This bill appropriates $1.75 million from the state general fund to support the development and implementation of a new 911 communication platform. The funds are allocated to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who will grant the money to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board for the project. The platform is designed to enable 911 centers to share information and coordinate emergency responses across different jurisdictional boundaries in real time. Additionally, the grant allows the recipient to use the money for two years of ongoing maintenance for the system.
This bill modifies Minnesota's homestead credit refund program by excluding scholarships, dependent flexible spending accounts, and health flexible spending accounts from the income calculation. Specifically, it removes these items from the list of income sources used to determine eligibility and the amount of the credit refund. The change directly affects taxpayers who receive these funds, ensuring they are not counted as taxable income for the purpose of this state tax benefit. By updating the statutory definition of income, the legislation aligns the credit calculation with how these specific financial benefits are treated under federal tax laws.
This bill requires the Metropolitan Council to provide special transportation services within the city of Ramsey, ensuring these services are integrated with existing transit options in the area. To fund this new requirement, the legislation appropriates $680,000 for capital costs and $470,000 for operating expenses from the state's general fund for fiscal year 2027. These funds are designated as a one-time allocation specifically to support the implementation of the mandated transportation service. The measure directly affects the Metropolitan Council by adding a new obligation and provides the necessary financial resources to carry it out.
This bill allows trucks carrying dry bulk goods in Minnesota to carry up to ten percent more weight on individual axles, provided the total weight of the entire vehicle remains within legal limits. It specifically defines "dry bulk goods" as homogeneous, unpackaged, nonliquid cargo moved in trailers designed for that purpose. The change directly affects transportation companies and drivers who operate these specialized vehicles by permitting higher axle loads.
This bill updates Minnesota's tax rules for businesses that sell goods across state lines and operate foreign subsidiaries. Starting in the 2026 tax year, it changes how certain companies calculate their state tax liability by gradually shifting the weight of their sales, property, and payroll factors toward 100% sales and 0% for property and payroll. Additionally, it requires specific manufacturers with foreign income to include that income in their sales calculations when determining their tax share. The law applies to businesses required to apportion income under current state statutes and does not affect those already using alternative methods.
This bill would temporarily waive vehicle registration taxes for anyone purchasing or renewing a car in Minnesota between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027. For new purchases, the tax is removed entirely, while for renewals, the registration is automatically extended by one year without requiring payment or new license plate tabs. The tax waiver does not apply to the additional fees charged specifically for electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids. The law takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.
This bill modifies how Minnesota classifies agricultural land and clarifies the definition of market farming for property tax purposes. It updates the rules for Class 2 land, which includes agricultural homesteads, rural vacant land, and managed forests, by adjusting valuation rates and specifying how different types of land must be categorized. The legislation also refines the criteria for what counts as agricultural use, such as requiring at least ten acres of contiguous land for farming or specific conditions for intensive livestock operations. Additionally, it provides clearer guidelines on how assessors should handle parcels with mixed uses, like wooded areas interspersed with farmland, and sets application deadlines for reduced tax rates on managed forest land.
This bill creates a new legal cause of action in Minnesota for trespass involving airborne biological or chemical substances, such as pesticides and pollutants. It allows individuals whose land is affected by these airborne particles to sue for damages if the intrusion interferes with their right to exclusive possession of the property. If a court determines that such a trespass has occurred, it can award financial compensation or civil penalties of up to $100 per day, along with potential court orders to stop the activity. The legislation directly affects landowners and businesses by providing a specific legal mechanism to address pollution and other airborne contaminants on private property.
Senate Resolution 72 is a non-binding statement that reaffirms Minnesota's sister-state relationship with Taiwan and encourages businesses in the state to refer to the region as Taiwan. The resolution highlights economic ties, such as trade and agricultural exchanges, and expresses support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations and negotiations for trade and tax agreements with the United States. It does not change any laws or create new legal obligations but serves to publicly support diplomatic and economic engagement between Minnesota and Taiwan.
This bill directs the Minnesota Commissioner of Human Services to submit detailed earnings estimates to the legislature by January 15, 2027, and 2028, ensuring that all fee-funded activities are fully covered by revenue without relying on general tax money. The required reports must break down costs for specific functions such as licensing, background checks, and provider training, and include any necessary fee increases to meet these financial targets. Additionally, the legislation appropriates funds to the department for program implementation, internal oversight, and maintaining staff capacity to manage various administrative and operational needs.
This bill creates a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials and equipment used to build Minnesota's Blue Line Extension light rail line and its associated facilities. Under the new rules, contractors and developers purchasing these items will first pay the standard sales tax, which the state will later refund to the governmental entity responsible for the project. The exemption applies to purchases made after June 30, 2026, and includes materials for stations, park-and-ride lots, and maintenance centers. This measure adds the Blue Line Extension to a list of other public infrastructure and community projects that already qualify for this tax refund process.
This bill amends Minnesota law to limit strip searches of incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities during visitation periods. It allows facility leaders to use body scanners or other minimally invasive screening methods to screen incarcerated persons before or after meetings with visitors. However, the bill prohibits strip searches of incarcerated persons in these situations unless there is a specific, documented security threat that justifies the more invasive procedure. The rules for implementation will be established through regulations adopted by the state commissioner.
