Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen

Maddy summaryHF 2358 increases penalties for coercion crimes that cause serious injury or death, imposing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or a $30,000 fine for such cases. It replaces the previous penalty structure - which depended on monetary value (e.g., $300-$2,500 losses) - with this fixed felony penalty when coercion directly results in great bodily harm or death. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign by the public safety and education commissioners to inform the public and students about the law change, to begin by September 15, 2025, and repeat biennially. This law takes effect on August 1, 2026, applying to crimes committed after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 1849 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Minnesota's governor and lieutenant governor to two terms each. If approved by voters in 2026, the amendment would change the state constitution to state that no person may be elected more than twice to either office. The amendment requires a statewide vote at the 2026 general election with a specific ballot question asking voters to approve term limits beginning in 2030. This change would affect all future governors and lieutenant governors, but would not apply to terms served before 2030.

Maddy summaryHF 1724 establishes legal definitions and regulatory exemptions for direct primary care service agreements in Minnesota. The bill clarifies that these agreements - where patients pay a direct fee for primary care services (like check-ups and chronic disease management) instead of using insurance - are not considered insurance or health plans under Minnesota law. This means primary care providers (such as physicians or nurse practitioners) offering these agreements do not need insurance licenses or comply with insurance regulations (chapters 60A, 62A, 62C, 62D, or 62N). The bill directly affects primary care providers seeking to offer subscription-based care and patients choosing this alternative to traditional insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily suspends the state motor fuels tax in Minnesota for a specific period in 2026, directly affecting drivers, fuel retailers, and businesses that purchase gasoline and diesel. Under the legislation, the tax rate is set to zero cents per gallon or per thousand cubic feet for all fuel types during the designated timeframe, which begins shortly after the bill is enacted and ends in early September 2026. To offset the lost revenue from this suspension, the state will transfer money from its general fund to the Department of Transportation to cover the costs that would have been collected from fuel taxes. The bill also allocates a one-time appropriation to the Department of Revenue to cover the administrative expenses required to implement this temporary tax pause.

Maddy summaryHF 3490 authorizes Minnesota to participate in a federal tax credit program by establishing rules for scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These SGOs must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits that spend at least 90% of funds on student scholarships, verify household income, prioritize returning students/siblings, and avoid targeting specific students. Organizations must report annually to the Minnesota Department of Education, which will post a public list of approved SGOs. The bill clarifies it does not grant schools additional control over nonpublic schools or their students.

Maddy summaryHF 3563 requires Minnesota licensing boards to automatically suspend or revoke licenses, or deny license applications, when a licensee or applicant is convicted of specific theft or fraud crimes listed in Minnesota law (including offenses under sections like 609.23, 609.496, and 609.52). This directly affects licensed professionals - such as healthcare providers, contractors, and financial advisors - who face criminal convictions for these offenses. The bill mandates that boards take formal action upon conviction, rather than allowing licenses to remain active despite criminal findings. It amends Minnesota Statutes 214.10 to establish this requirement, effective immediately after enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 1333 requires Minnesota to issue at least two moose hunting licenses annually through a public lottery and two through a public auction, with all applicants paying a $25 nonrefundable fee. The bill creates a "moose research account" funded by license fees and auction revenue, which must be used to study moose mortality, calf survival, disease, and habitat needs. It restricts lottery eligibility to Minnesota residents who haven't held a moose license since 1991, while auctions are open to all eligible applicants. The legislation amends existing statutes to implement these license distribution methods and direct funds toward specific moose conservation research goals. This directly affects residents seeking moose hunting permits and funds state wildlife management efforts.

Maddy summaryHF 482 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota motor vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution to a dedicated "Choose Life account," in addition to standard registration fees. Funds collected are deposited into this account and distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies within each county that assist pregnant women making adoption plans - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The bill also specifies plate design requirements (featuring the "Choose Life" logo and inscription) and limits administrative costs for the program to 15% of funds. The program becomes effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $900,000 in state bonds to fund the construction of a new bridge over the South Fork Crow River in Meeker County. The appropriated funds will be used to replace the existing Bridge No. 47504 on Meeker County State-Aid Highway 26. The commissioner of transportation will receive the grant money to oversee the project, while the commissioner of management and budget is responsible for selling the bonds to generate the necessary capital.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the SAVE Minnesota Act, which requires voters to present a specific photo identification card to register to vote and to cast their ballots. To obtain this new voter identification card, applicants must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship and may receive certain vital records, such as birth certificates, without a fee. The legislation also creates a new voter identification card program, modifies existing driver's license requirements, and sets up a process for handling provisional ballots. Additionally, the bill includes funding provisions to support the administration of these new election procedures and establishes a children's trust fund.