A slate of new Minnesota state laws are taking effect today that will strengthen the state’s ability to stop fraud, increase several criminal penalties, and criminalize grooming. The new laws were passed during the Minnesota Legislature’s 2026 legislative session.
Among the new anti-fraud laws is a statute allowing state government agencies to suspend payments to vendors if there is a credible allegation of fraud. Previously, state government could only suspend payments if a “preponderance of evidence” showed fraud.
Now, the state can take quicker action to keep money from going to fraudsters. Additionally, state agencies will be allowed to alert each other if they believe a potential fraudster is trying to take advantage of another state program in a different agency.
According to a bulletin from the Minnesota House of Representatives’ Public Information Services division, a seven-year extension on the statute of limitations for several financial and fraud-related crimes takes effect today as well.
Earlier this year, an anti-grooming law was passed with bipartisan support.
Under the felony anti-grooming statute, a person is guilty of grooming if they, as an adult, express a desire to engage in sexual activity with a minor or if they attempt to establish a relationship with a minor with the intention of engaging in sexual activity.
The law says no sexual activity has to occur in order for a person to be guilty of grooming. Under the new law, state agencies must update teacher training to equip teachers to spot instances where grooming may be occurring.
In 2026, Minnesota state government also banned the operation of nudification technology which allows individuals to use artificial intelligence (AI) to undress images of people. That law imposes a $500,000 civil penalty on violators and allows victims to seek damages.
While that law took effect today, xAI filed a lawsuit earlier this week challenging the ban. In its lawsuit, xAI argued that the statute is overbroad, does not contain “a knowledge, intent, or purpose requirement,” and focuses on platforms rather than users.
Additionally, the state legislature increased criminal penalties on individuals who threaten to disseminate private sexual images.
Under the new law, if a threat to disseminate a private sexual image is “a substantial factor in the victim suffering great bodily harm,” then the perpetrator faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.
If the threat is a substantial factor in someone’s death, then the perpetrator could face up to 15 years in prison, a $30,000 fine, or both.
State lawmakers also upgraded the crime of impersonating a police officer. Such a crime is now a felony after previously being a misdemeanor. As of today, anyone impersonating an officer will face a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
That increased penalty was passed in response to the June 2025 shootings that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. The shooter in that case, Vance Boelter, was impersonating a police officer when he shot the two lawmakers and their spouses.
For the full list of new laws going into effect today, please see this list published by House Public Information Services.
Rachael Van Rossum
Rachael Van Rossum is a journalist and author who studies political science in the Twin Cities. She previously interned with the Illinois House of Representatives and recently published her debut fantasy novel "The Hellburner of Sovi." Rachael is passionate about telling compelling stories and bringing to life the voices of political figures, athletes, and members of her community through engaging writing. She is the Alpha News journalism fellow for the summer of 2026.
