Rep. Brad Tabke

Maddy summaryThis bill allows local jurisdictions in Minnesota to choose ranked choice voting for their local elections, where voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. It establishes specific rules for how these elections would be conducted, including procedures for counting votes and handling ballots where a candidate is eliminated based on the rankings. The legislation also permits local areas to use electronic voting machines that can automatically reallocate votes to remaining candidates after an initial winner is determined. However, the bill did not pass during the 2024 legislative session and therefore will not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equal rights and prohibit discrimination for all people. It specifically protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, and sex, with the definition of sex explicitly including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. If voters approve the amendment at the 2026 general election, the change will become effective on January 1, 2027. The text also establishes that any state action denying these rights must be the least restrictive way to achieve a very important government goal.

Maddy summaryHF 5242 is a conference committee report that finalizes funding and policy changes for Minnesota's transportation, labor, and housing sectors. The bill directs specific budget allocations to the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, and the Metropolitan Council for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with particular attention to active transportation projects like the Mississippi Skyway Trail Bridge. It also updates regulations covering driver testing, greenhouse gas emissions, electric-assisted bicycles, and various labor and housing programs. Additionally, the legislation establishes new advisory committees and task forces while modifying existing state statutes and rules related to these industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's individual income tax rules by allowing taxpayers to subtract Social Security benefits and public pension income from their taxable income. It establishes specific dollar limits and phase-out thresholds based on a taxpayer's filing status and provisional income, ensuring that higher earners gradually lose access to these subtractions. The changes apply to retirees receiving benefits from state pension plans and aim to align state tax treatment more closely with federal standards for public pensions. These provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Minnesota Constitution to guarantee equality under the law. The amendment would prohibit the state, its cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from denying or abridging rights based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. If approved by voters at the 2024 general election, the change would take effect on January 1, 2025. The measure is titled the "Equal Rights Amendment" and requires a simple yes or no vote from the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for Minnesota's senior citizens' property tax deferral program, which allows eligible homeowners to postpone paying their property taxes. To qualify, the property must be a primary residence owned by someone aged 65 or older, with a spouse aged 62 or older if married. The legislation raises the maximum household income limit from $60,000 to $96,000 and reduces the required ownership period from 15 years to five years. Additionally, the bill maintains restrictions on existing liens, requiring that total debt secured by mortgages and other liens cannot exceed 75% of the home's estimated market value. These changes apply to tax applications filed for 2024 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum pay standards for teachers and certain unlicensed school staff in Minnesota, setting a salary floor of $60,000 for most full-time teachers and $80,000 for those with a master's degree and over a decade of experience. It also mandates that covered unlicensed staff members, such as paraprofessionals and aides, earn at least $25 per hour, with all these rates scheduled to be adjusted every four years based on inflation. To help school districts meet these new financial obligations, the legislation creates state aid programs that cover the cost of raising teacher salaries and unlicensed staff wages from their 2024 levels to the new minimums. The law applies to public school districts, charter schools, and other educational entities, while explicitly stating that these minimums do not interfere with existing collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill legalizes and regulates sports betting and fantasy contests in Minnesota by establishing a licensing system for operators and setting specific tax rates on these activities. It prohibits local governments from banning or restricting sports betting within their jurisdictions and defines key terms to clarify what types of events, such as esports and college sports, are eligible for wagering. The legislation also introduces civil and criminal penalties for violations, creates a framework for charitable gambling, and includes provisions for amateur sports grants and pari-mutuel horse racing.

Maddy summaryHF 3436 is a comprehensive transportation policy bill that modifies numerous existing laws and regulations across Minnesota, affecting drivers, vehicle owners, public transit operators, and local governments. The legislation updates rules on motor vehicles, driving requirements, accident reporting, child safety restraints, and roadable aircraft while also adjusting criminal penalties and funding provisions. A significant portion of the bill restructures the membership of the Toward Zero Deaths advisory council to include new representatives from diverse groups such as Tribal governments, disability advocates, and various industry associations. Additionally, the act amends statutes related to excavation, transit services, and technical updates to ensure alignment with current transportation needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Equal Access to Broadband Act in Minnesota and updates existing laws to clarify definitions and rules for broadband services and infrastructure. It defines specific terms like "underserved areas" and "last-mile infrastructure" to help identify regions lacking high-speed internet and to distinguish between different parts of the network. The legislation also grants local governments the authority to require broadband providers to obtain a franchise or municipal authorization before placing infrastructure in public rights-of-way. Under this new framework, cities and counties can charge fees to broadband providers to cover costs associated with occupying public space or to generate revenue. Additionally, the bill ensures that various utility companies, including those providing broadband, can continue to use public roads for construction and maintenance without interfering with public safety.