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2026 Legislative Session Begins With Day of Remembrance, Shifts to Policy Work
The second year of the 94th biennial legislative session opened Feb. 17 with a day honoring the Hortman and Hoffman families before lawmakers returned to committee hearings and policy discussions.
The Minnesota Legislature convened Feb. 17 on a somber note. Both the House and Senate honored former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog, Gilbert, who were tragically killed in their home in June 2025.
Leaders from both parties remembered Hortman for her leadership, kindness, humor, and willingness to work across the aisle. Her legislative career spanned 20 years, including six as speaker of the House and one year as speaker emerita during the 2025 power-sharing agreement.
Lawmakers also recognized Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) who was present in the chamber. He and his wife, Yvette, were also shot last June.
2026 session preview
Following the opening day, lawmakers quickly returned to committee work. By Feb. 18, 19 committee hearings were underway, with presentations and bills heard through Friday afternoon.
Although the Legislature passed a two-year state budget last year that runs through July 2027, the pace is expected to remain brisk. Lawmakers must adjourn by the constitutional deadline of May 18.
The Legislature remains closely divided, with the DFL holding a one-seat majority in the Senate. The House is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. Gov. Tim Walz (DFL) is serving his final year after announcing he will not seek reelection. Several senators and House members have also announced they will not seek reelection, making this their final session.
View a list of Minnesota legislators who are retiring at the end of the 2025-2026 biennium.
Early hearings have focused on fraud, the impact of federal immigration enforcement, and gun violence. Lawmakers and the governor are also expected to consider a supplemental budget to modify the two-year budget that was adopted last year.
The Office of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) previously projected a one-time surplus of approximately $2.5 billion. However, the state faces a projected $2.9 billion deficit for the 2028-2029 biennium. Gov. Walz has also proposed a $907 million bonding bill. An updated economic forecast from MMB is scheduled for release on Feb. 27.
Committee deadlines
Legislative deadlines set the timeline for committee action on bills. For 2026, the committee deadlines are as follows:
- First and second deadlines: Friday, March 27. Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin. Committees must also act on companions bills that met the first deadline in the other chamber. For a committee to “act favorably” on a bill means it has formally voted to recommend that the bill be passed, or passed as amended, and advanced to the next stage of the legislative process.
- Third deadline: Friday, April 17. Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
The deadlines do not apply to some committees, including:
- House Capital Investment
- House Rules and Legislative Administration
- House Taxes
- House Ways and Means
- Senate Capital Investment
- Senate Finance
- Senate Rules and Administration
- Senate Taxes
View more information about committee deadlines on the Legislature’s website.
Legislative break
The Legislature will be on break March 19, in observance of Eid. Lawmakers will also break from March 28 through April 6 for Easter and Passover. Legislative breaks provide an opportunity for city officials to connect with their lawmakers and advocate for priorities, since they are often back in their districts.
League’s legislative priorities
The League enters the session with 11 legislative priorities. Details about those priorities and additional advocacy resources are available on the League’s advocacy hub.
View the League’s How to Advocate webpage.
Officials may also watch a recorded one-hour legislative preview webinar hosted by the League’s intergovernmental relations team on Feb. 11. The webinar outlines the League’s 2026 priorities, provides a session outlook, and explains how to stay engaged.
View a recording of the 2026 legislative preview webinar.
City leaders are also encouraged to join fellow city colleagues and League staff for 2026 City Day on the Hill on March 11 to advocate for city priorities at the Capitol.
Learn more and register for City Day on the Hill.
Visiting the Capitol, notable changes
City officials visiting the Capitol should be aware of new security measures, including screening checkpoints, limited entrances, and weekday public hours from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except during legislative business such as committee hearings.
Additionally, the State Office Building remains under construction. House members have temporary offices in the Centennial Building, and House committee hearings are being held in the Capitol.
- View details of new Capitol security measures.
- Check out resources to help you navigate the Capitol Complex.
Questions? The League’s IGR team will be closely monitoring session activity and is here to help.
Connect with the League’s IGR staff.