HF2443 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Biennial budget for commerce and energy established, various energy provisions modified, provisions governing consumer small loans and lending modified, Minnesota premium security plan modified, state innovation waiver submission required, provisions governing cannabis licenses modified, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF2216

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This Minnesota legislative bill aims to set up a biennial budget for the Department of Commerce and the Office of Cannabis Management for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It includes funding allocations, modifications to existing laws about consumer lending, insurance, energy, and cannabis regulation, among others.

Main Provisions

  • Consumer Lending and Insurance: This bill modifies provisions related to consumer small loans and the Minnesota premium security plan. It addresses the regulation of health plan options, evaluation of legislative mandates, and the compliance of health plan companies.

  • Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation: Adjustments are made to regulations concerning renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency. It incorporates provisions to support the move towards sustainable energy practices.

  • Electric Vehicle Support: Retail electric vehicle supply equipment regulations are included to encourage the adoption and support of electric vehicle infrastructure.

  • Cannabis Regulation: The bill provides resources and frameworks for the Office of Cannabis Management, supporting cannabis industry community renewal grants, and establishing a revolving loan account.

  • Budget Appropriations: Specific appropriations are made for various departments including financial institutions, administrative services, enforcement, telecommunications, insurance, and weights and measures. Funding for these departments supports a range of initiatives from healthcare compliance to fraud prevention.

Significant Changes

  • Financial Support and Assistance Programs: Introduces grants and services aimed at low-income and financially underserved populations for financial inclusion and stability.

  • Cannabis Management: Establishes significant funding for cannabis industry development and regulation. It includes provisions for administrative flexibility within the Office of Cannabis Management and sets a baseline budget for continued support in future fiscal years.

  • Telecommunications Support: Enhances support for accessibility and usability technology services, benefiting deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.

Relevant Terms

  • Biennial Budget
  • Consumer Loans
  • Premium Security Plan
  • Renewable Energy
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
  • Cannabis Regulation
  • Financial Inclusion
  • Fraud Prevention
  • Telecommunications Access

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision is added to section 47.60, enhancing consumer protections."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends several subdivisions of section 47.60 concerning provisions governing consumer small loans and lending.",
      "modified": [
        "Definitions and conditions within existing subdivisions are updated."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "47.60"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional reporting requirements for small lenders are introduced."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments to section 47.601 regulating financial institutions regarding small loans.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to compliance standards for financial institutions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "47.601"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A provision for interim policy adjustments."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies the Minnesota premium security plan in section 62E.21.",
      "modified": [
        "Plan coverage parameters are adjusted."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62E.21"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New criteria for plan eligibility."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to section 62E.23 regarding health benefit plans.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to plan benefits and limitations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62E.23"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends provisions related to network adequacy under section 62E.24.",
      "modified": [
        "Requirements for network adequacy are revised."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62E.24"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new governance oversight feature is added."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates to section 62E.25 addressing governance of health care plans.",
      "modified": [
        "Procedural aspects for plan administration are modified."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62E.25"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amends section 80A.58 regulating securities and investments.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies certain security transaction processes."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "80A.58"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specific conditions under which exemptions apply are broadened."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to section 80A.65 governing broker-dealer exemptions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "80A.65"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New incentive programs for renewable energy installations."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies energy efficiency and conservation provisions in section 116C.7792.",
      "modified": [
        "Energy conservation targets are updated."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116C.7792"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments to section 216C.09 concerning renewable energy policies.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised sections on energy resource planning."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216C.09"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to energy policy initiatives in section 216C.10.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded coverage of state-led renewable projects."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216C.10"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to section 216C.11 on energy audits and evaluations.",
      "modified": [
        "Audit frequency and criteria are updated."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216C.11"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates to cooperative energy programs governed under section 216C.12.",
      "modified": [
        "Processes for cooperative program participation are altered."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216C.12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill revises section 216C.391 regarding sustainable energy policy.",
      "modified": [
        "Terminology changes and policy updates are provided."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216C.391"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New licenses for retail operations."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments relate to cannabis licensing in section 342.17.",
      "modified": [
        "Licensing procedures and compliance checks are revised."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "342.17"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Restrictions on sales outside Minnesota are introduced."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to cannabis production and sales in section 342.37.",
      "modified": [
        "Quality control and reporting standards are enhanced."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "342.37"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Transfers funds to insurance fraud prevention account as per section 45.0135.",
      "modified": [
        "Funding allocation processes are adjusted."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "45.0135"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Evaluates legislation for health benefits under section 62J.26.",
      "modified": [
        "Assessment criteria and reporting methods are revised."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62J.26"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New office to enforce mental health parity laws."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Creation of Mental Health Parity Office under section 62Q.465.",
      "modified": [
        "Administrative structure and responsibilities are defined."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62Q.465"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New advocate role aims to assist and advise on student loans."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Establishes student loan advocate role under section 58B.011.",
      "modified": [
        "Details role responsibilities and support systems."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "58B.011"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides for law enforcement salary increases as outlined in previous session laws.",
      "modified": [
        "Salary schedules and allocation methods are updated."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "Laws 2021 First Special Session chapter 4 article 9 section 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provisions affecting telecommunications access fund under section 237.52.",
      "modified": [
        "Utilization and transfer procedures for funds are refined."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "237.52"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Regulating fund transfers within state agencies per section 16A.281.",
      "modified": [
        "Transfer and reporting processes are clarified."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "16A.281"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides funding for Prescription Drug Affordability Board under section 62J.87.",
      "modified": [
        "Board operational scope and funding allocations are expanded."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "62J.87"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Funds reporting on gasoline and biofuels under section 239.791.",
      "modified": [
        "Reporting requirements and focus areas are outlined."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "239.791"
  }
]