A broad slate of new Minnesota laws officially went into effect Friday, August 1, marking the start of significant changes across key areas including business regulation, civil rights, housing, and public safety. Passed during the 2025 legislative session—and one carryover from 2024—these laws aim to modernize state governance and improve equity and accountability across multiple sectors.
Business and Commerce
Minnesota Partition Act A sweeping update to property law, the Minnesota Partition Act reforms how courts manage disputes involving jointly owned real estate. The law clearly defines who may initiate legal proceedings, details the responsibilities of court-appointed referees in property sales, and expands appeal rights in eminent domain cases.
Modernization of the Business Corporations Act Changes to the state’s corporate code now align Minnesota’s legal standards with national norms. Updates include new emergency bylaws, procedures for ratifying defective corporate acts, and expanded shareholder rights—measures designed to enhance business continuity and transparency.
Insurance Guaranty Reform High-net-worth policyholders are now required to submit financial information to the Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association within 60 days if requested. If no response is provided, their net worth will be presumed to exceed $25 million, which could impact their eligibility for claims in the event of insurer insolvency.
Civil Law and Rights
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Fee Waiver for American Indian Ombudsperson The Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families is now exempt from certain court filing fees, bringing it in line with fee exemptions already available to tribal representatives. The exemption applies to cases involving child welfare, guardianship, and human services.
Confidentiality in Restorative Justice A new law establishes legal confidentiality for communications within restorative justice programs, protecting the integrity of these non-adversarial processes. While open dialogue is encouraged, disclosures related to child or vulnerable adult maltreatment remain subject to mandatory reporting laws.
Housing and Accessibility
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Protections for Service Dog Trainers Volunteer trainers of service dogs will now receive full housing protections under Minnesota law. Similar to individuals with permanent service animals, trainers cannot be denied housing or charged additional fees due to pet policies. Landlords may require documentation from accredited training organizations.
New Legal Framework for Housing Cooperatives Minnesota has introduced a dedicated statutory chapter to simplify the creation and governance of housing cooperatives. Previously governed by a patchwork of laws, co-ops—especially those serving seniors or lower-income residents—will benefit from streamlined procedures that promote affordable housing development.
Public Safety
Expanded Criminal Background Checks Local governments are now authorized to conduct national criminal background checks on individuals applying to operate adult entertainment or massage therapy businesses. The new policy closes a long-standing gap in public safety oversight, as prior checks were limited to in-state records.
These laws reflect Minnesota’s evolving priorities around fairness, safety, access, and modernization. Residents, businesses, and local governments alike are encouraged to review how the new regulations may affect them.
For more information on these and other laws, visit the Minnesota Legislature's website at https://www.leg.mn.gov.
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