This bill modifies Minnesota's excavation notice system to require utility operators to send electronic confirmations when they respond to excavation or survey requests. The changes directly affect utility companies, excavation contractors, and land surveyors by standardizing how locate requests are processed and confirmed. Key provisions mandate that operators provide electronic positive responses through the notification center before excavation begins, update contact information quarterly, and use geospatial technology to create as-built drawings of underground facilities starting in 2026. The legislation also clarifies that operators must mark underground facilities with specific color-coded markers and provide information about abandoned or out-of-service facilities without cost to excavators.
This bill expands the scope of practice for pharmacists in Minnesota by authorizing them to initiate, prescribe, administer, and dispense medications for treating opioid use disorder. It directly affects licensed pharmacists and pharmacist interns, allowing them to work under protocols or collaborative agreements with other healthcare providers to manage opioid use disorder treatment. The legislation also updates the legal definition of "practitioner" to include pharmacists authorized to prescribe certain medications and modifies disciplinary grounds for pharmacists and interns. These changes aim to increase access to opioid use disorder treatment through pharmacies while maintaining oversight through established healthcare partnerships.
This bill establishes a uniform process for handling firearm restrictions when individuals are subject to certain criminal convictions or judicial orders in Minnesota. It directly affects courts, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in domestic child abuse cases by standardizing how firearm prohibitions are imposed and monitored. Key provisions require courts to order abusing parties to transfer firearms to licensed dealers or law enforcement when issuing protection orders, mandate specific forms for child protection petitions that include firearm descriptions, and set clear timelines for firearm transfers. The legislation also clarifies that courts cannot dismiss child protection petitions simply because firearm information is missing, ensuring these safety measures are consistently applied across the state.
This bill modifies the requirements for marriage and family therapists to obtain a Minnesota license through reciprocity with other states. It allows the state licensing board to issue licenses to out-of-state therapists who meet specific criteria, including holding a valid license in good standing elsewhere, passing a Minnesota jurisprudence exam, and having no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions. The changes streamline the application process by clearly outlining five conditions that applicants must satisfy, such as completing the required application and fees. Therapists seeking to practice in Minnesota from other jurisdictions would need to demonstrate their qualifications meet these new standards before receiving a state license.
This bill prohibits Minnesota municipalities from charging fees for residential improvements needed to accommodate a veteran's disability. It directly affects veterans with recognized physical or mental impairments who are making home modifications to meet their disability needs. Under the new law, local governments cannot charge permit, inspection, or licensing fees for these specific improvements, and they cannot deny permits or inspections due to unpaid fees related to such work. Veterans must still submit standard applications and provide proof of their veteran status and disability connection to qualify for the fee waiver. The law takes effect immediately upon final enactment.
This bill limits the zoning authority of local governments in Minnesota by requiring them to allow certain housing types in specific areas. It applies primarily to municipalities with populations over 1,000 in the metropolitan area, while smaller communities are largely exempt. The law mandates that cities and towns permit mixed housing such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses in commercial districts and other zones that allow such development. Additionally, it requires municipalities to establish a standardized administrative review process for approving multifamily residential developments, ensuring consistent handling of housing requests across jurisdictions. These changes aim to increase housing options by reducing local restrictions on building types and streamlining approval procedures.
This bill corrects a technical error in Minnesota's education funding law by updating a reference to outdated statutes. It modifies how school districts calculate deductions from general education aid by removing obsolete references to sections 127A.34 and 272.029. The change directly affects school districts receiving state education funding, ensuring their deductions align with current law. This is a procedural fix with no impact on actual funding amounts or policy.
HF 3589 allows voters at Minnesota polling places to briefly leave and return to address an unexpected need (like using the restroom) if permitted by the head election judge. It directly affects voters who need to step out during voting but have already received a ballot. The bill requires the voter to leave the polling place, spoil their original ballot, and receive a new ballot upon return. This amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 204C.13, subdivision 7, changes the process for temporary departures without altering voting eligibility or procedures.
SF 3907 creates a court process allowing victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault to remove an abuser's property ownership rights from a "contract for deed" (a shared ownership agreement for residential property). Victims can petition a court using verified documents like protection orders, law enforcement records, or statements from licensed healthcare professionals or advocates. The abuser and property seller must be notified and given 90 days to contest the request. This specifically applies to residential properties purchased through contract for deed arrangements, not standard mortgages.
HF 3694 allows tow trucks to display portable variable message signs while performing emergency services on or near highways. This directly affects tow truck operators, who can now use these digital signs to communicate messages (like "STOP" or "LANE CLOSED") during emergencies. The bill specifies these signs must follow Minnesota's traffic control device standards and can only be used during emergency responses, not for routine towing. It amends existing law to add this provision without changing current requirements for red and amber warning lights.
HF 3719 requires Minnesota's Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board to study whether local candidates (for city, county, or school district offices) could use the state's campaign finance reporting software to track contributions and expenditures. The bill mandates a pilot project allowing candidates in at least four local jurisdictions (including one county, one city, and one school district election, with half outside the metro area) to test the software during the 2026 general election cycle. The Board must submit a report detailing the study results and recommendations to lawmakers by March 15, 2027. This bill does not change existing reporting requirements but explores potential software use for local candidates.
HF 3609 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B program drugs are delivered to participating hospitals and clinics. It adds enforcement by treating violations as deceptive trade practices, allowing the attorney general to take action. The bill permanently removes an expiration date (previously set for July 1, 2027), making these restrictions permanent. This directly affects safety-net healthcare providers that rely on the 340B program for discounted medications.
