This bill makes it a crime to digitally alter or generate images of identifiable people to show intimate parts they did not originally have, provided the result looks realistic enough that a reasonable person would believe it is real. It directly affects anyone who intentionally creates such non-consensual "nudified" photos or videos, classifying the act as a felony punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of $4,000, or both. The law defines "nudify" specifically as changing an image to depict an intimate area not present in the original while maintaining a realistic appearance that deceives viewers. This provision will only take effect on August 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.
This bill requires the state to grant a one-year extension without penalty to timber permit holders who request it before their current permit expires, provided they are not delinquent on payments or have active trespass violations. The law also mandates that permits for timber requiring frozen ground access must have a minimum term of four years, ending on May 31 of the fifth year, to ensure safe working conditions during winter. Additionally, the bill updates requirements for sale lists to include specific assessments on whether frozen ground access is needed for certain tracts of land. These changes directly affect current and future timber operators in Minnesota by altering how long they can legally harvest state timber and how sale information is presented.
This bill establishes a one-year moratorium on issuing permits for new data centers in Minnesota, preventing their construction until a comprehensive report is completed. The Public Utility Commission is required to submit this report by July 1, 2027, or January 1, 2028, if an extension is granted, to state legislative committees. The report must analyze energy, water, and materials usage; environmental and cultural impacts on Tribal Nations; local and state economic effects; and suitable locations that minimize disruption to communities and infrastructure. Additionally, the commission must consult with Tribal governments and hire a third-party contractor who has no financial ties to data center developers to ensure the report's objectivity.
This bill requires homeowner's insurance policies in Minnesota to cover damage caused by peace officers using chemical irritants, smoke screens, or diversionary devices when the homeowner is entitled to compensation from the government. Effective January 1, 2027, insurers cannot exclude coverage for this specific type of damage and must allow homeowners to select their own mitigation contractors and industrial hygienists to address the harm. The law also permits insurers to require homeowners to transfer their right to claim compensation to the insurance company, while maintaining the government's obligation to pay just compensation for such incidents.
This bill clarifies that optometrists, in addition to physicians, can issue prescriptions for tinted vehicle windows when medically necessary. It directly affects drivers and passengers who need specific window glazing materials to address vision-related medical conditions. The key provision allows optometrists to specify the minimum light transmittance percentage and expiration dates for such prescriptions, with provisions for relying on prescriptions issued to family members or dependents. The changes apply retroactively to July 1, 2025, and update Minnesota's vehicle safety statutes regarding tinted windows.
This bill clarifies that funds provided by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to local law enforcement agencies are reimbursements rather than grants, which changes how these agencies must account for and report the money. It updates crime recording requirements to align with federal standards and establishes a new process for determining when certain criminal records cannot be sealed. The legislation also creates a witness and victim protection fund to help individuals involved in criminal prosecutions with relocation, housing, and other support services, while requiring courts to provide law enforcement access to protection orders. Local law enforcement officials will need to submit detailed reports on how they use these funds, including information about arrests, seized items, and expenses.
This bill provides $1 million in state funding to counties, municipalities, and townships to help them plan and develop regional drinking water systems. The money can be used for planning activities like feasibility studies, engineering analyses, and community engagement to support shared water infrastructure projects. Local governments must contribute at least 25% of the grant amount in matching funds, and each recipient can receive up to $300,000 per year. The state health commissioner must create an application process by November 2026 that prioritizes projects addressing aging infrastructure, water quality, affordability, or economic development, and submit a progress report by January 2027.
This bill establishes security provisions for the Minnesota chief justice by authorizing the State Patrol to provide protection when necessary after consultation with the chief justice. It also adjusts funding allocations for the state's judicial branch, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, with base funding changes taking effect in fiscal year 2028. The legislation appropriates specific amounts for various court operations and includes a provision to increase hourly rates paid to forensic examiners. Additionally, it expands the State Patrol's existing security authority to include protection for other constitutional officers during credible threats.
This bill modifies a prior appropriation for the Progress Parkway construction project in Eveleth, Minnesota, allowing $6 million from the state's general fund to be used for various project phases. The funds will support design, engineering, environmental analysis, land acquisition, and construction work to improve intersections and extend the road from Highway 53 to Trunk Highway 37. The appropriation is designated as a one-time allocation available until June 30, 2030, and will be distributed through grants to St. Louis County for implementation. This legislation updates the existing funding framework established in 2023 to extend the project timeline and ensure continued financial support.
This bill authorizes the sale of up to $4 million in state bonds to fund an interchange at Interstate Highway 35 and 400th Street in North Branch. The funds will be used for project planning, design work, and acquiring the land needed to build the interchange. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive the money to carry out these tasks, while the commissioner of management and budget handles the bond issuance process.
This bill removes a requirement for the Minnesota health board to submit annual reports about agreements with state agencies related to MNsure, the state's health insurance marketplace. Previously, the board had to report these details to legislative committees every March 15, including information about the agencies involved, time periods, purposes, and terms of each agreement. The change eliminates this reporting obligation while keeping in place requirements for the board to establish and maintain agreements with relevant state commissioners for cost allocation, enforcement, and fund transfers. The bill also preserves provisions for the board to consult with state commissioners and Indian tribes regarding MNsure operations. This legislative action affects the administrative reporting procedures for the Minnesota health board without altering the underlying agreements or consultation requirements.
This bill expands state veterans benefits to include Minnesota residents who served in the Secret War in Laos, specifically those who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act or who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975. The legislation directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to create an eligibility verification process and issue certificates of eligibility for these veterans, granting them access to benefits such as veteran designation on driver's licenses, civil service recruitment opportunities, employment preference, and burial fee waivers. The bill also allows the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for interment of eligible spouses and dependents of these veterans, with provisions for fee waivers for indigent applicants. Technical changes are made to existing statutes to incorporate these new definitions and benefits, with an effective date of July 2, 2025 for most provisions.
