New Minnesota laws begin on July 1. Here's what you need to know

Kyeland Jackson, Star Tribune on Jun 30, 2026

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MINNEAPOLIS — July marks the start of new laws that passed the Legislature in Minnesota.

Legislators passed nearly 100 new laws during this year’s session affecting everything from civil law to projects restoring the environment. You can find a summary of those laws on the Legislature’s website.

Here are just a few of the new laws that will go into effect on July 1.

Lawmakers budgeted $47.44 million for public safety funds and improvements that go into effect on July 1. The largest portion, $12 million, supports grants for community-based crime victim services.

More than $7 million will support State Patrol staffing and equipment to screen people entering the State Capitol. Security reported a series of break-ins last year which renewed focus on Capitol security in the weeks following the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.

State officials say $6.97 million of the total budget will curb “the increasing threats of violence judges and other judicial staff are facing.” Many judges have reported facing an unprecedented amount of death threats and intimidation.

A bonding bill of $46.47 million will support projects across the state. Much will focus on projects for the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Lawmakers approved $10 million to predesign and design updates for the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. City officials announced plans this March to seek $200 million for the downtown NHL arena to replace outdated infrastructure and improve safety.

Other projects include $250,000 for a shelter for homeless families and children in Cambridge and an additional $4.5 million to construct a water tower in North St. Paul.

School districts and charter schools must create an anonymous threat reporting system. Starting July 1, schools must begin creating a mobile app and website or hotline to collect tips about threats. Lawmakers approved $4 million for grants to support those schools’ upgrades.

Also, police departments and sheriff’s offices will be required to tell licensing boards when a teacher is charged with an offense that would void their license or would list them as a predatory offender. That law is part of a larger law taking effect on Aug. 1 which makes grooming a minor a felony offense.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund will distribute $191 million for projects meant to support the environment beginning July 1. Projects are meant to protect and restore ecosystems across Minnesota, with $82 million focused on habitat projects for fish, game and wildlife.

Nearly $37 million of that will fund projects supporting prairies.

Social media platforms must give users ample warning about mental health impacts beginning July 1.

The websites must include a mental health warning that appears each time someone uses the site and it must include contact details for the national suicide hotline.

July also marks the start of a fund to upgrade information technology systems for people administering human services programs across Minnesota. Lawmakers say some technology has not been updated in decades. The measure will also create an advisory board for the effort.

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