Minnsights Blog

Today, I want to focus on the final two weeks plus of the 2026 legislative session as we step into May. We know that the Legislature will have to wrap up on or before May 18, so lawmakers are entering a critical final stretch where major decisions will be made, and we fully expect them to take some action this year. This is a non-budget year and a bonding year, so the focus will be on what can be accomplished with the limited time remaining.

Coming to you this week with a quick rundown of things happening at the Capitol. But first, let me comment on a meeting we had last week that aligned with our Business Day at the Capitol. Our Manufacturers Council met and we were joined by the commissioner and staff from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, where they announced updates to PFAS reporting requirements and deadlines. These requirements came out of the 2023 legislative session and place significant new burdens on businesses related to reporting and product availability.

The Burnsville Chamber of Commerce is a Grow Minnesota! partner and part of the Minnesota Chamber’s Business Education Network (BEN). They play a key role in connecting education and industry through its workforce development initiatives, including teacher externships and career pathway programs.

Coming to you after yet another busy week at the Capitol. In fact, we had 2026 Chamber Day at the Capitol where about 175 business leaders came together from across all sectors and across the state to make sure that policymakers heard firsthand about the issues that will help shape Minnesota’s economic future. With just five weeks remaining before the May 18 adjournment, the Legislature is entering a critical stretch. Lawmakers are working through many bills and important decisions in a closely divided House and Senate, with the House equally divided. That reality requires collaboration to ensure meaningful outcomes, and we are doing our best to deliver real results for the business community this year.

It’s been another busy week with the Legislature returning to session this week, but I will get to an update on that in a moment. First, we want to highlight a new report from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on permitting reform.