Legislative Update: May 26, 2026

Dear neighbors,

The 2026 session ended with meaningful, impactful legislation that will make a real difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

We passed a $1.2B bonding bill for infrastructure needs throughout the state (including $4M for Bloomington's North Central Sanitary Sewer Project), tougher penalties for impersonating a police officer, $40 million in emergency rental assistance in response to Operation Metro Surge, nation-leading legislation to stop AI for being used as harmful ‘nudification technology’ in Minnesota, a ban on the largely unregulated industry of prediction markets, a constitutional amendment proposal to increase funding for public schools from our state's school land trusts, bigger property tax refund, added capacity for regional food banks and SNAP benefits, a $165 million housing budget bill aimed to reduce evictions, tackle the racial wealth gap, and support struggling renters and homeowners across the state, and legislation that strengthens the ability of agencies to stop payments to program participants when fraud is suspected. 

At the same time, there were important bills left unfinished, proposals that deserved debate, deserved consideration, and at the very least, deserved a vote. Some of these included a comprehensive Gun Violence Prevention package, permanent protections for our Boundary Waters, ICE protections for Minnesotans, small business relief and lowering prices for prescription drugs, including my bill to demand better insurance cost-sharing for life-saving anti-seizure medications for those living with epilepsy. 

With fellow freshman legislators, Rep. Wayne Johnson (R) and Rep. Keith Allen (R). As the lone Democrat seated on the same side of the House Chamber as my Republican colleagues, I intentionally invested in relationships, mutual respect, and the work of finding common ground.

Standing with Minnesotans: Hold the Vote

The fight to reduce gun violence in Minnesota reached a critical moment this session. Despite 70% of Minnesotans wanting us to take action and the Senate already passing a comprehensive gun violence prevention package, Speaker Lisa DeMuth and House Republicans refused to report the bill in the House, therefore blocking the House from taking a vote. One vote would have moved this life-saving legislation forward. 

House Democrats then brought forward a motion to bring a vote on the bill, and my colleagues and I stood to share how gun violence has touched every corner of our state. These stories were personal, painful, and a reminder that none of our communities are untouched by this crisis.

This legislation represented a historic and comprehensive approach to gun violence prevention in Minnesota. I was proud to help shape and advance student-led legislation developed in collaboration with local law enforcement, including Hennepin County Sheriff DaWanna Witt. Their voices and lived experiences helped drive policies designed to prevent tragedy before it happens.

The comprehensive package included my student-led legislation requiring firearms to be securely stored in vehicles parked on school property and tightening restrictions around who is (and who is not) permitted to carry firearms inside both public and nonpublic school facilities. These proposals are rooted in prevention, responsible firearm ownership, and creating safer learning environments for students and educators. 

After hours of testimony and debate underscoring the urgency of action, Republicans continued to block a vote.

But we did not stop there.

Following the floor session on Thursday, May 14, I joined my colleagues and we began a sit-in on the House floor (one we continued until the House reconvened on Saturday, May 16) to call attention to this urgent issue and demand that Speaker Demuth allow a vote on this legislation.

Throughout the sit-in, we livestreamed conversations joined by students, families, elected leaders, gun violence prevention advocates, and Minnesotans whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence, including parents from Annunciation and others carrying unimaginable grief. A few minutes before we gaveled back in to finish other state business, we spoke with Minnesotans. KTSP-TV included my comments in their story. 

Despite this comprehensive package being blocked in the House, we were still able to pass education funding related to school safety that includes an anonymous threat reporting system for schools, increases in student mental health supports and legislation to help curb addictive measures on social media.

My heart breaks for every victim of gun violence in Minnesota’s history and for the families and communities left to carry that loss. I refuse to throw up my hands and accept that nothing can be done when it comes to firearms. We owe Minnesotans action, courage, and the willingness to confront this crisis with urgency.

You’re Invited to a Town Hall

As a reminder, Sen. Alice Mann, Rep. Steve Elkins, and I will be hosting our District 50 Town Hall today, May 26th, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm to recap the 2026 session and discuss our look ahead. Please register here, and we’ll send out the location prior to the event. Everyone is welcome.

Hennepin County Medical Center Saved

One of the most significant accomplishments of this legislative year was securing bipartisan action to strengthen Minnesota’s health care system and protect the future of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). State leaders came together to deliver historic bipartisan support for HCMC, recognizing that its long-term strength is essential not only for Hennepin County, but for communities statewide. I was proud to co-author legislation that worked to establish a critical framework and provide funding toward a permanent solution.

HCMC is a Level I trauma center and teaching hospital that serves patients from every corner of Minnesota. It is a cornerstone of our statewide health care system and an essential safety net for families and communities. Without HCMC, Minnesota’s health care system would face serious and far-reaching consequences.

While the underlying challenges remain, including federal health care cuts by the Trump administration and broader structural issues within our corporate health care system (that also need fixing), this bipartisan agreement reflects the values Minnesotans expect: fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and protecting access to care.

Minnesota has long believed in a strong and reliable health care safety net. This agreement reaffirms that commitment and helps ensure Minnesotans can continue to access the care they need, when they need it.

Office of Inspector General

Our bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General has officially become law.

The Minnesota OIG will be among the strongest and most effective independent watchdog offices in the country. Alongside anti-fraud measures already enacted (including IT modernization), this law is about ensuring public dollars go where they are intended and stay out of the hands of criminals.

Minnesotans expect accountability, and they should. They deserve confidence that taxpayer dollars are protected and public programs operate with integrity.

The OIG is part of a broader, multi-layered strategy to prevent, detect, and prosecute fraud in Minnesota. Another major piece of legislation will help unlock federal resources to strengthen fraud investigations and the prosecution of fraud cases.

Throughout this work, we stayed focused on the people most harmed when these programs are exploited or undermined, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities who rely on these services every day.

Legislative Services Unit: Public Safety Security Bill

As you can imagine, the past year has involved difficult but necessary conversations about how we strengthen protections and clarify the chain of command during crisis situations involving principal public officials.

The tragic reality of political violence in Minnesota, including the loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert, along with the critical injuries suffered by Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, demands immediate attention. These events require us to carefully examine how we ensure the safety of state officials both inside and outside the Capitol.

Ultimately, this is about protecting the function of government and the strength of our democracy. It is about safeguarding public servants, maintaining trust in our institutions, and ensuring Minnesotans can continue to engage in civic life safely and confidently.

I chief-authored legislation with Sen. John Hoffman, who carried the companion bill to create a dedicated Legislative Services Unit within the Department of Public Safety to establish a clear framework for responding to credible threats and securing legislative proceedings when necessary. The bill modernizes communication and coordination among law enforcement agencies and strengthens our ability to respond rapidly when credible threats or hostile actions are directed at principal state officials.

I am grateful for the collaboration and expertise of our Sergeant at Arms, Capitol Security, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, State Patrol, and local and county law enforcement partners. Their ongoing and essential work helped shape this legislation and reflects our shared commitment to safety, preparedness, and democratic stability. My bill rolled into a larger Public Safety finance package that passed both chambers, the Governor has signed, and it has become law. 

With Sen. John Hoffman and Sen. Doran Clark in the last days of session.

Local News & Democracy

One of the bills I chief-authored is HF4072, a bipartisan bill to create a news media talent pipeline here in Minnesota, ensuring that the next generation of local journalists are trained and ready to serve the public good. I believe that local news is an anchor of community connection, a common institution for sharing factual, reliable, and relevant information. It’s a core part of the ecosystem that leads to thriving civic engagement and a healthy democracy. I joined Tom Hauser on WCCO Radio's "At Issue" recently to discuss the bill, and my interview with the Sun Current is here.

Community in and Outside the Capitol

The last few weeks of session were packed with many great constituent meetings and events. Fire Chief Andrew Slama of the Edina Police & Fire Departments was at the Capitol for Fire Service Day; we are so fortunate to have his leadership, expertise, and advocacy in our community. Edina City Council member Kate Agnew and Edina Park and Rec Commission lead, Perry Vetter, joined Rep. Cheryl Youakim and me for testimony for my bill that would allow the City of Edina to ask local voters if they want to extend our local optional sales tax to additional city amenities. Despite valiant efforts, it was disappointing that this local option for our city did not make it into the final tax bill for this session. 

It was an honor to speak in acknowledgment of Somaliland American Day at the Capitol, and celebrate Literacy Day with students, plus a visit from a bubbly and curious group of rising Girl Scouts filled my optimistic heart.

And, enjoying time outside for Edina's Earth Day festival today was lovely, showcasing the best of our community in action, welcoming students, families, advocates, city and school leaders, musicians, and many more

My favorite part of being a representative is hearing from you and turning your stories into legislation. It is helpful for me to understand a wide range of perspectives on various issues as I make decisions. I’d love to gather additional feedback. Please take a quick moment to complete this constituent survey. Thank you.

Stay in Touch

I appreciate all the feedback from constituents on things that matter to you. I receive hundreds of emails, and work to respond to them directly. Please continue to reach out at rep.julie.greene@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4363. To receive legislative updates, please subscribe and follow along on my Facebook page.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. It is truly an honor to represent you in St. Paul.

Warm regards,

Julie Greene

State Representative

District 50A