Rep. Tom Dippel

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts individuals who install, repair, or maintain landscape irrigation systems from the requirement to hold a power limited technician license in Minnesota. The exemption applies specifically to pumps, lines, and sprinkler heads designed solely for irrigating landscape plants or grass. To qualify, the work must be limited to these irrigation components and not involve other electrical systems that would require licensure. The legislation amends existing state statutes to clarify this specific exemption without affecting other electrical licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Hastings Bridge in Minnesota as the "Lieutenant General Edward J. Heinz Memorial Bridge" to honor a military leader. It directly affects the city of Hastings and the Minnesota Department of Transportation by requiring official signage and a commemorative design on the bridge. The legislation amends state statutes to formally recognize the bridge's new name and mandates the commissioner to implement appropriate markings. This is a commemorative measure that does not change operational rules or funding for the bridge.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $100,000 from Minnesota's general fund to support sports programs for children of military personnel and veterans. The funding will be granted to United Heroes League, a nonprofit organization based in Hastings, Minnesota, to provide sports experiences, equipment, camps, and related activities. This is a one-time appropriation for fiscal year 2027 and does not establish ongoing funding. The legislation directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to administer the grant to the designated organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota school boards fill vacancies by changing the order of filling open seats. When a vacancy occurs, the board must first offer the position to the candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the most recent election, and only appoint someone else if that person declines. The bill also sets specific timelines for when special elections must be held and clarifies when appointments can take effect without triggering an election. Additionally, it allows voters to reject a board-appointed candidate by filing a petition signed by at least five percent of eligible voters in the district. These changes apply to all school board vacancies except those resulting from removal of a member, which still require a special election.

Maddy summaryHF 100 would amend Minnesota tax law to allow taxpayers to subtract the full amount of their Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, removing previous limits. Currently, Minnesota caps this subtraction at $5,840 for joint filers, $4,560 for singles, and lower amounts for separate filers. The bill eliminates these maximums, meaning eligible taxpayers could deduct all their Social Security benefits without reduction. It directly affects Minnesota residents receiving Social Security income who file state tax returns. The change takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called disruption of worship services in Minnesota, targeting individuals who enter religious buildings with the intent to disrupt scheduled services by committing a crime. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is clearly marked with a sign or other identifier. First-time offenders face gross misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders could be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000 or both. The provisions take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply only to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 952 modifies Minnesota's sales and use tax law to expand exemptions for land clearing services and equipment. It adds land clearing equipment (like machinery for removing trees, bushes, and stumps) to the list of exempt items used in taxable services, and creates a new exemption for land clearing contracts sold to contractors or subcontractors. The bill specifically excludes equipment with a useful life over 12 months and does not apply to standard landscaping, gardening, or lawn care services. These changes take effect for sales after June 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the state from issuing permits for new solid waste disposal facilities located within 1,320 feet of elementary or secondary schools. It directly affects waste management companies seeking to build new landfills and the communities surrounding schools. The key provision requires the commissioner to deny any permit for a disposal facility that meets this distance criterion from a school. This policy change aims to keep new waste facilities further away from educational institutions without altering existing facilities.

Maddy summaryHF 3590 expands the Minnesota State Auditor's authority to investigate fraud within state government and creates new public reporting mechanisms. The bill requires the auditor to establish a dedicated fraud complaint line and an electronic tip form for citizens to report suspected fraud directly to the auditor. This affects all Minnesotans who may report fraud and state agencies subject to the auditor's oversight. The key change adds specific duties to the auditor's existing role, focusing on proactive fraud detection and public access to reporting tools. The bill does not change the auditor's core financial oversight responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHF 2070 changes Minnesota's rules for charging patients when they request copies of their own health records. It prohibits fees for records requested to review current medical care but sets specific maximum charges: $1 per page for paper copies (plus $10 retrieval), $250 flat for records up to three years old, and $30 for x-rays. The bill also exempts patients appealing Social Security disability denials or those receiving public assistance from all fees. These fee limits will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index starting in 2026.