Dozens Of New Minnesota Laws Just Took Effect July 1: What To Know

ST. PAUL, MN — Dozens of new Minnesota laws just took effect July 1, 2025, spanning everything from health care and education to boating and business regulations.

Here's a look at the biggest changes:

Healthcare And Midwifery Changes

A $7 billion health bill includes new cost-control measures for state programs like Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. It also expands optometrists' duties and licenses certified midwives for the first time.

$4B For Colleges, Tuition Aid For Cops' Families

The state will invest $4 billion in higher education, including a tuition support pilot program for law enforcement officers and their children. State grant rules are tightened to curb deficits.

Motorcycle Lane Splitting Legalized

Motorcyclists will be allowed to split or filter through traffic under certain conditions. Medical window tint exemptions no longer expire if the condition is permanent. A $9.88 billion transportation package also funds a new State Patrol HQ and major road and bridge projects.

Public Safety Overhaul And Stillwater Prison Closure

The Stillwater prison will begin a four-year closure. A new law criminalizes knowingly exposing a child to fentanyl and expands police use of drones and vehicle tracking devices.

New HOA Ombudsperson, Venue Water Rules

A new ombudsperson position will be created to help homeowners' association members resolve disputes. Entertainment venues hosting 100 or more people must now provide access to free water or allow attendees to bring sealed bottles.

Millions For Jobs, Workforce Development

About $460 million will be spent on jobs and economic development programs. The package includes money for workforce training, vocational rehabilitation, and tourism events like the World Junior Hockey Championships. It also updates earned sick time rules and boosts cannabis startup loan limits.

Education Funding Grows, But Cuts Ahead

A new $26 billion education law increases funding to schools, expands programs to train new teachers, and boosts support for hourly school workers over the summer. However, the bill also includes cuts to future special education spending amid projected shortfalls.

Child Content Creator Protections

Kids featured prominently in monetized online videos must now be paid, and trust accounts must be created to hold earnings. Children under 14 are barred from appearing in over 30 percent of a creator’s content.

Environmental Reforms And PFAS Adjustments

The state will spend $1.19 billion on environmental programs and streamline pollution permitting. Some regulations on PFAS in consumer products are relaxed, and DNR enforcement on abandoned watercraft is strengthened. Bass fishing season is now open year-round.

Legacy Funding Supports Clean Water, Arts

Roughly $777 million from Minnesota’s lottery-backed legacy funds will go toward habitat restoration, parks and trails, clean water efforts, and access to the arts.

New Boater Permit Requirements Begin

Boaters 21 and younger will need an operator's permit, with older age groups phased in by 2028. Rentals are limited to those age 18 and up with a valid permit.

Veterans Homes Get Staffing Boosts

New spending increases support for veterans' homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. The law also formally recognizes veterans who served in the "Secret War" in Laos.

New State Fossil, Transparency Rules

A $1.35 billion state government bill includes new anti-fraud powers and designates the giant beaver as Minnesota’s official fossil. State agencies must also post their organizational charts online.

Find more information from the Minnesota House Information Services here.