Category Archives: MN

New MN Bill: Municipalities prohibited from entering into nondisclosure agreements or contracts that restrict the municipality from disclosing information about projects using public funding

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The MN House will discuss a new bill on Thursday…

Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM

Chair: Rep. Tina Liebling
Location: Capitol G3
Agenda:

HF4077 (Greenman): Municipalities prohibited from entering into nondisclosure agreements or contracts that restrict the municipality from disclosing information about projects using public funding.

For more info:

HF4077 (Greenman) – Municipalities prohibited from entering into nondisclosure agreements or contracts that restrict the municipality from disclosing information about projects using public funding.

New MN Bill: establishing an information technology modernization account HF4808

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The MN House reports on a legislation that would allow for surplus funds to be spent on upgrading government IT…

Torkelson introduced:

HF. 4808,A bill for an act relating to state government; establishing an information technology modernization account; allocating general fund surplus dollars to the account; requiring a report; transferring money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16A.152, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 16A.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

You can access the full bill – but here’s a key paragraph…

new text begin[16A.627] TECHNOLOGY OBSOLESCENCE REDUCTION KEYSTONE
ACCOUNT.
new text end

new text beginThe technology obsolescence reduction keystone account is established in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is available for appropriation by the legislature to fund the modernization or replacement of outdated or inadequate information technology infrastructure and systems used by the state or local units of government to administer state
programs.

New MN Bill: relating to local government authorizing online publication when no qualified newspaper is available HF4797

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From the MN House…

HF. 4797,A bill for an act relating to local government; authorizing online publication when no qualified newspaper is available; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 331A.01, subdivisions 1, 7, 12, by adding a subdivision; 331A.03; 331A.04, subdivision 4; 331A.06, subdivision 1; 331A.08, subdivision 3; 331A.09; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 331A.10, subdivision 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 331A.12, subdivision 1.
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Elections Finance and Government Operations.

EVENT April 7: MN House Committee on 3 bills relates to online privacy and contracts (HF4456, HF4544 & HF3698)

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I might not have mentioned all three bills, except they are being heard in the same Commerce Finance and Policy committee meeting...

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 8:15 AM

Co-Chair: Rep. Erin Koegel holds the gavelCo-Chair: Rep. Tim O’DriscollLocation: Capitol 120Agenda:

Approval of Minutes – Thursday, March 26th, 2026

HF4456 (Elkins) – Data brokers required to register with the attorney general, account established, enforcement and civil penalties provided, and money appropriated.

HF4544 (Koegel) – License for artificial intelligence independent verification organizations established, advisory council established, rulemaking authorized, and reports required.

HF3698 (Gottfried) – Certain terms in libraries’ electronic book and digital audiobook license agreements or contracts prohibited.
Adjournment

Items may be added, removed, or taken up in any order at the Chair’s discretion.

HANDOUTS: Handouts MUST BE IN PDF FORMAT, have OCR capability, and emailed to the Committee Administrators at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov and ben.frese@house.mn.gov by 12 p.m. (noon) the business day before the hearing. If you are bringing hard copies, bring 45 copies. Note: submitted written testimony is public and will be included in the official committee record. It may be posted to the committee webpage if received by deadline.

TESTIFYING: Testimony is limited. The number of testifiers and length of time permitted is at the discretion of the chair, and is subject to change. Please plan accordingly. If you would like to testify, please email the Committee Administrators at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov and ben.frese@house.mn.gov by 12 p.m. (noon) the business day before the hearing.

AMENDMENTS: There is no amendment deadline for the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee. Amendments must be emailed to the Committee Administrators at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov and ben.frese@house.mn.gov as soon as possible.

Bills:

  • HF3698 (Gottfried) – Certain terms in libraries’ electronic book and digital audiobook license agreements or contracts prohibited.

  • HF4456 (Elkins) – Data brokers required to register with the attorney general, account established, enforcement and civil penalties provided, and money appropriated.

  • HF4544 (Koegel) – License for artificial intelligence independent verification organizations established, advisory council established, rulemaking authorized, and reports required.

St. Louis County names new development director with experience in broadband expansion

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The Duluth News Tribune report on a new St Louis County Development Director, interesting here because of his experience with broadband…

 St. Louis County has drawn from its own bench in picking the next director to lead its economic and community development department.

Brad Gustafson has worked for the county since 2019, most recently as planning manager for the community development division. In that role, a county news release says he led the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority, helped orchestrate Community Development Block Grant efforts, worked to expand broadband data service access and coordinated an incentive program to promote the shooting of films in the Northland.

MN students involved with promoting media literacy at the Legislature SF2565

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MinnPost reports on a mash up of students involved with civic and technology, specifically students speaking to the legislature about media literacy…

On March 2, [student, Mary] Jensen spoke to lawmakers in support of a proposal to create a “Minnesota Civic Seal,” a graduation credential for students who receive civics instruction in five areas, including media literacy. Students will be expected to complete a community-centered project and reflect on its “measurable civic impact.”

Before she was familiarized with the seal, Jensen experienced the intersection of technology and civics firsthand.

For Jensen, using her voice to advocate had “always been a part of her personality,” but she said there were limited opportunities for civic engagement at her private school, Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul.

Jensen speaks about youth and social media…

While social media connected Jensen with civic engagement opportunities, her peers were preoccupied with misinformation and cyberbullying.

“A lot of the time people are like, ‘I read this source that said this,’ but that source is just a short Tiktok video clip that they saw,” Jensen said. “And it’s like, ‘You didn’t proofread this. You did not evaluate if the source was correct.’”

She added that problems occur when students don’t apply traditional fact-checking strategies to social media contexts: “if you do [get your news from social media], you should vet that source, too.”

National polling data supports Jensen’s concerns around digital media literacy. Ninety-four percent of teens believe their schools should be required to teach media literacy, according to a 2024 News Literacy Project study. The study also found that only about 40% of teens reported any media literacy instruction.

The article goes on to talk about the specific legislation and how it combines technology and civics in one program…

Sen. Mary Kunesh, DFL-New Brighton, said several media literacy bills in previous years have stalled because of funding concerns. The Civic Seal proposal attempts to address that issue by having the program administered through the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.

The Center will lead the Civic Seal Task Force that the bill proposes, which is composed of students and professionals who will review the Civic Seal guidelines.

With the help of Mike Dean, YMCA Center for Youth Voice director, Jensen and other students created a progress and validity tracking app for Civic Seal participants.

EVENT April 29: MN Broadband Summit!

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Register for the Broadband Summit!

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development invites you to attend the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local partners, along with broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Together, we’ll explore how connecting people to resources, information, and each other supports Minnesota’s economic strength and expands digital opportunity statewide.

The summit will begin at 8:30 a.m. with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The day will feature:

  • An opening welcome from DEED and State leadership
  • A networking lunch
  • Breakout sessions covering key topics such as BEAD implementation, mapping, digital skills and security, and permitting

Session Spotlight: Regional Leadership in Action

Join a fireside conversation with broadband leaders from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan as they share how they are navigating BEAD implementation and other federal investments. This discussion will explore common challenges such as workforce, permitting, affordability, and infrastructure, while highlighting how states collaborate across the Upper Midwest to expand broadband access.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into state leadership, regional coordination, and what lies ahead as broadband efforts move from planning to execution.

Moderator: Kathryn de Wit, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Speakers: Eric Frederick (Michigan), Alyssa Kenney (Wisconsin), Bree Maki (Minnesota)

Register and Learn More:

A small $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs. View the full agenda, explore all sessions and topics, and register today to secure your spot. Full speaker information and session details will be updated on a rolling basis on our website.

With high demand expected, we recommend registering early to secure your spot. 

 We look forward to seeing you on April 29, 2026

Register Here

Event center details

Connecting One Minnesota: 2026 Broadband Summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).  

Free parking will be available at the venue.  

2025 MN Legislative Review: MN approved $50 million for deployment grants

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The Journalist Resource reports on state legislature’s invest in broadband (from 2025) in the aggregate…

Combined, states passed over 160 broadband-related bills and resolutions last year. These included regulatory changes, expanding the authority of their broadband offices and addressing internet affordability for low-income customers.

And specific states…

The Minnesota state legislature also approved $50 million for deployment grants in 2025. Minnesota has operated a state broadband expansion program since 2014 and the state has awarded over $400 million, funding broadband connections to nearly 120,000 homes and businesses.

Paul Bunyan Communications broadband expansion projects estimated at almost $8 million

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The Timbeyjay reports on expansion of broadband in Northen Minnesota…

Paul Bunyan Communications is planning a significant expansion of its all-fiber optic network in parts of St. Louis and Itasca counties this year, bringing high-speed broadband service to more than 600 homes and businesses across five townships near Cook.
The project will extend the cooperative’s GigaZone network into areas south and west of Cook, including portions of Alango, Carpenter, Field, and Sturgeon townships, along with an unorganized township east of Carpenter.

I wrote about the expansions earlier, the Timberjay takes a look funding…

The total cost is estimated at $7,810,355, with funding coming from a combination of state, regional, local, and cooperative sources.
The largest share of funding, $3,924,157, is being provided through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Low-Density Population Broadband Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Paul Bunyan Communications is contributing $2,203,928 toward the project.
Additional support includes $1,000,000 from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, $583,250 from St. Louis County, and smaller contributions from local townships, including $41,200 from Alango Township, $17,800 from Field Township, and $40,000 from Sturgeon Township.

And a look at the larger industry and funding…

These local expansions are taking place amid broader policy changes that could shape the future of broadband deployment across the state.
Federal changes to broadband funding rules are influencing how projects are selected in Minnesota. Updated guidance issued in 2025 by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration shifted the BEAD program toward a more “technology-neutral” approach, requiring states to consider a mix of fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite options when awarding funds, rather than prioritizing fiber by default.
Minnesota’s approved BEAD plan reflects that shift, with state officials anticipating a combination of technologies to reach unserved areas, particularly in remote locations where fiber deployment is more costly. Analysts say the policy change has already begun to affect outcomes, with fiber accounting for a smaller share of proposed or funded projects than originally expected and more funding directed toward wireless and satellite options. The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, which is overseeing roughly $652 million in federal funding, continues to work through how those federal requirements will shape final project selections and the pace of expansion across rural parts of the state.
At the same time, the shift has raised ongoing questions about long-term performance differences between technologies. Fiber networks like Paul Bunyan Communications’ GigaZone are capable of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, far exceeding federal minimum broadband standards, while satellite-based services such as Starlink typically deliver speeds closer to 250 megabits per second, according to federal and industry data, a gap that can affect reliability, latency, and long-term scalability for users.

New MN Bill: End the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services HF4343

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The Minnesota House reports…

Once upon a time, the main place you’d find advertising was in a newspaper. But then billboards became ubiquitous, followed by commercials on radio, then television. Today, it’s an inescapable element of your online experience.

But did you know that no taxes are collected when digital ads are bought in Minnesota? Nor are they for billboards. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Lee (DFL-St. Paul), HF4343 would end the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services, and do the same for billboards. And it would lower the state’s sales tax rate by 0.125%.

On Wednesday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over, as amended, for possible omnibus bill inclusion.

They looked at

 HF4343 would end the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services, and do the same for billboards. And it would lower the state’s sales tax rate by 0.125%.

 

MN Bill Introduced: Requirements for social media platforms related to accounts for minors established HF4138

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From the MN House…

Commerce Finance and Policy

Co-Chairs: Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (holds gavel), Rep. Erin Koegel
Meeting:

Thursday, March 26, 2026

8:15 AM

Capitol 120

HF 4138 (Scott) Requirements for social media platforms related to accounts for minors established, and enforcement mechanisms for regulations on child social media accounts established.

And documents for meeting:

HF4138 (Scott) – Requirements for social media platforms related to accounts for minors established, and enforcement mechanisms for regulations on child social media accounts established.

MN OBD Update Mar 25: Conference Registration is open and training starts soon

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota
  • DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

Thank you to the Hmong American Partnership (HAP) and Comcast for inviting OBD to join Mayor Her of Saint Paul, along with other state and local elected officials, to participate in touring HAP’s newly renovated Lift Zone and learning how the Lift Zone continues to advance connectivity, learning, and opportunity for residents through expanding digital access, enhancing technology resources, and creating refreshed community spaces that support digital equity initiatives and emerging telehealth efforts.

Register today! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434).

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Virtual Broadband Development Training Series, starts Thursday April 2

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

The April 2 session will feature the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and provide an overview of DLI’s involvement with the Safety-Qualified Underground Telecommunications Installer Certification Program.

This session will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

Outreach materials on registration were mailed to over 61,000 locations in the past week. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available. New resources have been added on environmental permitting and the National Environmental Permitting Policy (NEPA) including:

DEED Blog: An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter

“The Broadband Charter has become a vital forum for collaboration among state agencies, enabling streamlined permitting processes and improved communication while respecting each agency’s mission. By adding dedicated capacity and fostering partnerships at both state and federal levels, OBD and the Charter are ensuring that broadband infrastructure can be deployed efficiently and effectively – bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the state.”

Read the full story on the DEED Developments Blog.

MinnPost gives a current overview of Data Center issues at the MN Legislature

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MinnPost reports…

A coalition of Minnesotans opposed to the development of data centers has a wishlist for the current legislative session with a hierarchy of priorities.

Banning local officials from signing non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, would be nice, they say. Ditto for requiring public hearings and disclosures prior to the approval of data center permits.

What the group wants above all, though, is a moratorium on proposed projects in Hermantown, Pine Island, Monticello, Farmington, North Mankato and other cities.

“We’re begging, urging the state to pause,” said Rebecca Gilbertson, who lives about a half-mile from a planned Google data center in Hermantown.

There’s a discussion about NDAs…

NDAs are common tools — too common in the eyes of those advocating against them — used in economic development. They allow plans to simmer behind the scenes before any public scrutiny can boil over at public meetings. The normalization of NDAs prompted a St. Louis County commissioner to propose a ban on them last year.

Business groups, however, argue that NDA bans would stymie development.

“Without some level of confidentiality during those early conversations, companies may be unwilling to explore potential projects in Minnesota while evaluating investments across multiple states or competing communities within the same region,” wrote a group of economic organizations in a letter submitted to the Legislature.

And discussion on proposed moratorium on data centers…

A moratorium bill introduced by Sen. Jennifer McEwen, DFL-Duluth, would halt local permits for data centers until the state’s Public Utilities Commission submits a report  to the Legislature on energy usage, water usage and other impacts. The bill would delay development until at least a year after the report’s submission, theoretically pushing back local approvals into 2029.

New MN Bill: extending the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity HF3860

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MN House reports…

Klevorn and Nash from the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy to which was referred:
H. F. No. 3860, A bill for an act relating to state government; extending the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.888, subdivision 7.
Reported the same back with the recommendation that the bill be placed on the General Register.

Paul Bunyan Communications expanding fiber to more than 2,400 Homes and Businesses in Central Aitkin County

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From Paul Bunyan Communications…

Paul Bunyan Communications will be expanding its all-fiber optic network, the GigaZone®, to over 2,400 more locations in Aitkin County this year.
This expansion in central Aitkin County includes the cities of McGregor, Palisade, and Tamarack along with areas of Clark, Haugen, Libby, Logan, McGregor, Shamrock, and Workman Townships.
Once the new all-fiber optic network is operational, homes and businesses can get fast, dependable GigaZone™ Internet and WiFi built to keep every device connected. Voice services, including unlimited local and long-distance will also be available. Business customers will gain access to Managed IT Business Services like VOIP, Disaster Backup and Recovery, and Network Management. In addition, Paul Bunyan Communications is an authorized DIRECTV dealer and certified Apple Service Center. There is no membership fee to join the cooperative. membership begins when you subscribe to GigaZone™ Internet or local phone service.
Construction will take place over the summer with services expected to be available by winter. To get connected, residents and businesses need to sign up for service before construction leaves the area. Sign up online, over the phone, or in person at our Grand Rapids Customer Service & Technology Center. To check to see if a specific location is within an expansion area and sign up for services, visit https://paulbunyan.net/
“We’re excited to share our plans to expand into additional areas of Aitkin County, bringing gigabit broadband to more residents and businesses,” said Chad Bullock, CEO and General Manager of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Our cooperative remains committed to delivering this essential service to communities across northern Minnesota.”
“This project represents a major service upgrade for these areas,” said Leo Anderson, Chief Technology Officer of Paul Bunyan Communications. “Without true high-speed internet, everyday tasks, whether for work, school, or business, can be extremely challenging. Our all-fiber optic network delivers fast, reliable connectivity with speeds up to 10 Gig, and it will be a game changer for these communities.”