Minnesota residents can expect significant changes starting January 1, 2025, as a new slate of laws takes effect, affecting everything from consumer rights to health, safety, labor, and housing protections. These updates aim to enhance transparency, improve public health, and foster fairness across the state.
Consumer Protection Laws
One of the most notable changes will be in the area of consumer rights. Starting in January, ticket sellers will be required to disclose the full cost upfront, including any service or additional fees. This move, designed to increase pricing transparency, will ensure consumers aren’t caught off guard by hidden charges. The law will also mandate that ticket buyers receive proof of purchase and the company’s refund policy within 24 hours of the transaction.
In a crackdown on so-called “junk fees,” Minnesota businesses will no longer be allowed to impose extra charges for services, such as those added to online purchases or restaurant bills. “This new law will ensure transparent pricing, helping consumers make informed decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money,” said Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Senator Lindsay Port.
Health Laws
Minnesota will also see changes to its health laws in 2025. Under the first stage of Amara’s Law, products intentionally containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will be banned in 11 categories, including cookware, toys, cosmetics, and carpets. This measure aims to protect the public from harmful chemicals linked to health risks.
Additionally, health insurance providers will be required to cover abortion and related services, treating these procedures like any other medical service. Coverage will also extend to wigs for individuals who lose their hair due to medical conditions like cancer.
Gun Laws
In a bid to improve public safety, Minnesota will tighten gun laws. Starting in 2025, purchasing a firearm for someone who is not legally allowed to own one will be classified as a felony, a move intended to combat “straw purchases.” Furthermore, devices like binary triggers, which allow firearms to fire at an accelerated rate, will be banned.
Labor Laws
Minnesota will continue its push for workplace transparency and equity. New labor laws will require employers to include salary ranges and a summary of benefits in job postings, helping job applicants make more informed decisions.
Leonard Yang, a career coach with Beard Avenue Coaching, believes this will foster greater trust between employers and potential employees. “This change will make things easier and clearer for job seekers, while also advancing pay equity, especially for women and minorities,” Yang said.
Housing Laws
Renters will also gain new protections in 2025. Landlords will be required to offer alternative housing or allow tenants to break their leases if construction delays prevent them from moving in on time. The law also prohibits retaliation against tenants who wish to organize or form tenant associations, empowering renters and ensuring a fairer housing market.
As Minnesota ushers in the new year, these laws represent a significant shift in how the state addresses consumer protection, health, safety, labor, and housing issues. These reforms will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of Minnesotans, promoting transparency, fairness, and public health across the state.
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