Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sales tax exemption for preowned motor vehicles in Minnesota, meaning buyers would not pay the standard sales tax when purchasing a used car. The legislation defines a preowned vehicle as any motor vehicle that has been previously sold, titled, registered, or transferred to someone else and operated before the current sale. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2026, and would directly affect private individuals and businesses buying used vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing tax statutes to add this new exemption category alongside other existing tax exemptions for specific groups and vehicle types.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts funding allocations for Minnesota's state colleges and universities, including a reduction in the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative appropriation and the addition of new grants for restorative practices. It decreases the overall budget for the initiative by $500,000 while designating $500,000 as a one-time appropriation to support juvenile justice services and local alternatives to detention for counties and federally recognized Tribes. The legislation also establishes a new $500,000 grant program in fiscal year 2026 to fund restorative practices initiatives across the state. These changes affect the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, local government agencies, and juvenile justice service providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from Minnesota's general fund to support the Somali Museum of Minnesota in building a new facility. The money will be used to design, construct, furnish, and equip the new building in Minneapolis to preserve Somali cultural heritage and display artifacts. This is a one-time appropriation available until the project is completed or abandoned, and the funds are managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development. The legislation directly affects the Somali Museum of Minnesota by providing financial resources for its expansion and preservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the composition of Minnesota's Board of Medical Practice by increasing the total number of members from 16 to 17, including eight public members who must meet specific criteria related to healthcare advocacy, communication skills, and community connections to diverse populations. It also establishes new requirements for the board's complaint review committee, mandates that provider profiles on the Board's website include specific information, and requires the posting of certain data at patient contact points. Additionally, the bill clarifies confidentiality rules for board communications while making disciplinary actions and settlement agreements public records, and requires an audit of board operations. These changes take effect on January 1, 2027, and affect the governance structure, transparency, and accountability of the state's medical licensing board.

Maddy summaryHF 3456 implements recommendations from the state auditor's fire relief association working group by updating Minnesota's firefighter retirement statutes. It clarifies key terms like "firefighting service" to include fire prevention and volunteer emergency medical personnel, and defines "separate from active service" and "break in service" more precisely. The bill adds new rules allowing firefighters who leave service and return to active duty to regain pension eligibility, provided they meet specific service requirements under the relief association's bylaws. This directly affects firefighters who take breaks in service but later return to active roles with their fire department.

Maddy summaryHF 362 establishes a state licensing system for massage therapists and Asian bodywork therapists in Minnesota. It requires practitioners to meet specific educational standards (including minimum contact hours), pass a credentialing exam, and obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health. The bill defines both practices (e.g., Asian bodywork therapy uses techniques like pressing and stretching based on Chinese medical principles), sets application and renewal fees, and includes criminal penalties for practicing without a license. This directly affects therapists seeking to legally provide these services and ensures they meet standardized training and safety requirements, while also providing funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 3483 modifies Minnesota's trespass law to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant signed by a judicial officer before entering property for civil immigration enforcement. It also prohibits local law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on federal civil immigration detainers. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 609.605 to add a specific provision (subdivision 1, clause (6)) requiring a warrant with probable cause for immigration-related trespass entries. This directly affects local police and sheriff's departments by restricting their ability to act on federal immigration requests without judicial oversight. The law applies to all trespass offenses involving immigration enforcement activities on private property.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal right in Minnesota allowing individuals to sue if their name, likeness, or voice is used for commercial purposes without their permission. It defines likeness as any recognizable image of a person and voice as any sound that identifies a specific individual, covering both recorded and computer-generated versions. The law permits people to sell or license these rights and allows lawsuits to continue for up to 70 years after death if the person's identity was used commercially during that time. Courts can award damages for financial losses, profits made from the unauthorized use, and attorney fees, with triple damages available if the misuse was intentional. The bill includes exceptions for news reporting, criticism, satire, and other First Amendment-protected uses, ensuring free speech rights remain intact.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of Minnesota to receive $100 million in state funding for preserving and replacing higher education assets. The money will come from newly issued state bonds, which the commissioner of management and budget will sell to raise the necessary funds. The university must spend the money according to existing state laws governing capital investments. This legislation takes effect immediately after it is passed.

Maddy summaryMinnesota bill HF 1855 requires veterans benefits service providers (who charge fees) to be federally accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It prohibits these providers from guaranteeing specific benefits or benefit amounts to veterans or their families. The bill mandates written disclosure statements and fee agreements before services are provided, and establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance. This directly affects veterans seeking assistance with benefits appeals and the service providers offering those services.