New laws in Minnesota that go into effect July 1, 2025

MN lane splitting law going into effect

Lane splitting and filtering becomes legal in Minnesota on July 1, though the law comes with specific rules for motorcyclists. FOX 9’s Bill Keller has more on what to expect.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Several new laws are set to take effect in Minnesota on July 1, 2025. Here's a list.

New Minnesota boating law

New Minnesota boating law begins on July 1

A new state law will require boaters to have a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or jet ski beginning on July 1, 2025, for those under 21 years old. FOX 9’s Maury Glover has the details.

Boating law:

A new state law that goes into effect on July 1 will require boaters to have a watercraft operator's permit to drive a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) in Minnesota. It will start with boaters 21 and younger, but by 2028, the requirements will extend to all ages.

To get the permit, you have to go to a DNR website and pay a $34.95 one-time fee. Then study an online boater's safety course and pass a final exam, all of which is estimated to take about three to four hours.

If you pass, you can print a certificate of completion until you receive your permanent permit in the mail within three weeks.

Minnesota DNR officials say they are working to spread awareness ahead of the new requirements, instead of writing tickets.

Motorcycle lane splitting law in Minnesota

Lane-splitting law:

Starting July 1, motorcycle riders will legally be allowed to squeeze between cars on the road — but with some pretty strict guidelines.

The new law allows for a motorcycle rider to pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel in the same traffic lane but at no more than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic in the traffic lane.

Motorcycle crashes raise lane-splitting concerns

A couple of very bad motorcycle crashes on Twin Cities roadways last week highlighted the dangers of a type of riding that becomes legal next year.

The law also makes lane filtering legal. This is allowed when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is not moving, such as a traffic jam or at a traffic light. The motorcycle rider can then move through traffic, but at no more than 15 mph above the speed the traffic is traveling.

Cannabis tax increasing

Cannabis tax is going up:

Starting on July 1, so long as Gov. Tim Walz signs the bill into law (he's expected to), the cannabis tax goes up 50%, from 10% to 15%. The tax will impact everything that contains cannabis, including CBD and hemp-derived cannabinoids.

This increased tax was part of the budget bills the Minnesota Legislature passed in the special session in June. The change is expected to generate more than $200 million in additional revenue for the state of Minnesota, according to Minnesota House analysis of the change.

This change will mean Minnesota will have one of the highest cannabis taxes in the country.

Establishing homeowners' association ombudsperson

Homeowners associations:

A new position will be created at the Minnesota Department of Commerce to assist unit owners, tenants and associations in understanding their rights and facilitate the resolution of disputes between unit owners and associations.

This provision was in the omnibus commerce law, and takes effect July 1.

Free water at big events

Free water:

Entertainment venues will be required to provide free water at ticketed events with at least 100 attendees starting on July 1. The new law also allows attendees to bring factory-sealed bottled water or an empty water bottle into the event, but the establishment can place limits on the sizes of water bottles allowed.

However, venues will not be forced to allow water in an exhibit, gallery or presentation space where beverages are prohibited so long as water is available outside the space.

Protections for minors who appear on social media

Social media payment for kids focus of lawmakers

A bill before the Minnesota Legislature would require social media content profits be shared with minors who were involved in a portion of its creation, as well as further their rights for video removals.

Minor protections:

A new law that goes into effect July 1 establishes regulations, compensation requirements and enforcement provisions for minor children who appear in social media content that makes money.

The law defines "content creator" as someone who creates and posts videos online for money, either on their own socials or with a company. This does not include minors who create content.

The law applies when at least 30% of the content creator’s compensated video content produced within a 30-day period included the likeness, name, or photograph of any minor. So, in cases where minors appear in content from a public event, the videos are not subject to this law.

The law requires a trust account be created and payment for the content created using the minor. The trust must be maintained until the minor turns 18.

The law also requires the content creator to keep records on minors who appear in at least 30% of the creators' videos. The minor can request any of these videos be deleted at any time after they turn 13.