Rep. Bjorn Olson

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies income and asset requirements for households receiving SNAP benefits in Minnesota. It requires SNAP households to demonstrate that their gross income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, while net income must still meet federal SNAP requirements. The legislation also changes how vehicles are counted toward asset limits, specifically requiring that vehicles with a trade-in value of $100,000 or more be included in personal property calculations rather than being excluded. These changes directly affect Minnesota residents applying for or receiving SNAP assistance by adjusting eligibility criteria for income and vehicle assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives the Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner authority to collect unpaid fees for driver and vehicle services, including the ability to hire outside contractors for debt collection, while removing that responsibility from deputy registrars and license agents. It also requires the commissioner to offer in-person pickup options for physical items like license plates and registration cards that customers ordered online, and allows deputy registrars to charge a handling fee for these pickups. The legislation modifies how deputy registrars and license agents are reimbursed for certain administrative tasks and appropriates funds to cover no-fee transactions. Additionally, the bill clarifies that filing fees collected at self-service kiosks must be retained by the deputy registrar until deposited into their account, and establishes specific reimbursement rates for various vehicle-related services.

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 summaryHF 3605 exempts Minnesota municipalities from applying certain environmental review requirements (Chapter 116D) when adopting or amending their long-range land use plans (comprehensive plans). This means cities and towns can update these plans without needing environmental reviews under Chapter 116D, though individual development projects still require such reviews. The bill also clarifies that comprehensive plans themselves do not count as pollution-causing conduct under environmental laws. It applies to all municipal comprehensive plans adopted after the law takes effect.

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 3749 updates Minnesota's bridge inspection standards to align with federal National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). It defines "bridge" more precisely, creates a Bridge and Structure Inspection Program Manual (BSIPM) for the Department of Transportation, and mandates inspection intervals based on bridge type, condition, and traffic factors. The bill requires annual inspections for most bridges under NBIS, with extended intervals for certain structures, and specifies additional checks for underwater elements and fracture-critical members. These changes directly affect state-maintained bridges and the DOT's bridge safety oversight responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHF 3607 requires all retail establishments (businesses selling goods or services to the public) to accept physical U.S. cash (paper money or coins) as payment for transactions. The bill defines "cash" and "retail establishment" to clarify the scope of the requirement. This law takes effect on August 1, 2026, applying to all sales occurring on or after that date. It directly affects businesses that currently decline cash payments, mandating acceptance without exception. The policy change is a straightforward consumer protection measure with no additional mechanisms or exemptions specified.

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 1360 increases the speed limit for farm equipment used in agricultural operations to 35 miles per hour. This change applies to vehicles like tractors and other machinery commonly operated on public roads during farming activities. The bill directly affects farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities by allowing these vehicles to travel at a higher speed on designated roads. It was signed into law on April 10, 2025, and became effective on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $6,442,000 from state bond proceeds to fund design, renovation, and equipment for classroom and lab spaces at South Central College's North Mankato campus. The funds specifically target facilities supporting agribusiness, architectural drafting, civil engineering technology, dental assisting, emergency medical services, and geographic information systems programs. The state will issue bonds up to this amount to cover the costs, as authorized under Minnesota bonding statutes. The bill directly affects South Central College students and faculty in these specific academic programs by upgrading their learning environments.