Rep. Ben Bakeberg

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's electrical licensing rules to clarify who can supervise electrical work and update requirements for unlicensed workers. It directly affects licensed electricians, contractors, and unlicensed individuals performing electrical tasks. The key changes allow unlicensed workers to be supervised by licensed contractors rather than requiring them to work under the same employer, while maintaining limits on how many unlicensed individuals a licensed person can supervise. The bill also updates experience requirements for journeyworker and power limited technician licenses and clarifies supervision rules for technology circuits.

Maddy summaryHF 3397 modifies Minnesota's motor vehicle registration tax for passenger cars and hearses. It reduces the tax rate to 1.145% for vehicles first registered in Minnesota before November 16, 2020, and to 1.18% for vehicles registered on or after that date (down from previous rates). The tax calculation decreases annually over the vehicle's life (from 100% in year one to 10% in year ten), then caps at $20 per year after the tenth year. This change applies to taxes payable for registration periods starting January 1, 2027, and affects all owners of passenger vehicles and hearses registered in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 13 would amend Minnesota Statutes section 609.06 to eliminate the requirement that individuals must attempt to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense or defense of others. The bill specifically removes the "duty to retreat" provision, allowing people to use force without first trying to avoid confrontation if they reasonably believe it is necessary. This change would directly affect Minnesotans using force to defend themselves or others in situations where they perceive an immediate threat. The bill was introduced but not passed, as it was laid on the table during the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHF 792 exempts Minnesota veterans with a total service-connected disability from multiple vehicle-related fees, including registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license/ID card fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. The exemption applies to up to two vehicles registered by the veteran or jointly with a spouse/domestic partner, covering standard fees but excluding personalized plate fees or required special plate donations. It amends existing tax statutes to implement these changes, effective January 1, 2026, for registration periods starting on or after that date. The bill directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their vehicle ownership costs without altering other tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the commissioner of labor and industry to update storm shelter construction rules to exclude Group E schools, which are typically smaller facilities like preschools or daycare centers. The change would remove the current requirement for these specific school types to build dedicated storm shelters, potentially reducing construction costs and regulatory burdens for smaller educational facilities. The legislation uses a fast-track rulemaking process that allows the commissioner to adopt the changes without going through the standard public hearing procedures. This policy adjustment directly affects school districts and building officials responsible for constructing or maintaining storm shelters in Minnesota.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Minnesota Constitution to limit the governor and lieutenant governor to two consecutive terms, preventing them from seeking a third term. The amendment would also maintain existing requirements that candidates be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of Minnesota for one year before election. If passed by the legislature, the amendment would be submitted to voters for approval at the 2026 general election. The change directly affects current and future candidates for these executive offices by restricting their ability to run for re-election beyond two terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a mandatory waiting period before new education funding changes take effect, directly impacting Minnesota school districts and charter schools. It establishes that any substantive changes to K-12 education funding programs enacted after March 1 must wait until July 1 of the following year to become effective. Additionally, the bill mandates that laws significantly affecting school district duties cannot take effect until a local impact note from the Legislative Budget Office is completed and posted online. The provisions will become effective on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHF 3572 provides $5.375 million in state funding to the city of Jordan for wastewater treatment improvements. The bill appropriates money from state bond proceeds to finance the design, construction, and equipment for new facilities, including a final clarifier and biosolids facilities. The state will issue bonds to cover this cost, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This funding directly supports Jordan's infrastructure upgrades to modernize its wastewater treatment system.

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 requires Minnesota hospitals to show parents a video about the dangers of shaking infants and young children before discharging their newborns, and it directs health care providers to use approved educational materials during well-baby visits for children up to age one. The state health commissioner will approve and provide these videos and materials at cost, while also establishing a review process to ensure the content remains accurate and addresses essential safety topics. The legislation also includes funding for the commissioner to support these educational activities and mandates periodic reviews of the materials every five years starting in 2026.