WeVote

Bill

Bill

HF 305

Blackout special license plate deposit of revenue fund modified.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Davis and 5 co-sponsors

Minnesota HF 305 changes where Blackout license plate revenues are deposited and how those funds may be used, potentially creating or shifting a dedicated fund and allocations.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 305

Minnesota HF 305 (2025-2026) — Blackout Special License Plate Deposit of Revenue Fund Modified

Overview

HF 305 amends how revenues from the Blackout special license plate are deposited and managed. The bill, introduced in the 2025-2026 session and referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, aims to modify the allocation or handling of deposits related to the Blackout special license plate, potentially restructuring the fund to which revenues are deposited or the uses of those funds.

  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Minnesota
  • Title: Blackout special license plate deposit of revenue fund modified
  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Committee: Transportation Finance and Policy
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Jim Joy, Bidal Duran, Isaac Schultz, Max Rymer, Krista Knudsen, Ben Davis

Purpose and Intent

  • To adjust the statutory framework governing deposits from the Blackout special license plate.
  • Likely aims to clarify, broaden, or restrict how revenues from this plate are deposited into funds, and how those funds can be used.
  • The precise policy intent (e.g., redirecting funds, creating a dedicated fund, or changing administrative oversight) would be clarified in the bill’s text and fiscal notes.

Key Provisions (Expected Core Elements)

Note: The exact text is not provided here; the following items reflect common components of "deposit of revenue fund modified" type bills and what such amendments typically address.

  • Modification of Deposit Destination: Changes which state treasury fund or accounts receive the revenue from the Blackout license plate (e.g., moving from a general fund to a specific dedicated account or vice versa).
  • Use of Funds: Specification of permissible uses for the revenues (e.g., transportation-related projects, public safety programs, environmental initiatives, or charitable or memorial purposes associated with the plate’s themes).
  • Distribution Rules: Possible changes to how funds are allocated among programs, grants, or regional priorities.
  • Administration and Oversight: Adjustments to administrative responsibilities, reporting requirements, or sunset provisions.
  • Adjustment of Revenue Allocation: Provisions altering rates, thresholds, or earmarking that affect annual deposits and projected revenue streams.
  • Effective Date: Timeline for when the changes take effect (e.g., upon enactment, a future date, or a phased implementation).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Plate Holders: Individuals purchasing or renewing the Blackout special license plate may experience changes in how their contributions are deposited or used.
  • State Agencies: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Office of Management and Budget could be involved in implementing, administering, and reporting on the modified deposit structure.
  • Recipient Programs: Any programs or funds designated to receive the Blackout plate revenue would be impacted, including changes in funding amounts or permissible uses.
  • Auditors and Financial Officials: Entities responsible for tracking, reporting, and auditing state revenues and restricted funds.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Intro/Referral: Introduced on February 10, 2025 and referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.
  • Next Steps: The bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the Minnesota House of Representatives, followed by Senate considerations and potential conference committee negotiations if there are differences.
  • Potential Fiscal Impact: A fiscal note would typically accompany the bill, outlining expected revenue changes, fund balance effects, and any costs for administration or compliance.

Additional Notes

  • The exact text is required to provide precise provisions, including any new fund names, statutory cross-references, or targeted programs.
  • Readers should watch for committee analysis and fiscal notes released during the bill’s consideration for concrete details on allocations, deadlines, and implementation milestones.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include speculative scenarios (e.g., hypothetical fund allocations) or wait for the bill’s full text to extract precise language and numbers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.