Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota counties, cities, and joint government entities from entering contracts with the federal government to provide detention facilities for people held under federal immigration law. It makes any existing or future agreements for this purpose void, regardless of when they were signed. The law directly affects local governments that currently or potentially provide space for federal immigration detention. It does not impact other types of detention or immigration enforcement activities.

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 3695 requires a study of the economic impact of the federal Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement operation. It appropriates funds to contract a nonpartisan entity to analyze effects on state agencies, businesses (including child care providers), counties, cities, school districts, and other local entities. The study must be completed and submitted to legislative committees by February 1, 2027. This is a procedural bill focused on gathering data, not implementing new policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the sale of up to $4 million in state bonds to fund capital improvements at the Duluth International Airport. The funds will be used to design and construct a new air traffic control tower base building, which will include office spaces, equipment rooms, and support areas. The project also covers site preparation, demolition of old buildings, utility installation, and replacement of existing fuel tanks. A portion of the state funding will serve as a matching contribution to secure additional federal funding for the project.

Maddy summarySF 2533 prohibits "stay-or-pay" provisions in Minnesota employment contracts, which require workers to pay back costs (like training fees) if they leave before a set period. The bill bans employers from requiring these clauses as a condition of hiring, enforcing them, or threatening to enforce them against employees. Violations carry fines of $1,000-$5,000 per incident, and affected workers can sue for damages including $5,000 per violation plus legal fees. The law applies to contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2025, directly affecting employers and employees across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250 million from Minnesota's general fund to the Public Facilities Authority for lead service line replacement grants. The money is designated for fiscal year 2027 and remains available until June 30, 2034. Funds will be distributed under existing state law to help property owners replace water pipes containing lead. The appropriation is a one-time allocation intended to support infrastructure improvements related to drinking water safety.

Maddy summarySF 3999 repeals a requirement that recipients of Minnesota's natural resources trust fund must obtain written approval from the commissioner of natural resources before acquiring land or property interests using that funding. This bill directly affects state agencies and organizations receiving trust fund appropriations for land purchases, removing a step that previously required submitting acquisition details to the commissioner at least 10 business days in advance. The key change eliminates the commissioner's approval process for these land acquisitions, streamlining the purchase procedure. The repeal applies to all land acquisitions funded by the trust fund, except for specific cases already exempted under existing law, such as conservation easements held by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's regulated public utilities and cooperative electric associations to annually report specific revenue data to the state energy commission. Starting April 30, 2027, and each year after, they must submit the total revenue they were authorized to collect versus what they actually collected during the previous calendar year, broken down separately for base rates and each additional fee (bill rider). The commission may also request additional information through rules or orders. This creates a new transparency requirement for utility financial reporting, directly affecting electricity providers under state rate regulation.

Maddy summarySF 3913 modifies conflict of interest rules for members of Minnesota's Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. It prohibits commission members from serving as project managers or receiving financial compensation from proposals they review, and bars them from voting on land purchases involving organizations where they have a direct financial interest. The bill also adjusts voting requirements for land acquisitions under section 116P.18 by removing an exception that previously required 11 commission members to approve purchases. These changes directly affect commission members, their financial relationships, and the review process for proposals funded by the trust fund. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies regulations for large data centers in Minnesota. It requires preapplication discussions with the state for data centers exceeding 100 million gallons per year in water use to assess water availability, while specifying their environmental review requirements. The bill removes data centers' energy consumption from utility energy savings goals, exempts them from contributing to energy conservation plans, and imposes a new fee on data centers. It also establishes energy efficiency requirements for data centers, adjusts how they're classified as "large energy facilities," and mandates a new tariff for their electricity use through the Public Utilities Commission. These changes directly affect data center operators and utilities managing energy programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides free fishing, deer hunting, and small game hunting licenses to Minnesota residents aged 65 or older. It amends state law to require license issuers to provide without fee: a permanent fishing license, and annual licenses for deer (using firearms or archery) and small game. Residents can use a valid driver's license or Minnesota ID as proof of age and residency at any license agent location. The bill directly affects eligible seniors by removing costs for these recreational hunting and fishing licenses. It is a straightforward policy change with no additional fees or complex requirements for affected residents.