Rep. Ben Bakeberg

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's Paid Leave Law to expand the definition of "seasonal employee" from 150 days to 180 days within a 52-week period, specifically for workers in the hospitality industry. Under the new rules, employers must certify that an employee meets the extended duration limit and that the business meets specific revenue thresholds to classify someone as seasonal. The legislation also requires employers to notify the state within five business days if a seasonal employee no longer qualifies for that status. Employees classified as seasonal under these criteria would remain ineligible for paid leave benefits during weeks they are employed in that capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of state bonds totaling $68.5 million to fund improvements to Marked Trunk Highway 13 and connected local roads in Savage and Burnsville. The funding will support property acquisition, engineering design, and construction of intersection upgrades at four specific intersections along the highway, as well as necessary frontage roads and utility infrastructure. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive the funds through grants to the cities of Savage and Burnsville to carry out the roadwork. State bonds will be sold to raise the necessary money, with the proceeds deposited into designated funds for the project.

Maddy summaryHF 3571 allows watershed districts in Minnesota to cover their own employee health insurance costs (excluding life insurance) instead of purchasing group policies, a change previously limited to cities, counties, and school districts. The bill requires these self-insurance plans to meet state certification standards, provide all legally required benefits, and involve consultation with employee representatives before implementation or dissolution. It also permits multiple watershed districts to jointly self-insure under shared rules and clarifies that employees represented by unions may opt into the district’s plan at their own expense. The legislation updates existing statutes to include watershed districts in these health benefit options while maintaining key safeguards for employees.

Maddy summaryHF 409 increases funding for Minnesota public school districts by raising local optional revenue allowances. It sets new annual allowance amounts: $250 for first-tier, $300 for second-tier, and $424 for third-tier local revenue starting in fiscal year 2026. School districts calculate their revenue using these allowances multiplied by adjusted pupil units, with levies tied to property values per student. The bill also appropriates additional state funds for general education aid in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This directly affects all Minnesota school districts receiving state education funding.

Maddy summaryHF 57 increases state funding for special education by raising the cross-subsidy aid factor from 44% (for 2024-2025) to 50% for 2026 and 54% for 2027 and later. This directly affects Minnesota school districts that receive special education funding, providing them with higher state payments based on their previous year's special education costs. The bill appropriates specific funds for these increased payments in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The change takes effect for special education aid calculations beginning in fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHF 412 requires members of Minnesota's education policy and finance legislative committees to observe a teacher or administrator for at least 12 hours over a two-year period. Committee members must submit detailed reports - including date, school, and grade levels observed - to legislative leadership, with all reports published online by the Legislative Reference Library. The House and Senate are also required to adopt rules to implement these requirements. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 1426 establishes a statewide program requiring manufacturers of electronic products (like circuit boards and batteries) to fund collection and recycling of covered items through a reimbursement board. It directly affects electronics manufacturers by mandating their financial responsibility for end-of-life products and consumers by creating designated collection sites. The bill prohibits mercury in batteries and defines specific categories of "covered products," including circuit boards and batteries (excluding lead-acid types), while exempting medical devices and vehicles. It also appropriates funds to implement the program and replaces outdated battery management rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the state of Minnesota calculates registration taxes for passenger automobiles and hearses, directly affecting vehicle owners and dealers. It lowers the tax rate applied to the manufacturer's suggested retail price from 1.54% to 1.25% for cars registered before November 2020, and from 1.575% to 1.285% for newer vehicles, while also removing destination charges from the calculation for most cars. The legislation adjusts the percentage of the vehicle price used for tax purposes as the car ages, reducing the rate each year until it reaches a flat fee in the eleventh year. These tax changes are scheduled to take effect for registration periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's individual income and corporate franchise tax laws to align with recent federal changes to Section 179 expensing. It amends the state's tax code to include specific federal provisions related to Section 179, which allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software investments in the year they are placed in service. The changes apply retroactively to match the effective date of the corresponding federal law, ensuring Minnesota taxpayers follow the same rules as federal law. This update primarily affects Minnesota businesses and individuals subject to state income taxes who claim Section 179 deductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Minnesota's tax code to align with recent federal changes regarding bonus depreciation for business property. It directly affects individual income and corporate franchise taxpayers by incorporating federal provisions that allow for full expensing of certain business assets. The legislation amends state statutes to include specific federal law sections and ensures that Minnesota's tax rules remain synchronized with federal tax policies. Changes take effect immediately upon enactment, with retroactive application matching the timing of the corresponding federal rules.