[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed four bipartisan bills into law, marking the first bill signings of the 2026 legislative session. The legislation will strengthen school bus safety standards, support Minnesota businesses by ensuring continued access to cannabis product testing, provide housing support, and eliminate Cesar Chavez Day. 

“These bills show what’s possible when we set party aside and focus on solving problems together,” said Governor Walz. “These first bills set the tone for the session – making kids’ mornings safer and allowing small businesses a little more stability.” 

SF 3623 enhances school bus safety by requiring drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus displaying flashing red lights. The law clarifies that drivers must remain stopped until the bus is no longer signaling, improving protections for students and bus drivers. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

HF 3615 extends the timeline, allowing lower-potency hemp edible products to be tested at qualified out-of-state facilities. With limited in-state testing capacity, this measure prevents backlogs, ensures product availability for consumers, and provides stability for Minnesota businesses as the state’s cannabis market continues to develop. The bill extends current testing flexibility for lower-potency hemp edibles through May 31, 2027, allowing businesses to continue using out-of-state labs while Minnesota builds in-state testing capacity. 

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 in many areas of Minnesota. This is a budget-neutral bill because this funding is coming from an existing appropriation from 2023. 

HF 4541 repeals the prior statute 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,” said Governor Walz. “I applaud the legislature for taking this swift action.” The Governor declared March 31 as Farmworkers Day to continue recognizing the impact of agricultural workers.