Sen. John Marty

Maddy summarySF 3210 prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by public or private entities receiving state funding in Minnesota. The bill requires these organizations to provide reasonable accommodations and ensures people with disabilities cannot be excluded from services or denied benefits due to their disability. It specifically bans the denial of access to service animals in public places like restaurants and hotels, and prohibits charging extra fees for service animals. This law directly affects state-funded organizations and individuals with disabilities across Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 2255 is an appropriations bill that adjusts funding for Minnesota's K-12 education system, primarily focusing on transportation aid for public and nonpublic schools. It amends statutes to clarify how school districts can transport students from nonpublic schools, including rules for sharing transportation costs and retaining state aid for these services. The bill requires school districts to report on nonpublic student transportation usage and expenditures to the state education commissioner. This directly affects school districts, public school students, and nonpublic schools participating in shared transportation arrangements. The key change streamlines transportation funding mechanisms while maintaining equal access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,925,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2027 to support public television stations in greater Minnesota. It directly provides specific grant amounts to five stations: $350,000 to Pioneer PBS, $475,000 to Lakeland PBS, $650,000 to KSMQ, $250,000 to PBS North, and $200,000 to Prairie Public Television. The funding is designated for the stations' operational expenses, not capital projects or programming development. The bill does not create new policies or affect broader public policy, but provides targeted financial support to these specific public broadcasting entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals tax exemptions for preferred seating and amenities at athletic facilities in Minnesota, meaning these items will now be subject to sales tax like other retail purchases. The legislation also removes specific exemptions for season tickets and certain suite licenses, requiring sellers to clearly separate taxable and non-taxable portions of bundled ticket prices if they maintain proper business records. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for safe harbor shelter and housing grants while updating various other definitions related to retail sales, including rules for digital products and motor vehicle repair materials. These changes directly impact event venues, ticket sellers, and consumers who buy premium sports experiences or related goods in the state.

Maddy summarySF 1163 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within the Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty through a coordinated, statewide approach. The office will prevent cruelty, support investigations and prosecutions, provide training for law enforcement, collect and analyze case data, and educate the public on the link between animal cruelty and human violence. It requires an annual report to the legislature on the office's work and creates an advisory committee with expertise in animal welfare, law enforcement, and victim services. The bill appropriates funding to support these efforts, directly affecting animal protection agencies, law enforcement, and communities across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses and individuals from operating prediction markets in Minnesota that allow wagers on outcomes related to sports, politics, people, catastrophes, or death. It makes it a felony to run platforms where participants place bets on these specific future events, with exceptions for private social bets and licensed horse racing. The law also criminalizes advertising these prohibited products during certain times, in media likely to reach minors, near schools, or on public property. Financial institutions and payment processors that continue to process payments for these activities after receiving a cease and desist order from the attorney general would also face felony charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the operation of online sweepstakes games in Minnesota, which are defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency system allowing players to exchange virtual currency for prizes or cash equivalents while simulating gambling. The law directly affects game operators, payment processors, financial institutions, and other entities that support these games by banning them from conducting or promoting such activities within the state. Key provisions require the commissioner of public safety and attorney general to deny licenses to anyone knowingly accepting revenue from these prohibited games and to enforce penalties for violations. The bill also establishes clear definitions for terms like "dual-currency" and "online sweepstakes game" to ensure consistent enforcement.

Maddy summarySF 5249 proposes a constitutional amendment to Minnesota that would allow the lieutenant governor to cast a vote in the House of Representatives when the members are equally divided. If the amendment is approved by voters at the 2028 general election, the lieutenant governor's vote would count as if it were cast by an elected member, though they would not be considered a member for other purposes. This change would introduce a tie-breaking mechanism directly into the legislative process for the House of Representatives. The proposal requires a public vote to become part of the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis legislation authorizes Hennepin County to impose a new local sales tax of up to one percent on purchases made after September 30, 2026. The revenue generated must be used to fund youth and amateur sports programs, extend library operating hours, and support a designated local teaching hospital with a level 1 trauma center. The county may issue bonds without a public election to finance these projects and is required to report annually to state legislative committees on how the funds are utilized. This measure directly affects residents and businesses within Hennepin County through the additional tax and the allocation of collected funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes May 14 to May 20 each year as Hmong Heritage Week in Minnesota to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hmong people to the state. The legislation encourages residents, schools, community organizations, and local governments to hold events and educational activities that recognize Hmong heritage and acknowledge the community's service during the Secret War in Laos and their journey as refugees. The governor is also encouraged to issue a proclamation supporting the observance, though the bill does not mandate specific actions from any government entity.