Walz Signs First 4 Laws Passed In 2026 — One Ends A State Holiday

ST. PAUL, MN — Tim Walz signed the first bills of Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session into law this week, advancing a set of bipartisan measures that touch on school bus safety, cannabis regulation, housing support, and the repeal of Cesar Chavez Day.

The four bills, all passed with broad support from both parties, aim to address what Walz described as practical, everyday issues while setting a cooperative tone for the months ahead.

"These bills show what’s possible when we set party aside and focus on solving problems together," Walz said in a statement.

"These first bills set the tone for the session – making kids’ mornings safer and allowing small businesses a little more stability."

One of the measures, SF 3623, strengthens school bus safety rules by requiring drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a bus displaying flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped until the signals are turned off, a clarification intended to better protect students boarding and exiting buses. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

Another law, HF 3615, extends a key provision for Minnesota’s developing cannabis market by allowing lower-potency hemp edible products to continue being tested at qualified out-of-state labs through May 31, 2027. State officials said the move will prevent testing backlogs and help businesses maintain product availability while Minnesota builds its in-state testing capacity.

Lawmakers also approved HF 3425, which directs $9 million from the state’s Strengthen Supportive Housing Program to recipients of the federal Continuum of Care Program. The funding, drawn from an existing 2023 appropriation, is intended to support permanent housing options for vulnerable residents across Minnesota.

The fourth bill, HF 4541, repeals the state law recognizing Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. In its place, Walz announced the state will mark the date as Farmworkers Day.

“We will continue to celebrate the farm labor movement and the many people throughout history who have contributed to the improvement of farm working conditions,” Walz said.

ALSO READ: MN Senate Unanimously Repeals Cesar Chavez Day After Abuse Allegations

The bill signings mark the first legislative actions of the 2026 session to be finalized, with lawmakers expected to take up additional measures in the coming weeks.