Rep. Bryan Lawrence

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 3253 amends Minnesota's Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) by adding a definition for "central bank digital currency" (CBDC) and revising the definition of "money" to explicitly include digital forms issued by a central bank. This technical update ensures the UCC framework accommodates CBDC as a valid form of "money" for commercial transactions, such as payments and contracts. The bill directly affects how financial institutions, businesses, and legal entities interact with digital currency under Minnesota's commercial law, without creating new policies or affecting specific groups beyond standard UCC application.

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 3160 would allow Minnesotans under 18 to vote in primary elections if they meet all other voting requirements (U.S. citizenship, 20 days residency in Minnesota) and will turn 18 by the time the general election occurs. It specifically permits voting only for candidates seeking nomination in the primary, not for ballot questions or propositions. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 201.014 creates a limited exception to the standard 18-year age requirement for primary elections. The bill directly affects eligible minors who will reach voting age before the general election.

Maddy summaryHF 601 appropriates $125,000 for livestock depredation compensation and $125,000 for crop damage compensation under Minnesota law, directly affecting farmers who suffer wildlife-related losses. The livestock funding covers compensation for destroyed or crippled livestock and allows up to $5,000 for university educators to assess fair market values. The crop funding supports compensation for damaged crops, includes $10,000 for claim investigations, and allocates $40,000 for grants to protect stored crops from elk. Both funds are one-time appropriations available until June 30, 2026.

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 62 is a technical correction that moves references to existing student attendance laws from Minnesota Statutes Chapter 120A to their appropriate chapters elsewhere in the statutes. This bill does not change any attendance policies, rules, or requirements for students, schools, or families. It only reorganizes where these laws are codified in the state code for clarity and consistency. The bill has no substantive impact on education practices or student attendance.

Maddy summaryHF 1391 appropriates $18,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $18,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants to the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association. This funding supports the Association's existing work with livestock breeders in Minnesota, including breed preservation and industry support programs. The bill directly affects the Association as the recipient of these state funds, with no new regulations or broader policy changes. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional provisions beyond the specified appropriations.

Maddy summaryHF 2067 modifies Minnesota school attendance rules by changing how student absences are tracked and reported. It requires school boards to establish written rules for issuing and recording excused absences (replacing current informal practices) and clarifies that students are counted as "in attendance" only when school staff are paid to supervise them. The bill directly affects all Minnesota public school districts and their staff, who must implement these new reporting procedures by July 1, 2025. Key changes include standardized documentation for absences and updated reenrollment notification processes for students returning after extended absences.