Ewald at the Capitol/August 7

Budget News

During next year’s regular legislative session, lawmakers will need to craft a balanced budget per our state’s constitution. Unfortunately, they may face a budget deficit. Although the official forecast does not come out until November, Minnesota Management and Budget recently released a required planning estimate ahead of August bond sales, which currently projects a possible $4.7 billion deficit next biennium. In addition, the estimated budget deficit for the current biennium is $2.3 billion.

New Laws

Many new laws that passed during regular session (and some from special sessions) became effective this month. In general, if a bill contains an appropriation, its effective date is July 1. All other bills that do not name a specific start date become effective Aug. 1. Some of the newest Minnesota laws include:

A gold star in the upper right-hand corner will be used as a new distinguishing feature for enhanced Minnesota driver’s licenses and ID cards. (HF65)
The Higher Education omnibus bill, which mostly contains provisions that are a result of recent for-profit career school closures. Now, the Office of Higher Education has greater power to protect students who are affected, and they can take action against these types of schools for their missteps. It also makes changes to the Minnesota college savings plan to align with changes to federal law. (HF3392)
Hair and makeup stylists who only provide their services in limited situations, such as weddings, no longer need to be licensed. (HF3202)
An indication of mental health disorder is now an optional identifier on driver’s licenses and ID cards. (HF462)
The legal age to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is now 21 years old statewide. The law also states that it is illegal to give tobacco to an underage person; doing so will result in a petty misdemeanor. (HF331)
The marriage of minors is now illegal. Previously, the state of Minnesota allowed children as young as 16 years old to get married with "consent of the person’s legal custodial parents, guardian, or the court." (HF745)