Starting January 1, 2025, several new laws will take effect in Minnesota addressing issues ranging from consumer protections and employment to housing, health, and public safety. Here’s an overview of some of what’s changing, and what you need to know.
Gas tax increase
- Gas tax increase: Minnesota’s gas tax will climb by another 3.3 cents per gallon because of a 2023 law tying the gas tax to inflation.
Ticket Sales and Fees
- Ticket pricing transparency: Also known as the “junk fee” law, ticket sellers are now required to disclose the total cost of tickets, including all fees, upfront. This applies to concerts, events, and other ticketed activities. Businesses are prohibited from advertising prices that exclude mandatory fees or surcharges.
Employment regulations
- Salary transparency in job postings: Employers with 30 or more employees must now include salary ranges and a description of benefits in job postings.
- Minimum wage increase: The minimum wage for all employers will rise to $11.13 per hour, adjusted for inflation.
Health-related laws
- Abortion laws: Minnesota health plans must cover abortions and related services without extra costs or special requirements, like co-pays or referrals. This doesn’t apply to MinnesotaCare or Medical Assistance, and religious organizations can opt out with insurers covering these services directly for their enrollees.
- Gender-affirming care requirements: Health insurance plans must cover gender-affirming care if it is deemed “medically necessary.” Religious organizations that are nonprofit or small, privately owned businesses can opt out of covering this care for religious reasons.
- Prescription drug cost caps: Patients can’t be charged more than $25 per month for medicines that treat chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, or severe allergies; the total monthly cost for medical supplies (like syringes, insulin pens, glucose monitors, and inhalers) will be capped at $50 no matter how many chronic conditions someone has; and these costs will not count toward or require payment of a deductible.
- Wig coverage for cancer patients: Health insurance plans will now cover the cost of wigs for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. This law was championed by former Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, who recently passed away after battling ovarian cancer.
- PFAS ban: Certain products, such as cookware, carpets, and cosmetics, containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, will be banned from sale.
- New EMS Board: A new Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) will replace the current Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. This office will oversee things like licensing ambulance services, managing emergency response teams, certifying EMTs and paramedics, approving their training, and handling complaints or discipline issues.
Housing and tenant rules changes
- Tenant association organization: Renters now have the right to organize tenant associations. Landlords are also required to notify tenants of energy assistance programs and maintain common areas.
- Construction delays: If construction delays prevent tenants from moving into new buildings as scheduled, landlords must provide alternative housing or allow lease termination.
Firearms laws
- Binary trigger Ban: Firearms equipped with binary triggers, which allow a gun to fire one shot when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released, are now prohibited in Minnesota.
If you are interested in a full list of new laws taking effect on January 1, the Minnesota House released a detailed report that can be found on its website.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
Senator John Jasinski