Legislative Update - July 14, 2026Dear neighbors, This newsletter will be my last e-update until after the election. During an election period, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications because it might create an unfair advantage. You can still stay up to date with my legislative work by following my official State Representative Facebook page. Although I won’t be sending these newsletters, I’ll still be hard at work showing up for our district! This summer and fall, I’ll be connecting with our neighbors in the community. If you belong to an organization or group or own a local business and would like to meet, I’m happy to get together. Kayla’s HOPE It was an honor to join advocates, students, and community members at the Washington Avenue Bridge Reception to recognize the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead. I was proud to author the Kayla's Hope legislation after hearing from my constituent, MJ Weiss, who courageously shared the story of losing their daughter, Kayla, to suicide. Their advocacy, along with the voices of so many students and suicide prevention advocates, helped turn heartbreak into action and inspired this life-saving legislation. Because of their efforts, suicide prevention barriers will be installed on the Washington Avenue Bridge, helping protect people in moments of crisis and giving them the opportunity to receive the support they need. I am deeply grateful to everyone who testified, shared their experiences, and advocated for this bill. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to save lives, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and build a Minnesota where hope and help are always within reach.  Free Summer Meals for KidsThis summer, SSPPS is providing free meals for children ages 0–18. Breakfast & lunch are available at their Summer Learning sites. They’ll also be bringing meals directly to the community. Visit their website for more.  New LawsOn July 1st, many new laws from the 2026 legislative session took effect. Some highlights include helping schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, implementing a mandatory social media mental health warning, and more. You can find a list of the new laws and summaries here. Legislative Audit Commission Elections and Ag Water ReportLast week, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report evaluating Minnesota's voter registration, and its findings reinforce what Minnesotans have long known: our elections are secure, accurate, and accessible. Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout because we have built a system that balances accessibility with strong safeguards. It also evaluated Minnesota’s Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, highlighting opportunities to strengthen it. Protecting our lakes, rivers, and groundwater requires policies that are accountable, transparent, and deliver measurable results. I believe we have a responsibility to ensure taxpayer investments are making a real difference for water quality, and I’ve been working with farmers, conservation partners, and state agencies to build on what works, improve what doesn't, and continue protecting Minnesota's water for future generations. You can read my statement here. Lawns to Legumes Garden Tour DayLawns to Legumes Garden Tour Day is this week! You can visit local pollinator plantings on Saturday, July 18 from 9am-12pm. Native plant gardeners across Minnesota are opening their yards for you to get inspired! Check out our website for a map of all tour stops. This tour is self-guided — choose a few to visit at your own pace! It’s also not too late to sign up as a tour host if you have native garden you’re excited to share. Click here to get started!  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 |