2026 Minnesota Legislative Session Adjourns

(KNSI) — The Minnesota House and Senate on Sunday passed a $1.2 billion capital investment bill on the final day of the 2026 legislative session, including $12.4 million for infrastructure projects in St. Cloud and surrounding communities.

The St. Cloud-area projects included in the bill:

5th Avenue South Downtown Connection ($3.4 million): A complete street redesign creating a safe, walkable and bikeable corridor linking St. Cloud State University to downtown St. Cloud.
Mississippi Riverwalk Connection ($3 million): A scenic riverfront path connecting St. Cloud Hospital to the River’s Edge Convention Center.
Mayhew Lake Road/CSAH 1 Safety Improvements ($3 million): Safety upgrades near Sauk Rapids-Rice High School benefiting students, families and staff.
322nd Street Safety Improvements ($3 million): Roadway safety improvements in northwest St. Cloud.

The broader bill also includes $32.2 million for Minnesota veterans, with $17.2 million for a remodel of Building 16 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, which serves up to 50 residents in the Domiciliary Program, and $15 million for statewide veterans home asset preservation.

Lawmakers also passed a one-year reversal on the state’s vehicle registration tax, bringing rates back to 2022 levels. A one-time $125 million property tax relief measure also passed, providing refunds for 600,000 homeowners.

An Office of Inspector General bill was also signed into law. It creates a new independent watchdog agency with sweeping authority to investigate fraud and establishes a Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission to select candidates to lead the agency, in an effort to keep it free from political influence.

Cryptocurrency kiosks were also outlawed. There are roughly 350 machines in the state, and they will need to be removed before the end of the year.

Minnesota will also likely become the first state in the nation to ban prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which are used to wager on the outcome of events such as elections. One state lawmaker drew scrutiny after being caught betting on his own race.

Gun control measures and a bill for school security funding fell short at the midnight deadline.

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