Minnesota State Representative Scott Van Binsbergen announced on May 1 several legislative updates as the Minnesota House prepares to enter the final two weeks of the 2026 session.
Van Binsbergen said that a bill introduced by House Democrats would require cities and counties in Minnesota to fly the new state flag or face a reduction in state funding. He said, “It’s hard to believe House Democrats are threatening to penalize communities that may want to fly the old state flag, but that’s what’s happening in St. Paul.” The proposed legislation would reduce local government aid by ten percent for those displaying any other flag than the one made official in 2024. Van Binsbergen added, “I oppose this bill because Minnesotans should be free to recognize and honor the state’s history without facing government penalties.”
The measure comes after several local governments chose to continue flying the previous version of Minnesota’s flag instead of adopting a new design created by a commission in 2023.
In other legislative news, Van Binsbergen reported voting in favor of H.F. 4493, which passed unanimously in the House with a vote of 134-0. The bill expands prescription authority for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) to pharmacists. He said, “Many providers should be able to prescribe drugs for treating OUD, given how serious a public health problem it is, especially in Greater Minnesota.” The legislation was authored by Representative Dave Baker from Willmar whose son died from an overdose in 2011.
Van Binsbergen also commented on recent federal action against Medicaid fraud within Minnesota. He said federal officials served at least twenty-two warrants against suspected fraudulent providers during the week and called this development encouraging accountability where he believes state leaders have not acted sufficiently. “Despite repeated red flags, whistleblower warnings, and a surge in program spending…the governor, attorney general and Twin Cities liberals…had ample opportunity to act,” he said.
Looking ahead at unresolved issues as lawmakers approach session’s end—including tax relief measures and anti-fraud bills—Van Binsbergen concluded: “Watch for more from the House as we head into the home stretch of the 2026 session with a number of key issues still unresolved – especially tax relief and bills to crack down on fraud.”
