Rep. Erin Koegel

Maddy summaryHF 1842 authorizes sports betting and fantasy contests in Minnesota while establishing licensing requirements for operators and prohibiting local governments from banning these activities. The bill creates a tax system for sports betting and fantasy contests, requires operators to obtain state licenses, and includes specific rules for mobile betting applications and in-game wagers. It clarifies that standard fantasy sports contests (based on real athlete performance) are permitted, but esports events must meet additional criteria. The legislation also updates tax rates for pari-mutuel horse racing and requires reports on gambling revenue, affecting operators, tribal casinos, and residents aged 21+ who place bets.

Maddy summaryHF 1799 amends Minnesota law to allow counties to levy a wheelage tax (a tax on vehicles kept in the county when not in use) at a maximum rate of $35 per year, up from the previous $20 limit. Counties must set the tax rate through a resolution, with taxes collected annually in whole dollar increments. This bill directly affects vehicle owners in counties that choose to implement the tax, while exempting motorcycles, motorized bicycles, scooters, and certain vehicles meeting specific criteria under state law. The change updates existing provisions in Minnesota Statutes section 163.051, subdivision 1, and includes technical corrections to the statute.

Maddy summaryHF 1804 modifies Minnesota's active transportation rules to better protect pedestrians and cyclists. It updates crosswalk definitions to clarify pedestrian zones on roads and trails, and adjusts speed limit enforcement by adding a $25 surcharge for driving 20+ mph over the limit. The bill also changes electric-assisted bicycle rebate eligibility and funding amounts, though specific details aren't provided in the text. Additionally, it authorizes the state to create rules for implementing these changes. These updates directly affect pedestrians, cyclists, and electric bike buyers using Minnesota roads.

Maddy summaryHF 1685 requires Minnesota's IT Services agency to combine the state's transit assistance program (currently managed by Metro Transit) into the existing Minnesota Benefits Web Portal by December 31, 2025. The bill mandates coordination with transportation, human services, and children's agencies to ensure seamless integration while allowing Metro Transit to continue processing applications. It also appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this integration work. This change directly affects state agencies managing benefits and Metro Transit, aiming to streamline access for Minnesotans using transit assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 981 appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Commissioner of Health. This funding is directed to the nonprofit organization "Change the Outcome" to implement opioid prevention and education programs. The bill requires these programs to provide data-driven school and community education on opioid dangers, prevention strategies, overdose recognition, emerging drug trends (like fentanyl and xylazine), and access to substance use disorder support resources. The primary beneficiaries are Minnesota middle and high school students, communities, and individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryHF 1427 requires ride-hailing companies operating in Minnesota to make at least 15% of their vehicles wheelchair accessible by 2026 and adopt clear nondiscrimination policies. Companies must pay a 15-cent surcharge per non-accessible ride (funded into a dedicated account), submit annual reports on accessibility metrics (like wheelchair vehicle availability and denial rates), and display fare information transparently before rides. This directly affects ride-hailing services and improves access for people with disabilities who rely on wheelchair-accessible transportation. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $15,000.

Maddy summaryHF 1294 provides funding to deputy registrars (local offices handling vehicle registrations) for processing transactions where no fee would normally be charged. The bill requires the state to pay deputy registrars $9 for each no-fee vehicle registration renewal and $13 for each other no-fee transaction (like corrections or title surrenders). This money comes from the driver and vehicle services operating account, not from new taxes or fees. The payment mechanism is designed to compensate local offices for administrative work on transactions that would otherwise generate no revenue.

Maddy summaryHF 1047 allocates $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Health. This funding is specifically directed to the nonprofit organization Change the Outcome to implement opioid prevention and education programs. The programs will provide data-centered learning in Minnesota middle and high schools and communities, teach prevention strategies and overdose recognition, share information on emerging drugs like fentanyl and xylazine, and connect individuals with substance use disorder resources. The bill directly affects schools, community groups, and Minnesotans at risk of opioid misuse.

Maddy summaryHF 712 modifies Minnesota's transportation efficiency rules by changing how the Department of Transportation (DOT) uses savings from operational efficiencies. It requires that savings generated under Section 174.53 (15% of trunk highway fund appropriations above base amounts) must be redirected to fund trunk highway construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation projects. These funds are specifically directed toward the "corridors of commerce program" outlined in Section 161.088. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to funds reallocated after that date.

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.