Rep. Jimmy Gordon

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting in Minnesota, but only if conducted by federally recognized Indian tribes under existing gaming compacts or by state-licensed horse racing tracks. It would require a 20% tax on wagers (minus winnings) and mandate that revenues be split equally to fund substance use disorder programs, local charitable organizations supported by gambling donations, horse racing purses, and the state general fund. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election. If passed, it would establish the first legal framework for sports betting in Minnesota under these specific conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 417 modifies Minnesota's individual income tax code to exclude tips (gratuities paid to employees) from taxable income. This change directly affects service industry workers, such as restaurant staff, who receive tips as part of their earnings. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 290.0132 by adding a new provision stating that tip amounts are a subtraction from taxable income, meaning these earnings will not be subject to state income tax. The provision takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 2318 updates Minnesota's Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) system. It increases pension adjustment revenue for school districts (e.g., setting St. Paul's rate at 3.25% for 2026+ and other districts at 2.0% for 2026+), raises employer contribution rates (e.g., requiring 9.5% for coordinated members and 13.5% for basic members by 2025), and provides unreduced retirement annuities for teachers who reach age 62 with 30 years of service. These changes directly affect public school districts (as employers) and TRA members (teachers). The bill appropriates funds to support these adjustments and amends specific sections of Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 1925 creates Minnesota's participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) licensed in Minnesota to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a "multistate license" issued by Minnesota that authorizes practice across all compact states, requiring nurses to meet Minnesota's licensing standards (including NCLEX exams, education requirements, and English proficiency if needed). It also mandates sharing disciplinary information between states to maintain safety standards. This directly affects Minnesota nurses seeking to work in other compact states and simplifies interstate practice for healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHF 2201 increases local optional aid for Minnesota schools and limits state-paid free school lunches to families with incomes at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill establishes a "free enhanced school meals program" requiring participating schools to provide two free meals per day (breakfast and lunch) to students from families earning between 185% and 500% of the federal poverty level. It amends school meal financing rules to adjust state aid payments and appropriates funds to support these changes, effective for fiscal year 2026. This directly affects schools, families with children in the specified income range, and the state's education budget.

Maddy summaryHF 3253 amends Minnesota's Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) by adding a definition for "central bank digital currency" (CBDC) and revising the definition of "money" to explicitly include digital forms issued by a central bank. This technical update ensures the UCC framework accommodates CBDC as a valid form of "money" for commercial transactions, such as payments and contracts. The bill directly affects how financial institutions, businesses, and legal entities interact with digital currency under Minnesota's commercial law, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups beyond standard UCC application.

Maddy summaryHF 3254 prohibits the sale of food products containing seven specific artificial dyes - Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 - in Minnesota. It directly affects food sellers, including restaurants, grocery stores, and manufacturers, who would no longer be allowed to sell items containing these dyes after the effective date. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, banning the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of such products. This is a direct regulatory change targeting food labeling and ingredients, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHF 733 removes restrictions on handheld electronic devices used for bingo and pull-tab games in Minnesota. The bill amends state law to allow these devices, which must meet specific requirements like a $0.25 minimum ticket price, a limit of 36 bingo faces per game, and no slot machine-style features (e.g., spinning reels or bonus screens). It also requires devices to support visually impaired players and maintain transaction records. This change directly affects bingo and pull-tab operators by enabling new electronic gameplay options while maintaining key safeguards.

Maddy summaryHF 2339 increases Minnesota's income threshold for the child tax credit, allowing more families to qualify for the full benefit before credits begin phasing out. The bill raises the phaseout threshold from $35,000 to $45,490 for married couples filing jointly and from $29,500 to $38,340 for other filers. This change directly affects Minnesota taxpayers with children who file individual income tax returns, as it prevents the credit from decreasing at lower income levels. The bill also requires future annual inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 2554 designates a specific bridge on Burnsville Parkway over Interstate Highway 35W in Burnsville, Minnesota, as the "Elmstrand * Finseth * Ruge Heroes Memorial Bridge." The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 161.14 to formally name the structure and requires the transportation commissioner to adopt appropriate signage for it. This is a commemorative measure naming a physical location, not a policy change affecting residents or creating new laws. The bridge itself is the direct subject of the designation, with no broader legislative impact beyond the memorial name and signage.