Rep. Bobbie Harder

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sales tax exemption for construction materials purchased by contractors working on public projects funded by state money. It directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and builders who supply materials for eligible capital projects financed by the state of Minnesota or local governments. The key mechanism requires the state to collect the sales tax initially and then refund it after June 30, 2026, using funds from the general state budget. The exemption applies only to projects receiving direct appropriations or grants from bills enacted in 2026, and the tax refund process must follow existing procedures for similar public projects.

Maddy summaryHF 964 expands an existing tax provision to include motorcycles under Minnesota's "in lieu tax" system, which replaces the standard sales tax for certain older or collector vehicles. Specifically, it requires buyers of older motorcycles (in their 10th year or later with a resale value under $3,000) to pay a $10 flat tax, while collector motorcycles (registered under specific classifications) face a $150 flat tax instead of the regular sales tax. This change directly affects motorcycle purchasers meeting these criteria, shifting their tax burden from the standard sales tax to these fixed amounts. The law takes effect for sales and purchases after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes pilot projects to modernize Minnesota's human services information technology systems, directing funding to counties and Tribes to improve system efficiency and reduce errors. It creates an advisory group composed of county representatives, social services administrators, and state officials to oversee and approve these projects, which may include using artificial intelligence tools, expanding data access, and simplifying case processing. The legislation requires a report by January 2028 detailing the funded projects, their outcomes, and recommendations for future system improvements.

Maddy summaryHF 3396 establishes a property tax task force to investigate rising property taxes across Minnesota counties, cities, and school districts. The task force, composed of 6 members including legislators, local government leaders, and the state revenue commissioner, will study causes of tax increases and recommend ways to improve transparency in local government budget reporting. It must submit a report with these recommendations to the legislature by January 15, 2027, which will then require a public hearing during the next legislative session. This bill creates a process for studying property tax issues but does not change current tax laws or rates.

Maddy summaryHF 3651 establishes safety standards for fuel-dispensing equipment handling alcohol-blended fuels with over 10% ethanol in Minnesota. The bill requires such equipment (including dispensers, hoses, nozzles, and pumps) to have both a third-party safety certification (like UL) for the ethanol concentration range and a manufacturer's written certification for the specific blend being used. These standards ensure equipment meets existing fire and life safety requirements under the State Fire Code without altering other safety provisions like electrical classifications or emergency shutoff systems. The law directly affects fuel retailers and equipment manufacturers operating in Minnesota with ethanol-blended fuel systems.

Maddy summaryHF 357 amends Minnesota law to add "hasenpfeffer" to the list of authorized card games for social skill tournaments. The bill directly affects organizers and participants in such tournaments by allowing hasenpfeffer alongside games like bridge and euchre, provided they meet specific conditions. Key provisions require tournaments to offer no direct financial benefit to organizers, limit total prizes to $200, and include accessibility accommodations for disabled players. This change applies to non-commercial card game events under Minnesota Statutes § 609.761. The bill is procedural, expanding the list of permitted games without altering other gaming regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill stops annual payments from the Monticello nuclear plant to a state renewable energy fund and modifies how distributed solar energy standards are handled. It extends a sales tax exemption on residential natural gas and electricity to apply year-round instead of seasonally. Additionally, the bill exempts electric and natural gas facilities from paying the state commercial-industrial property tax. These changes directly affect the Monticello nuclear plant operator, solar energy developers, residential energy consumers, and utility companies operating gas and electric infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 238 modifies the interest rate applied to unpaid special assessments in Minnesota, which are fees for local improvements like roads or sewers. It requires municipalities to refund interest payments made under the previous rate if they were overcharged. The bill directly affects property owners who pay these assessments and may owe interest on unpaid amounts. Key changes include setting a new interest accrual rate and mandating refunds for overpayments, as specified in the amended Minnesota Statutes section 429.061.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the city of Watertown to create a social district where people can consume alcoholic beverages purchased from nearby bars or restaurants. The city must first designate the district boundaries, set operating hours, and ensure that any property owner who objects to the district is excluded from it. Businesses within the district must use non-glass containers with specific labeling requirements, and patrons must dispose of drinks before leaving the area unless returning to the place of purchase. The city is also required to post clear signage, create a management plan for public safety, and submit a report to state lawmakers within two years of implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a one percent tax on remittance transfers sent from Minnesota, affecting individuals who send money abroad using cash, money orders, or similar physical payment instruments. The tax applies only when the sender provides cash or comparable physical instruments to a remittance transfer provider, while transfers funded by bank accounts or debit and credit cards remain exempt. Remittance transfer providers will be responsible for collecting the tax from senders and remitting it to the state, following existing tax administration and enforcement procedures. The law takes effect for transfers made after June 30, 2026.