Agenda - Council - 05/26/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 05/26/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Enhance City's communication through transparency and accountability. Title: Legislative Update 8. 1. Purpose/Background: The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session began on February 17, 2026, and will adjourn on May 18, 2026. Annually, Ramsey adopts Legislative Priorities, which provides staff direction to advocate for these priorities to lawmakers. Below is a summary of bills that have been introduced specific to Ramsey. Other bills not specific to Ramsey, but which may be of interest are also provided. HF4426/SF4646 Mississippi River Crossing • This is a joint effort between the cities of Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove and Ramsey. The cities have met with lawmakers to discuss legislation requesting $2.9 million in funding for a Tier 1 and 2 EIS. Both bills have received hearings and will be considered as part of a larger omnibus bill. • Additionally, the City has submitted a request to federal lawmakers through the congressionally directed spending applications. We received notice that Senator Klobuchar and Smith have included our request of $2 million on their list of projects. This does not mean we have officially been awarded the funds yet. • The City was awarded $2.9 million through the bonding bill. This awarded amount will mean that Ramsey, along with multiple partnering agencies will begin further consideration and design work for a future river crossing and connection between Hwy 10 and I-94/Hwy 610. Expansion of Metro Mobility Service Area • Language is being drafted for introduction to expand service area to Ramsey. • No action occurred. HF3642 Prohibition of Virtual Currency Kiosks This bill would prohibit the placement and operation of virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. • Recently, the City of Ramsey has reviewed options to regulate these devices as fraud cases are increasing year over year related to these types of kiosks. With this legislation introduced, staff will pause bringing forward a Ramsey specific ordinance as it would not be required should state legislation be passed in its current draft language. • State legislation passed to ban virtual currency kiosks. HF3895/SF4123 Limits Zoning Authority ofLocal Governments • This bill models language introduced in previous years that would limit a city's ability to regulate housing developments. Provisions of the law would require increased density, limit bulk standards and require administrative approval of new developments circumventing the previous way which required public comment periods. • Different efforts were made on this topic, however, no action was taken. Election Law Updates • A number of law changes occurred, however some more notable ones included increased privacy for candidates and donors, canvassing results deadline extension and an option for the absentee voting timeframe to be either 46 days or 18 days. Group Horne Regulations • Group home regulations have experienced numerous changes over the last few legislative sessions.