Minnesota Bills

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4202: Provisions relating to local unit of government's regulation of cannabis businesses modified.

This bill modifies Minnesota's cannabis regulations by clarifying the authority of local governments to oversee cannabis businesses. It prohibits cities and counties from banning cannabis businesses outright but allows them to set reasonable restrictions on where and how these businesses operate, including distance requirements from schools and daycares. The legislation also establishes a new process where local governments must certify within 30 days whether a proposed cannabis business meets zoning and safety codes, with the state licensing office able to issue licenses if local governments fail to respond. Additionally, the bill sets minimum requirements for the number of cannabis retailers allowed based on population and creates an expedited complaint process for addressing concerns about cannabis business operations.

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4366: Public television station block grants eligibility modified.

This bill modifies eligibility requirements for Minnesota public television stations to receive state block grants. It updates the statute to specify that only federally licensed stations certified as eligible for community service grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in 2025 will qualify for these funds. The bill maintains existing provisions for equal distribution of block grants for operational costs and matching grants based on previous Minnesota-based contributions, while allowing unused grant funds to carry over into the second fiscal year of a biennium.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4299: Additional school safety specialists funding provided, and money appropriated.

This bill allocates $1,000,000 from the state's general fund to hire eight additional school safety specialists at the Minnesota School Safety Center for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funding is designated as a one-time appropriation that can be used until fully spent, with no restrictions on how the money is distributed among the new positions. This legislation directly affects the Minnesota School Safety Center and the public safety system by increasing the number of available safety personnel. The bill takes effect immediately upon final passage by the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

Terry Stier (R) · 17 co-sponsors

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SF 4394: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency policy bill

This bill modifies Minnesota's housing assistance programs by clarifying eligibility rules, adjusting income calculations, and extending deadlines for spending certain housing funds. It defines who cannot receive housing grants or loans by specifying restrictions on individuals and businesses that have previously received tax credits for housing investments. The legislation also exempts income earned from lived-experience engagement work from counting toward public assistance eligibility limits, allowing people to participate in housing program review and feedback without losing benefits. Additionally, the bill updates the maximum bond limitation for residential rental projects and makes technical corrections to existing housing statutes.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4438: Health; reporting provisions changed, contract term limits specified for WIC, members clarified to serve on the state community health services advisory committee, and speech-language pathologist and audiologist licensing requirements modified.

This bill updates Minnesota's suicide prevention reporting requirements and establishes standards for the state's 988 Lifeline service. It requires the state health commissioner to conduct periodic evaluations of the suicide prevention plan and submit biennial reports to legislative committees starting in 2026. The legislation also mandates that the designated 988 Lifeline center operate 24/7, meet specific operational and clinical standards, and coordinate with emergency services, mental health providers, and community resources. Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner to develop protocols for interactions between 988 and 911 services and publish biennial reports on 988 usage data including answer rates and emergency referrals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4498: Department of Revenue required to designate scholarship granting organizations.

This bill requires Minnesota's Department of Revenue to identify and list scholarship granting organizations that meet federal tax requirements. The commissioner must submit this list to the U.S. Treasury by January 1 each year and publish it on the department's website, effectively registering these organizations for a federal tax program. Organizations wishing to participate must submit a notice of intent by December 1 of the preceding year, and the commissioner will establish rules to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. The bill primarily affects scholarship programs in Minnesota by formalizing how they are recognized for federal tax purposes.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4487: Onetime property tax refund or credit provided, and money appropriated.

This bill establishes a one-time property tax refund program for Minnesota property owners who paid eligible taxes in 2026, affecting residential, agricultural, and commercial property classifications. The program allocates $4 billion from the state general fund to provide refunds based on a percentage calculated by the Department of Revenue, with applications accepted between July 15 and September 15, 2026. Any unclaimed refund amounts will automatically be converted into property tax credits for 2027 on the properties where no refund was requested. The legislation defines specific property categories eligible for the refund and sets clear deadlines for application processing and payment distribution.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Isaac Schultz (R) · 34 co-sponsors

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4332: Continued enrollment authorized for certain online students with a temporary break in residency, and money appropriated.

This bill allows online students in Minnesota to keep their free public school enrollment even if they temporarily leave the state, provided they meet specific conditions such as maintaining at least one parent's Minnesota residency and planning to return. The legislation requires that students have been enrolled for at least one year, agree on a course of study with their school district, and be physically absent for no more than 60 consecutive school days. Additionally, the bill appropriates state funds to support the education costs for these students and takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4177: Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit funding increased, and money appropriated.

This bill increases funding for Minnesota's Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit by $550,000 for fiscal year 2027. The additional money will be used to hire two new special agents and one criminal intelligence analyst to investigate cases involving police use of force. The unit, which operates under the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, will receive these resources to expand its investigation capacity. The funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, and is drawn from the state's general fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SF 4457: Counties, municipalities, and townships for planning and assistance to support drinking water regionalization appropriation

This bill provides $1 million in one-time funding to Minnesota counties, municipalities, and townships to help plan and develop regional drinking water systems. The funds can be used for planning activities like feasibility studies, engineering analysis, legal assessments, and community engagement to support infrastructure projects under state law. The commissioner of health must create an application process by November 2026 that prioritizes projects addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development, with each grant capped at $300,000 annually and requiring a 25 percent match from recipients. A report on grant awards and project progress must be submitted to legislative committees by January 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SF 4695: Trunk Highway 7 improvements bond issue and appropriation

This bill authorizes the issuance of up to $11 million in state bonds to fund improvements to Trunk Highway 7 in eight Hennepin and Carver County cities, including Chanhassen, Deephaven, Excelsior, and Minnetonka. The funds will be used for planning, design, environmental analysis, property acquisition, and construction work on the highway, integrated with planned maintenance efforts. The state commissioner of transportation will manage the bond sale process and oversee how the money is spent on these transportation projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 9, 2026

HF 4356: Classification alignment for Direct Care and Treatment employees established.

This bill allows Direct Care and Treatment employees in Minnesota state-operated human services to be converted from unclassified to classified service positions, subject to approval from Minnesota Management and Budget. Under the bill, converted employees would follow standard employment rules including probationary periods and training requirements, and they must not experience any salary reduction during the conversion. The legislation applies specifically to workers previously placed in unclassified status under a 1997 pilot program, enabling them to gain the protections and benefits associated with classified service roles.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results