Rep. Tom Dippel

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 3255 prohibits Minnesota employers from deducting and withholding wage taxes, and bars the collection of sales or excise taxes (like those on goods or services), during a government shutdown period. Specifically, it prevents these tax collections on wages paid or transactions occurring during the period starting July 1 of an odd-numbered year when funding bills for state government operations (executive, legislative, or judicial branches) haven't been approved for the upcoming biennium, plus 10 days for wage taxes or 3 days for consumption taxes. This directly affects employers who normally withhold income tax and businesses that collect sales tax during these funding gaps. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to add these temporary tax exemptions, effective upon final enactment.

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 3242 allows the city of Hastings to issue an on-sale liquor license for wine and malt liquor at a ballpark located on state-owned land, overriding any conflicting terms in the city's lease agreement with the state of Minnesota. This bill directly affects Hastings city officials and the ballpark operator by enabling them to legally sell alcohol at the venue under Minnesota's liquor laws. The key provision removes restrictions from the lease (specifically lease number I-6390) that previously prevented the city from granting this license type. The license permits alcohol sales at the ballpark during all times permitted by city liquor regulations.

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 2764 requires Minnesota public schools (including charter schools participating in the National School Lunch Program) to offer at least one plant-based meal option daily starting with the 2026-2027 school year. A "plant-based meal" is defined as one without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), and schools must provide this option within four weeks of a student's written request. Schools must also make the request process clear to students and parents, comply with federal nutrition standards, and report annually on implementation to the Department of Education. The bill applies to all public schools serving lunches through the National School Lunch Program.

Maddy summaryHF 1297 increases Minnesota's property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the excluded market value from $150,000 to $250,000 for veterans with a 70%+ disability, and from $300,000 to $500,000 for those with a total (100%) permanent disability. This directly affects veterans (or their spouses if the veteran dies) who own their primary residence (homestead), meet VA certification requirements, and have an honorable discharge. The change applies to property tax assessments after the bill's effective date, requiring applications by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryHF 713 adds permeable synthetic turf as an approved stormwater management practice in Minnesota, equivalent to permeable pavement. The bill requires that such turf must meet specific standards: a minimum permeability rate of 25 inches per hour, pass flammability tests, contain no PFAS chemicals, avoid rubber infill in residential projects, and be manufactured to replicate natural turf with UV stabilization. This affects developers, contractors, and local governments implementing stormwater control solutions, particularly for commercial or municipal projects using permeable synthetic turf.

Maddy summaryHF 1391 appropriates $18,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $18,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association. This funding supports the Association's existing work with livestock breeders in Minnesota, including breed preservation and industry support programs. The bill directly affects the Association as the recipient of these state funds, with no new regulations or broader policy changes. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional provisions beyond the specified appropriations.