Rep. Matt Norris

Maddy summaryHF 1031 redirects specific sales and use tax collections (from section 297A.94, paragraph m) to create an "amateur sports account" for the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. The funds are dedicated to covering deferred maintenance costs at the National Sports Center in Blaine, as determined annually by the Department of Administration. If no maintenance costs are identified for a fiscal year, the tax revenue cancels to the general fund. The bill takes effect for sales made after June 30, 2025, and requires annual appropriations starting September 1, 2025. This is a funding mechanism affecting only the National Sports Center's maintenance, not broader amateur sports programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1032 establishes a new special license plate design for Minnesota veterans who earned the Combat Infantry Badge. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168.123, to add a "COMBAT INFANTRY" inscription on veteran plates, specifically for those who served in combat roles and received this badge. Eligible veterans must meet existing requirements, including honorable discharge documentation and vehicle registration, similar to other veteran plate categories like "Purple Heart" or "Vietnam Vet." This change directly affects Minnesota veterans with Combat Infantry Badge status who wish to display this recognition on their vehicles.

Maddy summaryHF 728 modifies Minnesota's rules for providing out-of-home respite care services for children in unlicensed residential settings. It allows licensed providers to offer this care in homes that aren't licensed for such services, but only if they meet strict requirements: background checks for all household members, annual assessments of the home's suitability by a case manager, annual authorization from a child's legal representative, and limits on the number of children (max four, with siblings allowed to share a room) and service duration (max 46 days per year). These rules do not apply to children in foster care under chapters 260C or 260D. The bill requires providers to maintain detailed documentation of all assessments and authorizations, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 386 amends Minnesota's sales and use tax rules to change payment schedules for large vendors and establish a new vendor allowance. Retailers with annual tax liabilities of $250,000 or more must now remit 84.5% of their estimated June tax liability by June 30 (reduced from 87.5% for 2020-2021) and the remainder by August 20. It also creates a vendor allowance (section 297A.816), allowing retailers to retain a portion of collected sales tax - calculated as a percentage of eligible taxes - to cover their collection costs, with a minimum $10 per reporting period. This affects most Minnesota retailers collecting sales tax, particularly larger businesses, and takes effect for transactions after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 388 allows the city of Blaine to issue social district licenses, expanding an existing program previously available only to Anoka, Shakopee, and Stillwater. The bill enables Blaine to designate specific public areas adjacent to licensed bars or restaurants where patrons can legally consume alcohol purchased from those venues, subject to strict rules. Key requirements include clear signage showing boundaries and hours, non-glass containers holding ≤16oz with "Drink Responsibly" labels, and disposal of alcohol before leaving the district unless re-entering the purchasing venue. The city must also report to legislators within 24 months on community impact, safety, and operational challenges. This directly affects Blaine residents, adjacent businesses, and local law enforcement managing these designated zones.

Maddy summaryHF 385 creates a tax subtraction for Minnesota taxpayers who receive debt forgiveness under specific legal circumstances. It directly affects individuals whose debts were discharged due to "coerced debt" (as defined in section 332.74 of Minnesota law), allowing them to exclude that forgiven amount from their taxable income. This change applies to both state income tax calculations and eligibility for property tax refunds and renter's income tax credits. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for ticket sales in Minnesota to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices. It requires ticket sellers and online marketplaces to clearly display the total price, including all fees, and to provide buyers with proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours. The legislation also prohibits specific behaviors such as selling duplicate tickets, using unauthorized domain names, or bypassing online security measures to buy multiple tickets. The commissioner of commerce is given the authority to request data on how violations occur and to enforce these rules, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Minnesota Cooperative Housing Act to create a specific legal framework for housing cooperatives serving seniors, low and moderate-income individuals, and designated members. It provides clear definitions for cooperative structures and outlines operational rules, including how membership interests are treated and how conflicts with existing landlord-tenant laws are resolved. The legislation also introduces modern voting methods, such as electronic or telephonic ballots, to facilitate member participation in cooperative governance. By codifying these provisions into a new chapter of state law, the bill aims to streamline the organization and management of these housing entities while ensuring they operate within established legal boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis law requires Minnesota to rewrite the written portion of the driver's knowledge test and the driver's manual using clear, plain language by February 1, 2025. The new materials must follow specific writing rules, such as using simple sentences, active voice, and direct address to help test-takers understand traffic laws more easily. A state committee must oversee the creation of these new exams, and the Department of Public Safety is authorized to hire outside experts to help draft the content. By February 1, 2026, officials must submit a report to the legislature detailing the costs, staffing needs, and results of this implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the state's general fund to support mental health services for current and former law enforcement officers and first responders in Minnesota. The funds are designated for a nonprofit organization called Heroes Helping Heroes to provide treatment specifically for employment-related mental health challenges. The program will utilize interactive group activities and other methods to address these issues, and the money becomes available immediately after the bill is enacted.