House fails to fast‑track bill to roll back 2023 car‑tab increases after tie vote

A motion to suspend the rules so House File 4907 could be recalled and advanced failed on a 67–67 tie in the Minnesota House on April 7.

Representative Patty Anderson, identified as the chief author, described the bill as a rollback of 2023 changes that raised registration rates and slowed depreciation schedules for vehicle values used to calculate tab fees.

"This house file is about making Minnesota more affordable," Representative Patty Anderson said. She gave a numerical example: "This is a new car, a 2026 Chevy Tahoe ... In Minnesota, your registration, your tab fee would be $956. ... In Wisconsin ... $85."

Supporters said the 2023 package increased transportation‑related taxes and that many Minnesotans are seeing hundreds of dollars more to renew vehicle registrations. Representative Niska argued the change would return tab levels to those in place before 2023 and that the General Fund in the accompanying budget proposal would backfill any lost road revenue.

Opponents emphasized the state's large roadway system and the cost of maintaining roads and bridges. Representative Tabke noted that a large share of tab receipts fund major construction projects and maintenance: "We value making sure that we have good roads... We have a really large roadway system. It's really expensive to keep these roads up all throughout the state of Minnesota."

The roll call on the suspension motion ended 67 ayes and 67 nays, so the motion did not prevail and the bill was not recalled for final passage.

Members said debate would continue in committee and on the floor at a later date.