Sen. Jordan Rasmusson

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 494 modifies the definition of "employee" under Minnesota's earned sick and safe time law. It removes elected officials (and those filling vacancies) from the list of excluded workers, meaning they would now qualify for sick time benefits. The bill also adds a new exclusion for farm workers employed by a farmer or family farm for 28 days or less per year. This change directly affects short-term farm laborers and ensures elected officials are covered under the sick time law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota law to explicitly state that undocumented noncitizens (those living in the U.S. without U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval) are ineligible for MinnesotaCare, the state's health care program. It directly affects undocumented immigrants seeking health coverage through MinnesotaCare, removing their eligibility. The key provision adds a clear citizenship requirement to the statute, defining undocumented noncitizens and stating they cannot qualify for the program. This change does not impact lawfully present noncitizens or individuals with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level who qualify for other health assistance.

Maddy summarySF 493 prohibits Minnesota's Pollution Control Agency from banning the purchase or use of motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (gasoline/diesel vehicles). This bill directly affects vehicle owners and dealers by preventing the agency from restricting these vehicles, and it limits the agency's regulatory authority over vehicle emissions standards. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 116.07, adding a specific prohibition that prevents the agency from adopting rules that would ban internal combustion engine vehicles. The key mechanism is a statutory amendment explicitly blocking such a ban, ensuring the agency cannot implement this type of restriction. This is a procedural change to agency authority, not a new environmental standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies from spending any money on the ReConnect Rondo project, which proposes a land bridge or freeway cap over I-94 in St. Paul between Chatsworth and Grotto Streets. It specifically blocks the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council from using state or federal funds for any phase of the project - including studies, planning, engineering, design, construction, or grants. The prohibition applies to all current and previously allocated funds for this specific project. The bill takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 102 repeals a gross revenue tax on hospitals and healthcare providers in Minnesota, specifically eliminating sections 295.50 through 295.58 of the tax code. This directly affects hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare providers who previously paid this tax on their gross revenue. The bill also makes technical adjustments to related statutes, including sections modifying medical assistance payment calculations (256B.04, 256B.0625) to reflect the tax repeal. The changes take effect for gross revenues received after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySF 263 requires Minnesota's legislative auditor to submit an annual report by February 1st detailing whether state agencies implemented audit recommendations about financial management or internal controls from the prior five years. It also mandates agency commissioners to submit their own annual report by September 1st, itemizing which recommendations were not implemented and the reasons for non-implementation. This bill directly affects all state agencies subject to legislative auditor reviews and the legislative committees that oversee agency budgets. The key mechanism is creating a formal, annual accountability process linking audit findings to budget decisions, requiring committees to hold public hearings on the auditor's report before approving funding. The policy change focuses on improving transparency around how agencies address financial oversight recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota's Department of Transportation from reducing travel lanes or building boulevards or land bridges on the marked Interstate Highway 94 corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul. It bars the transportation commissioner from studying, proposing, or funding any boulevard or land bridge design for this highway segment, with exceptions only for routine maintenance, resurfacing, or emergency repairs. The law directly affects state transportation planning for this specific highway corridor and prevents design changes that could alter traffic flow or infrastructure. It amends Minnesota Statutes to enforce these restrictions as a permanent policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state funding for the proposed Northern Lights Express high-speed rail project between Minneapolis and Duluth. It bans the Commissioner of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council from spending any state or federal money on studying, planning, engineering, or constructing this project. The law directly affects state agencies responsible for transportation funding and project development, preventing them from advancing the rail initiative using public funds. The prohibition applies to all project phases and includes any federal funds that might support the effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Minnesota driver's license and ID card applicants to declare their citizenship or immigration status without proving it to the state. It creates "noncompliant" licenses (not meeting federal REAL ID standards) that must be marked "not for federal identification," "not for voting," and "not for benefits." These licenses cannot be used for federal purposes or state benefits, and applicants who don't demonstrate U.S. citizenship or lawful presence can still obtain them. The bill directly affects noncitizen residents applying for licenses in Minnesota who cannot or choose not to provide federal immigration documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces the existing Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board with a new Office of Emergency Medical Services to oversee the state's EMS system. The new office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and will have the authority to license ambulance services, register medical response units, and certify emergency medical personnel. It also establishes advisory councils to provide guidance and creates a pilot program for alternative emergency medical responses. The legislation requires the director to submit annual reports to the legislature and includes provisions for funding and rulemaking.