Rep. Bianca Virnig

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the operation of online sweepstakes games in Minnesota, which are defined as internet-based games that use a dual-currency system allowing players to exchange virtual currency for prizes or cash equivalents while simulating gambling. The law directly affects game operators, payment processors, financial institutions, and other entities that support these games by banning them from conducting or promoting such activities within the state. Key provisions require the commissioner of public safety and attorney general to deny licenses to anyone knowingly accepting revenue from these prohibited games and to enforce penalties for violations. The bill also establishes clear definitions for terms like "dual-currency" and "online sweepstakes game" to ensure consistent enforcement.

Maddy summaryHF 3685 creates a new high school diploma option for Minnesota veterans who did not complete high school before joining the military. It allows the state education commissioner to award a standard diploma based on military service experience to veterans who: (1) served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, or left school before graduation to join active duty; (2) are Minnesota residents or former residents with an honorable discharge; and (3) apply through a joint process with the Education and Veterans Affairs departments. The bill directly affects veterans who left school early for military service but have not earned a high school diploma. It establishes concrete eligibility criteria and an application pathway without altering existing diploma requirements for other students.

Maddy summaryHF 1268 modifies rules for common interest communities (like condominiums and homeowners associations) in Minnesota, directly affecting property management companies, community governing bodies, and unit owners. Key provisions include prohibiting property managers from having financial ties to contractors they hire without written disclosure, banning compensation based on fines collected, and requiring written notice for contract renewals. The bill also establishes a "meet and confer" process for disputes and changes notice requirements for community meetings. It prohibits governing bodies from requiring or incentivizing the creation of homeowners associations. These changes aim to increase transparency and fairness in community governance.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Minnesota state government to issue bonds and allocate funds for capital projects on state-owned forest lands. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources by providing financial resources for forest management activities such as reforestation, planting native trees, and site preparation on over 50 designated state forests. The legislation defines key terms like "reforestation" and "state forest land" to establish clear guidelines for how the appropriated funds will be used. By enabling bond issuance, the bill allows the state to finance large-scale forestry infrastructure improvements without immediately drawing from the general fund.

Maddy summaryHF 3230 creates two dedicated funding streams: a new 50-cent monthly fee on telecom customers (excluding prepaid wireless) to support public safety radio equipment and crime victim services. Funds collected will be deposited into two separate accounts: one for upgrading statewide emergency radio systems and another for grants to crime victim service providers. The bill requires annual reports on how these funds are used and specifies that fees must be collected by telecom providers and submitted monthly. This directly affects telecom companies (who collect the fee), public safety agencies (receiving radio system funding), and local crime victim service organizations (receiving grants).

Maddy summaryHF 1266 appropriates $25.7 million from state bonds to fund the design, construction, and equipment of a new nonsecure juvenile detention facility in Moorhead, Clay County. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to this amount to cover the costs, with funds directed to Clay County through the commissioner of public safety. This bill directly affects Clay County and the operation of its juvenile detention system by providing funding for a specific facility project.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands financial assistance for manufactured home owners in Minnesota who are forced to move due to significant increases in lot rent or utility costs. It defines "economic displacement" as a rent increase of over ten percent in one year, twenty percent over three years, or thirty percent relative to the owner's annual income. The legislation removes the previous cap on funding from the Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund, allowing more resources to be available for relocation expenses. Additionally, it clarifies how park owners can collect fees to contribute to this trust fund and outlines specific situations where owners are exempt from paying relocation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota residents, raising the income threshold for the highest tax rate from $1 million to $1.085 million for married couples filing jointly. The legislation also increases the income limits for all existing tax brackets and introduces a new 10.85 percent tax rate for income exceeding the new highest threshold. Additionally, the bill provides increased funding to local governments and counties to offset the revenue changes. These adjustments are designed to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1794 repeals a requirement that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, complete 2,080 hours of postgraduate practice under a collaborative agreement with physicians in hospital or integrated clinical settings. This change removes the need for APRNs to submit written evidence of this collaborative practice experience when applying for licensure in Minnesota. The repeal applies to all licensure applications submitted on or after August 1, 2025. It directly affects new APRN license applicants in Minnesota by eliminating a specific postgraduate practice requirement previously mandated by state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association and adjusts pension funding for Independent School District No. 625. It increases the pension adjustment rate for ISD 625 to 5.95% for fiscal year 2027 and later, while setting a lower rate of 1.25% for other districts starting in 2025. Additionally, the legislation raises employee contribution rates for the basic program to 11.25% in 2026 and 11.5% thereafter, and adjusts employer contribution rates for coordinated members. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions for pension revenue calculations beginning in fiscal year 2027.