Legislative Update - February 20, 2026

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Dear Neighbors, 

The 2026 Legislative Session began this week, and though there’s a lot of work to do, it was important to take time at the start of the session to remember what we’ve lost.

Our first day back in the Minnesota House was also the first time in 20 years we’ve started a legislative session without Melissa Hortman. Our Speaker, leader, colleague, and friend was killed in an act of political violence last June, an act that also claimed the life of her husband Mark and their dog Gilbert. 

Melissa’s guidance is missed, especially because our state has seen several dark days since last June. She made our state a better place for ALL Minnesotans, and her legacy will be our North Star this session. 

Strengthening Minnesota Against ICE

Since Operation Metro Surge resulted in federal agents flooding into our communities and harassing our neighbors, my DFL colleagues and I have been working on state-level legislative solutions to protect Minnesotans and provide the support our communities desperately need. 

This week, we hit the ground running with bills to deliver rental assistance to impacted families and ban federal agents from our schools without a judicial warrant. We are also ready with many more bills, like banning federal agents from masking their identities and requiring an independent investigation into the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

I will also be introducing legislation to restrict the use of tear gas. As we saw in North Minneapolis, these chemicals were liberally used during Operation Metro Surge, not only impacting peaceful protestors, but even our neighbors in their homes. We all deserve to breathe clean air, and I will be fighting for that right this session.

But even as we push these important bills, the nature of the tie in the Minnesota House means that we need at least ONE Republican to help pass them into law. We have yet to find that Republican. This week, Republicans in the Housing and Education Policy Committees blocked those rental assistance and school safety measures. 

This lack of progress is frustrating, but that does not mean it is the end of this work, only the start. 

Stay Connected

Now that we’re back at the State Capitol, please reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you have on how to make North Minneapolis or Minnesota better. My work is at its best when it’s rooted in your needs. 

As always, you can reach me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4262. 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative