New Laws in Minnesota (2026): Your Complete Guide to What Changed
Most people have no idea how many new laws went into effect this year. Seriously. Minnesota passed dozens of new laws throughout 2025, and many just started affecting your daily life. From motorcycle lane splitting to paid family leave, these changes are big. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know.
What Changed in Minnesota in 2025?
Minnesota’s legislature was busy in 2025. Really busy. Lawmakers passed laws covering everything from workplace rights to boating requirements. Some took effect on January 1, 2025. Others started July 1, 2025. And the biggest change? That hits January 1, 2026.
The laws cover employment, health care, public safety, transportation, and more. Some will save you money. Others create new requirements you need to follow. Hold on, this part is important. These aren’t just suggestions. They’re actual laws with real penalties if you don’t comply.
Workplace Laws That Affect Most Minnesotans
Pay Transparency Requirements
Starting January 1, 2025, employers with 30 or more workers had to start posting salary ranges. Every single job posting must now include the minimum and maximum pay. Plus, they need to describe benefits and other compensation.
This is huge, honestly. No more guessing what a job pays. The salary range has to be a good faith estimate of what they’ll actually pay you. Companies can’t just post “$30,000 to $150,000” and call it a day.
Minimum Wage Increases
The state minimum wage went up to $11.13 per hour on January 1, 2025. That applies to all workers, no matter how big the company is. Workers under 20 can still earn a training wage of $9.08 for their first 90 days.
But wait, it gets better. St. Paul and Minneapolis have their own minimum wages that are even higher. In St. Paul, it depends on your employer’s size. Small employers pay one rate. Large employers pay more. And another increase hit on July 1, 2025.
Wondering if this applies to you? If you work in Minnesota, probably yes.
Earned Sick and Safe Time Changes
Minnesota’s sick leave law got some updates in 2025. Employers already had to give workers one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. That started in 2024.
The 2025 changes made it stricter. If you have extra PTO beyond the minimum sick time, your employer has to let you use it the same way. No more different rules for “sick time” versus “PTO” when you’re actually sick. That’s effective January 1, 2025.
Plus, funeral and memorial services now count as valid reasons to use sick time. The law also added tougher penalties for companies that don’t comply.
Medical Cannabis Protections
This one surprised a lot of people. As of March 1, 2025, employers can’t discriminate against you just because you’re in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. They can’t fire you or refuse to hire you just for that reason.
There are exceptions. If a specific federal law would be violated, employers might have to take action. But they need to give you 14 days notice before doing anything. And they have to tell you exactly which federal law and what they’d lose by keeping you employed.
The civil penalty for violations jumped from $100 to $1,000. Employers take this seriously now.
Scuba Diving Safety for Workers
Okay, this one’s pretty specific. If you employ commercial scuba divers, you’ve got new safety requirements as of 2025. It’s called the Brady Aune and Joseph Anderson Safety Act.
You can’t let someone scuba dive without proper certification. You need standby divers. Everyone needs CPR and first aid training. These rules are no joke. They exist because people died.
Independent Contractor Tests Get Stricter
For construction and building improvement work, the test for who counts as an independent contractor expanded on March 1, 2025. It went from 9 factors to 14 factors.
All 14 factors have to be met. Not just most of them. All of them. This makes it harder to classify workers as contractors instead of employees. Many companies are reclassifying people right now.
Minnesota Paid Leave Launches January 2026
Wait, it gets interesting. The biggest workplace change takes effect January 1, 2026. Minnesota Paid Leave gives workers up to 12 weeks of medical leave and 12 weeks of family leave. That’s a maximum of 20 weeks total per year.
How It Works
You earn the leave by working in Minnesota. If you made at least $3,700 in the past year and worked at least 50% of your time in Minnesota, you’re eligible. Pretty straightforward.
Medical leave covers serious health conditions. That includes pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, or major illnesses. Family leave covers bonding with a new baby, caring for a sick family member, military family needs, or safety issues like domestic violence.
The state pays you during your leave. It’s partial wage replacement, not your full salary. The amount is based on how your wage compares to the state average. The maximum is about $1,423 per week.
Who Pays for It
Both employers and employees pay into the program through payroll taxes. The rate for 2026 is 0.88% of your wages. Your employer pays at least half. You pay up to half.
So you’re looking at about 44 cents per $100 you earn. Not huge, but not nothing either. The first deductions showed up in paychecks on January 7, 2026.
Special Note for 2025 Parents
Here’s where it gets cool. If you had a baby in 2025, you can apply for bonding leave in 2026. The state opened early applications in December 2025. Nearly 12,000 parents applied in the first few weeks.
You have 12 months from your child’s birth to use bonding leave. A baby born in June 2025? You can take bonding leave between January 1, 2026 and June 2026.
Health Care and Insurance Changes
Prescription Drug Price Caps
Starting January 1, 2025, your copays for certain life-saving medications got capped at $25 per month. This includes insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens. Medical supplies like test strips and insulin pumps are capped at $50 per month.
This applies to all health plans regulated by the state. Could save you thousands per year if you use these medications. Honestly, this is the part most people miss.
Abortion Coverage Requirements
For health plans offered, sold, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, Minnesota requires coverage for abortion services. This includes pre-abortion and follow-up care.
Plans can’t charge higher copays for abortion than for similar services. They can’t require prior authorization or impose delays. The law doesn’t apply to public programs like Medical Assistance.
Expanded Coverage Requirements
Health plans now have to cover more things. Biomarker testing for cancer and other diseases. Amino acid formulas when medically necessary. Orthotic and prosthetic devices. Intermittent catheters.
There’s also better coverage for scalp hair prostheses. Previously, insurance only covered wigs for alopecia areata. Now coverage extends to hair loss from cancer treatment or any health condition. That’s effective January 1, 2025.
Transportation and Vehicle Laws
Motorcycle Lane Splitting Is Legal
This is a big one. Starting July 1, 2025, motorcycle riders can legally lane split and lane filter in Minnesota.
Lane splitting means passing cars in the same lane while traffic is moving. But there are strict rules. You can only go 25 mph maximum. And no more than 15 mph faster than traffic.
Lane filtering is when you move between lanes at a stoplight or in stopped traffic. Same speed limits apply.
Honestly, this one made a lot of people nervous. Some states have done this for years. Others banned it. Minnesota decided to allow it with tight restrictions.
Boating Permit Requirements
If you operate a boat or jet ski in Minnesota, you need a watercraft operator’s permit. The requirement started July 1, 2025 for people under 21. But it’s expanding.
By 2028, all boaters need the permit. You take an online safety course. Study for three to four hours. Pass a test. Pay $34.95 one time. Then you’re good.
The DNR is focused on education for now. They’re not writing tickets yet. They want everyone to understand the new requirements first.
Window Tint Medical Exemptions
Minnesota already allowed darker window tint for medical reasons. But the exemption expired every two years. Annoying, right?
Starting July 1, 2025, medical tint exemptions never expire if your doctor says your condition is permanent. One and done. No more renewals.
Speed Limit Increase for Certain Vehicles
Effective August 1, 2025, vehicles hauling uncovered trash or debris can go 35 mph instead of 30 mph. Same for implements of husbandry.
Not a huge change. But it matters if you work in agriculture or waste management.
Traffic Lane Clarifications
A 2025 law clarified what counts as a traffic lane. Roundabout approaches don’t count. School zones don’t count. Work zones with single lanes don’t count. Freeway on-ramps don’t count.
This matters for traffic violations and citations. Makes sense, right?
Consumer Protection Laws
Junk Fees Ban
Starting January 1, 2025, businesses have to show you the total price upfront. No more hidden fees that pop up at checkout.
If a fee is mandatory, it has to be in the advertised price. Period. Online sellers have to clearly show all fees before you buy.
There are some exceptions. Motor vehicle dealer fees authorized by law. Utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. Some real estate settlement fees. But overall, the days of surprise fees are over.
Concert Ticket Buyer Protections
Buying concert tickets got fairer on January 1, 2025. Ticket sellers must use “all-in pricing.” That means you see the total cost upfront.
You get proof of purchase and refund policy details within 24 hours. No deceptive advertising allowed. Ticket resale sites have to disclose they’re resellers.
If someone uses a bot to buy more tickets than allowed, they’re breaking the law. Pretty much everyone hated ticket bots. Now there are actual penalties.
Free Water at Events
Entertainment venues with at least 100 attendees must provide free water starting July 1, 2025. You can also bring a factory-sealed water bottle or an empty bottle.
The venue can limit bottle sizes. And they can restrict water in certain spaces like galleries. But free water has to be available somewhere at the event.
Public Safety and Criminal Law
Binary Trigger Ban
Guns with binary triggers became illegal on January 1, 2025. A binary trigger fires one shot when you pull the trigger. Then it fires again when you release it.
Ten other states already banned these. Minnesota joined them. The shooter who killed three first responders in Burnsville in February 2024 used binary triggers. That incident pushed this law forward.
DWI Law Changes
Minnesota toughened DWI laws for repeat offenders effective August 1, 2025. The ignition interlock program changed too.
Previously, you had to pay the $680 reinstatement fee before starting the interlock program. Now you can start the program without paying. But you have to complete the full payment before getting your license back.
All interlock participants must complete substance use treatment. And they have to finish a restorative process in some cases.
Service Dog Trainer Protections
Starting August 1, 2025, people training service dogs get the same housing protections as people with service dogs. Makes sense. You can’t train a service dog if your landlord won’t let you have one.
Environmental and Health Laws
PFAS Forever Chemicals Restrictions
A new law limits PFAS in certain products starting January 1, 2025. PFAS are “forever chemicals” that don’t break down naturally. They’re linked to health problems.
The law restricts where these chemicals can be used. It’s part of Minnesota’s effort to reduce toxic chemical exposure.
Mercury Lightbulb Ban
Lightbulbs containing mercury are banned starting January 1, 2025. There are exceptions for specialized uses like photocopying, holography, and sterilization.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency oversees this. Regular consumer bulbs with mercury are out.
Surgical Smoke Evacuation
Health care employers have to prevent exposure to surgical smoke as of January 1, 2025. Any surgical procedure that generates smoke requires a smoke evacuation system.
This protects surgical staff from breathing harmful particles. It’s a workplace safety requirement.
Social Media and Technology Laws
Child Influencer Protections
Effective July 1, 2025, Minnesota has rules for kids who appear in money-making social media content. If a child appears in videos that generate income, they have rights.
The law sets compensation requirements. It also gives kids and parents the right to request video removals. This addresses the growing issue of family vloggers and kid influencers.
Cannabis Tax Increase
The cannabis tax jumped from 10% to 15% in 2025. That’s a 50% increase. It applies to everything with cannabis, including CBD and hemp-derived products.
This change generates over $200 million in extra revenue for Minnesota. It also makes Minnesota one of the highest-taxed cannabis states in the country. Totally.
Housing and Real Estate Laws
Minnesota Partition Act
Effective August 1, 2025, the Minnesota Partition Act modernized how courts handle property sales involving multiple owners. It clarified eminent domain laws. It updated procedures for property partitions.
Referees who facilitate property sales now have clearer duties. The law reflects modern practices and recent case law.
Housing Cooperative Act
August 1, 2025 brought the Minnesota Cooperative Housing Act. This governs how housing cooperatives organize and operate.
Previously, housing co-ops were under agricultural and utility statutes. That made no sense. The new law consolidates everything into one framework. Housing co-ops are popular in affordable and senior housing. This makes them easier to form and manage.
Condo Unit Owner Assistance
Starting July 1, 2025, the Department of Commerce has a new position to help condo unit owners. This person helps owners and tenants understand their rights. They also help resolve disputes between owners and associations.
Election and Voting Changes
Campus Polling Places
For state general elections starting January 1, 2025, colleges must have polling places on campus if requested. The campus needs to house at least 100 students.
This makes voting more accessible for college students. You can vote where you live.
Absentee Ballot Application Requirements
Starting January 1, 2026, absentee ballot applications need more verification. You must provide both your driver’s license or state ID number AND the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
If you can’t provide these, you have to certify why. This aims to increase election security.
Mailings Must Include Disclaimers
Also effective January 1, 2026, anyone mailing absentee ballot applications or sample ballots has to include a disclaimer. It must clearly state the mailing isn’t from the government.
Sample ballots need an extra disclaimer saying they’re not official ballots. The goal is preventing voter confusion.
Rest and Meal Break Updates
Starting January 1, 2026, employees get clearer rest break rights. You get at least a 15-minute rest break every four consecutive hours of work. Current law just says “adequate time.”
You also get at least a 30-minute meal break for every six consecutive hours worked. Current law says “sufficient time to eat.” The new law is more specific.
Property and Business Laws
Business Corporation Act Updates
A 2025 law updated Minnesota’s Business Corporations Act. It aligns Minnesota with other states on business law.
The law provides model bylaws for managing corporations during emergencies. Boards can ratify agreements when filing certificates with the secretary of state. Courts can require companies to allow inspections if they violate inspection rights.
Shareholders can get payment for shares if the corporation diminishes the board’s authority. This gives shareholders more protection.
Insurance Guaranty Association Changes
When an insurance company goes insolvent, the Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association steps in. Starting August 1, 2025, the association can request financial info to verify net worth.
If you don’t provide the info within 60 days, you’re assumed to have at least $25 million in net worth. This prevents wealthy policyholders from getting guaranty fund coverage they don’t need.
Restorative Justice Protections
Effective August 1, 2025, communications during restorative justice programs are protected. You can’t be forced to disclose what was said during restorative processes.
There are exceptions. Mandatory reporters still have to report child abuse. But generally, these programs now have confidentiality protections. This encourages honest communication.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
These laws are already in effect or starting soon. Some affect everyone. Others are pretty specific. The key is knowing which ones apply to you.
Confused about the difference? Let me break it down. Employment laws affect most workers. Transportation laws affect drivers. Health care laws affect anyone with insurance. Consumer protection laws affect shoppers.
Not sure what counts as a violation? Check the official state resources. When in doubt, look it up or ask a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Minnesota Paid Leave start? January 1, 2026. Early applications for bonding leave opened in December 2025. Medical leave and other types became available January 1, 2026.
Do I have to pay for Minnesota Paid Leave if I work part-time? Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements. You need to work at least 50% of your time in Minnesota and earn about $3,700 in the past year. The payroll tax applies to part-time workers too.
Is motorcycle lane splitting dangerous? It can be. Minnesota’s law includes strict speed limits to reduce risks. You can’t go faster than 25 mph or more than 15 mph faster than traffic. Follow the rules carefully.
Do all employers have to post salary ranges? No. Only employers with 30 or more employees in Minnesota. Smaller employers don’t have this requirement yet.
Can I still get medical cannabis and keep my job? Generally yes, as of March 1, 2025. Employers can’t discriminate just because you’re in the medical cannabis program. But there are exceptions for federal law conflicts. Your employer has to give 14 days notice before taking action.
Final Thoughts
Minnesota made big changes in 2025. Some save you money. Others create new rights. A few add requirements.
The paid leave program is probably the biggest shift. It fundamentally changes how Minnesota workers handle medical and family emergencies. Totally.
Stay informed about these laws. Know your rights. Understand your obligations. And when something doesn’t seem right, speak up or get help.
Now you know the basics. These laws are here to stay. Well, until the next legislative session changes them again. Right?
