Rep. Brad Tabke

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $238,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $238,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to support the Minnesota Helmets to Hardhats program. The funds will help Building Strong Communities connect National Guard members, military reservists, active duty personnel, and veterans to construction industry apprenticeships and career training through the Department of Labor and Industry. The program must not discriminate based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or gender. It directly affects military-connected individuals seeking careers in building and construction trades.

Maddy summaryHF 1817 increases the annual surcharge for all-electric vehicles from $75 to $100 (effective August 1, 2025), while adding a new $25 surcharge for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Both surcharges are adjusted every three years based on changes to Minnesota’s gasoline excise tax, rounded to the nearest $5 increment. Revenue from these surcharges must be deposited into the Transportation Impact Assessment and Mitigation Account. Additionally, if the account balance exceeds 50% of annual deposits, 90% of the excess must be transferred to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 1762 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Minnesota's state constitution. If approved by voters, it would guarantee all persons equal rights under state law and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex - including protections for pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The amendment would apply to all state actions and agencies, requiring any discriminatory state action to be the "least restrictive means" of achieving a "compelling governmental interest." The proposed amendment must be submitted to voters in the 2026 general election, with implementation starting January 1, 2027, if ratified.

Maddy summaryHF 819 establishes the Minnesota Sustainable Foraging Task Force to develop science-based recommendations for foraging regulations on state lands. The task force, composed of 16 diverse members including Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, conservation representatives, and foraging advocates, must gather data on foraging impacts, review current rules, and create guidelines balancing public access with ecological protection. It is required to produce a report with specific, actionable recommendations - including a permitting model allowing volunteer options - by December 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Minnesotans who forage on public lands and aims to guide future regulations through data-driven, inclusive processes.

Maddy summaryHF 1812 establishes a state-run Minnesota Health Plan to guarantee comprehensive, affordable health care for every Minnesota resident. The plan covers all necessary medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care services without co-pays, with premiums based on income. It creates new state entities including the Minnesota Health Board, Health Fund, Office of Health Quality and Planning, a patient advocacy ombudsman, and an auditor for the plan. The bill also requests a federal waiver under the Affordable Care Act to modify certain health insurance requirements and appropriates funding for implementation.

Maddy summaryHF 1842 authorizes sports betting and fantasy contests in Minnesota while establishing licensing requirements for operators and prohibiting local governments from banning these activities. The bill creates a tax system for sports betting and fantasy contests, requires operators to obtain state licenses, and includes specific rules for mobile betting applications and in-game wagers. It clarifies that standard fantasy sports contests (based on real athlete performance) are permitted, but esports events must meet additional criteria. The legislation also updates tax rates for pari-mutuel horse racing and requires reports on gambling revenue, affecting operators, tribal casinos, and residents aged 21+ who place bets.

Maddy summaryHF 1685 requires Minnesota's IT Services agency to combine the state's transit assistance program (currently managed by Metro Transit) into the existing Minnesota Benefits Web Portal by December 31, 2025. The bill mandates coordination with transportation, human services, and children's agencies to ensure seamless integration while allowing Metro Transit to continue processing applications. It also appropriates $1.2 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 specifically for this integration work. This change directly affects state agencies managing benefits and Metro Transit, aiming to streamline access for Minnesotans using transit assistance programs.

Maddy summaryHF 1781 updates several transportation rules in Minnesota. It modifies the descriptions of Highway Routes 244 and 246, clarifies the definition of "intersection" for traffic purposes, and revises how steady yellow traffic signals are described in law (specifying that yellow indicates a warning before red). These changes affect drivers, traffic officials, and transportation planners by updating route maps, intersection rules, and signal interpretation. The bill does not create new requirements but adjusts existing legal language for clarity and consistency.

Maddy summaryHF 1503 establishes a grant program for Minnesota poultry producers to install specific measures preventing avian influenza (bird flu) transmission from wild birds to domestic flocks. Eligible recipients must use funds to cover costs for approved methods like lasers, visual deterrents (e.g., air socks), or sound systems, while contributing 20% of the expenses (with a possible $2,000 reduction for labor costs). Recipients must document expenses, report annually on prevention effectiveness, and allow commissioner monitoring. The program is funded through state appropriations for fiscal years 2026-2027, targeting Minnesota-based poultry operations.

Maddy summaryHF 1525 allows residents to operate home-based businesses in their homes without needing local permits, as long as the business is "no-impact" (meaning it doesn't increase traffic, parking, or street visibility and stays within residential occupancy limits). Municipalities cannot require permits for these businesses but may set reasonable rules for health, safety, and neighborhood compatibility. The bill does not override existing property restrictions like deed covenants or homeowner association rules, and it prohibits requiring rezoning or fire sprinklers in single-family homes. This law directly affects homeowners and tenants running small home businesses and local governments managing zoning regulations.