Legislative Update – February 12, 2026
Dear neighbors,
We are less than one week from the start of the 2026 Legislative Session, and my colleagues and I have been busy preparing legislation to address the hardships that Minnesotans have faced this past year and build an economy that works for everyone.
I’ve been meeting with our partners in local government, schools, businesses, and more to hear about their legislative session priorities, the impact this prolonged ICE surge has had on our neighbors, and how the legislature can take action to help.
Recently, I joined local leaders for session previews with the City of Cottage Grove and Dakota County, attended a great meeting of the Minnesota Street Rod Association in West Saint Paul, and today I met with the German Consul General Michael Ahrens, alongside my intern for this legislative session.
LWV Legislative Forum
This Saturday, I’ll join the League of Women Voters of Woodbury, Cottage Grove Area for their Virtual Annual Legislative Interviews to discuss my priorities, concerns, and expectations for the upcoming legislative session.
The event will take place on Zoom on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You must register to attend at the LWV website here.
Conservation Reserve Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the 2026 enrollment periods for both the Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), marking 40 years since the program was first opened for enrollment. Offers will be accepted for Continuous CRP beginning February 12, 2026, with the first batching period ending on March 20. The General CRP signup will run from March 9 through April 17.
You can find more information on the USDA website.
Department of Agriculture Updates
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture published legislatively required reports on the Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Grant, the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, and Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) Fiscal Year 2025.
As the DFL co-chair of the Agriculture Committee, I’m dedicated to supporting programs that help beginning, small farmers get off the ground and those that encourage living cover crops, which help enhance soil and water quality, and increase habitat for wildlife. My committee will be digging into these reports and continuing our work to improve our food system and support the people who make agriculture work in this state.
Stay in Touch!
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828.
For more regular updates, you can subscribe to these regular legislative updates if you haven’t already, here, and you can also “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative