MN Laws Taking Effect Jan. 1 Cover Gender, Abortion, And Ticket Prices

MINNEAPOLIS — Several new Minnesota state laws set to take effect on Jan. 1 will address issues such as abortion coverage, gender treatments, ticket prices, justice reform, and more.

These laws were passed under a Democratic trifecta in state government, with control of the governorship, state Senate, and state House.

The upcoming legislative session will be marked by a shift in dynamics, with the House now equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, while Democrats maintain a slim one-seat majority in the Senate.

Summaries of all laws passed by the 2024 Legislature are available online from nonpartisan House Public Information Services.

Here's a look at the big changes shaping the state's future:

Consumers

• Transparent Ticket Prices: The "Ticketing Fairness Act" (HF1989*/SF2003, CH94) ensures ticket buyers get the full picture. Sellers must disclose total prices upfront, provide proof of purchase and refund policies within 24 hours, and clearly label resold tickets. The law also bans "bots" used for bulk ticket buying.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) and Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights).
• No More Surprise Fees: Under a new law (HF3438*/SF3537, CH111), businesses cannot advertise prices that exclude mandatory fees or surcharges. Consumers will see upfront costs for goods and services, although government taxes, like sales tax, are exempt.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Emma Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville).

Elections

• Campus Polling Places: A new law (HF4772*/SF4729, CH112) allows colleges with 100 or more students in on-campus housing to request polling locations near campus for general elections. Costs will be reimbursed by the state.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) and Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan).
• Proof of Residency for Candidates: Candidates must present a valid state ID or proof of residency when filing for office under the same law (HF4772*/SF4729, CH112).

Employment

• Salary Transparency: Employers with 30 or more workers must include salary ranges and benefit descriptions in job postings under HF3947/SF3852*, CH110. Open-ended ranges are no longer allowed.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and Sen. Jennifer McEwen (DFL-Duluth).
• Surgical Smoke Safety: Healthcare employers must protect workers from harmful surgical smoke by implementing evacuation systems under the same law (HF3947/SF3852*, CH110).

Health and Human Services

• Abortion Coverage: Health insurance plans must cover abortions and related services without cost-sharing under HF5247*/SF5234, CH127. Religious organizations can apply for exemptions.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope).
• Expanded Insurance Coverage: The same law (HF5247*/SF5234, CH127) requires coverage for wigs due to medical hair loss, amino acid-based formulas, prosthetics, and urinary catheters.
• Gender Treatments: Gender treatments are now covered under HF4077/SF4097*, CH114, with exemptions for religious organizations.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights).
• Affordable Prescription Costs: Chronic disease medications are capped at $25 per month, with supplies capped at $50, under HF2680/SF2744*, CH57.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights).
• Biomarker Testing: Health plans must cover biomarker tests for conditions like cancer under HF2930/SF2995*, CH70.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) and Sen. Melissa Wiklund (DFL-Bloomington).

Housing

• Tenant Protections: A law (HF3591/SF3492*, CH118) ensures tenants can form associations to address housing concerns without fear of retaliation. It also establishes fair practices for shared-meter utility billing.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Zaynab Mohamed (DFL-Minneapolis).

Public Safety

• Binary Trigger Ban: Firearms equipped with binary triggers, which allow firing on both pull and release of the trigger, are now prohibited under HF5247*/SF5234, CH127.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Aisha Gomez (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope).
• Emergency Medical Services Overhaul: The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board is replaced by the new Office of Emergency Medical Services under HF4738*/SF4835, CH122.
  • Sponsored by Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount) and Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton).

Justice Reform

• Automatic Expungement: Certain non-violent offenses are now eligible for automatic expungement under HF2890/SF2909*, CH52. The process applies retroactively, helping Minnesotans clear their records.
  • Sponsored by Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL-Shoreview) and Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park).