Legislative Update - October 2025

Dear neighbors,

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Community Conversation on gun violence prevention in South Minneapolis earlier this month. It meant so much to see so many neighbors come together during such a painful and uncertain time for our state.

The tragedies we’ve faced this summer with the devastating loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the heartbreaking violence at Annunciation Catholic Church have shaken us all. But gatherings like this remind me of the strength and care that define Minnesota.

Together with my fellow electeds, community leaders, advocates, and medical professionals, we had a heartfelt discussion about the urgent need for change. The insights and stories shared will help guide our push for meaningful action to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe.

Our work doesn’t end here. I remain supportive of the Governor’s call for a potential special session and will continue to fight for common-sense measures like banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that reflect the values and urgency our community has voiced.

Extreme Risk Protection Order Law Update

During the 2023 legislative session, we took bold action to protect our communities against gun violence. One of the measures lawmakers enacted allows for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), also known as a “red flag” law. This tool helps prevent tragedies by allowing law enforcement and family members to request court orders temporarily removing firearms from individuals who pose an imminent risk of harming themselves or others.

After more than one year of having this law in effect, the evidence is clear: Extreme Risk Protection Orders are protecting Minnesotans from senseless gun violence. 

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office now houses a specialist who can discuss and support family or household members who have concerns that a loved one is a significant risk to themselves or others with a firearm. If you have concerns about a loved one and firearms, please reach out to DASC at 612-348-5073 and ask to speak to an Extreme Risk Protection Order Specialist.

Traffic Safety in Minneapolis

Earlier this month, I attended the launch of our traffic safety camera pilot program that is now underway at five high-risk intersections in Minneapolis. These cameras are carefully placed only near schools and intersections with a history of serious crashes, aiming to prevent injuries and save lives. I believe traffic safety cameras have the ability to save lives, and that’s why I was the lead author on the bill to pass the pilot program in 2024. I look forward to reviewing data from the pilot to see if we should expand the program in the future.

During October, only warnings will be issued to drivers. Starting November 1, citations will begin.

You can learn more about how the program works and the strict safeguards in place to protect drivers’ privacy and ensure accountability by visiting the program website here.

Rethinking I-94 Update

Many of you have reached out with concerns about the Rethinking I-94 process led by MNDOT to inform the construction and potential redesign of the I-94 highway. MNDOT is now taking community feedback at two upcoming in-person meetings to inform the alternatives for the project that will move forward. I encourage constituents to attend these meetings and share your opinions. I know many in our community would like to see MNDOT continue to explore the at-grade option which would potentially remove the highway in favor of an at-grade boulevard. I support continuing to study this option and will continue to advocate for that position in the project process.

Federal Shutdown

We are now in week three of the federal shutdown. Many Minnesotans are hurt by this failure of Republican leadership – whether it is Minnesota airport workers who are at risk of not getting paid, to families who are being denied SNAP benefits and are losing access to groceries. Democrats in Congress are fighting for people’s healthcare, and I stand with them as Republicans continue to take healthcare away from families, disappear our neighbors through unconstitutional raids, and put vital government services at risk. If you have a story of how the government shutdown is negatively impacting you, please reach out and my office is happy to support in whatever way we can. If Republicans in Washington DC won’t lead, the legislature here in Minnesota is ready to step up any way we can.

Youth Peer Leader Grant Opportunity Applications Due October 24

MDH is accepting applications for the 988 Minnesota Lifeline: Someone to Talk to Youth Peer Leader program. This grant supports youth-serving organizations, peer-driven initiatives, advocacy teams, and out-of-school programs in helping young people share information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline within their communities. Applications are due on October 24. Learn more at 988 Minnesota Lifeline Youth Peer Leader Grant.

MDH Community Clinic Grant Program Applications Due November 7

The Community Clinic Grants support the capacity of eligible organizations to plan, establish, or operate clinical services for populations with low income and/or living in rural areas of the state. Fiscal Year 2026 program funding will support clinic efforts to increase or maintain access to health services for the uninsured and underinsured. Approximately $1,551,000 will be available to grant in this cycle.  Applications are due November 7. For questions, please contact: health.CommunityClinicGrant@state.mn.us. To learn more or apply, visit Community Clinic Grant.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page. 

In community,

Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Minnesota House of Representatives