biometric data, browsing history, and other personal information. Retailers must instead use traditional pricing methods like shelf tags or signs that display the same price for all customers of a specific item. The bill aims to prevent discriminatory pricing practices while maintaining transparency in how prices are determined and displayed.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1 million in fiscal year 2027 to provide competitive grants to municipalities with populations of at least 50,000. The funds are intended to support code enforcement officials with training, education, and tools to streamline compliance with the State Energy Code, particularly for performance-based energy standards. Five percent of the appropriation is reserved for grant administration, and the money is available until June 30, 2029. By December 31, 2028, the commissioner of labor and industry must report to legislative committees on how the grants were used and their outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota bill requires the state health commissioner to prepare and submit a report by January 15, 2027, examining the health effects of lead-containing bullets that remain inside people's bodies. The report must analyze existing scientific research, review current state laws addressing lead exposure from retained bullets, and offer recommendations for reducing public health risks. The document will specifically focus on how retained bullets affect the mental, emotional, and physical development of children and youth. Once completed, the commissioner will send the report to relevant legislative health committee leaders.