Several new laws in Minnesota are set go into effect this week

Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) cosponsored the bill with Representative Kelly Moller (DFL-Arden Hills).

"We've obviously had a heightened risk, and in fact a heightened activity of violence against elected officials," Latz explains. "The threat numbers have escalated substantially. And so for the safety of everyone who uses the Capitol, which is the people's building, we've initiated a more robust Capitol Security protocol."

This legislation stems from the killing of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark lasts summer, and the shooting of another state lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife by Vance Boelter. Earlier in June, Boelter pleaded guilty to the shootings.

"Rather than having an uncoordinated response like we had last June, we'll have a much more systemic and coordinated way to notify and to provide a robust and prompt response," Latz says about the new law."

Latz says the speed in responding to these situations is key, with the Boelter situation turning into a massive, statewide manhunt.

"Let's say I were to be threatened and I were concerned about it actually being something serious or actionable, or even if I just need some comfort," he says. "I will have some phone numbers I can call and they can report it to the appropriate places."

The new policy package spends $24.17 million in the 2026-27 biennium to fund legislative, judicial, and State Capitol security programs.

“This funding protects not just those who work in this building, but also all of those who come into this space and the surrounding area: school groups, advocacy groups, our constituents, community members during rallies and protests,” Moller said. “This security ensures that people can safely exercise their First Amendment rights.”

Other notable programs that would be funded by the bill include:

• $1.77 million for enhanced security for state representatives and senators;
• $1.28 million for extra security for judges and other judiciary staff; and
• $1 million for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s threat assessment unit.

School Safety: School districts across the state are required to adopt systems that receive anonymous tips regarding potentially harmful activity on campus or involving students/staff.

Medicaid Anti-Fraud: State agencies are granted expanded authority to withhold payments during credible fraud investigations and to deny or take action against risky healthcare providers before they can bill the state.

Social Media Warnings: Social media platforms operating in the state must display a warning label outlining the potential negative mental health impacts—along with crisis lifeline information—every time a user logs in.

Victim Rights in Housing: Unmarried victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or harassment can petition the court to terminate another person's interest in a property held through a contract for deed.