Mid-Session Legislative Insights: AARP Minnesota’s Key Advocacy Efforts

As the final month of an unconventional legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol, several key factors have influenced the session. The House of Representatives is evenly split, with a 67-67 political party division, leading to a historic power-sharing agreement. Additionally, uncertainty about federal funding cuts looms large over the Capitol. The Legislature’s primary responsibility is to pass a state budget every two years, and legislators are working to meet the May 19, 2025 deadline.

AARP Minnesota is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of older Minnesotans. Representing over 620,000 members, AARP Minnesota brings the voices of older adults to the legislative process each year. At AARP Lobby Day 2025 in March, volunteers, with signature AARP red vests, filled the Capitol to share their experiences and highlight our legislative priorities with their lawmakers. AARP staff and volunteer advocates diligently track and advocate for these priorities throughout the session. Here is where the top priorities stand today:


Creation of a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund
^{Support SF 447 | HF 1392}
AARP Minnesota’s top legislative priority, establishing a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, had made progress. More Minnesotans who have been defrauded are a few steps closer to having a chance at financial recovery thanks to this bipartisan legislation. Legislation to create this fund has advanced through the Senate’s committee process and could be included in an omnibus bill and signed into law.  


Make Aging a Strategic Priority for the State of Minnesota
^{Support SF 2630 | HF 2646}
The Age-Friendly Minnesota Council is set to expire soon without legislative intervention. Funding for the Council, which distributes community grants and supports Minnesota’s age-friendly initiatives, was included in the Senate Human Services omnibus bill but not included in the House Human Services omnibus budget bill.


Provide Assisted Living Protections
^{Support SF 2522 | HF 2516}
AARP helped lead the effort to pass licensure of assisted living facilities, which became state law in 2019. AARP Minnesota continues to advocate to protect and strengthen the Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act. The Senate Human Services omnibus policy bill includes several AARP priorities, including protections for residents maintaining existing contracts after ownership changes and ensuring residents cannot be evicted after spending down their savings and needing Medicaid, and prohibiting mandatory guardianship or conservatorships. The House Human Services omnibus bill only contains some of these priorities. AARP has also fought back against efforts to strip away valuable time for residents during an eviction proceeding this session by opposing SF 2055 | HF 2064.


Expand Housing Options in Communities Across Minnesota
AARP Minnesota is proud to be part of a wide-ranging, statewide coalition committed to addressing the state’s growing housing crisis. Empowering people to choose how they live as they age includes where they live. AARP recognizes the clear need for housing units that are available to people of all incomes and ability levels across the state. The coalition’s legislative package includes bills to increase the availability of accessory dwelling units, additional housing unit types like duplexes, and livable communities.


Protect Access to Medicare Supplemental Plans
^{Oppose SF 2498 | HF 2335}
More older Minnesotans will be able to choose the best Medicare plan that meets their needs, thanks to a 2023 state law set to take effect next year, providing guaranteed issue to Medicare Supplemental (often called “Medigap”) insurance plans and expanded enrollment windows. Unfortunately, some lawmakers are attempting to repeal this law, which would make it harder for Minnesotans to switch from Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare with a supplement. It would also mean going back to denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions after their initial enrollment window. Taking away this consumer choice is simply unfair and will not improve the health of older Minnesotans. AARP is asking lawmakers to allow existing state law to take effect and minimize potential harm due to changes to this state law.


Oppose Efforts to Weaken Paid Family & Medical Leave
^{Oppose SF 3141 | HF 2962}
AARP advocated for nearly a decade for Minnesota’s robust Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, passed in 2023 and set to launch in 2026. Bipartisan efforts to narrow the definition of family would limit who employees can take time off to care for, including a sibling, spouse’s grandparent, or son-in-law or daughter-in-law. Our state relies on family caregivers, and AARP will continue to oppose efforts to weaken Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, including narrowing the definition of “family.”

Advocacy Team

Advocacy Volunteers make a big difference by educating both community members and decision-makers about important issues that affect all of us as we age

Learn More