Rep. Brad Tabke

Maddy summaryHF 1540 establishes a pilot program for thoroughbred racehorses in Minnesota, requiring a voluntary registry for horses that resided at a racetrack for at least 120 days in the prior year. Racetracks must award $750 per registered horse that races on a racing day during 2026-2027, with the state reimbursing racetracks for these awards. The program mandates grants for repurposing retired racehorses and mental health/education services for stable workers, allocating at least $500,000 annually for each purpose. A one-time $7 million transfer from the general fund funds the program, which expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHF 1274 appropriates $4 million from the state general fund to the city of Shakopee for the design, construction, and equipping of an Innovation Hub. This one-time grant will create a regional facility focused on workforce training and business incubation. The funding directly supports Shakopee's efforts to develop a center for job skills training and local entrepreneur support. The project must be completed or abandoned within the timeframe specified by the appropriation, with funds available until then.

Maddy summaryHF 1415 increases funding for Minnesota's school unemployment aid program, which provides financial support to hourly school employees who face unemployment between academic terms. The bill appropriates specific additional funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This directly affects hourly school workers, such as those in maintenance or summer programs, who qualify for unemployment aid under existing rules. The change simply adds more money to an existing account without altering eligibility or program structure.

Maddy summaryHF 466 appropriates $7.3 million from state bonds to fund a 4.3-mile segment of the Merriam Junction Regional Trail in Scott County. The money will be used by Scott County to acquire property, design, and build the Louisville Segment, connecting Louisville Swamp Trailhead to Big Woods Trail in Shakopee. The bill authorizes the state to issue bonds up to $7.3 million to cover these costs, following standard bond procedures. This directly affects Scott County (as the recipient) and future trail users in the Louisville and Shakopee areas. The funding is for physical trail construction, not administrative or maintenance costs.

Maddy summaryHF 37 proposes adding a new constitutional guarantee to Minnesota's state constitution, stating that "Elections shall be free, fair, and equal. No civil or military power shall, at any time, interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote." If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, this amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting all Minnesotans participating in elections by establishing this fundamental principle. The bill specifies the exact wording for the constitutional amendment and the ballot question voters would see. It does not create new election procedures but enshrines this standard into the state constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HF 139) increases annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Minnesota's Public Employees Police and Fire Retirement Plan and State Patrol Retirement Plan. It raises the standard adjustment from 1% to up to 1.5% annually (based on federal Social Security COLA), and shortens the required waiting period from 36 months to 12 months for full benefits. Retirees receiving benefits for less than 12 months will now get a pro-rated increase based on months served. The changes take effect for adjustments starting January 1, 2026, and apply automatically unless retirees opt out in writing.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for ticket sales in Minnesota to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices. It requires ticket sellers and online marketplaces to clearly display the total price, including all fees, and to provide buyers with proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours. The legislation also prohibits specific behaviors such as selling duplicate tickets, using unauthorized domain names, or bypassing online security measures to buy multiple tickets. The commissioner of commerce is given the authority to request data on how violations occur and to enforce these rules, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Minnesota law updates family court rules to ensure unmarried parents are treated the same as married couples when determining child custody and parenting time. The bill mandates that courts prioritize scheduling expedited hearings within 30 days if a parent is denied access to their child for 14 consecutive days or faces financial hardship during a legal dispute. It also establishes new rights and responsibilities regarding assisted reproduction and directs the state to modernize legal terminology used in family law statutes. These changes aim to support children's relationships with both parents while providing faster relief for urgent situations involving access or support.

Maddy summaryThis law requires Minnesota to rewrite the written portion of the driver's knowledge test and the driver's manual using clear, plain language by February 1, 2025. The new materials must follow specific writing rules, such as using simple sentences, active voice, and direct address to help test-takers understand traffic laws more easily. A state committee must oversee the creation of these new exams, and the Department of Public Safety is authorized to hire outside experts to help draft the content. By February 1, 2026, officials must submit a report to the legislature detailing the costs, staffing needs, and results of this implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the state's general fund to support mental health services for current and former law enforcement officers and first responders in Minnesota. The funds are designated for a nonprofit organization called Heroes Helping Heroes to provide treatment specifically for employment-related mental health challenges. The program will utilize interactive group activities and other methods to address these issues, and the money becomes available immediately after the bill is enacted.