Bernie Perryman

Bernadette "Bernie" Perryman is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 14A. A member of the Republican Party, she has been in office since 2023. Perryman's district encompasses parts of central Minnesota, including the cities of St. Cloud and Waite Park, as well as portions of Stearns County. Her political career began with her election to the state legislature, where she has since engaged in various legislative activities and committee assignments.

Early life and career

Bernie Perryman was born on January 8, 1959. She pursued higher education at Quincy College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. This educational background provided her with a foundation in business principles, which would later influence her professional endeavors and political career. In 1999, Perryman relocated to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where she began to establish her presence in the local community.

Following her move, Perryman took on a significant role as the commissioner of the St. Cloud City Economic Development Authority. In this capacity, she was involved in initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and development within the city. Her work in economic development likely provided her with insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local businesses, as well as the broader economic landscape of the region. This experience may have contributed to her understanding of the needs of her constituents, shaping her approach as a legislator.

Legislative service

Perryman was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, marking the beginning of her formal political career. She ran for an open seat that became available due to legislative redistricting and the retirement of the previous Republican incumbent, Tama Theis. Theis opted to pursue a seat in the Minnesota Senate, creating an opportunity for Perryman to enter the state legislature.

Since taking office, Perryman has been actively involved in various legislative committees. She serves on the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, the Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, and the Health Finance and Policy Committee. These committee assignments reflect her interests and priorities, particularly in areas related to economic development, commerce, and health policy. Through her participation in these committees, Perryman has the opportunity to influence legislation that impacts her constituents and the state as a whole.

Perryman's legislative record includes co-authoring significant bills that address emerging issues in the financial sector, particularly concerning cryptocurrency. One notable piece of legislation she co-authored is the "Minnesota Bitcoin Act," which was introduced on April 1, 2025. This proposal aims to allow payments to the state using cryptocurrency and seeks to authorize the State Board of Investment to invest in cryptocurrencies. Additionally, the act would enable property tax payments, including interest and penalties, to be made to county treasurers using cryptocurrency. The bill also addresses how cryptocurrencies affect the calculation of "investment income" and alternative minimum taxable income for state income tax purposes.

In February 2026, Perryman further demonstrated her engagement with cryptocurrency regulation by joining three other members of the Minnesota House in authoring a bill that would prohibit the operation of virtual currency kiosks. This legislation aims to ban such kiosks after August 1, 2026, and requires their removal from public spaces by the end of that year. The bill mandates that kiosk operators must pay out any money or virtual currency held on behalf of customers if they do not provide an alternative means for customers to access their funds. At the time of the proposal, it was estimated that approximately 350 crypto kiosks were licensed in Minnesota, indicating a significant presence of this technology in the state. Similar legislative efforts to ban crypto kiosks have been observed in other states, including Tennessee and Indiana, reflecting a growing concern over the regulation of cryptocurrency-related businesses.

In addition to her work on cryptocurrency legislation, Perryman is also an author of a bill that would permit Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer virtual currency services. This bill stipulates that financial institutions must operate in a safe and sound manner and maintain written policies regarding risk management, internal controls, cybersecurity, business continuity, and compliance. This legislative effort indicates Perryman's commitment to ensuring that financial institutions can adapt to the evolving landscape of digital currencies while maintaining consumer protection and financial stability.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of District 14A, which includes the cities of St. Cloud and Waite Park, as well as parts of Stearns County, Perryman's policy focus is likely influenced by the unique characteristics and needs of her constituents. The district encompasses a blend of urban and suburban areas, which may present a diverse set of challenges and opportunities.

Perryman's involvement in economic development initiatives during her time with the St. Cloud City Economic Development Authority suggests a continued interest in fostering economic growth within her district. Her legislative work, particularly in the areas of commerce and finance, aligns with the needs of a district that may benefit from policies aimed at supporting local businesses and attracting new investments.

Additionally, Perryman's engagement with health finance and policy indicates an awareness of the importance of healthcare access and affordability for her constituents. As health-related issues continue to be a priority for many communities, her participation in this committee may enable her to advocate for policies that address the healthcare needs of the residents in her district.

Perryman resides in St. Augusta, Minnesota, with her spouse, Keith. Her personal life and community ties may further inform her legislative priorities and her approach to representing the interests of her constituents. As she continues her service in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Perryman's background in marketing, economic development, and her active involvement in legislative committees position her to address the evolving needs of her district and the state.