Sen. Scott Dibble

Maddy summarySF 1903 requires Minnesota driver education programs and the state driver's manual to include specific work zone safety information. It mandates that all new driver education courses teach safe speeds in work zones, proper driver duties when entering/exiting work zones, dangers of distracted driving there, work zone markings, and safe merging practices. The bill also adds work zone safety topics - including speed limits, markings, and distracted driving risks - to the written driver's license examination. This affects all new drivers (through education) and all license applicants (through testing), directly impacting how driving safety is taught and assessed in Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 105 modifies Minnesota's property tax refund program by expanding the definition of "income" used to determine eligibility. The bill adds specific non-taxable income sources - such as cash public assistance, certain pensions, workers' compensation, disability payments, and Roth retirement distributions - to the calculation of taxable income for the refund. This change directly affects Minnesota residents applying for the property tax refund who receive these previously excluded income types. The amendment ensures these payments are included in the income calculation, potentially impacting eligibility for the refund under the state's current rules. (Bill: SF 105, Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 290A.03, subdivision 3)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota local governments with over 5,000 residents to create digital platforms that instantly approve residential solar permits for homes (up to 200-amp systems). The platforms must automatically issue permits online after payment, eliminate manual reviews for approved applications, and process at least 75% of residential solar permits. Affected governments must submit compliance reports and annual usage data to the state department, detailing permit volumes, platform use, and plans to meet the 75% target if needed. The law aims to streamline solar installation by removing manual review delays for standard residential projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.8 million from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minneapolis Downtown Council for the Taste of Minnesota event. The funds cover specific infrastructure and operational costs like event setup, permits, waste management, staffing, security, and equipment rentals. The grant directly supports the event's physical execution and management in Minneapolis during fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $89 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Human Services. The funds are designated for grants under Minnesota Statutes section 256K.45, subdivision 1, which directly support homeless youth services in Minnesota. The bill establishes funding for existing programs rather than creating new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota allocates cannabis tax revenue. It directs 10% of the 80% of cannabis gross receipts tax going to the general fund (totaling 8% of the tax) to a new Cannabis Youth Grant Program. The program funds youth initiatives focused on prevention, skill-building, and community engagement - including after-school programs, peer education, and restorative justice projects in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization. Grant recipients must demonstrate how their programs prevent early cannabis use, improve mental health, and build leadership skills. The state must report annually on grant allocations and outcomes to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Revenue to publicly post certain corporate franchise tax information on its website within one month after the third calendar year following a corporation's taxable year. It specifically applies to corporations with $250 million or more in annual gross sales or receipts, making available their franchise tax returns, calculation forms, and corporate identity for state tax purposes. The disclosure does not include federal tax information. The requirement becomes effective for data needed after December 31, 2025. This affects large corporations operating in Minnesota by increasing transparency around their state tax filings.

Maddy summarySF 219 modifies Minnesota's electric-assisted bicycle rebate program by changing how rebates are allocated. It requires the commissioner to issue rebates through a lottery system starting in 2025, reserving 40% of certificates for households with adjusted gross income under $78,000 (married filing jointly) or $41,000 (individuals). The bill also sets a $2 million annual cap on rebates, with unused funds rolling to the next year, and mandates a detailed report by January 2026 on program challenges, including technical issues from the 2024 rollout. This directly affects residents purchasing electric-assisted bicycles who meet income thresholds.

Maddy summarySF 2093 requires Minnesota IT Services to integrate Metro Transit's transit assistance program into the state's Minnesota Benefits Web Portal by December 31, 2025. This integration will allow residents applying for benefits like food assistance or cash aid to also access transit assistance through the same online portal, without changing how applications are processed. The bill appropriates funds for this integration in fiscal year 2026, with the commissioner required to consult with Metro Transit, the Metropolitan Council, and relevant state agencies. The bill directly affects low-income residents using transit assistance and the agencies administering the program.

Maddy summarySF 1730 adds the Office of Cannabis Management to Minnesota’s list of state agencies required to engage in government-to-government consultation with tribal governments. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10.65, to explicitly include this agency in the definition of "agency" for consultation purposes. It defines key terms like "consultation" (requiring direct, proactive engagement with tribal governing bodies) and "matters that have Tribal implications" (policies directly affecting tribes). This change ensures the cannabis agency follows the same procedural standards as other state agencies when developing rules or policies impacting tribal governments. The bill directly affects the Office of Cannabis Management and Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribal governments.