Sen. Rob Farnsworth

Maddy summarySF 3593 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Minnesota's Permanent School Fund calculates annual distributions to school districts. It replaces the current "investment income" formula with a new "distributable amount" based on 4.5% of the fund's average net asset value over the previous three fiscal years. This change aims to ensure more stable, predictable annual payments while preserving the fund's long-term value for future school funding. The amendment requires voter approval at the 2026 general election and would take effect July 1, 2027. School districts across Minnesota would directly receive these revised annual distributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies a prior appropriation for the Progress Parkway construction project in Eveleth, Minnesota, allowing $6 million from the state's general fund to be used for various project phases. The funds will support design, engineering, environmental analysis, land acquisition, and construction work to improve intersections and extend the road from Highway 53 to Trunk Highway 37. The appropriation is designated as a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2030, and will be distributed through grants to St. Louis County for implementation. This legislation updates the existing funding framework established in 2023 to extend the project timeline and ensure continued financial support.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $4.5 million in state bonds to fund infrastructure improvements in the city of McKinley. The funds will be used by the Public Facilities Authority to help the city design, build, and equip replacements for its sewer and water systems, as well as repair associated streets. Once passed, the state will sell these bonds to raise the necessary money, which will then be granted directly to McKinley for the project. The legislation takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of state bonds to raise up to $275,000 for building a recreational trail. The funds will be used to construct a path along a section of U.S. Highway 2 within the city of Warba, specifically between 1st Avenue North and Itasca County Road 426. The money will be provided as a grant to Itasca County through the commissioner of transportation. The legislation becomes effective immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Hibbing, Minnesota, to issue special licenses that allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a designated public area known as a social district. It permits existing liquor license holders, municipal liquor stores, and caterers to sell drinks for consumption within these specific boundaries, provided the city establishes rules for hours and days. The legislation requires clear signage defining the district, management plans for public safety, and specific container rules such as using non-glass containers with a maximum capacity of 16 ounces. It also allows for social districts to extend across city lines if neighboring municipalities agree to the combined area.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Minnesota commissioner of natural resources to temporarily store drill cores at locations other than the state's designated drill core library when storage space is limited. The legislation grants the commissioner authority to restrict or prohibit access to these cores to ensure public safety and prevent damage to the samples. This temporary authority is set to expire on June 30, 2029, and applies specifically to the management of geological drill core samples collected in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $4 million from the state airports fund to the Duluth Airport Authority for upgrading the Duluth International Airport's air traffic control tower and base building. The funding covers the design and construction of new facilities, including office spaces and equipment rooms, as well as site preparation, utility installation, and the replacement of an existing fuel tank. A portion of these funds must be used to match federal contributions for the project, and the money is restricted from being used for administrative costs. This one-time appropriation is available for use until June 30, 2028, and is in addition to previously approved funding for the same initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the percentage of property taxes homeowners must pay out-of-pocket (co-pay) when receiving a homestead credit refund, affecting low-to-moderate income households. For example, in the $2,200-$4,379 income bracket, the co-pay would decrease from 7% to 6% of property taxes. It amends Minnesota Statutes §290A.04 to adjust these co-pay percentages across multiple income levels while keeping maximum refund amounts unchanged. The change applies to refunds based on property taxes payable after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds and authorizes the issuance of bonds to finance capital projects for Minnesota's state forest lands. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources and the 60 listed state forests, including Badoura, Paul Bunyan, and White Earth State Forests. The legislation defines key terms like reforestation and state forest land to guide how funds will be used for activities such as planting native trees, site preparation, and forest protection. By authorizing bond sales, the bill enables the state to borrow money for long-term forest management improvements without immediately raising taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts a specific municipal electric utility in Hibbing from three reporting requirements related to waste-derived fuel. The exemption applies only to facilities that were operating before a specific regulatory decision and removes the need to submit life-cycle analyses, fuel mix reports, or reevaluation documents. Despite these exemptions, the electricity generated from waste-derived fuel at this utility must still be counted toward meeting state energy technology standards. The legislation directly affects the Hibbing municipal electric utility and modifies the state's energy reporting rules for this particular entity.