The DFL majority’s Omnibus Commerce Policy and Appropriations bill (Senate File 2216) passed out of the Senate without strong bipartisan support. While the bill contains a handful of bipartisan provisions, it also increases costs, fails to protect Minnesota consumers, and lacks genuine compromise.
“Instead of prioritizing meaningful consumer protections, this bill places new financial burdens on families and businesses,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls), Republican lead on the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. “At a time when the state is cutting services, it is disappointing to see agencies growing their budgets and adding staff. It sends the message that government jobs matter more than the services Minnesotans rely on.”
The bill appropriates $1.6 million for Fiscal Years 2026 – 2027 and $2.6 million for Fiscal Years 2028 – 2029, primarily to fund agency operations. It also contains several controversial fiscal provisions, including:
- A new $100 fee on electric vehicle charging station inspections
- A new $55 registration fee for each common interest community in Minnesota
- Increased broker-dealer registration fees on Minnesota’s financial sector
- Continued funding for the Office of Cannabis Management’s controversial CanRenew grants, without adequate oversight
“As Minnesota prepares to launch private cannabis markets, it is troubling that this bill fails to address Governor Walz’s cuts to funding for cannabis education and prevention programs. This breaks the promise to support substance abuse prevention efforts,” Senator Dahms said.
The bill also covers a wide range of policy issues, from banking and insurance to consumer protection. While some proposals had bipartisan backing, others drew criticism from industry groups and consumers including:
- Health insurance mandate evaluations that weaken oversight and increase premiums
- A 10% surcharge on Medigap policies, impacting seniors across the state
- 20 days’ notice on new policy cancellations expanded to 30 days, complicating plan management and driving up costs for Minnesota consumers
- Authorizing individuals who received stays of adjudication or delinquency adjudications for past marijuana crimes the ability to also apply for licensure as a social equity applicant
Notably, the legislation includes a key Republican-backed policy known as the “whippets” bill. It targets the misuse of nitrous oxide canisters, commonly found in whipped cream dispensers and known as “laughing gas,” which is increasingly abused as an inhalant. A bipartisan amendment expanded the ban to all retail sales while allowing medical, culinary, and industrial uses.
Senate File 2216 now awaits action by a conference committee.