HF 3684 establishes rules for Minnesota's competitive grants administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It requires nonprofits applying for these grants to be Minnesota-based, operating for at least five years, in good standing with the Attorney General, and with a current IRS Form 990. Grants can only fund services for Minnesota veterans, their immediate family members (spouses or children under 22), or families of veterans who died in service, with priority given to veterans with health disabilities. Nonprofits must report annually starting in 2027 on services provided, program outcomes, and financial details, while the commissioner may withhold funds for fraud or misconduct.
SF 1163 establishes the Office of Animal Protection within the Department of Public Safety to address animal cruelty through a coordinated, statewide approach. The office will prevent cruelty, support investigations and prosecutions, provide training for law enforcement, collect and analyze case data, and educate the public on the link between animal cruelty and human violence. It requires an annual report to the legislature on the office's work and creates an advisory committee with expertise in animal welfare, law enforcement, and victim services. The bill appropriates funding to support these efforts, directly affecting animal protection agencies, law enforcement, and communities across Minnesota.
HF 1073 requires pipeline owners in Minnesota to follow specific steps when abandoning pipelines. Pipeline owners must notify landowners 60 days before ceasing operations and remove all abandoned pipelines, equipment, and infrastructure within 90 days after certifying the pipeline is purged of materials. They are also responsible for restoring land by replacing topsoil, establishing vegetation, and controlling invasive species for five years. Landowners can request removal or ask to leave pipelines in place by submitting written requests to pipeline owners and state agencies.
SF 3490 establishes minimum salary thresholds for teachers and unlicensed school staff in Minnesota, effective July 1, 2026. It sets a 2026-2027 teacher compensation threshold of $80,000 for master’s degree holders with experience, $100,000 for those with 10+ years of experience, and $60,000 for others, with annual inflation adjustments using the Consumer Price Index. For unlicensed staff, it mandates a $25 hourly wage minimum, also subject to inflation adjustments. The bill includes state aid programs to cover the difference between current salaries and the new thresholds for school districts, requiring districts to pay at least the established minimums for both teachers and unlicensed staff.
HF 1270 updates Minnesota's licensing rules for acupuncture and herbal medicine practitioners. The bill adds specific definitions clarifying that acupuncture includes techniques like dry needling and herbal medicine involves using herbs as part of a patient's treatment plan. It also sets new standards for continuing education, requiring courses to directly relate to acupuncture practice, have qualified instructors, last at least one hour, and maintain attendance records for four years - while excluding practice management courses. Additionally, the bill establishes an advisory council for the licensing board with defined membership criteria, including licensed practitioners and public members.
HF 2490 establishes the Companion Animal Board in Minnesota to promote the welfare of cats, dogs, and other nonagricultural pets (including rabbits, guinea pigs, and small reptiles). The board, composed of 13 appointed members representing veterinarians, communities, animal shelters/rescues, breeders, and human welfare professionals, will administer policies related to companion animals while excluding agricultural animals, wildlife, and veterinary practice. The bill appropriates funding for the board's operations and requires it to issue reports, though it does not alter existing laws governing veterinary medicine or animal health. This is a procedural bill creating a new state board with defined scope and funding.
This Senate resolution formally commends Officer Jeff Brown for his distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement. The document highlights his extensive service with the Minnetrista and Champlin Police Departments, detailing his work as a D.A.R.E. officer, school resource officer, and community liaison. It also notes his leadership roles in the Police Chaplain Corps and his dedication to public education through events like the Police Citizens Academy. Ultimately, the resolution expresses the Senate's congratulations to Officer Brown and wishes him well as he retires to spend time with his family.
This bill authorizes the operation of cigar bars in Minnesota and allows these establishments to obtain on-sale liquor licenses. To qualify, a cigar bar must be a retail space for adults 21 and older where cigars are smoked alongside alcohol, features an exterior entrance, derives at least 10% of sales from cigars or humidors, and has ventilation that prevents smoke from entering nonsmoking areas. The law also requires signs stating that cigarettes and vaping products are not permitted and mandates that one percent of gross revenue be directed to youth smoking cessation programs. By adding cigar bars to the list of eligible venues, the legislation enables cities to issue liquor licenses to them alongside existing establishments like hotels, restaurants, and clubs.
This bill modifies Minnesota's campaign finance laws to require lobbyists and their principals to report specific spending details and to include disclaimers in advertisements that urge the public to contact officials. Under the new rules, lobbyists must report total spending on lobbying activities rounded to the nearest $5,000, including costs for staff, advertising, research, and administrative overhead. Additionally, any paid advertisement encouraging public contact with officials must display a clear disclaimer identifying the responsible individual or group and providing a phone number, email, or website. The legislation sets specific formatting requirements for these disclaimers based on the medium, such as font size for print and minimum display time for video, and imposes a penalty of up to $3,000 for non-compliance.
This bill authorizes the state to issue up to $2.3 million in bonds to fund improvements for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. The funds will be used to renovate and expand a public health laboratory in St. Paul, specifically to enhance surveillance for mosquito and tick-borne diseases. The Metropolitan Council will receive a grant to oversee the design, construction, and equipment of the facility. Once passed, the state commissioner of management and budget will handle the sale and issuance of the bonds to generate the necessary money.
This Senate resolution designates the week of May 3 to 9, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Minnesota. The bill aims to increase public and medical knowledge about tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder that can affect people taking certain medications for mental health or gastrointestinal conditions. By officially recognizing this week, the Senate encourages individuals across the state to learn more about the condition's symptoms and importance. This measure serves as a commemorative effort to highlight the need for awareness rather than enacting new laws or funding.
This bill prohibits the use of sonar and related advanced technologies to locate or target muskellunge and northern pike in specific Minnesota waters. The restrictions apply only to lakes where these fish populations are naturally reproducing rather than primarily maintained through stocking. Anglers in these designated areas will be banned from using equipment such as live imaging sonar, drones, or systems that use artificial intelligence to track fish. The law also clarifies existing rules on artificial lights, allowing their use for spearing only under limited conditions while banning mercury batteries in fishing lures.
