Legislative Session Starts; MMA to Focus on 5 Major Issues
February 19, 2026
State lawmakers returned to St. Paul on February 17 for the second half of the 2025-2026 biennium.
MMA Supports Ordinance on Banning Smoking Tobacco, Cannabis in Public Parks and Certain Other Public Spaces
August 31, 2023
On August 30, the MMA sent a letter to the City of St. Paul voicing its support of a proposed ordinance banning smoking and vaping in public parks and certain other public spaces, regardless of whether the source is nicotine or cannabis.
The MMA has long advocated for restrictions on smoking and second-hand smoke.
“The City of Saint Paul has an opportunity to help to shape healthy community norms, and an opportunity to ensure that those community members that use outdoor spaces such as public parks are able to do so safely.”
MMA President-elect Laurel Ries, MD, spoke with KSTP-TV regarding the proposed ordinance. “Minnesotans should be able to breathe clean air in public spaces,” she said.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for early September.
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MMA Leaders Testify on Medicaid Cuts
February 19, 2026
On the second day of the legislative session, MMA leadership was already advocating for one of its top priorities - minimizing the harm of federal changes to Medical Assistance (MA).
MMA Priority Bill on AI and Prior Auth Already Moving at the Capitol
February 19, 2026
Legislation to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in prior authorization requirements was heard in the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee on February 19.