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Committee lays over amended e-bike rebate bill narrowing maximum and shifting lottery oversight to Revenue
Summary
Representative Ream's amendment to the e-bike rebate program reduces the maximum rebate, changes eligibility targeting for low-income applicants and assigns lottery design to the Commissioner of Revenue; committee laid House File 2249 over for possible inclusion after extensive testimony.
The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on March 26 heard Representative Ream's amended proposal to modify Minnesota's e-bike rebate program and laid House File 2249 over for possible inclusion.
Representative Ream explained the A1 amendment reduces the program's maximum rebate from $1,500 to $750, adjusts income targeting so a larger share of awards go to lower-income applicants, and gives the Commissioner of Revenue responsibility to design and implement a lottery to allocate rebates. "The amendment would change the maximum amount of the rebate... and change the eligibility requirements to receive a rebate," Ream said.
Supporters including People for Bikes, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, and individuals with mobility limitations urged the committee to approve changes that expand access. Matt Moore of People for Bikes said moving to a lottery would let more Minnesotans apply over time instead of a first-come, first-served rush that unfairly advantaged those with fast internet access. Testifier Connor Higgins described relying on walking, transit and biking because he cannot drive and said an e-bike would make essential trips easier.
Committee members questioned program scope, fiscal status and equity. Representative Myers and Representative Fogelman asked whether the program should focus more narrowly on older adults or people with disabilities; Ream said she wanted the program broadly available but was open to further targeting. Mr. Burrows (staff) and others confirmed the funding was one-time money from a 2023 appropriation; Representative Ream and witnesses urged that the rebate helps people who cannot afford cars or have limited mobility.
Representative Ream renewed her motion that House File 2249, as amended, be laid over for possible inclusion; the committee approved that motion. The bill includes a requirement that the Commissioner of Revenue submit a report on program effectiveness and process to the Legislature.
