Rep. Bryan Lawrence

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a propane school bus deployment program in Minnesota to help school districts and transportation providers purchase propane-fueled school buses. It creates a grant system where eligible applicants, including school districts and transportation service providers, can apply for funding to buy propane school buses, with priority given to districts serving high-poverty or rural communities. The program requires applicants to demonstrate financial need, readiness to operate the buses for at least five years, and a plan to prioritize deployment in areas with many students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The state will provide technical assistance to help districts develop and execute their projects, and the commissioner must issue grant requests at least twice annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax subtraction for pension income earned by volunteer firefighters in Minnesota, directly affecting individuals who serve as volunteer or on-call firefighters. The legislation defines volunteer firefighter pension income as annuity payments or lump-sum distributions from public retirement plans based on firefighting service. Starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, eligible recipients can subtract this income from their taxable income when filing state individual income tax returns. The bill amends existing Minnesota tax statutes to establish this new provision without changing how other retirement income is treated.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax subtraction for firefighter pension income in Minnesota, allowing eligible individuals to reduce their taxable income by the amount of pensions received from firefighting service. It directly affects firefighters who receive annuity income or lump-sum payments from public retirement plans based on their firefighting work. The key provision adds a new subdivision to Minnesota tax law that defines firefighter pension income and establishes it as a deductible amount on individual income tax returns. The change will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, meaning firefighters will benefit from this tax relief starting in the 2026 tax year.

Maddy summaryThis bill aligns Minnesota's state tax law with the federal tax treatment of tip income. It adds a provision allowing Minnesota taxpayers to deduct qualified tips under the federal Internal Revenue Code (section 224) as a subtraction from taxable income. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2028, but is effective retroactively for years starting after December 31, 2024. This directly affects Minnesota residents who earn tip income and file individual income tax returns, potentially reducing their state tax liability.

Maddy summaryHF 3524 would allow Minnesota taxpayers to deduct qualified overtime pay from their state taxable income, aligning Minnesota's tax code with a federal deduction for overtime compensation. This bill directly affects Minnesota residents who earn overtime pay and file state income taxes. The key provision adopts the federal definition of "qualified overtime compensation" under Internal Revenue Code section 225, permitting this deduction for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2028, though it applies retroactively to years starting after December 31, 2024. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 290.0132, to add this deduction as a subtraction from taxable income.

Maddy summaryHF 3436 requires drivers approaching a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights to stop at least 20 feet away. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 169.444 to mandate this stop until the bus retracts its stop arm and turns off the red lights. It also adds a new provision requiring drivers to prepare to stop within 20 feet when a bus shows prewarning amber lights, signaling red lights are about to activate. This law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles near school buses in Minnesota, aiming to improve safety for children boarding or exiting buses. The bill takes effect the day after final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 2372 creates a voluntary "Minnesota Civic Seal" designation for high school students who complete specific civics requirements. To earn the seal, students must complete approved civics coursework, complete a project-based civic assessment, participate in at least one civic activity outside class (like voting in student elections or community service), and demonstrate civic dispositions. School districts may choose to participate but cannot charge students fees, must provide information about the program to all students, and must affix the seal to diplomas and transcripts for qualifying graduates. The program begins for students graduating in 2027 or later, with the Department of Education developing the insignia and guidelines to ensure equitable access for all students.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands how Minnesota school districts can use operating capital revenue to include utility service costs, such as electricity, water, and heating expenses. The change applies to school districts across the state and becomes effective starting in fiscal year 2027. Under the updated law, districts may now allocate these funds toward paying for utility services in addition to the existing permitted uses like building repairs, technology purchases, and safety improvements. The amendment modifies Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 126C.10, subdivision 14, to add this new category of allowable expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sales tax exemption for preowned motor vehicles in Minnesota, meaning buyers would not pay the standard sales tax when purchasing a used car. The legislation defines a preowned vehicle as any motor vehicle that has been previously sold, titled, registered, or transferred to someone else and operated before the current sale. The exemption applies to sales and purchases made after June 30, 2026, and would directly affect private individuals and businesses buying used vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing tax statutes to add this new exemption category alongside other existing tax exemptions for specific groups and vehicle types.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's renewable energy requirements for state-funded construction projects by removing the mandate that renewable energy sources must be located on the building site. It directs the Department of Administration and Department of Commerce to develop sustainable building guidelines for new state buildings and major renovations, requiring these structures to exceed the state energy code by at least 30 percent. The changes apply to any new building project where predesign work is completed after the bill's enactment.