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On Friday, Governor Walz signed all remaining bills passed in the 2024 legislative session, among which are provisions that will allow ride share services to remain in Minnesota, increase penalties for straw purchases, and help fund a new State Patrol headquarters.
“Protecting workers is a priority for our administration. This bill is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for rideshare drivers,” said Governor Walz. “I applaud the work of Representative Hassan and Senator Fateh and the work of the entire legislature in finding a solution on this pressing issue.”
“Uber and Lyft are vital services that Minnesotans across the state rely on every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Rideshares get people to doctor’s appointments, work, and school and are a vital stopgap for those who lack other forms of transportation. Those providing these services deserve fair wages and protections. As we continue to fight for our works, I am grateful for that work that was done to pass this legislation.”
 Governor Walz signed a bill in Hoyt Lakes allocating $30 million for rural emergency medical services (EMS). The bill included $6 million for the establishment of an alternative EMS response model pilot program and $24 million in short-term emergency aid.
“When Minnesotans are faced with a medical emergency, they should expect that help will come – whether they live in Minneapolis or on the Iron Range,” said Governor Walz. “We’re strengthening rural emergency services so that there will always be someone to answer Minnesotans’ call for help. While there is still work to be done, this funding will serve as a critical first step.”
 Governor Walz signed a bill that will eliminate junk fees, which cost the average Minnesota family more than $3,000 per year, by requiring companies to disclose mandatory fees in product advertising.
“Minnesotans value transparency, which is why we’re putting an end to junk fees on everything from food and entertainment to hotels and credit card fees,” said Governor Walz. “This bill is going to protect Minnesotans’ bottom line, provide clarity for consumers, and ensure companies aren’t using deceptive practices to rip their customers off.”
“Hidden junk fees tacked on by companies like food delivery apps, hotels, and ticket sellers can cost families thousands of dollars a year,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This important piece of legislation will protect Minnesotans from deceptive practices and save them real money.”
The bill requires that the full price of a product, including all mandatory fees, must be disclosed at the beginning of the transaction and in any advertising. It also prevents charges that don’t align with any additional product or service.
 Governor Walz also signed the education, children, and families bill into law. The legislation funds a program to help families purchase healthy food for school-aged children during the summer months, increases the number of pre-k seats in the state, establishes a Child Protection Advisory Council to improve Minnesota’s child protection system, and includes grant funding to expand access to child care in Minnesota.
“From summer school meals and literacy programs, to child care and pre-k, I was proud to sign a package that will strengthen resources for children and families across the state,” said Governor Walz. “By investing in key programs, this legislation takes us another step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids.”
"This session, we built on our work to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "That included signing the education, children, and families bill into law – expanding access to pre-k and affordable child care, improving literacy, and ensuring more kids have access to healthy meals this summer."
 Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Amtrak's new Borealis train: a second daily service between Saint Paul and Chicago.
"I’m grateful to Amtrak, our neighboring states, and the Biden-Harris Administration for their partnership in making travel safer and more reliable between our states," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
Governor Walz authorized the Minnesota National Guard to transport equipment that will support search and rescue operations in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). On May 18, four canoeists went over Curtain Falls inside the BWCA. Two members of the group have been rescued; however, two Minnesota residents remain missing.
“No one expects their vacation to turn to crisis. Yet, when four canoeists went over Curtain Falls in the BWCA, this became a reality,” said Governor Walz. “My family is intimately familiar with the fear and heartbreak these canoeists are feeling. We are praying for those involved and immensely grateful to everyone from the Sheriff’s office to the National Guard who are supporting this mission.”
Governor Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 27, 2024, in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States military.
“Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for people to gather for one purpose: to remember our fallen, pay homage to their sacrifice and courage, and recognize the selflessness of military service,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “We honor those today who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation.”
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