2026 Minnesota Legislative Session

The 2026 legislative session convened Tuesday under somber circumstances, marking the first time in 20 years that a session has begun without Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. The day was dedicated to remembering Hortman and her husband Mark, and family dog Gilbert, who were assassinated last June.

Sen. John Hoffman (DFL, Champlin) was recognized during Tuesday’s ceremony as well. He and his wife, Yvette, were also targeted that night, but survived and are on the road to recovery.

Members of the House and Senate read a joint resolution honoring Hortman’s legislative accomplishments and reflecting on her family’s life, highlighting her empathy, leadership style, and personal passions. DFL Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL, Coon Rapids) described her as one of the most consequential Speakers in state history. House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R, Cold Spring) spoke about Hortman’s approach to leadership, saying, “Melissa’s brand of leadership brought people in instead of pushing people out.” Gov. Tim Walz reflected on his working relationship with Hortman and described her as a steady presence who brought humor, discipline and decency to her work.

As the ceremony concluded, members placed roses on Hortman’s desk, which will remain as a memorial throughout the session.

The Senate also recognized Sen. Bruce Anderson, who unexpectedly passed away in July.

CAUCUS PRIORITIES

On Monday, Republican and DFL leaders held press conferences to highlight their respective priorities this session.

Speaker Lisa Demuth (R, Cold Spring) and Leader Harry Niska (R, Ramsey), speaking for the Republican caucus, said their focus this year would be on combating fraud, making the state more affordable, and getting a bonding bill passed. HF1, authored by Rep. Patti Anderson (R, Dellwood) proposes to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to investigate state agencies for fraud. This is one of several bills Republicans are introducing to address fraud. To address affordability, they spoke about bills to establish a permanent reinsurance program to lower healthcare costs and a commission to investigate the rise of property taxes.

The DFL leadership focused on responding to the recent immigration enforcement surge in the state that resulted in the killing of two Minnesotans by federal agents. Proposed bills aim to curb the actions of federal agents — like requiring identification, prohibiting masks, staying away from childcare centers and schools, and restricting the use of tear gas and flash bangs, among others. DFL Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL, Coon Rapids) spoke about the opportunity for bipartisan support on this issue.

FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT MEASURE HEARD IN HOUSE EDUCATION POLICY COMMITTEE

The first bill addressing federal immigration enforcement in the state was heard in the House Education Policy committee on Wednesday. HF 3435, authored by Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL, Minneapolis) would prevent federal agents from entering schools without providing identification, a statement of purpose, judicial warrant, and approval from a district’s superintendent. Under these conditions, agents would be restricted from areas of the school where students are present. The bill failed to pass out of committee on a 7-7 party line vote. Rep. Peggy Bennet (R, Albert Lea) said it is not fair to shift responsibility to schools, and that the solution is cooperation from state and local government so federal agents leave.

WEAPONS SCREENING AT THE CAPITOL

New security measures are now in place at the Capitol. Weapons screening checkpoints have been added at four entrances to the building. The screening technology detects potential threats and does not require visitors to remove jackets, shoes, or belts, and is safe for individuals with medical devices such as pacemakers.

The primary public entrances are the main doors beneath the Capitol steps. Additional screening locations are at the main entrance to the Minnesota Senate Building, the underground tunnels connecting to the Senate Building to the State capitol and in the tunnel between the Judicial Center and the State Capitol.

Individuals with conceal carry permits may still bring firearms into the Capitol — but must present both their permit and a valid ID during the screening process. Legislators are exempt from screening.

BUDGET

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) reported that January tax collections came in $513 million above projections, which is 17 percent higher than anticipated. This is the last revenue report before the release of the February budget forecast that will outline the larger picture of the state’s fiscal situation. The individual income tax was the main reason for this variance, at $479 million more than previous projections. Corporate and sales taxes remained steady. MMB officials caution that monthly revenue reports can fluctuate and should not be viewed as definitive indicators of long-term trends.