(The Center Square) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed four bipartisan bills into law, marking the first bill signings of the 2026 legislative session.
The measures address school bus safety, cannabis product testing, housing support and repeal of Cesar Chavez Day.
“These bills show what’s possible when we set party aside and focus on solving problems together,” Walz said. “These first bills set the tone for the session—making kids’ mornings safer and allowing small businesses a little more stability.”
HF 3425 directs $9 million from the Strengthen Supportive Housing Program to recipients of the federal Continuum of Care Program, which provides permanent supportive housing across the state. The measure is budget-neutral, drawing from an existing 2023 appropriation.
This bill comes as Minnesota lawmakers continue to face scrutiny for taxpayer-funded housing and social service programs, especially following a series of high-profile fraud cases. Those scandals have prompted bipartisan calls for tighter controls, increased auditing, and stronger accountability measures tied to public funding.
In this case, the Strengthen Supportive Housing Program is part of the federally-administered Continuum of Care system, meaning it is required to coordinate with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is designed to help homeless people.
HF 4541 repeals the state law establishing Cesar Chavez Day in Minnesota.
“We will continue to celebrate the farm labor movement and the many people throughout history who have contributed to the improvement of farm working conditions,” Walz said. “I applaud the legislature for taking this swift action.”
Walz also declared March 31 as Farmworkers Day as a replacement for Cesar Chavez Day and to recognize the contributions of agricultural workers.
Many other states, including California and Arizona, have taken similar steps. This comes after a New York Times investigation published this month found that there were multiple allegations of sexual abuse and assault by Chavez against women and girls.
Chavez, who was president of United Farm Workers, died in 1993. He has long been held up as a central figure in the American farm labor movement, widely credited with advancing workers’ rights and organizing union efforts.
SF 3623 strengthens school bus safety standards by requiring drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a bus displaying flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped until the signal is no longer active. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers.
HF 3615 extends a provision allowing lower-potency hemp edible products to be tested at qualified out-of-state facilities. Supporters said the change will help avoid backlogs and maintain product availability as Minnesota continues building in-state testing capacity. The extension runs through May 31, 2027.
