Legislative Update: New Laws Taking Effect in August

Dear Neighbors,

This Summer we’re seeing many of the transformational laws we passed this legislative session take effect. Last month included free school breakfast and lunch for all K-12 students, protecting healthcare workers against violence, limits on no-knock warrants, free college tuition for income-eligible students, and more.

Here are some of the laws we’ll see this month:

• Adult-use cannabis legalized  
• Background checks for gun purchases 
• Warehouse worker protections 
• Bicyclist protections at stop signs
• The CROWN Act, banning hair discrimination
• Columbus Day is replaced with Indigenous People’s Day, with one hour observed in schools for education on Indigenous history

I know many community members are interested in the details regarding the legalization of cannabis. Here is a comprehensive article going over what to expect.

To read more from nonpartisan House Public Information and House Research about the new laws, click here.

Community Events During Interim

During the interim, I am focused on being out in the community, meeting with constituents, and preparing legislation for the next session. Here are some July highlights: 

Along with Senator Mohamed, I spoke to Hospitality Minnesota about our investment in workforce development programs in the hospitality industry and how we can ensure downtown Minneapolis a place that is hospitable for everyone.

I spoke with a summer school program at Northeast Middle School. We talked about the need for gun safety reform, the changes our state has made regarding suspensions for elementary school students, and the importance of providing free meals for all students regardless of family income. 

I attended a rally for Delta workers at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and spoke about the legislation we passed regarding captive audience meetings. Workers should not be mandated to attend political or religious meetings put on by their employer.

We need housing for all generations in Minneapolis. That’s why I was delighted to speak at the grand opening of The Hillock, affordable housing for older adults in the Hiawatha neighborhood. This building and these new residents are a beautiful addition to our district.

Additionally, I’ll be at the State Fair House of Representatives booth later this month in the Education Building. I’m looking forward to eating eggrolls on a stick and trying some of the new pickle drinks. After grabbing some of your favorite fair foods, stop by our booth and say hi!

Rethinking I-94 Project

On July 18, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced that the Rethinking I-94 project reached an important milestone: the release of the alternatives. 

Rethinking I-94 is a long-term process to engage those wholive, work, commute, and play along the corridor in potential options for improvement and construction over the next several years. Make sure to share your thoughts about what you would like to see happen in this important corridor at talk.dot.state.mn.us/rethinking-i94 !

Property Tax Refund Filings Due August 15 

I know that property taxes have been rising for many households in recent years. Because of this, I prioritized using some of the state’s surplus to offer property tax cuts at the state level and put money back in the pockets of Minnesotans.

Here are some of the highlights:

• We adjusted the special property tax refund so that if your property taxes increased by more than 6% from 2022 to 2023, you’ll qualify for a refund of up to $2,500, regardless of your income level.
• We increased the Homestead Credit Refund and Renter’s Property Tax Refund by 20.572%.
• We permitted homeowners who have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to qualify for homestead status and claim the Homestead Credit Refund.
• We expanded the eligibility for the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program so more seniors can age in their homes.

I provide more detail about each program below. In some cases, you must file a Form M1PR by August 15 to qualify. In other cases, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will automatically adjust your refund to the higher amount.

Qualifying for the Special Property Tax Refund, Homestead Credit Refund, and Renter’s Property Tax Refund

Many taxpayers file Form M1PR when they submit their income tax return (Form M1) by the April 15 income tax filing deadline, but Form M1PR is not due until August 15.

If you have not filed 2022 Form M1PR yet: Review the 2022 Form M1PR instructions at bit.ly/2022M1PRinst to see if you qualify for these refunds. If you qualify, complete the 2022 Form M1PR. You should file, postmark, or drop off the form by August 15, 2023.

If you filed a 2022 Form M1PR before June 14, 2023: Whether you need to take any action depends on how you filed your return.

You can find more information on how to file for the Property Tax Refund on the Department of Revenue webpage.

ITIN Homeowners and Mobile Homeowners

If the property is not classified as homestead on your property tax statement or you bought your home in 2022, you must apply for homestead status with the Anoka County Assessor’s Office and submit the application on or before December 31, 2023. At the time you apply for homestead status, request a signed statement saying that your application was approved. Include it with your Form M1PR.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program

This program allows senior citizens to defer a portion of their property taxes. It’s not a tax forgiveness program, but it does limit the maximum amount of property tax paid each year to 3% of total household income.

My Capitol colleagues and I recently modified the program so more people can qualify. This includes increasing the household income limit from $60,000 to $96,000 and reducing the number of years a homeowner must own and occupy the property from 15 years to 5 years.

These changes will apply for taxes payable in 2024 and beyond.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my new Facebook page. 

In community,

Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Minnesota House of Representatives