Rep. Zack Stephenson

Maddy summaryHF 309 amends Minnesota Statutes §84.523 to tighten mining restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) and Rainy River headwaters. The bill requires the commissioner of natural resources to determine that proposed mining (for taconite, sand, gravel, or granite) in the Rainy River headwaters would not harm the BWCA before any permits are issued. This modifies existing law by adding this specific assessment step, directly affecting mining operations seeking approval in these areas. The change maintains the general prohibition on mining without legislative approval but adds a new administrative requirement for the commissioner to evaluate environmental impacts. The bill focuses on protecting the BWCA's wilderness character through stricter permitting conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3556) is a naming resolution that commemorates Melissa Hortman by designating Minnesota's community solar garden program as the "Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program." It does not change any program rules, funding, or operations - it only adds a short title to Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641. The bill directly honors Melissa Hortman, a former state legislator, through this naming. It is procedural and has no policy impact beyond the name change.

Maddy summaryHF 1858 creates "social districts" in Minnesota cities where people can consume alcohol purchased from nearby licensed bars or restaurants in designated public areas adjacent to those businesses. It requires cities to define district boundaries, hours, and safety rules through approved ordinances, with clear signage and strict container requirements (non-glass, 16oz max, "Drink Responsibly" label). Only alcohol bought from participating businesses can be consumed in the district, and patrons must dispose of drinks before leaving unless re-entering the same business. The bill affects cities (which must approve districts), licensed establishments (which apply for the license), and the public (who can consume in designated zones), effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 1669 increases the annual funding limit for Minnesota's tax credit supporting sustainable aviation fuel producers. It raises the allocation cap from $2.1 million to $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. This change directly affects businesses producing or using sustainable aviation fuel within Minnesota by expanding the available tax credit. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 41A.30 to adjust these funding limits, allowing more financial support for this clean energy initiative. The credit remains available until fiscal year 2030, with unallocated funds expiring after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $800,000 to create a memorial statue honoring Melissa Hortman at the State Office Building site in Minnesota. The funds will be used to design and cast a statue recognizing her historic contributions to the state, along with a memorial garden. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must select the artist through a competitive process while consulting with Hortman's family, and the statue design must include likenesses of her deceased family members. Any leftover funds after the statue is cast can be used for additional landscaping elements at the memorial site, and the money remains available until June 30, 2029.

Maddy summaryHF 3643 establishes Melissa and Mark Hortman Memorial State Park in Ramsey County, specifically within St. Paul, as a new public park. The bill designates precise boundaries for the park using 18 directional points in St. Paul and requires that no park permit or entry fee be charged. It directs the commissioner of natural resources to manage the park under standard state park rules, while specifying that the commissioner of administration and Minnesota Historical Society retain authority over existing buildings and monuments within the park. The legislation also appropriates funds for the park’s establishment, directly affecting public access to this newly designated green space in the city.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates Cesar Chavez Day as an official state observance in Minnesota by repealing the existing statute that established the holiday. The law removes the requirement to recognize March 31 as a day dedicated to celebrating the Latino community and honoring Cesar Chavez's contributions to labor rights and social justice. Once enacted, the state will no longer officially observe this day, though the legislative change does not affect private or community celebrations. The measure applies directly to state government operations and removes the legal basis for the annual commemoration.

Maddy summaryHF 3433 bans the possession of specific semiautomatic firearms designated as "military-style assault weapons," including models like AK-47s, AR-15s, and weapons with features such as folding stocks or pistol grips. The bill defines banned weapons to cover both listed models (e.g., Colt AR-15) and similar firearms with minor modifications like enhanced magazines or barrel attachments. It amends Minnesota statutes to impose criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for violating the possession ban. This law directly affects individuals who own these specific firearms, requiring them to comply with the new restrictions.

Maddy summaryHF 3402 bans the possession, manufacture, import, and transfer of large-capacity ammunition magazines in Minnesota. It defines these as feeding devices holding more than ten rounds (with exceptions for permanently modified devices, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring current owners to surrender, modify, permanently alter, or remove their magazines by July 1, 2027. Violations carry felony penalties of up to five years in prison or $25,000 in fines. Law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed dealers are exempt under specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3117 imposes a tiered excise tax on social media businesses that collect consumer data from Minnesota residents. It directly affects for-profit social media platforms with over 100,000 Minnesota users monthly, requiring them to pay tax based on user volume: no tax for under 100,000 users, $0.10 per user for 100,001-500,000 users, and escalating rates for larger user bases. The tax is calculated using Minnesota residents' data, defined as individuals with a Minnesota address, mailing address, or IP location tied to Minnesota. Businesses must report and pay the tax quarterly to Minnesota’s revenue commissioner, with revenues deposited into the state general fund.