Legislative Update – May 6, 2026Dear Neighbors, All session, I’ve been working to pass a bill banning AI 'nudification' features, and I’m so glad to share that the bill has passed both the House and the Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. First of all, I want to say that this bill would not have been possible without the brave victims who told their heartbreaking stories about this exploitative AI feature. Thank you for your tireless advocacy.  No one should have to worry that nude images of themselves can be generated by AI, without their permission, at the push of a button. These features have been used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM), empowering and enabling sexual predators around the globe. It’s time to put a stop to it in Minnesota. Governments around the world have failed to react quickly enough to the dangers of AI. But House DFLers have taking action to protect Minnesotans online. You can read more here.  Saving Our HospitalsOne of the biggest struggles we’re hearing about from Minnesotans is the rising cost of health care. Through sweeping Medicaid cuts from the Trump administration, 140,000 Minnesotans are set to lose coverage, including some of our most vulnerable. Emergency rooms can’t turn away people without coverage, so those with coverage will see their costs continue to rise, too. These cuts have put our hospitals in a precarious position. Forbes issued a report listing the 400 hospitals around the country on the brink of closure, including seven in Minnesota, most notably Hennepin County Medical Center. It’s critical for lawmakers to develop a bipartisan solution that ensures HCMC can continue serving not just communities like ours, but as a level one trauma center, people from across the region. Without a solution, it isn’t hyperbole to say that people will die as a result.  While billionaires continue to do better and better, DFLers are continuing our focus on reducing the cost of living for everyday expenses like health care and child care, as well as energy, housing, and groceries so all Minnesotans can thrive. Mental Health Month - Help Is AvailableMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to check in with your loved ones and remind them that they are not alone, and help is available. Minnesota provides a number of resources to help those that are struggling. If you need emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline to chat online with a trained specialist.  Last week, I voted ‘Yes’ on an important suicide prevention measure, supported by SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. The bill requires the state to ensure suicide prevention measures are included on existing and future bridge projects around the state. We need to be proactive about suicide prevention in all respects, and this is one step forward in that mission. |