Legislative Update 2.21.25

Legislative Update

It has been another productive week in St. Paul. In the Housing Committee, I presented a bill that will potentially benefit cities that are small and large across Minnesota. Several Agriculture groups came to share their legislative priorities. I have heard from many constituents about the change in e-gaming and boys being allowed to participate in girl sports.

Housing Committee

I introduced House File 457. Multiple economic and social factors have led to an unprecedented number of vacant and underutilized buildings in core cities, suburbs, and small downtowns alike. Converting these buildings to new uses requires major changes (i.e. plumbing, electrical). Buildings remain vacant despite heightened demand for affordable housing and suitable commercial spaces that provide resilient mixed uses and essential services including childcare.

Long term vacancy turns into blight, which begets more blight and a cycle of disinvestment that is extremely difficult for communities to recover from. This usually results in extensive demolition and plummeting property values. The bill proposes refundable credit for conversion and the credit covers up to 30% of the total qualifying expenses. Examples of qualifying projects include:

• Churches converted to daycare centers
• Schools converted to senior housing
• Theaters converted to event venues

The bill received bi-partisan support and passed in committee. Next stop for the bill is the tax committee.

Agriculture

This week, one of the agriculture groups I met with was the MN Pork producers Association. We talked about several policy priorities which included:

• Permitting Reform. Our environmental permitting and review process is more costly, unpredictable, and time consuming compared to our neighboring states. We need to work together to ensure a timely, predictable permitting process that is transparent while upholding our strong environmental protections.
• Taxes. Minnesota continues to be an expensive place to do business. Our farmers are not exempt from the challenges presented by the state’s tax structure. For family farmers the MN Estate Tax continues to present challenges to family farms when it comes to generational transition. Being out of alignment with federal estate tax laws further complicates this issue in Minnesota.

Thank you to Alison Eibs with MN Pork Producers for taking the time to visit (pictured)

Electronic pull tabs

Minnesota charities are bracing for a massive decline in revenue this year due to changes made to electronic pull tabs. These games were highly popular and provided a lifeline to bars and other establishments that offer them. Last year alone, $386 million was generated in net revenue from the gaming devices, and the charitable gaming proceeds from them were distributed to needy organizations in our communities.

In 2023, the majority party approved a law eliminating an “open all” feature that contributed to the popularity of electronic pull tabs. This law took effect Jan. 1, and veterans’ organizations, such as American Legions and VFWs, have reported a dramatic drop-in activity, ranging from 20 - 44 percent statewide. Even at a 30-percent revenue decline, those relying on charitable proceeds in Minnesota – EMS groups, food shelves, youth sports teams and other local charities – could be looking at a $115 million annual loss due to the electronic pull tab change. House File 733 was introduced to repeal the law passed in 2023, restoring electronic pull tab features.

Safe and fair girls sports

House File 12 supports safe and fair girls sports by indicating: “Only students of the female sex may participate in an elementary or secondary school athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted on the basis of sex to women or girls.”

This bill had its first committee hearing this week and continues moving through the process. Polls show around 80 percent of people agree that biological sex should determine participation in sports, and those born male at birth should be excluded from women’s sports.

Capitol Visits

Andrew Wilson, Wilson's Nursery - New Germany & Matt Gorzlancyk who visited to talk about the effect of legislation on their business.

Erin Arnst, Henderson, who came to discuss both mental health and housing.

Thank you for taking the time to visit and discuss your priorities and concerns with me!

Please Contact Me

It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!

/RepBobbieHarder

2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.4229