Rep. Drew Roach

Maddy summaryHF 3284 repeals Minnesota's 2017 law implementing REAL ID requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards. This bill removes state-level rules that previously required Minnesotans to obtain licenses meeting federal identification standards (like those needed for air travel). It directly affects residents who currently hold or apply for noncompliant licenses, as the repeal will eliminate the need to meet federal standards for state-issued IDs. The repeal takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires the state to prepare replacement legislation by February 2026 to update related statutes.

Maddy summaryHF 47 modifies certification requirements for underground telecommunications installers in Minnesota. It mandates that workers performing installations near existing utilities or using directional drilling must be certified safety-qualified installers, requiring a 40-hour training course covering utility identification, incident response, and safety procedures. The law phases in requirements: certified installers must be used for new work in the seven-county metro area starting July 1, 2025, and statewide by January 1, 2026, with a 36-inch depth exemption for private property. Installers must pass an exam and complete refresher courses every three years to maintain certification. This directly affects telecommunications companies, installers, and construction projects involving underground utility work.

Maddy summaryHF 3271 prohibits the sale, distribution, or offering of foods containing FD&C Yellow No. 5 or 6 to Minnesota public and private schools (as defined in state law), effective January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects schools by banning these specific artificial colors in foods sold to them, while exempting home schools. Key provisions make it unlawful for vendors to knowingly sell such products to schools, with no exemption for home schools. This is a direct consumer protection measure targeting food additives in school settings.

Maddy summaryHF 3255 prohibits Minnesota employers from deducting and withholding wage taxes, and bars the collection of sales or excise taxes (like those on goods or services), during a government shutdown period. Specifically, it prevents these tax collections on wages paid or transactions occurring during the period starting July 1 of an odd-numbered year when funding bills for state government operations (executive, legislative, or judicial branches) haven't been approved for the upcoming biennium, plus 10 days for wage taxes or 3 days for consumption taxes. This directly affects employers who normally withhold income tax and businesses that collect sales tax during these funding gaps. The law amends Minnesota Statutes to add these temporary tax exemptions, effective upon final enactment.

Maddy summaryHF 3254 prohibits the sale of food products containing seven specific artificial dyes - Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 - in Minnesota. It directly affects food sellers, including restaurants, grocery stores, and manufacturers, who would no longer be allowed to sell items containing these dyes after the effective date. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026, banning the sale, offering for sale, or distribution of such products. This is a direct regulatory change targeting food labeling and ingredients, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryHF 3256 increases the earnings limit for police, firefighters, and paramedics receiving disability benefits under Minnesota's public employees retirement plan. The bill raises the threshold from 125% to 150% of the base monthly salary for comparable positions. This means eligible public safety workers can earn more while working part-time or in other jobs before their disability benefits are reduced. The change applies to members who began disability payments on or after July 1, 2023, and modifies how benefits are adjusted when reemployment earnings exceed the new limit. It directly affects current disability benefit recipients in these professions who return to work.

Maddy summaryHF 1297 increases Minnesota's property tax exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the excluded market value from $150,000 to $250,000 for veterans with a 70%+ disability, and from $300,000 to $500,000 for those with a total (100%) permanent disability. This directly affects veterans (or their spouses if the veteran dies) who own their primary residence (homestead), meet VA certification requirements, and have an honorable discharge. The change applies to property tax assessments after the bill's effective date, requiring applications by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryHF 3152 prohibits healthcare providers in Minnesota from administering gene-based vaccines, defined as those using mRNA, modified mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, or DNA technology. The bill directly affects medical professionals and facilities that administer such vaccines within the state. Violations carry a misdemeanor penalty of $500 per incident, and licensing boards must review licenses of violators. The law aims to ban the use of these specific vaccine technologies through a statutory prohibition and financial penalty.

Maddy summaryHF 3130, the "Minnesota Stand Your Ground Act," eliminates the requirement to retreat when using self-defense outside one's home and expands the definition of "dwelling" to include temporary living spaces like hotels, tents, and vehicles. It creates a legal presumption that a person using force in self-defense reasonably believed it was necessary, shifting the burden to prosecutors to prove otherwise. The bill affects all Minnesotans using self-defense in public or non-home settings and amends Minnesota Statutes sections 609.06 and 609.065. It takes effect August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHF 3115 gradually eliminates Minnesota's individual income tax and corporate franchise tax over four years. Starting in 2026, taxpayers pay 80% of the tax, reducing to 60% in 2027, 40% in 2028, and 20% in 2029. The bill repeals numerous tax statutes in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 290, and requires the revisor of statutes to identify additional changes needed for full repeal by 2026. This directly affects all Minnesota residents and businesses subject to these taxes.