The Senate today approved the final State and Local Government and Elections budget agreement, Senate File 3045, on a vote of 36–31. The bipartisan legislation, crafted through a conference committee, reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen election integrity and reduce government waste. 

“It’s not the bill I would’ve written, but there are some wins in it,” said Senator Andrew Lang (R–Olivia), Lead Republican on the State and Local Government Committee. “We’re asking Minnesotans to accept budget cuts and state agencies should feel the same. The operating adjustments for state agencies remain too high given the cuts we are asking others to bear.” 

“Election fairness remains a critical issue in Minnesota,” said Senator Mark Koran (R–North Branch), Lead Republican on the Elections Committee. “We were able to fix some problem areas and secure commonsense improvements like moving the absentee ballot deadline to 5 p.m., something counties asked for and we delivered.” 

Key provisions in the final bill include: 

• Absentee ballot deadline adjustment: Moves the deadline to submit absentee ballots at polling places from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Election Day, helping expedite results and reduce the potential for fraud.
• Business filing fee elimination: Eliminates certain Secretary of State business filing fees, protecting Minnesota businesses from excessive government costs and overreach.
• Increased accountability for OLA recommendations: Requires Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) to submit an annual report to the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) detailing the implementation status of OLA recommendations, strengthening oversight and transparency.
• Reduced general fund appropriations for some state agencies: The Attorney General’s Office and Secretary of State all received lower-than-requested appropriations, a step toward fiscal responsibility and right-sizing government.