Photo of Ben Bakeberg
R Minnesota House · District 54B

Rep. Ben Bakeberg

Compare
Total votes
1,313
all sessions
Attendance
97%
43 missed
Higher than 92% of chamber peers
With party
97%
of cast votes
Near the chamber average
Bipartisan score
1%
crosses aisle rarely
Near the chamber average
Sponsored
327
bills & resolutions
Near the chamber average
Committees
2
assignments
327 bills and resolutions

Sponsored bills

Total
327
Primary
61
Co-sponsor
266
This page
327
matching current filters
Co-sponsor SF 4474
Passed · Minnesota Senate · Co-sponsor
Online sweepstakes games prohibition

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.

Passed May 4, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 482
In committee · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Choose Life special license plates established, and money appropriated.

Maddy summaryHF 482 establishes "Choose Life" special license plates for Minnesota motor vehicle owners. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $25 initial fee and $25 annual contribution to a dedicated "Choose Life account," in addition to standard registration fees. Funds collected are deposited into this account and distributed by Choose Life Minnesota, Inc., to non-profit agencies within each county that assist pregnant women making adoption plans - excluding any agencies involved in abortion services or charging fees for services. The bill also specifies plate design requirements (featuring the "Choose Life" logo and inscription) and limits administrative costs for the program to 15% of funds. The program becomes effective January 1, 2026.

In committee Apr 23, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 4425
Passed · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Statute of limitations for crimes involving medical assistance fraud or other theft of money belonging to the government increased.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for prosecuting certain theft and fraud crimes in Minnesota, particularly those involving public funds and medical assistance fraud. It directly affects prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and individuals accused of these offenses by allowing more time to file charges. The key change increases the statute of limitations for theft of public money to ten years and adjusts timeframes for other financial crimes based on the amount stolen or number of victims. The bill also adds provisions that pause the clock if a defendant participates in pretrial diversion programs or if DNA evidence is being analyzed. These changes take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply to crimes committed on or after that date.

Passed Apr 22, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 4145
In committee · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities authorized to allow consumption and display of alcoholic beverages.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Minnesota to permit residents to consume and display alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. The changes require that alcohol be consumed only by residents during resident-focused activities, with no one under 21 allowed to drink and all staff serving alcohol being at least 18 years old. Additionally, the bill prohibits selling alcohol or treating it as part of a commercial transaction within these facilities. The legislation directly affects nursing home operators, assisted living facility managers, and the residents who live in these care settings.

In committee Apr 22, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 3642
died · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Virtual currency kiosks prohibited, and customer payouts provided.

Maddy summaryHF 3642 prohibits the placement or operation of virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota, directly affecting businesses that provide physical kiosks for exchanging virtual currency (like Bitcoin) for cash or vice versa. The bill's key provision bans these kiosks outright, replacing prior regulations that had defined terms like "new customer" and set transaction limits. It repeals all existing statutes (53B.69 to 53B.75) that previously governed virtual currency kiosk operations, removing the legal framework that allowed such kiosks to function under specific conditions. As a result, no virtual currency kiosks may legally operate within the state under this law.

died Apr 22, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 3762
Passed · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Chiefs of police and sheriffs authorized to open certain expunged records to determine eligibility to purchase, receive, or carry a firearm.

Maddy summaryHF 3762 allows Minnesota chiefs of police and sheriffs to access certain expunged criminal records (those sealed after January 1, 2015) specifically to determine if a person is eligible to purchase, receive, or carry a firearm. This exception applies only during firearm background checks under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.037, not for general law enforcement purposes. The bill amends existing expungement law to permit this limited access while requiring law enforcement to handle these records carefully and restrict their use solely to firearm eligibility determinations. It directly affects individuals with expunged records who apply for firearms and law enforcement agencies conducting background checks.

Passed Apr 22, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 5045
In committee · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, SAVE Minnesota Act established, proof of citizenship to vote required, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, driver's license requirements modified, and money appropriated.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the SAVE Minnesota Act, which requires voters to present a specific photo identification card to register to vote and to cast their ballots. To obtain this new voter identification card, applicants must provide proof of their U.S. citizenship and may receive certain vital records, such as birth certificates, without a fee. The legislation also creates a new voter identification card program, modifies existing driver's license requirements, and sets up a process for handling provisional ballots. Additionally, the bill includes funding provisions to support the administration of these new election procedures and establishes a children's trust fund.

In committee Apr 20, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Primary HF 5016
In committee · Minnesota House · Lead sponsor
Prior Lake; marked Trunk Highway 13 trail improvements funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the construction of a new multiuse trail along Trunk Highway 13 in Prior Lake to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. To fund this project, the state will issue approximately $4.1 million in bonds from the trunk highway fund. The money will be used to design and build three segments of a paved path on the west side of the highway, aiming to create a safer route to local schools. The legislation also sets the rules for selling these bonds and requires the funds to be deposited into a specific state account.

In committee Apr 16, 2026 0 co-sponsors
Co-sponsor HF 5015
In committee · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
School safety plans enhanced, student discipline provisions modified, anonymous reporting systems enabled, safe schools revenue increased, school building and cybersecurity grant program modified, reports required, and money appropriated.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Minnesota School Safety Center to create and distribute evidence-based model safety plans for K-12 schools, requiring districts to adopt similar plans by May 2028. It establishes strict criteria for what counts as "evidence-based," mandating that safety strategies be backed by strong research or well-designed studies before they are implemented. The legislation also enables anonymous threat reporting systems in schools and requires the safety center to consult with licensed mental health professionals when developing these plans. Additionally, the bill modifies grant programs for school buildings and cybersecurity while increasing funding for safe schools initiatives.

In committee Apr 16, 2026 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HF 4407
In committee · Minnesota House · Co-sponsor
Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act modified.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act to strengthen protections for children of color in the child welfare system. It requires social services agencies to make "active efforts" rather than just "reasonable efforts" to keep African American and disproportionately represented children in their homes, reunify them with families, and involve families in all service decisions. The law mandates that agencies consider cultural and social values when providing services, ensures community members from communities of color serve as court advocates, and requires ombudspersons to monitor compliance with these new standards. Additionally, the bill expands placement options to include relatives and community members before removing children from their homes.

In committee Apr 16, 2026 1 co-sponsor
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