State Representative Jess Hanson

05/28/2026

Glad to speak with Nicole Ki at MPR News about the 2026 Cannabis policy bill I authored and passed this session. Working together with small business owners, medical providers, and producers, we left what's working in place while making tweaks to make our system even stronger.

Read more here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/28/cannabis-h**p-industry-new-laws

05/19/2026

The 2026 Legislative Session has adjourned, and I'm proud of the work we accomplished in a tied House to help our hospitals, deliver property tax and tab fee relief, protect taxpayer dollars, and invest in local jobs and infrastructure projects.

We also passed several bills I authored:
- Banning AI 'nudification' features
- 2026 Cannabis policy bill
- Protecting social worker titles
- Fair reimbursement for clinical trainees
- Raising the age for kratom to 21

While we were able to get some good work done, we left so much on the table. Without Republican support, we were unable to take bolder action on affordability, protect our neighbors from ICE raiding their schools and hospitals, or take action on comprehensive gun violence prevention measures.

I'll keep working to build a stronger Minnesota, where everyone can get ahead and afford their life.

05/18/2026

For Hanson, one of the most important provisions in the bill would fix the medical cannabis section of the industry.

“Patients have been experiencing limited access on medical products at just a few companies, and these are adults and kids with chronic conditions like epilepsy, cancer, debilitating autoimmune diseases and other conditions for which cannabis can really make life-altering and life-changing impacts,” she said.

The 2026 omnibus cannabis bill would create a macrobusiness license, merge the medical and adult-use supply chains and give a helping hand to h**p businesses facing federal headwinds.

05/14/2026

I'm on the House Floor today standing with children and families from our district and across the state to demand action on the Senate's comprehensive gun violence prevention package.

This shouldn’t be politics as usual. These are peoples’ lives. The parents of kids killed in Annunciation church are asking us to hear them. The parents of kids killed in mass shootings in our state and national history are still waiting for our response.

If Lisa Demuth and Republicans were listening to Minnesotans, we would be able to vote on this bill.

"Students are done begging lawmakers to care about our safety. More than 7,000 people signed this petition in just one week because Minnesotans are demanding action on gun violence, not excuses and delays. Students across Minnesota are watching, organizing, and ready to hold them accountable if they

05/14/2026

05/08/2026

Rep. Jess Hanson, who authored the bill that moved through the House, said that the legislation is critical in getting to the source of a problem that is growing as technology improves. The Internet Watch Foundation tracks the use of AI to sexually abuse children; in 2025, the organization identified 8,029 AI-generated images and videos "showing realistic child sexual abuse."

"Once those images are out there, there's really no bringing them back," Hanson said. "The creation of this content has just exploded in the last couple of years. A lot of people don't know it exists."

Minnesota is now the first state in the country to enact a law that prohibits access to what's known as "nudification" technology​.

05/06/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to check in with your loved ones and remind them that they are not alone, and help is available.

Minnesota provides many resources to help those who are struggling: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/index.html

If you need emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, please call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline to chat online with a trained specialist.

04/29/2026

04/28/2026

Cryptocurrency kiosk scams target vulnerable Minnesotans, especially seniors on fixed incomes, and can be nearly impossible for law enforcement to trace or recover funds.

That's why yesterday I voted to ban these scammy businesses and close this clear avenue for fraud.

04/23/2026

Today the House passed my bill banning AI “nudification” features, which make victims out of everyday Minnesotans with the push of a button.

This is a first in the nation bill that will make Minnesotans safer online.