8.1.
| CC Regular Session |
| Meeting Date: | 05/26/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: | Enhance City’s communication through transparency and accountability. |
Title:
Legislative Update
Purpose/Background:
The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session began on February 17, 2026, and will adjourn on May 18, 2026. Annually, Ramsey adopts Legislative Priorities, which provides staff direction to advocate for these priorities to lawmakers. Below is a summary of bills that have been introduced specific to Ramsey. Other bills not specific to Ramsey, but which may be of interest are also provided.
HF4426/SF4646 Mississippi River Crossing
HF3642 Prohibition of Virtual Currency Kiosks
This bill would prohibit the placement and operation of virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota.
HF4426/SF4646 Mississippi River Crossing
- This is a joint effort between the cities of Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove and Ramsey. The cities have met with lawmakers to discuss legislation requesting $2.9 million in funding for a Tier 1 and 2 EIS. Both bills have received hearings and will be considered as part of a larger omnibus bill.
- Additionally, the City has submitted a request to federal lawmakers through the congressionally directed spending applications. We received notice that Senator Klobuchar and Smith have included our request of $2 million on their list of projects. This does not mean we have officially been awarded the funds yet.
- The City was awarded $2.9 million through the bonding bill. This awarded amount will mean that Ramsey, along with multiple partnering agencies will begin further consideration and design work for a future river crossing and connection between Hwy 10 and I-94/Hwy 610.
- Language is being drafted for introduction to expand service area to Ramsey.
- No action occurred.
This bill would prohibit the placement and operation of virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota.
- Recently, the City of Ramsey has reviewed options to regulate these devices as fraud cases are increasing year over year related to these types of kiosks. With this legislation introduced, staff will pause bringing forward a Ramsey specific ordinance as it would not be required should state legislation be passed in its current draft language.
- State legislation passed to ban virtual currency kiosks.
- This bill models language introduced in previous years that would limit a city's ability to regulate housing developments. Provisions of the law would require increased density, limit bulk standards and require administrative approval of new developments circumventing the previous way which required public comment periods.
- Different efforts were made on this topic, however, no action was taken.
- A number of law changes occurred, however some more notable ones included increased privacy for candidates and donors, canvassing results deadline extension and an option for the absentee voting timeframe to be either 46 days or 18 days.
- Group home regulations have experienced numerous changes over the last few legislative sessions. This session included some changes that were mutually agreed to between advocacy groups and a coalition of cities. Regulations on the licensing and notification requirements to cities occurred. Some provisions supported by cities that would have impacted the location of these style of homes did not make it into law.
Recommendation:
N/A
Outcome/Action:
This case is for informational purposes only. Staff are available to answer any questions, but do not plan to review each item in detail.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 04/23/2026 04:23 PM |
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 05/07/2026 04:11 PM |
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 05/21/2026 12:37 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Brian Hagen
- Started On:
- 04/23/2026 04:18 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/21/2026