Rep. Wayne Johnson

Maddy summaryHF 166 updates Minnesota's estate tax rules to match current federal estate tax exclusion amounts. It sets the Minnesota estate tax threshold at $3 million for estates of decedents dying in 2020 and later, aligning with the federal exclusion amount. This means estates valued below $3 million will no longer owe Minnesota estate tax, directly affecting decedents' estates that would have previously been subject to tax under older thresholds. The change takes effect for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHF 49 repeals a tax on all lawful gambling receipts in Minnesota, removing an existing tax burden for gambling businesses. This bill directly affects casinos, racetracks, and other legal gambling operators that previously paid this tax. The primary mechanism is the repeal of specific tax provisions (including sections 297E.01 and 297E.02), with related technical adjustments to other statutes to align with the repeal. The change eliminates a financial obligation for these businesses but does not alter gambling regulations or operations.

Maddy summaryHF 173 modifies Minnesota's research credit for income and corporate franchise tax by adding an "alternative simplified credit election." This allows eligible corporations, partnerships, or other taxpayers to calculate their base amount for the credit using 50% of their average qualified Minnesota research expenses from the prior three years, instead of the standard method based on federal definitions. The change applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and affects businesses conducting research within Minnesota that qualify for the credit. The bill does not alter the credit rate or expand eligibility, only offering an alternative calculation method for existing credit participants.

Maddy summaryHF 183 repeals a tax on retail delivery services and changes how transportation tax revenue is distributed. It creates a "Transportation Advancement Account" to allocate funds from sales taxes, directing 36% to metropolitan counties, 28% to county highway funds, and smaller shares to city and town road programs. The bill modifies several tax statutes (including sections 297A.94 and 270C.15) to implement these changes, effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects how Minnesota distributes transportation funding from sales tax revenues.