Minnesota Bills

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 4997: Artificial intelligence chatbot technology requirements provision

This bill establishes rules for artificial intelligence chatbots used by people in Minnesota, specifically targeting companies that own or operate these systems. It requires chatbots to clearly inform users that they are interacting with an AI rather than a human and prohibits the technology from giving advice on medical, mental health, or legal matters without a professional license. The legislation also mandates that chatbots designed to simulate relationships must actively prevent users from self-harm and provide crisis contact information if such risks are detected. If a chatbot violates these safety or disclosure rules, the company could be held financially responsible for any resulting harm to users.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5187: Use of step therapy protocols prohibition for the treatment of neurological conditions

This Minnesota bill prohibits health insurance plans from using step therapy protocols to limit coverage for FDA-approved drugs treating neurological conditions. It directly affects people with neurological disorders and the health plans that cover them by requiring insurers to pay for these medications if they are on the plan's formulary and align with official medical guidelines. The law defines neurological conditions as any disorder causing neurological impairment and specifies that coverage cannot be denied based on step therapy if the drug is approved for the patient's specific condition and supported by clinical practice guidelines. The policy change will take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to any health plans offered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5101: Sports and events reimbursement program establishment

SF 5101 establishes a new state program to provide financial reimbursement for specific high-profile sports and events held in Minnesota. The bill creates a dedicated account funded by state revenue to support local organizing committees that successfully attract major competitions, such as the Super Bowl, NCAA championships, and Olympic trials. To qualify for funding, an event must be selected from a predefined list of major tournaments, and the site must be chosen after considering venues outside the state. The legislation also requires the commissioner of revenue to submit reports on the program's activities and expenditures.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5153: Rulemaking requirement to allow single-exit stairway apartment buildings as part of the State Building Code

This bill directs the state to update its building code by April 1, 2027, to permit apartment buildings with only one stairway exit. The primary mechanism requires the state commissioner to adopt new rules based on the recommendations of a 2025 study specifically focused on single-exit stairway apartment buildings. While the bill does not set specific safety standards itself, it mandates that any future regulations must align with the findings of that study. This change aims to allow more flexible housing designs while ensuring compliance with the upcoming study's conclusions.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5191: City of Forest Lake U.S. Highway 61 and Washington County State-Aid Highway 32 intersection improvements appropriation and bond issuance authorization

This bill authorizes the state to issue up to $5.5 million in bonds to fund improvements at a specific highway intersection in Forest Lake. The money will be used to design, acquire land for, and construct a roundabout at the crossing of U.S. Highway 61 and State-Aid Highway 32 to address safety and traffic flow. The legislation directs the state commissioner of transportation to manage the project and requires the commissioner of management and budget to handle the bond sale. Once enacted, the funds will come from the trunk highway fund's bond proceeds account to cover the costs of the infrastructure upgrade.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5010: Property tax refunds increments by reduction of co-pay percentages

SF 5010 is a Minnesota bill designed to increase property tax refunds for homeowners by adjusting the income thresholds and payment percentages used to calculate the state homestead credit. The legislation directly affects homeowners by raising the income limits for various tax brackets and reducing the portion of property taxes they must pay out of pocket. Specifically, the bill updates the income ranges and co-pay percentages in the relevant state statutes, allowing more households to qualify for higher refund amounts. This change means that families with incomes up to $38,219 will see an increase in their property tax refunds compared to the previous year's limits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5201: Exemption creation for nonprofit carshare organizations

This bill creates a sales tax exemption for nonprofit carshare organizations in Minnesota. It defines these organizations as groups exempt from federal taxes whose main goal is providing carsharing services, allowing them to purchase necessary items without paying sales tax. However, the exemption does not cover purchases of prepared food, candy, soft drinks, alcohol, or cannabis products. The changes will take effect for transactions occurring after June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5197: Duluth office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation grant appropriation

This bill allocates $1.5 million from the state's general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support the Duluth office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The funds are intended to promote economic growth in northeast Minnesota by helping local community organizations and improving commercial areas. The money can be used for workshops, networking events, staffing, and providing loans to businesses. This is a one-time appropriation that will be managed by the commissioner of employment and economic development.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5196: Minnesota Trades Academy for young adult support services appropriation

This bill appropriates $250,000 from the workforce development fund to support a Minnesota Trades Academy for youth in Saint Paul. The funds will be given to the Saint Paul Police Department to help young adults gain job skills in construction and receive driver's training. A key provision requires the program to prioritize youth at risk of gang or gun violence, aiming to divert them from such activities. This is a one-time appropriation that will only be available for fiscal year 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SR 79: A Senate resolution celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association

This Senate resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association, recognizing its long history of service in Minnesota and across the nation. The bill formally acknowledges the YMCA's contributions to youth development, health programs, and community support, highlighting specific achievements such as the invention of basketball and the establishment of Father's Day. By passing this resolution, the Senate expresses appreciation for the organization's ongoing work with employees and volunteers to strengthen families and foster well-being.

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5199: Hennepin Healthcare System Future Structure and Governance Advisory Task Force establishment

This bill establishes an advisory task force to study the future ownership, governance, and funding of Hennepin Healthcare System, a major public hospital in Minnesota. The 14-member group, appointed by the governor, will include representatives from healthcare leadership, clinical operations, finance, public sector governance, workforce, and patient communities. Their main job is to examine different models for running the hospital, including options beyond current county ownership, and to develop a plan for sustainable long-term financing. The task force must meet regularly, receive administrative support from the state, and submit a final report with specific recommendations and draft legislation by February 2027.

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SF 5195: Tax establishment on certain individuals and organizations convicted of and benefitting from fraud

This bill creates a new 100% tax on money obtained through fraud by individuals or organizations, regardless of any existing court penalties or restitution payments. It defines fraud broadly as the intentional use of deceit to secure state funds and allows the state revenue commissioner to levy the tax based on court convictions or their own independent determinations. The commissioner is tasked with investigating suspected fraud in cooperation with law enforcement and collecting the tax, which must be deposited into a special fund to provide income and property tax relief to Minnesota residents. The law applies retroactively to fraudulent acts discovered after December 31, 2019, and includes provisions for appealing the tax assessment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results