2025 Minnesota Legislative Session

Plus: the administrative trial is underway on whether Northern Township will become a city or Bemidji's boundaries will include land around Lake Bemidji; and a new study by the University of Minnesota indicates the surf from wakeboats can cause ecological harm in depths less than 20 feet.

The new law, effective Aug. 1, 2025, expands the state's ignition interlock program and extends the "lookback" period for prior DWI convictions from 10 to 20 years.

The Thunderhawk and the Warriors' spear-and-feather logo no longer need to be changed, thanks to a state law changing the exemption process for American Indian mascots.

The law allocates $848,000 to support accredited residential environmental learning centers in offering multi-day, overnight experiences focused on outdoor-based learning.

Out of all the Legislature did this year, getting this funding will make the most impact around the state, said Bradley Peterson of Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

Although education spending will increase, school districts will notice cuts to state aid for special education, school libraries and student supports like counselors and nurses.

The former Minnesota state senator is one of two people being charged at the federal level, which carries a tougher maximum sentence compared to the state level.

The budget bills take a step towards resolving the deficit projected to begin in the 2028-29 budget years, but don’t avert it entirely.

Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders have agreed to a one-day special session in which they need to pass 14 mostly budget-related bills.

Plus: Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders appear to agree on a one-day special session for June 9, 2025; and the Minnesota Incident Command System wrapped up a week of wildfire training in Grand Rapids this week.