HF2249 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Electric-assisted bicycle rebate program modified, and report required.
Related bill: SF219
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to modify the existing electric-assisted bicycle rebate program in Minnesota. The bill aims to streamline the issuance of rebate certificates and ensure a fair allocation process among applicants.
Main Provisions
Application Process: Eligible individuals must apply for a rebate certificate before purchasing an electric-assisted bicycle. The application must include proof of the individual’s adjusted gross income as specified by the commissioner.
Rebate Certificate Issuance: The rebate certificates will specify the issuance date, the applicable rebate percentage, and the maximum rebate amount. Married couples filing jointly can each apply for separate certificates.
Application Opening Dates: The Commissioner of Revenue decides the start date for accepting applications. No submissions are allowed before this date.
Allocation of Certificates: Starting July 1, 2024, and on July 1 of subsequent years, rebate certificates are distributed on a first-come, first-served lottery basis. Forty percent of certificates are reserved for lower-income applicants, specifically households with an income below certain thresholds.
Funding and Expiration: The total rebate certificates issued cannot exceed $2,000,000 annually for 2024 and 2025. Unused funds can roll over to the next year. A certificate not assigned to a retailer expires after two months, and expired certificates are added back into the available pool for future allocations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill specifies a new lottery-based allocation method for distributing rebate certificates, replacing any previous methods.
- It introduces an income-based reservation of rebate certificates to ensure access for lower-income applicants.
- There is a cap on the total value of rebate certificates issued annually, establishing a clear budgetary constraint for the program.
Relevant Terms
electric-assisted bicycle, rebate program, rebate certificate, joint return, adjusted gross income, allocation, first-come first-served, lottery basis, expired certificates.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Transportation Finance and Policy |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"A new lottery-based allocation system for rebate certificates."
],
"removed": [
"No specific removals noted."
],
"summary": "The bill modifies the electric-assisted bicycle rebate program under section 289A.51.",
"modified": [
"Changes in application process and prioritization of allocations."
]
},
"citation": "289A.51"
}
]