SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Senate passed the State and Local Government and Elections conference committee report. The State and Local Government section of the bill, authored by Senator Tou Xiong (DFL – Maplewood), includes funding for vital state agencies and constitutional offices, Minnesota Business Filing Fraud Prevention, and improving grant oversight.
“Today, I am proud we were able to come to an agreement that funds our state agencies and vital public services that many Minnesotans rely on,” said Senator Tou Xiong, Chair of the Senate State and Local Government Committee. “There were provisions in the original Senate bill that would have made this final conference committee stronger. However, through tough negotiations, I believe this bill encompasses a broad array of bipartisan provisions that will make our state agencies stronger for the people of Minnesota.”
The bill focuses on maintaining stability across state operations, modernizing our core systems, and strengthening public oversight. It’s practical, it’s responsive, and it reflects Minnesotans’ priorities.
Notable provisions included in the final bill:
- Funding for state agencies
- Funds operating adjustments at state agencies to help cover inflation and staffing pressures so they can continue doing good work for Minnesotans.
- Funding for constitutional offices
- Invests in the Attorney General’s Office with additional staff and overdue technology upgrades to support their work, supporting our counties in complex criminal matters, advocating for consumer rights and protections, defending small businesses, and more.
- Invests in the Secretary of State’s Office to protect business filings and bolster our nation-leading election infrastructure.
- Minnesota Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act:
- Establishes a process for complainants who believe that a business filing was made fraudulently to submit a declaration of wrongful filing.
- Giant Beaver Designation
- Designates the Giant Beaver as Minnesota’s state fossil.
The conference committee report passed on a bipartisan vote of 36-31. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass. Following House passage, the legislation will move to Governor Walz. You can watch the entire floor debate here.
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