Rep. Brad Tabke

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota law enforcement officers from detaining or transporting suspects in vehicles not specifically designed for human transport, such as standard patrol cars. It requires all such vehicles to be owned/leased by a law enforcement agency, clearly marked with the agency's identification, and equipped with seats and seat belts for each person transported. Exceptions apply during emergencies threatening life/safety or for undercover operations. The law directly affects police departments and officers who transport detainees, aiming to standardize safe transport conditions.

Maddy summaryHF 3740 modifies requirements for major highway projects on Minnesota's trunk highway system. It requires project developers to create purpose and need statements that consider safety, accessibility, and mobility for all transportation users, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The bill mandates analysis of multiple alternatives, including options that reduce traffic lanes or road right-of-way, and requires coordination with transit and active transportation projects. It establishes a working group led by the transportation commissioner, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies, to develop implementation guidelines. The bill appropriates funds for this process and requires a report on implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 3431 makes Minnesota's traffic safety camera pilot program permanent, allowing red light and speed cameras to issue citations for violations. It sets $40 fines for most violations (up to $80 for 20+ mph over speed limits), with warnings for first offenses and diversion options (including traffic safety courses) for second offenses. The law excludes commercial vehicles and commercial drivers from fines, and lists specific defenses like vehicle theft, emergency medical situations, or prior convictions for the same violation. Vehicle owners must provide sworn statements for certain defenses, and citations cannot lead to driver's license suspension.

Maddy summaryHF 3418 establishes a new community-based pedestrian safety program in Minnesota, administered by the Department of Transportation. It appropriates state funds to support local projects that improve pedestrian safety on roads, requiring projects to have community support (via resident petitions) and use safety designs developed by the Traffic Safety Advisory Council. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, townships, and federally recognized tribes seeking funding for capital improvements like pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and traffic safety facilities. The program mandates public reporting on project selection and spending through the transportation department's website. This bill directly affects local governments and communities seeking to enhance pedestrian safety through targeted roadway improvements.

Maddy summaryHF 3357 would prohibit the possession of dangerous weapons (including guns, ammunition, or explosives) in Minnesota's Capitol complex buildings, making it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill specifically applies to state buildings within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B, excluding the National Guard Armory. Key exemptions include licensed peace officers on duty, permit holders who notify law enforcement, individuals displaying weapons as evidence with sheriff approval, and retired officers working in security roles under specific federal rules. The law would take effect on August 1, 2026, and directly affects anyone entering Capitol complex buildings, with limited exceptions for authorized personnel and specific lawful activities.

Maddy summaryHF 3369 appropriates $50,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2027 to establish the Centennial Barns Registry. The Minnesota Historical Society will operate the registry, allowing landowners to voluntarily register barns built before 1959 and share their history and location. This funding directly supports documenting historic barn structures across Minnesota without imposing requirements on property owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $3 million from state bonds to fund rail crossing improvements in Shakopee, specifically to establish a quiet zone along the Union Pacific Railway corridor. The funds will cover design, construction, and equipment for safety upgrades at rail crossings in the city. The state will issue bonds up to $3 million to finance the grant, which is directly provided to the city of Shakopee for these projects. The measure focuses solely on allocating capital funds for infrastructure, with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 3434 bans the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons (like AR-15s and AK-47s) and large-capacity ammunition magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) in Minnesota. It defines these weapons by specific models (e.g., Colt AR-15, Beretta AR-70) or features (folding stocks, pistol grips, threaded barrels). The bill creates criminal penalties for possessing these banned items and amends state law to clarify prohibited firearms and magazines. It directly affects individuals who own or possess these specific weapons or magazines. The law does not cover all semiautomatic firearms but targets models and features associated with military-style weapons.

Maddy summaryHF 3406 makes specific firearm permit data public, including details about permit revocations, suspensions, or voidances, and information on permit holders who died by firearm suicide or police use of force. It extends retention requirements for certain records: sheriffs must keep data on denied or revoked permits, voided permits due to prohibited possession, and the specified deaths for six years instead of purging it annually. This applies to government entities like county sheriffs that collect firearm permit information in Minnesota. The bill changes public access to limited permit-related data while ensuring specific records are preserved longer.

Maddy summaryHF 1335 authorizes Minnesota to issue electronic driver's licenses that comply with national standards (AAMVA and ISO/IEC 18013-5). It affects Minnesota drivers who choose to use electronic credentials and requires the Department of Public Safety (DVS) to develop the system with specific privacy safeguards. Key provisions include mandating secure verification by businesses or law enforcement, prohibiting tracking without consent, and requiring physical licenses to be carried while driving. The bill also allows DVS to charge a separate fee for electronic licenses and sets rules for data handling under existing privacy laws. It takes effect July 1, 2026.