Legislature Adjourns on May 22, Historic Session for MMA

May 25, 2023

The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up its business on May 22, closing out a very successful session for the MMA. Lawmakers passed four out of five MMA priorities, as well as comprehensive firearm safety measures, reproductive healthcare measures, and more. 

“This was one of the most productive legislative environments I’ve worked in,” said Dave Renner, MMA’s director of advocacy. “We were able to accomplish nearly every legislative goal we put forward, and effectively amended legislation we thought would harm Minnesota’s physicians and their patients. We had a great year.” 

The MMA’s top priorities included continuing access to care through audio-only telehealth coverage; improving patient safety through open and honest communications; ensuring patient treatment preferences at end-of-life are followed and respected; and supporting recuperative care for those experiencing homelessness. Three of these were included in the omnibus Health and Human Services bill. CANDOR was included in the omnibus public safety bill. 

Despite holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, DFL lawmakers set out with an aggressive legislative agenda. This included introducing multiple firearm safety proposals – something the MMA had promoted for years. In the end, Minnesota passed expanded background check requirements for private firearm sales and transfers, and passed a new extreme risk protection order (also known as a “red flag law”), allowing families and law enforcement to petition a court to temporarily restrict firearm access for those at risk of harming themselves or others. 

In addition to comprehensive firearm safety legislation, lawmakers made access to reproductive health, including abortion services, a top priority this session. The first bill passed and signed into law, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, established the right to an abortion in Minnesota statute. The Legislature also repealed several statutes intended to obstruct access to an abortion. Lastly, the Legislature passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA), offering legal protection to patients accessing reproductive services and physicians providing those services. A similar bill passed protecting those seeking gender-affirming treatment in Minnesota. 

The legislature also passed a new prohibition on the use of restrictive covenants, or non-compete clauses, in all employment contracts, including those for physicians. This prohibition applies to all contracts signed on or after July 1, 2024.   

They also created a new statewide paid family and medical leave program. Employers will now be required to offer this for employees and contribute to a state program to provide coverage. 

In total, the biennial state budget will increase from approximately $52 billion to approximately $72 billion. About $12 billion of this is one-time spending. The new budget is funded through tax and fees alterations and use of the state’s $17.6 billion budget surplus. A large percentage of the spending increase is dedicated to children, families, and education. This includes a child tax credit, funding for early childhood programs, and free school meals.  

The Legislature will reconvene February 12, 2024.