Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen

Maddy summaryHF 2812 requires Minnesota's Commissioner of Corrections to charge fees for incarcerated people's communication services (like phone calls, video, or messaging), but only up to the actual cost of providing those services. It mandates that voice calls remain free for both the incarcerated person and the recipient, prohibits state agencies from profiting from these services (except for pre-2023 contracts), and requires facilities to maintain in-person visitation programs unless an emergency exists. The bill also adds reporting requirements for the Department of Corrections to track fees, spending, and usage of communication services. This directly affects incarcerated individuals, their families, and correctional facilities in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 918 appropriates $3.75 million from state bond proceeds to fund a sewer separation project in Litchfield, Minnesota. The funds will be provided to the city through the Public Facilities Authority to design, construct, and equip infrastructure that isolates industrial process water from sanitary sewage at the city's sewer connection point and expands its wastewater treatment facility. The bill authorizes the state to issue up to $3.75 million in bonds under Minnesota Statutes to cover this appropriation. The project directly affects the city of Litchfield by enabling upgrades to its wastewater infrastructure. The measure becomes effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million from the general fund to the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to the First District Association (a Litchfield dairy cooperative). The funds will directly support designing, constructing, and equipping a new wastewater industrial pretreatment facility in Litchfield. The bill specifically targets this facility project, building on prior funding for the same purpose, and becomes effective upon enactment. It does not alter existing regulations or affect broader public policy beyond this specific infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHF 2648 prohibits certain sex offenders convicted of crimes against minors under 18 from accessing social media platforms where users under 18 can interact. It requires these individuals on parole or probation to disclose all social media account details (including usernames and passwords) to their supervising agent and bans access to platforms allowing minor users. The law defines "social media platform" narrowly to exclude email, search engines, and business communication tools. The commissioner must annually publish a list of compliant platforms for probation agents to enforce these restrictions. This directly affects sex offenders sentenced under Minnesota statutes 609.342-609.3458 for offenses involving minors under 18.

Maddy summaryHF 1458 modifies Minnesota's requirements for becoming a certified public accountant (CPA). It extends current standards (150 college credits plus one year of relevant work experience) until July 1, 2030, after which new applicants will need either a master's degree plus one year of experience or a bachelor's degree plus two years of experience. The bill also establishes reciprocity, allowing CPAs licensed in other states with comparable requirements to practice in Minnesota without additional exams. This directly affects current and future CPA applicants in Minnesota and out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice in the state.

Maddy summaryHF 837 requires Minnesota's commissioner of commerce to apply to the federal government by December 31, 2026, for a waiver continuation under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 18052). This waiver is needed to keep Minnesota's premium security health insurance plan operating after 2027, as its future depends on federal approval. The bill also directs a one-time transfer of $413 million from the state general fund to the premium security plan account in fiscal year 2026. This funding supports the state's health insurance program for qualifying residents. The bill directly affects Minnesota's health insurance program and state budget management.

Maddy summaryHF 2448 prohibits counties, cities, and towns in Minnesota from banning the sale of flavored tobacco products, such as those with fruit, chocolate, mint, or candy flavors. It amends Minnesota Statutes to state that local governments may not enact ordinances that ban these products or create regulations making their sale impossible within their boundaries. The bill specifically defines "flavored products" as tobacco or nicotine products with non-tobacco tastes distinguishable before or during consumption. This law overrides any existing or future local ordinances attempting to restrict or ban such sales, while allowing local governments to maintain other tobacco sales regulations. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 4 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Minnesota to return budget surplus funds to taxpayers. If approved, it would create a "Minnesota tax relief account" funded by revenue exceeding 105% of projected spending, using those funds to refund or reduce property and income taxes. Taxpayers would receive direct refunds or tax reductions, but only up to the amount they owe in taxes, with the account funded annually from the state's general fund surplus. The amendment must be voted on by voters in the 2026 general election.

Maddy summaryHF 1462 appropriates $6.8 million from the general fund for a one-time project in Cosmos, Minnesota. The funds will support ANZ Inc. to design, construct, and equip a multifamily housing facility at 130 Neptune Street North, which will provide supportive services for senior citizens, a child care center for children under kindergarten age, and after-school/weekend programming for school-aged children. The appropriation is limited to fiscal year 2026 and must be used for the specified facility and services. This bill directly affects the Cosmos community by funding a new community resource focused on housing and childcare needs.

Maddy summaryHF 24 amends Minnesota Statutes section 145.423 to require that infants born alive during an abortion be immediately recognized as human persons under the law and receive medical care. The bill mandates that medical personnel take "all reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice" to preserve the life and health of such infants, including compiling appropriate medical records. It directly affects healthcare providers performing abortions in Minnesota by establishing specific medical care obligations for infants born alive. The proposed changes would have taken effect the day after enactment, though the bill was not passed.