ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz today signed six bills into law, including the Legacy Finance Bill, Omnibus Education Policy Bill, and Elections Policy and Finance Bill.

The Governor’s bill signing included:

Chapter 106, House File 4124 – Legacy Finance Bill

The Legacy Finance Bill allocates funding for the conservation and expansion of Minnesota’s natural resources and outdoor recreational areas. It also supports Minnesota events and activities through the promotion and maintenance of the state’s diverse art and cultural traditions. Additionally, the bill provides a $100,000 grant for the return of the Wizard of Oz ruby slippers to Minnesota.

“Tourism is a big deal for our economy – and this bill will preserve one of our defining attractions,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to protecting the natural resources and outdoor recreation that drive the economy and draw people to our state, we’re making sure Judy Garland’s ruby slippers remain exactly where they belong: in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.”

Chapter 107, Senate File 4579 – Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Bill

The Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Bill regulates shared-metered utility services in residential buildings.

Chapter 108, Senate File 4399 – Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill

The Omnibus Human Services Policy Bill establishes and modifies laws regarding disability services, aging services, and substance use disorder treatment services. It also modernizes language in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Act.

Chapter 109, Senate File 3567 – Omnibus Education Policy Bill.

The Omnibus Education Policy Bill modifies provisions for prekindergarten through grade 12 education, including changes to ensure inclusive and accurate literacy curriculum, updates training requirements for staff teaching reading skills, prohibits book bans in public and school libraries, and requires mental health instruction.

“Public education is a force for good in this country. With this bill, we’re upholding our education system, ensuring our children are fully supported, and preventing harmful book bans,” said Governor Walz. “Books are powerful, they open new worlds and expose us to new perspectives. Protecting access to books means protecting access to the information and knowledge that our kids deserve. If you’re banning books, you’re always on the wrong side of history.”

Chapter 110, Senate File 3852 – Omnibus Labor and Industry Policy Bill

The Omnibus Labor and Industry Policy Bill makes policy and technical changes to provisions relating to labor. It modifies construction codes and licensing, labor standards, occupational safety and health regulations, and apprenticeship regulations. It also standardizes the minimum wage by removing lower minimum wage tiers for youth, small employers, and certain seasonal workers.

Chapter 112, House File 4772 – Elections Policy and Finance Bill

The Elections Policy and Finance Bill includes the Minnesota Voting Rights Act, policy changes to major political party status, grants opportunities to cities and counties for polling place accessibility, lobbying provisions, reporting requirements for electioneering communication, and redistricting.

“Democracy thrives when everyone’s voice is heard. Today, we’re ensuring a strong democracy by prioritizing accessibility and voter protections,” said Governor Walz. “With this bill we are breaking barriers that stand in the way of voting, protecting fair democratic processes, and paving the way for Minnesota to continue to lead the nation in voter turnout.”