Governor Tim Walz signed significant legislation this week, including a historic land transfer to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a bill to strengthen online protections for Minnesota children. These actions underscore the state's commitment to tribal partnerships and safeguarding its youth in the digital age.
On Wednesday, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, the Fond du Lac Band, and the University of Minnesota celebrated the return of 3,400 acres from the University's Cloquet Forestry Center to the Tribe. Governor Walz said, "Today, Minnesota is rightfully returning this land to its original owners - the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. This joint effort between the state, the Tribe, and the University is a shining example of what good government-to-government partnership can look like."
Earlier in the week, Governor Walz signed HF 4138, amending the Stop Harms From Addictive Social Media statute. This legislation establishes new protections for children using social media by limiting addictive features, strengthening privacy safeguards, and increasing parental controls. The bill requires verifiable parental consent for accounts under 16 and mandates default high privacy settings for child accounts. Governor Walz emphasized, "Privacy and safety have to come first. This bill puts families back in the driver’s seat and makes sure technology works for our kids, not the other way around."
Additionally, Governor Walz announced a bipartisan investment in Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), providing $205 million in stability funding over five years and creating a $500 million Hospital Stabilization Reserve Account. This funding aims to support HCMC amidst federal healthcare cuts. Governor Walz said, "HCMC is a cornerstone of our health care system and a critical safety net for Minnesotans across the region."