Sen. Rich Draheim

Maddy summarySF 715 authorizes Minnesota to establish a third-party testing program for driver's license knowledge, road, and skills exams. It allows deputy registrars to appoint private testers to administer these exams, setting maximum fees of $5 for knowledge tests and $30 for road/skills tests. The bill directly affects applicants seeking driver's licenses by expanding testing options beyond state-run locations, while maintaining existing content requirements for the exams (like traffic laws and vision tests).

Maddy summaryMinnesota's SF 695 requires most physical retailers in the state to accept U.S. currency (like paper bills) for in-person purchases. It applies to stores selling goods or services directly to customers at their location, with exceptions for transactions requiring credit card deposits, specific prepaid card conversions (with strict conditions), and banking/credit union transactions. Retailers who refuse cash face penalties up to $250 per violation. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and does not impact online sales or payment methods like credit cards for standard transactions.

Maddy summarySF 726 repeals a provision that allowed Minnesota cities and counties to implement rent control on private residential properties if approved by voters through a general election. The bill removes this exception from state law, making it illegal for local governments to adopt rent control ordinances or charter amendments - regardless of voter approval - under Minnesota Statutes 471.9996. This change takes effect retroactively from November 1, 2021, meaning any rent control measures enacted after that date under the repealed exception are now void. The bill directly affects all cities and counties that previously sought voter approval for rent control policies.

Maddy summarySF 623 amends Minnesota Statutes to allow licensed veterans organizations to use gross profits from lawful gambling (like raffles or bingo) for repairing, maintaining, or improving their real property. Specifically, it adds a new provision (subdivision 25(16)) permitting these organizations to cover utility costs (water, fuel, electricity, sewer) and facility upkeep for buildings they own or lease as their primary headquarters. This directly affects Minnesota-based veterans groups holding gambling licenses under state law. The change expands their allowable uses of gambling revenue beyond previous restrictions, focusing solely on facility maintenance without altering tax obligations or other existing rules.

Maddy summarySF 587 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow individuals to subtract gratuities (tips) received from employees when calculating their taxable income. This change directly affects Minnesota residents who earn tips as part of their income, such as servers or bartenders. The bill adds a new provision (subdivision 36) to Minnesota Statutes section 290.0132, defining "gratuities" per existing law and specifying they are deductible. The policy takes effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2024. This is a concrete tax code adjustment, not a procedural change.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows vehicle owners to pay a reduced registration tax for vehicles not used on public roads after their registration expires. It calculates the tax as a proportional amount (based on the remaining months in the 12-month registration period) of the full annual tax. Owners must certify in writing that the vehicle was not operated during the unused period. This directly affects Minnesota vehicle owners with expired registrations who choose to keep unused vehicles parked.

Maddy summarySF 712 removes the permit requirement for Minnesotans to carry firearms openly in most public places, while creating an optional permit system. The bill allows law-abiding residents (not prohibited by state or federal law) to carry firearms without a permit in public spaces like parks or streets, with exceptions for homes, businesses, gun shops, and hunting areas. It establishes an optional permit process requiring pistol training, being 21+ years old, passing background checks, and submitting a standardized application. This directly affects residents seeking to carry firearms openly, changing Minnesota Statutes 624.714 to eliminate mandatory permits while offering a voluntary permit option.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Minnesota local governments from enacting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It specifically bans cities or counties from creating "noncooperation" ordinances that would prevent law enforcement from sharing immigration status information with federal agencies or reporting undocumented individuals arrested for violent crimes. County attorneys must report such arrests to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even if no charges are filed. The law applies to all government entities and public employees, requiring them to share immigration data for federal enforcement purposes. It takes effect immediately upon final enactment.

Maddy summarySF 501 expands Minnesota's education tax credit to cover additional expenses for families with children enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs. It specifically adds eligible costs including transportation for CTE program participation, required student organization fees, and program-specific equipment (like tools or uniforms). The bill also clarifies that transportation expenses must be for non-profit providers adhering to civil rights laws. This change applies to tax returns filed for 2025 and later, directly benefiting Minnesota families using the credit for CTE program costs.

Maddy summarySF 536 creates a refundable tax exemption for construction materials used in new residential housing in Minnesota. The bill requires that sales tax on these materials be collected at the standard rate but then fully refunded to eligible purchasers. This directly affects developers and builders who purchase materials for new single-family homes, apartment complexes, or other new residential projects. The exemption applies to materials consumed during construction, with refunds processed under existing tax procedures. The provision takes effect for sales after June 30, 2025.