By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 3, 2026

The start of 2026 means the start of new Minnesota laws. Legislation from the 2025 sessions or earlier has now become law, affecting workplace standards, election security, and environmental management. Below are some of the new rules that took effect on January 1, 2026. 

Absentee ballot updates

Updated security and transparency policies are now in place for Minnesota voters. Residents applying for an absentee ballot online must now provide two forms of identification: their Minnesota driver’s license or state ID number, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number. A certification process is available for those who do not possess these forms of ID.

Additionally, non-governmental groups mailing out ballot applications or sample ballots must now include a prominent disclaimer. This statement must clearly clarify that the mailing is not an official government communication and that sample ballots cannot be used for voting.

Standardized Workplace Breaks and Paid Leave

Minnesota labor laws have moved from what was deemed subjective "adequate time" standards to specific, timed requirements for employee breaks. As of January 1, workers must be provided an at least 15 minute break for every four consecutive hours worked, or enough time to reach the nearest restroom if that takes longer. For shifts lasting six consecutive hours or more, employers are required to provide a meal break of at least 30 minutes.

This date also marks the full launch of the statewide Paid Leave program. Administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the program allows employees to take job-protected, paid time off for life events such as bonding with a new child or caring for a family member with a serious illness. The program is supported by a payroll tax, and while it provides broad coverage for workers, it also includes provisions for small businesses, such as reduced premium rates and grants to assist with temporary staffing costs.

Recreational Hunting and Boating Regulations

Outdoor recreational lovers will see changes in both fees and hunting boundaries this year. The annual surcharge for watercraft, which funds the state's fight against aquatic invasive species, has transitioned from a flat fee to a scale ranging from $14 to $62 based on the size and type of the vessel. Additionally, water-use permit fees have been adjusted to support the state’s natural resources fund.

In a change for the 2026 hunting seasons, the southern Minnesota "shotgun zone" has been officially repealed. This allows hunters across the entire state to use any legal firearm for deer hunting during the regular season. While this state-level restriction has been removed, individual counties within the former zone still maintain the legal authority to enact their own local ordinances regarding firearm use.

Enhanced Protections for Vulnerable Adults

Minnesota now has legal protections for vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. Under the new 2025 public safety and judiciary law, individuals or their representatives can petition the court for a protective order specifically targeting financial scams or abuse. To ensure these protections remain accessible, the state has waived all filing fees. Courts are now required to hold a hearing within 14 days of a filing. If a judge finds a person is at risk of "irreparable harm," they have the authority to freeze assets, block credit lines, and prohibit contact between the vulnerable adult and the alleged exploiter.

Success and Conclusion of "Clean Cars MN"

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued a release confirming the expiration of the "Clean Cars MN" rule as the 2025 automobile model year concludes. The rule, adopted in 2020, aimed to have electric vehicle (EV) sales exceed 6% of all new light-duty vehicle sales in the state. Recent data indicate the goal was met, with EV sales reaching approximately 7% in 2024. While the specific regulatory mandate is now considered obsolete, according to the MPCA, the state will continue to track EV adoption trends as part of its ongoing environmental monitoring efforts.