Minnesota AI Laws 2026: What Businesses Need to Know

Minnesota is building a focused AI regulatory agenda. With 37 AI-related bills tracked in the current session, the state is concentrating on two major themes: employment-related AI and comprehensive AI safety standards. Minnesota also has an existing deepfake election law (§609.771) that imposes civil penalties up to $100,000 for deceptive AI-generated political content. None of the current session bills have been enacted yet, but several propose significant new obligations.

RAISE Act: SF 4509 / HF 4532

Minnesota's RAISE Act (Responsible AI Safety and Education) is the state's most ambitious AI proposal. Filed as SF 4509 in the Senate and HF 4532 in the House, this bill would establish AI safety and disclosure requirements with civil remedies for violations. The scope is broad: it targets consumer-facing AI systems and would require transparency about when and how AI is being used.

Key Provisions

• Safety requirements for AI systems deployed in Minnesota
• Mandatory disclosure when consumers interact with AI
• Civil remedies for consumers harmed by non-compliant AI systems

Automated Decision Systems in Employment: HF 4445 / SF 4689

HF 4445 and its Senate companion SF 4689 would regulate the use of automated decision systems in employment settings. This targets AI-powered hiring tools, performance evaluation algorithms, and automated termination systems. Minnesota joins a growing group of states — including Illinois, New York City, and Colorado — seeking to regulate AI in the workplace.

Who Is Covered

Employers using automated decision systems for hiring, promotion, performance evaluation, or termination decisions affecting Minnesota workers.

Electronic Monitoring in the Workplace: SF 4686

SF 4686 would regulate the use of electronic monitoring tools in employment settings. While broader than AI alone, this bill targets the growing use of AI-powered productivity tracking, keystroke monitoring, and surveillance tools that employers deploy to monitor workers. Businesses using any form of electronic worker monitoring should track this bill.

AI Verification Licensing: HF 4544 / SF 4636

HF 4544 and SF 4636 would establish a licensing requirement for artificial intelligence independent verification organizations, create an advisory council, and authorize rulemaking. This is a novel approach: rather than directly regulating AI developers or deployers, Minnesota is proposing to regulate the auditors who verify AI system compliance. Companies that provide AI audit, testing, or certification services should watch these bills closely.

Existing Law: Deepfake Election Protections

Minnesota already has an enacted deepfake law (§609.771) that prohibits deceptive AI-generated content in elections, with civil penalties up to $100,000 and injunctive relief available. Political campaigns and ad platforms operating in Minnesota must comply with these existing disclosure requirements. See our deepfake laws by state tracker for details.

All Tracked Bills

Compliance Checklist for Minnesota

1. Assess AI disclosure practices — if you deploy consumer-facing AI in Minnesota, the RAISE Act would require safety and transparency measures
2. Audit employment AI tools — companies using automated hiring, evaluation, or monitoring tools should prepare for HF 4445/SF 4689 requirements
3. Review workplace monitoring — employers with electronic monitoring tools should evaluate compliance with SF 4686
4. Check AI audit/verification services — firms providing AI auditing or verification services may need state licensing under HF 4544/SF 4636
5. Verify deepfake compliance — political advertisers must already comply with §609.771 disclosure rules

For a complete index of Minnesota AI legislation, visit our Minnesota AI laws tracker.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

— AI Laws by State Team