Rep. Mike Wiener

Maddy summaryHF 845 modifies Minnesota's net metering rules for small-scale renewable energy systems. It allows customers with systems under 40 kilowatts to choose between receiving compensation based on the utility's avoided costs or the average retail electricity rate. The bill clarifies key terms like "designated meter" and "contiguous property" to streamline billing for these systems. This directly affects residential and small business customers with solar panels or similar renewable installations who generate excess electricity for the grid.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the 100 percent carbon-free electricity standard that was set for Minnesota electric utilities by 2040. It removes the legal requirement for utilities to generate or procure electricity from carbon-free sources to meet specific percentage targets of 80 percent by 2030, 90 percent by 2035, and 100 percent by 2040. The change directly affects electric utilities operating in Minnesota by eliminating the mandate to achieve these renewable energy goals. This legislative action removes the previously established timeline for carbon-free electricity generation without adding new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Minnesota's property tax refund program for taxes payable in 2026. It requires the refund calculation to use an eight percent threshold instead of the current twelve percent threshold, which would increase refund amounts for eligible property owners. The change applies only to property taxes due in 2026 and does not affect refunds for other tax years. The legislation is limited to a one-time expansion and does not create permanent changes to the refund system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's social studies standards to include information about the dangers and perils of communism and socialism, specifically during the 2030-2031 review and revision of state academic standards. The legislation mandates that the state commissioner incorporate details about estimated lives lost and negative outcomes associated with these ideologies into the updated curriculum. It directly affects Minnesota public school systems by setting a specific requirement for future social studies education content. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not change current curriculum requirements but establishes a mandate for future revisions.

Maddy summaryHF 3603 directs Minnesota's Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families to request a federal waiver by January 1, 2027, to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from purchasing candy, energy drinks, and soda. The bill defines "candy" as sugar-based products like chocolate bars, "energy drinks" as caffeinated beverages marketed for energy (excluding coffee/tea), and "soda" as carbonated sugary drinks (excluding low-sugar options). If approved, this waiver would restrict SNAP recipients in Minnesota from using benefits for these specific items. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but seeks federal permission for this targeted restriction.

Maddy summaryHF 3810 requires a licensed driver to be physically present in the driver's seat of any commercial motor vehicle using an automated driving system (levels 4-5 automation) while operating on public roads. The bill mandates the person must monitor the vehicle, intervene if unsafe, and be ready to take control. Violations impose penalties: a $2,000 misdemeanor fine for first offenses, escalating to gross misdemeanors with doubled fines for repeat violations by the same owner or lessor. This directly affects commercial trucking and bus operators seeking to deploy fully autonomous systems. The law aims to ensure human oversight during automated operation of commercial vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called disruption of worship services in Minnesota, targeting individuals who enter religious buildings with the intent to disrupt scheduled services by committing a crime. The law defines a religious establishment as a building used for worship that is clearly marked with a sign or other identifier. First-time offenders face gross misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders could be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of $10,000 or both. The provisions take effect on August 1, 2026, and apply only to crimes committed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program in Minnesota that offers financial incentives to retail gas stations for selling specific biofuel blends containing 11 to 15 percent ethanol. Starting in 2028, eligible stations that have not previously sold these biofuels and have not received other state biofuel grants can receive up to five cents per gallon in payments, with a total annual cap of $50,000 per station. The program is funded by a one-time $5 million appropriation from the state's general fund and requires stations to submit monthly sales reports and verify their volumes with state records. The commissioner of agriculture will administer the program and has the authority to create rules for its implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Minnesota residents to subtract certain capital gains from the sale of their main home from their state income tax. It creates a new provision that mirrors the federal tax exclusion limits, letting homeowners exclude up to $250,000 or $500,000 in gains depending on their filing status. The change would apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2025, and only affects properties that qualify for the federal principal residence exclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new tax subtraction for Minnesota residents who have three or more children under age 18. It would allow these families to subtract their earned income from their state taxable income, potentially lowering their income tax liability. The provision applies to income included in adjusted gross income and requires dependents to qualify for a standard exemption. The change would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.