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The 2025 legislative session was one for the history books—defined by a tied Minnesota House and a single-seat DFL majority in the Senate. Things got off to a slow start as the House worked through a court-decided dispute over the definition of "quorum" after a DFL-held seat was invalidated, delaying the official start of business. In this unique environment, compromise wasn’t just helpful—it was required.
We’re pleased to report that this dynamic gave lawmakers a chance to re-examine several important issues. Among the highlights: legislators took meaningful steps toward fixing the sweeping key ban following our Unlock Minnesota campaign; lifted restrictions on professional artist materials, including paints containing cadmium; and revisited laws related to PFAS, internal product components, and juvenile recreation vehicles—areas where well-intended laws had unintended consequences. In each case, retailers helped lawmakers find more workable paths forward.
Modest but important reforms were also made to Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law, an area where we’ll continue working to make compliance more manageable for employers and the workforce.
We also continued to shine a light on the urgent need to reform how retail pharmacies are compensated with the passage of the state’s single pharmacy benefit manager.
In addition to advancing positive changes, we successfully worked to stop several proposals that would have moved Minnesota in the wrong direction for retailers, workers, and consumers.
Throughout this session, Minnesota Retailers and our members remained actively engaged at the Capitol—testifying in committees, working with legislative authors, and providing on-the-ground perspectives. Your voices made a difference. Thank you to every retailer and key business partner who showed up, weighed in, or reached out during session. Your advocacy helps shape a stronger, more competitive retail environment in Minnesota.
A special thank you to Paul Seim for serving as our government affairs associate during the 2025 legislative session. His work and support were greatly appreciated, and we wish him continued success in his next chapter.
While we’re proud of the progress made this year, we know there’s still work to do. Retailers in Minnesota compete not just with neighboring states, but with businesses around the world. Making Minnesota more competitive—through smarter tax policy, balanced regulation, and greater flexibility for retailers—must remain a priority.
Key issues we’ll continue to focus on include establishing a vendor collection allowance, addressing rising gift card fraud, tackling organized retail and supply chain crime, and modernizing Minnesota’s outdated alcohol laws to allow the sale of full-strength beer in grocery and convenience stores.
The outcomes report will be e-mailed to members today and can also be found www.mnretailers.org.
To request a copy of our 2025 Session Outcomes report, visit www.mnretail.org/advocacy.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re committed to continuing this momentum. Together, we can ensure Minnesota’s retail economy remains resilient, innovative, and ready for what’s next.
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