Legislative Update – July 30, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Our state is still processing the devastating events of June 14, the killing of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and the shooting of John and Yvette Hoffman. These actions of political violence have shaken us deeply, and they have forever changed us and our state. They have also led us to commit ourselves even more deeply to living out Melissa’s legacy of kindness, care, love for one another, and love for Minnesota.
That’s why I worked with my colleague from across the aisle, Rep. Dave Baker, to write a column calling on us as leaders to do more to lower the political temperature, and encourage all of us to treat other, even your political opponents, with dignity and respect. That’s how Melissa always operated, and it’s one more way we can honor her legacy. You can read the piece here.
New Laws
On July 1, our new state budget took effect, along with the majority of the new policies lawmakers enacted this past session. As with all of this year’s successful legislation, these new laws are the product of bipartisan compromise. While there are certainly components of the budget I wish went further, there are still plenty of new commonsense policies and investments to be proud of.
Highlights include required access to free water at ticketed events of 100 or more people, protections for children who appear in online media, and assistance for homeowners and tenants when dealing with HOAs.
Minnesota Public Radio provided a brief overview of some of these laws and more, but if you’d like a deep dive of what’s been implemented, you can read a nonpartisan summary of all the new laws here.
Consumer Data Privacy Act
Another law, which we passed in 2024 but is going into effect now, is the Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act (MCDPA). The MCDPA helps safeguard consumers’ data and their right to privacy and provides Minnesota residents with the power to control how their data is used by companies and other parties.
The Attorney General’s Office enforces the MCDPA and ensures that businesses and covered entities follow the law. They have a website set up to assist consumers in learning about and exercising their rights, as well as help covered entities (called “controllers” and “processors”) understand their obligations. Learn more here.
Disaster Response Help
We have had some intense weather lately, including high winds, heavy rain, and hail. I hope your families, homes, and cars escaped the worst of it, but I wanted to provide some resources in case you weren’t so lucky.
The Disaster Information Center at the Minnesota Department of Commerce can assist you with managing your home, auto, and property insurance. Our experts can guide you through working with your insurer to settle a claim and help you make informed decisions about your insurance after a disaster damages your home, vehicle, or property.
If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center by phone at 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602 or by email at consumer.protection@state.mn.us. You can also submit complaint online or call Commerce’s Consumer Services Center.
Green Energy Programs
 | | Looking to get started on a solar project for your roof? Hennepin County has partnered with Switch Together to help make solar buying more affordable. Using group buying and the expertise of Solar United Neighbors, Switch Together ensures that participants get a great deal on solar installation and have the information they need to make informed decisions. Switch Together organizes groups of residents interested in going solar, together. These groups then get better deals on bulk purchasing of panels. You can learn more here. |
Minnesota's e-bike rebate program returns this summer with updated income-based eligibility and disability qualifications. Instead of the usual rush to be first in line, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is switching to a lottery system. Applications open through the MN Department of Revenue's online portal on July 30 at 11 a.m. through August 7 at 2 p.m. Submit only one application per person—duplicates will be deleted. You can also sign up for the official rebate email list for updates for more updates. | |  |
Staying in touch
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call my office during business hours at (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative