August 1 marks another major effective date for legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session. While some new laws took effect on July 1, many others were given a later implementation date to allow state agencies, law enforcement, schools, and local governments time to prepare. Several of the laws taking effect this month focus on protecting children, addressing emerging technology, and strengthening accountability in state government. 

If you'd like to see a complete list of new laws and their effective dates, the Minnesota House of Representatives has created a searchable database that can be found here: https://www.house.mn.gov/NewLaws/search 

Here are a few of the more notable changes taking effect on August 1: 

Sextortion Prevention 

Minnesota is strengthening criminal penalties for sextortion, a form of exploitation in which someone threatens to share intimate images to coerce, manipulate, or extort another person. The new law provides stronger protections for victims and gives prosecutors additional tools to hold offenders accountable. As technology continues to evolve, our laws must keep pace to protect vulnerable Minnesotans from these serious crimes. 

Grooming Prevention 

A new law creates criminal penalties for adults who engage in grooming behaviors intended to manipulate or exploit minors. By allowing law enforcement to intervene before abuse occurs, this legislation helps strengthen protections for children and provides another tool to combat sexual exploitation. 

Nudification Technology 

Artificial intelligence has created new opportunities, but it has also introduced new risks. Beginning August 1, Minnesota law prohibits the creation and distribution of sexually explicit AI-generated "deepfake" images made without a person's consent. This law recognizes the serious harm these images can cause and provides victims with stronger legal protections. 

Withholding Payments to Fraudsters 

State agencies will have greater authority to withhold payments to individuals or organizations suspected of defrauding public programs while investigations are underway. After years of high-profile fraud scandals, this law is an important step toward strengthening oversight, protecting taxpayer dollars, and preventing fraudulent payments before they are made. 

These are just a few of the new laws taking effect on August 1. I will continue working to support policies that protect our communities, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and improve accountability throughout state government. 

Now that the legislative session is over, we have entered the interim period, when much of our work shifts away from daily activity at the Capitol and back into our districts through meetings, community events, and constituent outreach. 

I want to make you aware of an important restriction that applies in even-numbered years. We are limited in sending unsolicited mass communications from our official capacity as legislators during the 60-day period before a general election. Because of that requirement, I will no longer be able to send these official email updates beginning after July 17th. This will be my last email update until early November. 

During that time, I plan to continue sharing updates primarily through my Facebook page, and you are always welcome to contact me directly by email or phone with any questions, concerns, or ideas. It is an honor to serve our communities, and I look forward to staying connected throughout the interim. 

Coffee with Tom will be at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce TODAY, Friday, July 17th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. 

As a heads up, Coffee with Tom in Waseca on August 14th will occur from 9:00-10:00am due to a scheduling conflict.  

I will continue to update our ongoing Coffee with Tom dates and times on my Facebook page. 

Thank you for your support and feedback, and please reach out if you need assistance in the meantime!