Minnesota Renames Community Solar Program After Slain Senator

Governor Walz signs bill honoring Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated last year.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:20am

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A photorealistic painting of a single solar panel installation on a rooftop, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of contemplative solitude and the quiet impact of sustainable energy infrastructure.The renaming of Minnesota's community solar program honors the legacy of a state legislator tragically lost, while reflecting the quiet, transformative power of renewable energy.Duluth Today

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed a bill renaming the state's community solar garden program after the late state senator Melissa Hortman. Hortman and her husband Mark were tragically assassinated in a shooting last June. The program, which launched in 2013 to help residents and businesses benefit from solar energy, will now be officially known as the 'Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program'.

Why it matters

Melissa Hortman was a respected state legislator who played a key role in developing Minnesota's community solar program. Renaming the program in her honor recognizes her legacy and commitment to expanding renewable energy access across the state. The move also comes amid broader discussions around dedicating other state landmarks and infrastructure in memory of Hortman and her husband.

The details

On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed the bill to rename the community solar program after Melissa Hortman. Hortman and her husband Mark were killed in a deadly shooting incident last June. State lawmakers have also proposed putting Hortman's name on a new state office building, dedicating a stretch of Highway 610, and creating a memorial state park to honor the couple.

  • The community solar program was launched in 2013.
  • Melissa and Mark Hortman were assassinated in June 2025.
  • Governor Walz signed the renaming bill on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who signed the bill renaming the community solar program.

Melissa Hortman

A former state senator in Minnesota who played a key role in developing the state's community solar program. She and her husband were tragically assassinated in 2025.

Mark Hortman

The husband of Melissa Hortman, who was also assassinated in 2025 alongside his wife.

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What’s next

State lawmakers are also considering proposals to put Melissa Hortman's name on a new state office building, dedicate a stretch of Highway 610 in her honor, and create a memorial state park to commemorate her and her husband.

The takeaway

The renaming of Minnesota's community solar program after Melissa Hortman is a poignant tribute to a respected state legislator whose tragic death has prompted broader efforts to memorialize her legacy and contributions to renewable energy policy in the state.