State Senate: Democratic majority
State House: Democratic majority
Governor: Tim Walz (D)
Attorney General: Keith Ellison (D)
Summary:
Minnesota’s government is controlled by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, the state’s equivalent of the Democratic Party. The DFL also occupies the governor and attorney general’s office, with VP-nominee Tim Walz serving as the governor. The DFL holds slim majorities in both legislative chambers. Of note, a 2017 law banned Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and entities in the legislative branch from entering into contracts that engage in discrimination against Israel or against persons or entities doing business in Israel. Several attempts have been made to repeal the law since then, but none have yet been successful. In the current legislative term, the state has passed a broad election reform bill that includes a provision creating the crime of using deep fakes to influence elections, as well as becoming one of the latest states to adopt the Uniform Law Commission’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act.
Key Policymakers:
- Rep. Ron Kresha [R], Rep. Mike Freiberg [D], Rep. Kelly Moller [D]
- Sen. Warren Limmer [R], Sen. Sandra Pappas [D]
Legislative Activity:
SB 2716: Prohibits a social media platform from willfully deplatforming a candidate for office who is known by the social media platform to be a candidate. Introduced by Sen. Eric Lucero [R] in March 2023 but did not progress.
HF 1479 (2021): Provides that an interactive computer service provider may only restrict, censor, or suppress social media content that is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable in its subject matter. Introduced by Rep. Mary Franson [R] in February 2021 but did not progress.
SB 4696/ HF 4400: The Prohibiting Social Media Manipulation Act regulates social media platforms. The Act requires social media platforms to provide an accessible user interface that allows a user to clearly indicate whether a particular piece of content is of high or low quality and complies with the user’s expressed preferences. The social media platform’s algorithmic ranking system must optimize for content that is of high quality and complies with user’s preferences. The Act requires platforms to set limits on engagement for new account holders. The Act requires that platforms provide default privacy settings and allow for users to opt-in to heightened protections. The Act requires the platform to publicly post certain information on websites related to the product, operation of the platform, and its algorithms. The bill provides for a private right of action with a civil penalty of not more than $10,000; as well as enforcement by the Attorney General. Introduced by Sen. Judy Seeberger [D] and Rep. Zack Stephenson [D] in March 2024 but has not progressed.
HF 5452: Prevents social media use of minors under 14, 14 and 15 must get parental consent. Requires social media to delete accounts of users under 14. Provides for penalties and enforcement. Anonymous age verification required for websites harmful to minors. Introduced by Rep. Elliott Engen [R] in May 2024 but has not progressed.
HF 400 (Signed into Law) (2017): This law adds a new section to the state’s procurement laws that prohibits state agencies, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and entities in the legislative branch from entering into a contract that engages in discrimination against Israel, or against persons or entities doing business in Israel. The law requires the contract to include a term that requires vendors to certify compliance with this requirement and a term that permits immediate termination without penalty if the state or legislative entity determines a vendor is out of compliance. Introduced by Rep. Ron Kresha [R] and Sen. Warren Limmer [R], passed both chambers with some Democratic opposition, and was signed into law on May 3, 2017.
SB 3365: Eliminating contracting restrictions on the legislature and executive branch based on vendor practices towards Israel by repealing HF 400. Democrat-only bill introduced by Sen. Sandra Pappas [D] in February 2024 but did not progress.
HF 4662/ SF 4416: Establishing academic freedom protections for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities faculty; creating an artificial intelligence working group; limits use of AI in college campuses. Introduced by Rep. Dan Wolgamott [D] and Sen. Aric Putnam [D] in March 2024 but has not progressed.
HF 4772/ SF 4729 (Signed into Law): Broad election reform and government funding bill that includes a provision in Section 76 creating the crime of using deep fakes to influence elections. Introduced by Rep. Mike Freiberg [D], passed along partisan lines and became law on May 17.
HF 5216 (Signed into Law): Broad bill that adopts the Uniform Law Commission’s model Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. Introduced by Rep. Kelly Moller [D], passed along partisan lines and became law on May 24.
Legal Actions:
None.
