The 2026 legislative session began on Tuesday, February 17 at noon. Governor Walz and lawmakers commemorated the legacy of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who along with her husband Mark and dog Gilbert, were killed in their home by an intruder last June. Senator John Hoffman, who survived an attack the same night, was welcomed back to the Capitol by his colleagues.

After a somber day of remembrance, committees commenced their work the second day of session. The House Agriculture Committee received updates from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Board of Animal Health, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. The Senate Agriculture Committee received updates from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as well as the Office of Broadband Development. They also passed two bills out of committee relating to the extension of the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act.

Bills this week:

SF 3583 (Putnam)/HF XXXX - Farmer-Lender Mediation Act extension provision.

Summary: Extends the expiration date of the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act from this year to 2032.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: In an extremely challenging farm economy, it is critical for farmers struggling with debt to have options. Through FLM, farmers can renegotiate, restructure, or resolve their debt. Extending this program, which will otherwise expire this year, keeps these options on the table.

Action taken by MFBF: Provided verbal testimony in support of the legislation and signed on to a joint letter of support with other agriculture groups.

Status: Passed the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously on 02/18/2026 and sent to the Judiciary Committee. Not yet introduced in the House.

SF 3584 (Putnam)/HF XXXX - Farmer-lender mediation program hiring appropriation.

Summary: As amended, appropriates $150,000 one-time to hire additional staff for the Farmer-Lender Mediation Program.

Position: Support as amended.

To our members: In addition to the current condition of the farm economy, data indicate that requests for mediation under the Farmer-Lender Mediation are on the upswing. Providing additional staff for this program ensures they have the capacity to accommodate and work on mediations in a timely manner.

Action taken by MFBF: Provided verbal testimony in support of the legislation and signed on to a joint letter of support with other agriculture groups.

Status: Passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on 02/18/2025 and sent to the Higher Education Committee. Not yet introduced in the House.

The MFBF public policy team and leadership are keeping track of everything that happens at the Capitol. Throughout the session, we will continue to provide updates and insight into our work on behalf of our members.