Rep. Peggy Bennett

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in wastewater treatment facility projects within the city of Albert Lea. It allows the city to collect the sales tax first and then refund it to eligible purchasers, similar to existing state mechanisms for other infrastructure projects. The funding for these refunds comes from the state's general fund, and the measure applies retroactively to purchases made during a specified period.

Maddy summaryHF 100 would amend Minnesota tax law to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing previous limits. Currently, Minnesota caps this subtraction at $5,840 for joint filers, $4,560 for singles, and lower amounts for separate filers. The bill eliminates these maximums, meaning eligible taxpayers could deduct all their Social Security benefits without reduction. It directly affects Minnesota residents receiving Social Security income who file state tax returns. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called disruption of worship services in Minnesota, targeting individuals who enter religious buildings with the intent to disrupt scheduled services by committing a crime. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is clearly marked with a sign or other identifier. First-time offenders face gross misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders could be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000 or both. The provisions take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply only to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Education Office of General Counsel to create guidance for school districts and charter schools on how to handle law enforcement actions, including immigration enforcement. The guidance must cover legal concepts like judicial warrants and probable cause, and explain how laws apply to various school settings such as parking lots, athletic facilities, extracurricular venues, and student transportation. The document must also identify the specific legal sources used, including state and federal laws and constitutional provisions. This guidance will be issued in consultation with the state attorney general and takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

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 7 modifies multiple public safety laws in Minnesota. It requires law enforcement agencies to make bail/bond information public and mandates county attorneys to publicly report reasons for dismissing charges. The bill establishes mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex trafficking offenses and requires individuals subject to stays in sexual conduct cases to register as predatory offenders. It also increases penalties for assaulting police officers, obstructing highway/airport traffic, and expands law enforcement's use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles. These changes apply directly to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals involved in criminal cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's "Read Act" to require literacy instruction based on "science of reading" research, emphasizing evidence-based methods like phonics and decoding while explicitly excluding the three-cueing system. It establishes a new Office of Achievement and Innovation within the Department of Education to support literacy implementation and creates a statewide school performance reporting system. The bill also allows school boards to opt out of complying with certain recently enacted state education laws or rules and authorizes fund transfers for education programs through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect all Minnesota public school districts, educators, and students by reshaping literacy instruction requirements and school accountability systems.

Maddy summaryHF 21 would require a three-fifths supermajority vote in both the Minnesota House and Senate to extend a peacetime emergency declaration beyond 14 days. Currently, such extensions beyond 14 days could be approved by the Executive Council, but this bill would shift that authority to the legislature. The bill directly affects governors seeking to prolong emergency powers and the legislative process for reviewing those requests. It does not change the initial 14-day emergency declaration period or the governor's authority to declare emergencies under existing criteria. Note: This bill was introduced but not passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 3813 authorizes Waseca County to impose a local sales tax of up to 0.375% (three-eighths of one percent) on retail sales, subject to voter approval. The tax revenues must cover the county's collection costs and finance up to $45 million for constructing a new judicial center, including associated bond costs. The county may issue bonds up to $45 million without triggering standard debt limits or requiring a separate bond election. The tax expires after 30 years or when project costs are fully covered, whichever comes first. This bill directly affects Waseca County residents through the new tax and the county government through its funding mechanism for the judicial center project.

Maddy summaryHF 2809 establishes a new crime for protesting directly in front of or about a person's home (excluding homes used as businesses). It makes this a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor if the person has a prior conviction under this law or ignores court orders like protection orders. The bill specifically allows peaceful protests about community meetings or assemblies held at locations commonly used for public discussion. This law applies to residential properties only and takes effect August 1, 2025.