Capitol Letter for March 6

 

2026 Legislative Session Begins!

The 2026 MN Legislative Session began on Feb. 17 with a day to honor Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. If you miss anything or are just tuning in, the Capitol Letter regularly compiles news coverage and reports from our Observer and Lobby Corps members. For daily updates, check out these awesome newsletters: Minnesota Reformer, MinnPost, Sahan Sunday, and MPR News.

With a closely divided legislature and both parties introducing their own priorities, an even-year bonding bill once again faces significant political hurdles. Similarly, there is uncertainty in the positive budget outlook, and both the MN Chamber of Commerce and Governor Walz acknowledged the economic strain from the federal immigration enforcement surge.

Committee meetings are a great time to learn about the issues impacting our state, what can be done, and where legislators stand. For example, we heard the impacts to education from Operation Metro Surge, the state of Constitutional Rights, and proposals aimed at ICE accountability.

New security measures are in place at the Capitol, and all meetings can still be found online. See below for LWVMN advocacy updates, observer reports, and opportunities to take action with us!

 

LWVMN Advocacy on Gun Violence Prevention, Equal Rights Amendment, and Environmental Protection

The League of Women Voters of Minnesota (LWVMN) will advocate for our positions and priorities during the 2026 Legislative Session. You can learn more and follow along this session on our webpage!

One of our priorities, the Equal Rights Amendment passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 23. LWVMN wrote testimony in support, and encourages supporters to join the rally for the ERA on March 12 in the Capitol Rotunda!

We also hope you can join us for the Gun Violence Prevention Day on the Hill with Protect Minnesota on March 12 & 13. After a renewed push for new gun control measures, LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps members are committed to tracking the bills and leading our advocacy this session. Please see their observer reports below and our Action Alerts to make your voice heard!

Additionally, LWVMN is a member of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) along with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), CURE, and numerous other partners. In preparation for action, please consider reading What’s at Stake for Minnesota’s Environment this Session? 5 things to know from MCEA and CURE’s Legislative Preview.

Observer Reports on Gun Violence Prevention Bills

  • LWVMN Observer & Lobby Corps Member Jane Martin

    Chair Kelly Moller presented HF3433, a bill to ban the possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons and provide criminal penalties.

    Testimony in support of the bill included members of the Annunciation community, who described the impact of gun violence on their community, and an emergency room physician, who spoke about the medical effects and destructive capacity of these weapons.

    Testimony in opposition raised concerns about the bill’s constitutionality and questioned the extent to which assault weapons represent a public safety problem.

    Committee members asked questions, including how the bill’s definition of assault weapons would apply to hunting rifles.

    The final vote was 10–10. Because a majority was not achieved, the bill did not advance out of committee. Additional Coverage from MN House News

    LWVMN Position on Firearms (pg 42-43) states: "Support restrictions on the sale, possession and use of firearms in the state of Minnesota. The LWVMN definition of firearms includes all manufactured handguns, long guns and assault weapons, and ghost guns… Support: A ban on the manufacture, sale and importation of assault weapons and assault weapon parts (1990)”

  • LWVMN Observer & Lobby Corps Member Terry Campbell

    HF3402 (Tabke, DFL) Possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines banned. Amended. Testimony and member discussion along the same lines as HF3433. From Annunciation parents and Henn Cty. EMS/Medical Director, emotional testimony and pleas were presented, including the physical, emotional, and life changing effects of the mass shooting on their children, themselves and community; the increased number of victims and consequences from assault weapons over other weapons. Opposing testimony from representatives and attorneys of gun rights groups said that these weapons are in common use and covered by the constitution; the issue is likely to be litigated by Supreme Court, hence no need to act now. Final Vote along party lines: 10/10. Motion did not prevail

    HF3404 (Klevorn, DFL) Criminal penalty for impersonating a peace officer increased, crime of impersonating a peace officer while possessing a firearm established, persons presenting as peace officers required to fulfill duty to identify, and criminal penalties established. Comments: there is a need to renew trust in law enforcement and reduce fear. Reps. Klevorn, Bahner, Novotny spoke in support - No opposition. Motion prevailed unanimously.

    HF3412 (Finke, DFL) Circumstances when a person may conceal their identity in public modified and specific exceptions for law enforcement officers created. Supporting Testimony: An ICE Observer offered personal experience of being frightened and threatened by masked officers; John Boehler, Policy Counsel for ACLU-MN noted masks deprive 4th Amendment rights. Rep. Feist spoke in support, noting the need for trust in officers; Rep. Pinto confirmed mask wearing is already a crime for MN officers. Reps. Engen and Hudson spoke in opposition, saying it would leave law enforcement vulnerable to harassment/doxing, and create battle with Fed policy. Final Vote along party lines: 10/10, Motion did not prevail.

    HF 3405 (Moller, DFL): Held over due to lack of time. Meeting adjourned. A great deal of written testimony was provided, with those supporting the bill in the majority. See Committee Meeting webpage. Additional Coverage: MPR News & Minnesota Reformer

    LWVMN Position on Firearms (pg 42-43) states: "Support laws intended to reduce deaths and injuries by firearms and support funding programs and strategies that will reduce homicides, suicides or unintentional firearm deaths or injuries.”

  • LWVMN Observer & Lobby Corps Member Jane Martin

    HF3351 to repeal state preemption of local units of government regulating firearms was introduced by Rep. Dave Pinto, who noted that Minnesota did not have state preemption of local firearms regulation prior to 1985.

    Testimony in support emphasized the impact of gun violence, the mental health effects caused by the fear of gun violence, and the principle of local control. Supporters included a parent from the Annunciation community, local elected officials from Columbia Heights and Edina, a member of the Duluth City Council, a pediatrician who cited firearms as a leading cause of death for children, and a representative of Moms Demand Action.

    Testimony in opposition focused on concerns about a patchwork of local laws, economic impacts, and the need for consistent statewide regulations. Opponents included representatives of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Rifle Association, and a permit holder.

    Committee discussion addressed constitutional issues, local control, and how differing local regulations would affect residents traveling within the state. Members also referenced constituent views and comparisons to local tobacco ordinances. The final vote was 6 ayes and 6 nays. The bill did not pass. Additional Coverage from MN House News

    LWVMN Position on Firearms (pg 42-43) states: "Support: Allowing local municipalities to regulate ownership and possession of firearms and ammunition more strictly than state law (1990)”

  • LWVMN Observer & Lobby Corps Member Terry Campbell

    HF3668 (Bierman, DFL) - Office of gun violence prevention established in the Department of Health, report required, and money appropriated. Rep. Bierman introduced the need for an Office of Gun Violence Prevention in MN by citing statistics of gun violence and deaths, describing it as an epidemic and staggering health crisis, and noting that gun violence is the leading cause of death in children and teens and therefore should not be a partisan issue. He noted that research has been intentionally underfunded. The proposed office would bring together research data, provide coordination with other entities and point to policy directions.

    Testifiers in Support:

    • Dr. Lisa Mattson, Pres. MN Medical Association - Described massive scale of the crisis, noting death by firearm now surpassed the rate of cancer and accidental death for children, framed it as a major concern of the health care community.

    • Maggiy Emery, Exec. Dir. Protect MN - Noted unexplained rising rate of firearm deaths in MN despite falling rates in other states, said the proposed Office would investigate causes, provide a centralized mechanism for data and coordination.

    • Kacie Sharpe, Annunciation Parent - Speaking from her young son's and her own experience described the trauma and changed reality for firearm victims/ families/communities.

    • Dr Patricia Jewett, Univ. of MN School of Public Health - Described her work on a pilot program for storing firearms safely, noted that funding went from "difficult to absurdly difficult" in 2025, and spoke of the need for this Office.

    • Dr. Elizabeth Elstrand, MD, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Reported homicide and suicide are now the number one cause of death in pregnant and postpartum patients, said timely transparent data and improved education could help.

    • Dr Rachel Wiegert, MD, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Minneapolis Children's Hospital - Described her experience treating child victims of gun violence, including Annunciation students.

    Testifier in Opposition: Anna Leamy, MN Gun Owners Caucus - Spoke against the proposal, noting: the State does not need an office to "reframe a constitutional right;" it would become a political tool; emphasized it is a law enforcement issue rather than a public health crisis.

    Proposed A2 Amendment (Nadeau, Vice Chair, R) - Described why the bill is a better fit for the Public Safety Committee and proposed moving it.

    Committee Member Comments and Questions: Rep. Becker, (R, Co-Chair, ) - Questioned whether the office would have any serious power, asked whether Rep Bierman would be in favor of investing in school safety instead. Bierman answered that both are needed. Rep. Van Binsbergen (R) - Questioned cost, possibility of duplicating services, and lack of financial detail attached to bill. Rep. Bierman answered that office might staff 3 FTE and more details would be forthcoming. Dr Catherine Diamond, MN Dept. of Health described the differences between work of MDH and what new office would provide. Rep. Gillman (R) - Questioned whether office would also focus on mental health. Reps. Carrol (DFL) and Kristi Pursell (DFL) - Spoke in favor of the bill.

    Action Taken: Bierman (Co-Chair, DFL) - Renewed motion for holdover for possible inclusion in omnibus bill. Additional Coverage from MN House News

  • LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps Member Jane Martin

    HF3762 (Witte, R) would allow chiefs of police and sheriffs to access expunged criminal records for the limited purpose of conducting background checks when an individual applies for a permit to purchase, receive, or carry a firearm. The bill also permits chiefs and sheriffs to share relevant information with a counterpart who shares jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. The subject of the record would have access to the information upon request.

    Mark Empting, representing the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, testified in support of the bill. He stated that the proposal is not intended to restrict firearms but to ensure that applicants are properly vetted. He said the bill would increase public safety by helping ensure firearms are not issued to ineligible individuals and would strengthen the integrity of the permit-to-carry process.

    Rep. Moller asked whether the effective date could be changed to the date of enactment rather than August 1, noting that no fiscal impact was identified. The bill passed and was referred to the General Register.

 

Observer Reports on Elections, Education, and Public Safety

  • LWVMN Redistricting & Elections Policy Coordinator Paul Huffman

    HF3587, Rep. Gordon, Election judges who assist a voter outside of a polling place required to handle only one voted ballot at a time. This bill clarifies language in MN Statute 204C.15 related to drive up voting to add a requirement that elections judges assisting a voter outside the polling place may only handle one ballot at a time. In response to a question from Rep Lee, the author stated that the concern was if the two election judges assisting a vehicle with multiple drive up voters, if one were to require replacement due to either damage or a voter error, the election judges would not know which voter’s ballot was going to be replaced (spoiled). The language was not specific with respect to whether each judge supporting drive-up voting could handle a ballot or if the two election judges together would be allowed to handle a single ballot. Co-Chair Freiberg raised a concern for delaying an election if there were multiple voters in a vehicle and required multiple trips back and forth between the vehicle and the polling place. The Office of the MN Sec. of State Government Relations Director (Nicole Freeman) noted that the two election judges (representing different parties) together help each drive up voter. She suggested working with the author to clarify the language of the bill and potentially including this in the administrative rules for drive up voting to address the author’s concern. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Elections Finance and Government Operations Omnibus.

    The author and Co-Chair agreed that additional work appeared to be needed to ensure the final language was workable.

    HF 3589, Rep. Gordon, Voter permitted to briefly leave a polling place to address an unexpected need, at the discretion of the head election judge. This bill proposes revising MN Statute 204C.13 subdivision 7 to add a section allowing a head election judge to allow a voter who had been issued a ballot to leave the polling place and return to cast a new ballot, spoiling the ballot that had been issued. The author gave an example of a voter who spills coffee on their pants after receiving a ballot. Nicole Freeman (OSS Government Relations Director) identified a concern that there is a “bright line” between when a voter received a ballot and leaving a polling place. She raised concerns with how this would be tracked, potential for confusion and mixing ballots if multiple people did this, and consistency between different jurisdictions. Rep Lee asked OSS how this would be handled under current guidance. Nicole Freeman stated that this would be treated as an “abandoned ballot”. Rep Lee compared this to taking the SAT or LSAT, and noted the vulnerability to ensuring control of the person who received and cast the ballot. Rep Coulter raised a concern that leaving this to the discretion of the head judge creates the potential for variations in the implementation of the statute. The author noted that there needs to be some additional work to address the concern.

    The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Elections Finance and Government Operations Omnibus.

    HF 3588, Rep. Quam, Eligible persons who may request a public information list expanded. Currently MN Statute 201.191 states that registered voter lists of public information can be obtained by any voter registered in Minnesota. The change would allow the national chair of any political party to request a public voter information list. Rep Coulter questioned why this change is needed. Co-Chair Quam noted that currently a registered voter in MN can request the list and then provide it to the national political party for federal races. (The Democratic party national chair – Ken Martin – is a registered voter in Minnesota.) National parties have a “cooperative effort” with state parties to obtain voter lists for their databases. There were no other comments or questions.

    The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Elections Finance and Government Operations Omnibus.

    LWVMN Position on Voter Representation/Electoral Systems states: “The League supports electoral methods that:

    • Encourage voter participation and voter engagement.

    • Are verifiable and auditable.

    • Promote access to voting.”

  • LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps Member Diane Enrique

    Sen. Ann Rest presented SF173, an elementary-school cursive instruction proposal tied to an appropriation, arguing that cursive remains a basic functional skill. She said many current students cannot read cursive or write it, and she connected cursive literacy to students’ ability to access historical documents and primary sources written in cursive. As an example, she cited the National Park Service’s need for “translators” to read and convert revolutionary war soldiers’ handwritten letters into readable text. She added that the technology least able to perform that kind of work is AI, which she said struggles with the wide variation in cursive handwriting. Rest also emphasized cursive’s role in signature literacy and pointed to broader learning benefits often associated with handwriting. Several comments connected cursive to students’ ability to read historical documents and primary sources (The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, etc.) that appear in cursive form and on the effects of technology on education.

    Discussions on practical implementation included a suggestion that instructions be included in existing classroom time and that costs might be modest if districts rely on simple materials such as packets or photocopies. Concerns were also raised about the bill functioning as an unfunded mandate, asking what it would cost districts, and how it would fit alongside other academic requirements. SF 173 was laid over, as amended, for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill - Additional Coverage from MN Reformer

    Sen. Steve Cwodzinki presented SF2565, a proposal to create a civic seal designation for high school students, intended to recognize students who go beyond baseline civics requirements. The bill was presented as an effort to elevate civics learning and to signal that civic knowledge and engagement should be treated as a priority on par with other heavily emphasized academic areas. Testimonies of support came from two high school students, one from Wayzata High School, a public school in Plymouth, MN and another from Cretin-Derham Hall, a private school in St. Paul. Student testimony described civic learning opportunities as being uneven across districts and classrooms and that a statewide seal would create a clear pathway and motivating form of recognition. Citing research by Tufts University and Protect Democracy, the testifier stated that the most significant predictor to how young people feel about democracy is the real opportunities to build civic skills such as understanding how to evaluate the news they consume, believing their voice actually matters in the political process and having access to civic learning in their schools and communities, not race, gender, geography or party affiliation. Student testimony also described civic learning as emphasizing skill-building such as evaluating information and media, ability to understand how laws and systems work, participating in democratic processes, and community service, and ability to have intercultural dialogues and mediation. Dr. Aqueelah Roberson, Policy Director of Education Evolving, also testified in support of SF2565, discussing the merits of the bill, and pointing out that the bill helps prepare current and future leaders, the students.

    Discussion followed regarding the bill, and the chair briefly connected the conversation back to the earlier cursive discussion by asking student testifiers if they could read and write cursive. One student responded that she could not read or write cursive, and and the other student could write but not read cursive. The committee adopted the amendment, then advanced SF2565 to pass and referred the bill to the Committee on State and Local Government.

  • LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps Member Julie Wiese

    Chief author Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) presented HF3405: The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Use of Force Investigation Unit will be required to conduct investigations of incidents involving federal agents. There is current legislation addressing the Unit of Investigation, but does not specify federal agents, and Rep. Moller feels this is a loophole that will be addressed by the bill. Rep. Paul Novotny (R-Elk River) responded, "I don’t believe this bill is necessary.” He says this bill, if passed, cannot force federal government to abide by it in the present. He also had questions for Scott Mueller, Deputy Supt. of the BCA. Novotny asked, ‘Has the state investigated federal agents in the past, which Mueller responded that they had. Rep. Brion Curran (DFL-36B) countered with questions for the Deputy Supt., asking if the BCA was being allowed to investigate the federal agents in the Alex Pretti killing, and the Deputy Supt. responded that no, they were not being allowed to investigate. A vote was then taken and the bill did not pass. Additional Coverage from MN House News

  • LWVMN Redistricting & Elections Policy Coordinator Paul Huffman

    SF 3886, Sen. Marty, Modification of actions that are non-coordinated expenditures. The intent of the legislation is to update the media including “electioneering communication”. Currently MN Statute 10A.177 limits media for coordinated electioneering to include “broadcast station, newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication”. The bill would expand this to include cable or streaming television, internet or electronic publications, and any broadcast station owned by a political party, committee or candidate. In addition to this change, noticing requirements were changed to align with the added media types included. This change would bring digital and on-line advertisements within the limits for campaign spending. This would align with existing federal rules on coordination of electioneering in media.

    Sen Koran questioned whether there are broadcast stations or publications owned by parties or candidates. Sen Marty identified that this might include podcasts which would not be subject to equal time rules. Sen Koran noted that if a station or program were owned by a party or politician, they would likely “politic”. Sen Koran is struggling to support this as he cannot see what problem is being solved by the bill.

    The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Elections Omnibus.

    LWVMN Position on Money in Politics states: “The methods of financing political campaigns should:

    • Provide voters sufficient information about candidates and campaign issues to make informed choices; ensure transparency and the public’s right to know who is using money to influence elections.”

    SF 4006, Sen Westlin, Various election administration changes provisions, absentee voting provisions modifications, technical and clarifying changes, and appropriation. This is the Senate bill carrying technical and administrative changes for the Office of the Secretary of State (OSS). Changes include:

    • Requirement for city or town clerks to identify if the municipality will be used to administer voting before the election;

    • Simplify rules on use of agent delivery of absentee ballots;

    • Requires use of the voter registration system, including online absentee ballot requests

    • Clarifies rules for processing and accounting for processing ballots during early voting, including retention of signed voter certificates; these rules now align with those for the polling place on election day;

    • Add provisions for reimbursement of local jurisdictions for special elections for state and federal office to align with normally scheduled elections;

    • Extended the time available to local governments and school district to hold canvassing boards from 10 days to 14 days. This change allows greater flexibility for school boards based on feedback from school boards.

    • Repealed an allowance for the Secretary of State to sell the intellectual property associated with the state voter registration system. There have been no inquiries on this since 2005 and the system is unique to Minnesota and Minnesota laws.

    Based on questioning from Sen Koran, no fiscal note has yet been created though there will be a small state financial impact.

    Sen Limmer challenged the change in canvassing time for local governments and the purpose of the canvassing board. A representative of the League of Minnesota Cities was present and reiterated the concern.

    Sen. Lucero offered 2 amendments to the bill. Neither amendment was provided to the author before the hearing. (These were not available to committee members ahead of time and were not provided to observers.)

    • A4: Remove the current vouching process for election day registration and replace it with a provisional ballot process. Sen Lucero claimed that this allows people to vouch for someone to vote without any documentation or proof that they are eligible to vote. Sen Lucero said that those who “believe in election integrity should vote yes”. The amendment was defeated on a party line roll-call vote.

    • A3: Require individuals to have a physical address to vote. Sen Lucero stated that he is a member of a multi-state legislator group called the “Election Integrity Project” and that the members are “aghast” at how “ weak and pathetic” our election protection rules are in Minnesota. Nicole Freeman (OSS Government Relations Director) noted that the allowance to use a physical description of the voter’s residence was added in 2024 and mirrors what is on the federal voter registration form provided by the Elections Assistance Commission (EAC).

    Sen Mathews questioned when the federal voter registration form is used. Nicole Freeman noted that this was used by Minnesota residents outside of Minnesota or located overseas who wanted to vote. Sen Mathews also asked how many of those requests were received each election and how many of the federal requests did not include an address. Sen Boldon noted that this provision is important for people who are homeless and on tribal reservations where people frequently do not have addresses.

    Sen Lucero stated that a yes vote “supports election fairness and integrity and a no vote is to support weakness, vulnerability and fraud in Minnesota elections”. The amendment was defeated on a party line roll-call vote.

    The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an Elections Omnibus.

    LWVMN Position on Voter Representation/Electoral Systems states: “Promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable, and responsive. League supports electoral methods that:

    • Encourage voter participation and voter engagement.

    • Encourage those with minority opinions to participate, including under-represented communities.

    • Are verifiable and auditable.

    • Promote access to voting.”

 
Capitol LetterLWV MinnesotaSF4432, SF3555, SF3616, HF3651, HF3783, SF4785, HF4043, HF3389, SF3964, HF3276, HF4728, HF4287, HF4745, HF3682, HF4598, HF4593