Rep. Ben Davis

Maddy summaryHF 126 allows legally carried firearms at Minnesota's State Fairgrounds by amending statutes to prevent the State Agricultural Society (which operates the fairgrounds) from banning lawful firearm possession. The bill clarifies that fairgrounds bylaws cannot prohibit firearms consistent with Minnesota's gun laws, while maintaining existing rules for private establishments (like requiring conspicuous "no guns" signs at entrances). It directly affects attendees, vendors, and staff at the State Fairgrounds, ensuring they can carry legally permitted firearms there. The changes take effect August 1, 2025, and do not override rules for parking areas or peace officer access.

Maddy summaryHF 782 requires Minnesota to establish an annual open season for wolf hunting after federal Endangered Species Act protections end. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 97B.645 to mandate that the commissioner set hunting seasons and restrictions with public comment, ensuring they align with the state's wolf management plan. It also requires annual consultation with the agriculture commissioner and USDA to review data on wolf conflicts with livestock and pets before setting season rules. This policy change directly affects wolf management practices and hunting regulations in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 762 protects crime victims whose vehicles were stolen or involved in certain accidents (like hit-and-runs) by prohibiting fees for towing or impounding their vehicles and banning sales of these vehicles for 180 days. It requires government agencies to reimburse victims if they sell a crime victim's vehicle and forbids charging victims any fines or fees related to their vehicle. The bill also mandates law enforcement to investigate stolen vehicle reports and provide victims with regular updates on the investigation status. These provisions directly affect victims of vehicle theft or crime-related accidents in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 353 provides a refundable sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in Itasca County's government center projects. It allows businesses to pay tax upfront on eligible materials purchased between May 1, 2021, and December 31, 2024, then get the tax refunded later. The refund process follows existing procedures for similar projects, with claims accepted until January 1, 2026, and payments beginning July 1, 2025. This directly affects Itasca County for its government center construction, reconstruction, or renovation work during the specified period. The bill is funded through the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHF 635 appropriates $150 million from state bonds to expand a segment of U.S. Highway 169 between Taconite and Pengilly from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway. The funds cover all project phases, including environmental work, property acquisition, design, engineering, and construction. This bill directly affects residents and businesses in the Taconite-Pengilly corridor by improving transportation infrastructure. The state will issue bonds up to $150 million, with proceeds deposited into the trunk highway fund to finance the project.

Maddy summaryHF 707 appropriates $1,797,000 from state bond proceeds to fund the reconstruction of 1st Street North in Crosby, Minnesota, between 3rd Avenue West and 3rd Avenue East. The funds cover predesign, design, construction, and associated improvements to infrastructure, including curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewers, and ADA-compliant upgrades. The state will issue bonds up to $1,797,000 under Minnesota law to provide the necessary funding. This bill directly affects the city of Crosby by enabling repairs to deteriorating street infrastructure. The funding mechanism is limited to the specified street project in Crosby and does not authorize broader spending.

Maddy summaryHF 565 requires Minnesota public schools to designate restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, and showers exclusively by sex based on biological characteristics (chromosomes and anatomy). It defines "sex" as determined by a person's chromosomes and anatomy, prohibiting individuals with a Y chromosome from using facilities designated for females. Schools must provide separate, private areas for students based on sex in all facilities where students may be undressed, with limited exceptions for single-occupancy spaces due to special circumstances. The bill also includes separate provisions for athletic teams, restricting female-designated teams to those without a Y chromosome.

Maddy summaryHF 781 appropriates $50,000 from the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in Minnesota's natural resources fund for safety improvements on the Pokegama Bridge trail system. The funds are directed to Itasca County through a grant administered by the commissioner of natural resources. This bill specifically allocates existing state funding to address safety needs on this trail system, without changing eligibility rules or creating new requirements. It directly affects Itasca County's management of the trail system and trail users.

Maddy summaryHF 304 repeals the automatic annual increases to Minnesota's motor fuels excise taxes that were previously tied to the Minnesota Highway Construction Cost Index. The bill removes the requirement that gasoline, E85, M85, and other fuel tax rates adjust each August based on construction cost changes, meaning these taxes will no longer automatically rise each year. This directly affects fuel retailers and consumers by freezing the tax rates at current levels (e.g., 25 cents per gallon for standard gasoline) unless new legislation changes them. The change takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all motor fuels subject to the state's excise tax.

Maddy summaryHF 305 amends Minnesota law regarding blackout special license plates by changing where the $30 annual contribution from plate applicants is deposited. The bill modifies Minnesota Statutes section 168.1287, specifying that these contributions must now go to the highway user tax distribution fund (under section 299A.705) instead of the previous account. This change affects individuals who purchase blackout special license plates, as it redirects the $30 annual fee they pay. The bill does not alter the fee amount, eligibility requirements, or plate design - only the fund receiving the contributions. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2025.