Minnesota's 2026 Legislative Session
February 17 - May 18, 2026
Our members are actively engaged in the activities of the Minnesota legislature while discussing community impact with legislators and lobbyists from our region. The committee advocates on behalf of the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce on matters ranging from local policy to legislation affecting our business interests.
We promote pro-business policies, encourage civic participation, and engage partners from a variety of industries, institutions, and organizations to promote job creation, economic development, and resource stewardship to the benefit of local businesses and stakeholders.
Minnesota Chamber Resources
2026 EVENTS
Minnesota Chamber Session Priorities - Legislative Kickoff Dinner
February 17
Duluth St. Louis County Days at the Capitol
March 18-19
Minnesota Main Street Day at the Capitol
March 25
Minnesota Chamber Day at the Capitol
April 15
Tribal Relations – Industry Training: Past, Present & Future
April 20-21
Ranger Party
April 27
From the Capitol
Minnesota House Session Daily
- ‘Melissa Hortman State Office Building’ gets overwhelming committee approval March 12, 2026
- Will livestreamed government proceedings be coming to your Facebook feed? March 12, 2026
- Tax panel considers expanding refunds for big property tax hikes March 12, 2026
- Public safety committee rejects bill to increase penalties for misconduct by public officials March 11, 2026
- Pair of bills take aim at banning neonicotinoid insecticides, paraquat herbicide March 11, 2026
- Youth bill of rights would outline standards for foster care March 11, 2026
- Education committee lays over governor’s policy bill March 11, 2026
- Transportation panel approves plan for a Metro Transit takeover of suburban routes March 11, 2026
Newly Acquired Minnesota State Government Reports
- Cannabis Compact between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the State of Minnesota March 10, 2026
- Cannabis Compact between the Lower Sioux Indian Community and the State of Minnesota March 10, 2026
- Cannabis Compact between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the State of Minnesota March 10, 2026
- Cannabis Compact between the Lower Sioux Indian Community and the State of Minnesota March 10, 2026
- Minneapolis Police Dept. LPR Audit Report March 9, 2026
- Minneapolis Police Department BWC Audit Report March 9, 2026
- Minneapolis Police Department BWC Audit Report March 9, 2026
- Independent Audit of the Itasca County Sheriff's Office Portable Recording System (Body-worn Cameras (BWCs)) March 9, 2026
- Independent Audit of the Itasca County Sheriff's Office Portable Recording System (Body-worn Cameras (BWCs)) March 9, 2026
- 2025 Private Well Sampling for Per - and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Compounds (East Metro Residential Well Sampling for PFAS Compounds) March 9, 2026
Legislative Affairs Committee
- Kurt Doran, Chair – NTS
- Justine Henry, Laurentian Chamber Chair – NTS
- Rick Crum – NTS
- Chrissy Bartovich – US Steel – Minnesota Ore Operations
- Marci Knight – Park State Bank
- Sandy Karnowski – Cleveland Cliffs
- Sam Stone – Essentia Health
- Barrett Ziemer – Range Regional Airport
- Heath Boe – Minnesota North College
- Julie Marinucci – St. Louis County
- Jason Janisch - Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
- Shawntel Gruba - Iron Range Tykes Learning Center
Laurentian Chamber
Public Comment
The Committee will:
- Provide thorough analysis of the local impact of state and federal bills as they arise during sessions.
- Collaboration with Minnesota Chamber during legislative session, including webcasts
- Bring key thought leaders to debate on various bills through engagement in the committee who are knowledgeable about community concerns (energy, transportation, healthcare, environment, taxes, workforce and education, labor relations)
- Provide local policy statements on the major topics of legislation.
- Increase efficacy of community advocacy for business interests.