Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen

Maddy summaryHF 16 prohibits Minnesota cities, counties, or local governments from passing laws that block law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities. It requires county attorneys to notify federal immigration agencies when someone without legal status is arrested for a violent crime. The bill overrides any local "noncooperation" policies that would restrict this information sharing or federal immigration enforcement. It applies to all local law enforcement and government entities in Minnesota, ensuring consistent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement on specific matters.

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 3603 directs Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to request a federal waiver by January 1, 2027, to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from purchasing candy, energy drinks, and soda. The bill defines "candy" as sugar-based products like chocolate bars, "energy drinks" as caffeinated beverages marketed for energy (excluding coffee/tea), and "soda" as carbonated sugary drinks (excluding low-sugar options). If approved, this waiver would restrict SNAP recipients in Minnesota from using benefits for these specific items. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but seeks federal permission for this targeted restriction.

Maddy summaryHF 3573 requires individuals to have valid work authorization to qualify for benefits under Minnesota's Paid Leave Law. It amends the law to explicitly exclude people without proper work permits from receiving paid leave benefits. The bill affects workers applying for benefits who lack authorized work status, adding this as a new eligibility requirement. Key changes include updating definitions of "covered individual" and "employee" to exclude those without valid work authorization, and adding work authorization as a mandatory requirement for benefit accounts.

Maddy summaryHF 3788 expands Minnesota's agriculture special license plates to include "farm trucks" alongside existing eligible vehicles like passenger cars, one-ton pickup trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. To qualify, applicants must pay standard registration fees, contribute $20 annually to the Minnesota Agriculture Account, and meet all other vehicle registration requirements. This bill directly affects Minnesota farmers who operate eligible farm trucks by providing them a new option for special license plates. The change modifies Minnesota Statutes section 168.1285 to explicitly list "farm truck" as an eligible vehicle class for these plates.

Maddy summaryHF 3562 modifies Minnesota's motor vehicle registration tax for passenger cars and hearses. It reduces the tax rate from 1.54-1.575% to 1.25-1.285% of a vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), depending on whether the vehicle was first registered in Minnesota before or on/after November 16, 2020. The tax amount decreases each year based on the vehicle's age (e.g., 100% of MSRP in year one, dropping to 10% in year ten), then becomes a flat $20 annually after the 10th year. This bill directly affects Minnesota vehicle owners paying registration fees for passenger cars and hearses, effective for registrations starting January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for misconduct by public officers and employees in Minnesota by increasing potential fines and prison sentences. It directly affects government officials and employees who fail to perform required duties, exceed their legal authority, harm others under false pretenses, or knowingly submit false official documents. Under the new provisions, first-time offenders could face up to one year in prison or a $5,000 fine, while repeat offenders could be sentenced to up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 3754) is procedural, amending Minnesota Statutes to align the state's tax code with a specific federal tax exclusion. It adds a reference to section 70204 of federal law (Public Law 119-21), which excludes employer contributions to "Trump accounts" from gross income for federal tax purposes. The change ensures Minnesota's tax code matches this federal provision, directly affecting employers making contributions to such accounts. The amendment is effective retroactively to when the federal change took effect.

Maddy summaryHF 3604 modifies Minnesota's exemption rules for bulk deliveries of nonoxygenated gasoline. It requires that such deliveries (500 gallons or less) must be made directly into either: (1) the attached fuel tank of a vehicle listed as exempt under existing rules, or (2) a bulk tank on the premises. This bill affects fuel suppliers delivering nonoxygenated gasoline to exempt vehicles, such as classic cars or certain machinery. The key change clarifies where the fuel must be delivered, replacing previous ambiguous language with specific requirements. The bill is currently in committee for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Minnesota's fishing regulations to allow anglers with a valid walleye stamp license to use two fishing lines in open water and four lines when fishing through the ice. It directly affects Minnesota anglers who purchase the walleye stamp, which is required for fishing for walleye in certain waters. The change modifies existing rules (Minnesota Statutes §97C.315) by expanding line limits specifically for these license holders, while other anglers remain restricted to one line in open water. The bill does not change general fishing rules for non-walleye stamp holders.