5 New MN Laws About To Go Into Effect: List

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota Democrats wasted little time passing new laws over the past legislative session while they maintained a rare trifecta majority. Gov. Tim Walz signed a wide range of progressive policies related to education, abortion, transgender surgeries, legal marijuana, and more.

As a result, Walz was hailed by allies as a model for Democratic governors. He was even called the "anti-Ron Desantis."

Below are just some of the laws that went into effect on Aug. 1. Find every single law passed during the 2023 legislative session here.

Adult-use cannabis law that expunges prior low-level cannabis convictions

Starting Aug. 1, 2023, adults who are 21 and older can possess or transport 2 ounces of adult-use cannabis flower, and up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Adults can also possess up to 2 pounds of adult-use cannabis flower in their residence.

The limits on edible cannabis product possession are 800 milligrams of THC.

Additionally, the criminal records of Minnesotans with petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor cannabis convictions will begin to be expunged. The records are not destroyed, but they are removed from public access and will not appear in any criminal background checks.

The 'Idaho Stop'

A measure passed within the state omnibus transportation bill will allow Minnesota bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, and a red traffic light as a stop sign. Effective Aug. 1, the law will only apply to bicyclists.

Firearms background checks are required

Starting Aug. 1, a new law will prohibit the private transfers of pistols and semiautomatic weapons without a firearms eligibility background check of the recipient.

New law criminalizes creating sex-related deep fake activity

Deep fake is audio or video of a person digitally altered so they are saying or doing something that in actuality did not happen, often created with the intention of spreading false information. A new law, effective Aug. 1, will create a framework to punish people who knowingly create such activity.

Minnesota Human Rights Act to ban hair discrimination

A newly-updated Minnesota Human Rights Act will, effective Aug. 1, will include discrimination based on "traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs, and twists."