Friends and Neighbors,

This week I introduced a legislative package of 11 bills aimed at strengthening election integrity in Minnesota. The proposals focus on improving voter verification, enhancing the statewide voter registration system, and increasing transparency at polling places to help ensure our elections remain fair and honest.

Over the years, many of you have reached out with questions and concerns about how elections are conducted and how we can keep the process secure, transparent, and reliable. I take those concerns seriously, and this legislative package is designed to address them with practical improvements.

Some of the key bills include:

• SF4081: Strengthens voter verification before an absentee ballot is mailed by requiring the Secretary of State to verify that the voter’s driver’s license number or Social Security Number matches the applicant’s information.
• SF4080: Improves polling place transparency by requiring election judges assisting voters who are unable to enter the polling place to handle only one voted ballot at a time.
• SF4078: Tightens voter preregistration rules by raising the preregistration age from 16 to 17 for individuals who will be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
• SF4084: Reduces the potential for voter fraud by requiring counties to promptly remove deceased voters from the statewide voter registration system.
• SF4085: Increases election integrity and speeds up results by prohibiting ranked-choice voting in counties, cities, townships, and school districts.

Maintaining trust in our elections requires constant attention and accountability. Minnesotans deserve confidence that their vote counts and that the system protects against fraud and error. These bills are focused on strengthening safeguards and ensuring our election process continues to earn the trust of the people it serves.

In the February 26 edition of the Chisago County Press, I read a great piece on the new construction activity in Chisago County in 2025. I'm grateful to see the economic activity and investments being brought into our community.

New construction activity in Chisago County in 2025  came to well over 2,000 permits issued from the county alone, with another several hundred from North Branch and Wyoming, which provide their own municipal building permitting and inspection services.

Community Development Director Nate Sondrol reported 99 new housing permits.  Almost $17 million in new valuation is estimated coming into North Branch.

I would encourage you to read the article in the Chisago County Press

Last week, Senate Republicans introduced a package of tax relief bills aimed at helping Minnesotans keep more of their paychecks and making everyday life more affordable.  The proposals focus on three areas where families are feeling the strain most: property taxes, vehicle costs, and take-home pay.

“Minnesotans work hard for their money, and they deserve to keep more of it”, said Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks). “These bills are about giving families more control over their budgets while keeping government spending responsible”.

One proposal from Sen. Michael Kreun (Blaine) would help control rising property taxes by limiting annual increases to inflation plus a portion of population growth. Any increase above that cap would require voter approval.

“Property taxes shouldn’t come as a shock every year”, Kreun said. “This proposal keeps increases predictable and gives taxpayers a direct say before larger hikes happen”.

Another bill from Sen. John Jasinski (Faribault) would reduce vehicle license tab costs by adjusting the current formula, saving drivers hundreds of dollars over time.

“For many Minnesotans, a car isn’t optional, it’s how they get to work and take care of their families”, Jasinski said. “This bill helps bring those costs back down”.

Sen. Karin Housley (Stillwater) is also proposing tax changes to eliminate state taxes on tips and overtime, allowing workers to keep more of the extra hours they put in.

“When people work overtime or earn tips, they should be able to keep more of what they earn”, Housley said. “That’s real, immediate relief for working Minnesotans”.

Sen. Julia Coleman (Waconia) said even modest tax relief can make a meaningful difference for families trying to keep up with rising costs.

“These kinds of savings can go straight toward groceries, gas, or kids’ clothes,” Coleman said. “It’s about giving families a little breathing room”.

Senate Republicans say the proposals are a first step toward making Minnesota more affordable while keeping the state budget stable and responsible.

Full Presser- Minnesota Senate Republicans hold press conference on tax relief bills

In this week's round-up, we'll take a look at a few of the bills I received emails and phone calls on.  These topics were either heard in committee or have been submitted for an introduction.  I encourage you to stay engaged, share your thoughts, and stay informed as we work together to keep Minnesota strong, combat fraud, and ensure government remains responsive to its citizens.

H.F. 2909 - Public employees insurance program participation by certain school employers requirement.

Minnesota’s teachers and school staff play a critical role in our communities, and they deserve respect, stability, and access to affordable benefits.

Like many Minnesotans, I am concerned about the rising cost of health care. At the same time, before expanding a large statewide insurance program, I believe we need to make sure the systems we already have in place are working properly and that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.

Minnesota is currently facing serious fraud concerns in publicly funded health and social service programs. Federal officials have paused hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid funding over unsupported or potentially fraudulent claims, and several providers remain under investigation.

Situations like this reinforce the importance of strengthening oversight before expanding programs further.  My priority is ensuring stronger accountability by improving anti-fraud enforcement, increasing transparency, and maintaining regular audits so public funds go where they are intended.

Once those safeguards are in place, we can continue the conversation about broader reforms. Our educators deserve affordable, stable health care, and Minnesota families deserve responsible stewardship of their tax dollars.

HF 3357 / SF 3631 - Possession of dangerous weapons prohibited in the Capitol complex & Capitol complex dangerous weapons prohibition provision.

I understand that safety within the Capitol complex is an important concern for many Minnesotans.

At the same time, I strongly support the rights of law-abiding citizens and the protections guaranteed under the Second Amendment. Responsible, trained individuals have the right to exercise lawful self-defense, and any policy changes must carefully respect those constitutional protections.

As legislation like this is discussed, it is important that we balance legitimate safety concerns with the rights of responsible gun owners. My focus is ensuring that any proposals are thoughtfully considered and do not unnecessarily restrict the freedoms of law-abiding Minnesotans.

This is an issue I expect will continue to be debated throughout the legislative session, and I will continue reminding my colleagues of the importance of protecting constitutional rights while maintaining a safe and accessible Capitol for everyone.

HF3668 / SF513– Proposed “Office of Gun Violence Prevention”

Issues related to public safety and violence prevention are important to many Minnesotans, and I appreciate hearing from constituents on topics like this.

I believe we all share the goal of safer communities. At the same time, any policy aimed at addressing violence must respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens, including the protections guaranteed under the Second Amendment.

One concern I have with this legislation is the creation of a new permanent state office when Minnesota already has agencies responsible for collecting crime data, researching public safety issues, and enforcing existing laws. Before expanding government in this way, I believe it is important that we address the oversight and accountability challenges we are currently seeing in several publicly funded programs and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.

Moving forward, I will continue working with my colleagues to support policies that improve public safety while protecting constitutional freedoms and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

HF 3433- Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banned, and criminal penalties provided.

HF3402- Possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines banned.

SF3654- Possession of semiautomatic military-style assault weapons banishment.

I strongly support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding Minnesotans to own firearms for lawful purposes such as self-defense, hunting, sport shooting, and training. These protections are an important part of our constitutional framework.

At the same time, I have concerns about proposals that would place additional restrictions on firearms and magazines that are commonly owned by responsible citizens. As we consider policies aimed at improving public safety, it is important that we carefully evaluate whether new regulations will effectively address criminal activity while also respecting the rights of law-abiding Minnesotans.

This is an issue that will likely continue to be discussed throughout the legislative session. I will continue working with my colleagues to support thoughtful solutions that strengthen public safety while protecting constitutional freedoms.

Below is a letter that I, along with 73 other legislators, signed regarding the SAVE Act.

February 27, 2026

The Honorable John Thune Majority Leader

U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator: As Minnesota State Senators and Representatives, and friendly neighbors to your home state of South Dakota, we write to urge the United States Senate to take immediate action on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (the SAVE Act). Enactment of this vital reform is essential to safeguard voter eligibility, combat fraud, and ensure voting remains the prerogative of American citizens in 2026 and beyond.

The SAVE Act addresses a fundamental democratic principle: only eligible U.S. citizens should vote in our elections. By mandating verifiable proof of citizenship, it would strengthen electoral integrity, enhance public confidence, and help prevent fraud or any potential noncitizen participation through a uniform national standard.

With the recently revealed, astounding, fraud problems in Minnesota stemming from systemic failures and inadequate oversight, it is imperative that decisive governmental reforms such as the SAVE Act be enacted to protect the integrity of our elections, institutions, and to safeguard the citizens of our state and our country.

We commend the House of Representatives for its recent passage of this critical election integrity reform. With the 2026 elections rapidly approaching, we respectfully request that you urgently bring the SAVE Act to the floor for consideration and passage without delay.

We also urge you to do what you must to unite Senate Republicans, and to utilize the Senate’s existing rules to their fullest effect, by enforcing a talking filibuster if sought by the Democrats in an attempt to defeat this vital piece of legislation. Make them stand and tell the American people why they oppose these key election integrity measures.

Thank you for your leadership on this vital issue. We stand ready to provide any additional information or support from Minnesota to advance these efforts.

Why did I sign onto this letter?  Because election integrity is a bi-partisan issue and is crucial to our way of doing business in this state and the US.  A Gallup poll taken in late 2025 showed Americans overwhelmingly support voter ID through proof of citizenship.  Democrat or Republican - it didn't matter.  As the Minority Lead on the Senate Elections Committee, I'll continue to work to stress the importance of bringing voter ID back to Minnesota and ensure we have fair, free elections for years to come.

Take the survey below and I'll post the results in the next newsletter!

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Serving you at the Senate is an honor. If you ever have questions, concerns, or need assistance with a state agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  My Legislative Assistant, Melissa Field, is also a great resource and can assist if I'm not immediately available.

📞 Phone: 651-296-5419
📧 Email: sen.mark.koran@mnsenate.gov

Melissa's contact information:
📞 Phone: 651-296-6200
📧 Email: melissa.field@mnsenate.gov

I hope to see you in the community soon!

Best,
Senator Mark Koran