Minnesota renames Community Solar Garden Program to honor Melissa Hortman

Governor Tim Walz signed three bipartisan bills into law on Tuesday concerning modernizing estate planning, updating health board requirements, and honoring Melissa Hortman’s solar energy work.

According to Governor’s office, HF 3556 renames Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden Program after the late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, recognizing her role in launching the first program of its kind in the country in 2013.

“Speaker Hortman helped build something truly transformative for Minnesota,” said Gov. Walz. “Her leadership makes our Community Solar Garden Program a national model and puts Minnesota on a path to a clean energy future. Naming this program in her honor ensures her legacy lives on as her work continues to shape our future. I am proud to sign this bill in honor of my dear friend.”

The Governor’s office also highlighted SF 3602, which creates the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, allowing electronic signatures and records for estate planning documents.

SF 3402, the third bill signed Tuesday, expands who can serve as a medical consultant for community health boards, now including doctors of osteopathic medicine, physician’s assistants. and licensed advanced practice registered nurses.