Sen. Mark Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $125,000 for fiscal year 2026 to compensate Minnesota farmers for livestock damaged or destroyed by wolves, and another $125,000 for crop or fence damage caused by elk. It directly affects farmers who experience wildlife-related losses, allowing the Agriculture Commissioner to reimburse costs for livestock valuation, claim investigations, and grants for elk-damage prevention measures like crop protection. Funds can be transferred between the wolf and elk programs if claims become unusually high, and the one-time appropriation expires on June 30, 2027. The bill provides specific financial support for agricultural losses without changing existing wildlife management statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a state requirement that fences around farmed deer and elk must prevent physical contact with free-roaming deer and elk, while maintaining the mandate that fences prevent animal escape. It also eliminates the authority of state officials to revoke animal facility registrations or order the removal and destruction of animals based on repeated escape incidents or uncorrected fence deficiencies. Under the revised law, facilities must still maintain fences at least 96 inches tall made of high tensile material, repair fence deficiencies within 14 days, and pay reinspection fees for violations, but the most severe penalties of registration revocation and animal destruction are no longer available. The changes directly affect Minnesota farmers and ranchers who raise deer and elk by altering enforcement options for the Board of Animal Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota that would exempt local governments and school districts from complying with state mandates unless the state provides funding to cover the costs of compliance. The amendment defines a state mandate as any requirement that affects daily operations, changes resource allocation, or alters spending priorities for local entities. If passed, local governments could formally refuse to comply with unfunded mandates by passing a resolution, which would then be reported to state budget committees annually. The bill also establishes a process for agencies to challenge these noncompliance resolutions through contested case hearings. This measure would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow new white-tailed deer farms in Minnesota by removing a current prohibition on registering new farms for this species. It directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that wish to raise white-tailed deer for commercial purposes. The key provision amends existing animal health laws to permit new registrations while maintaining requirements for mandatory registration with the Board of Animal Health and seizure of unregistered animals. The bill also allows existing registrants to transfer their permits to immediate family members for a one-time fee, but does not change rules about revoked registrations or animal seizure procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Minnesota governors and lieutenant governors to two total terms in office. If approved by voters in 2026, the amendment would take effect for elections beginning in 2030, preventing any person from being elected more than twice to either office. The amendment would require voters to approve the change at the 2026 general election with a specific "Yes/No" question about term limits. It does not affect current officeholders or elections before 2030. The measure is procedural and requires voter approval to amend the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's requirements for marking shelters left on ice overnight, specifically targeting fish houses, dark houses, and other ice shelters. It mandates that each side of these structures must display reflective material covering at least 144 square inches to improve visibility. The change applies to anyone who leaves these shelters on the ice overnight in Minnesota waters. This update aims to enhance safety by ensuring better visibility of ice shelters during nighttime hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies and the supreme court to share certain data with the Legislative Budget Office when requested, including information that is not normally public. The data must be provided promptly to help the office review the accuracy of fiscal notes on legislation and prepare new fiscal notes. The bill restricts how this non-public data can be used, allowing it only for fiscal note review and prohibiting its use or sharing with legislators or other government entities. It also establishes that the Legislative Budget Office cannot be charged for receiving this data and includes penalties for staff who misuse the information.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the prize value limit for county agricultural societies from $50,000 to $100,000 per year when hosting exempt gambling events (like raffles at fairs). It specifically amends Minnesota Statutes §349.166, subdivision 2, to adjust the exemption threshold for these societies while maintaining all other requirements. The change directly affects county agricultural societies that organize fundraising events under current gambling exemptions. Other rules - such as annual reporting, equipment sourcing from licensed distributors, and record retention - remain unchanged.