Minnesota House Committee Considers Bills to Limit AI Use

Proposed legislation would prohibit AI in healthcare prior authorizations and AI-generated 'nudification' technology

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Minnesota House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing on two bills that would limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state. One bill would prohibit the use of AI to deny health insurance prior authorization requests, while another would ban websites from providing access to AI-generated 'nudification' technology that can create unauthorized, explicit content including child sexual abuse material.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to address concerns about the risks and harms of AI, including systemic biases, diminished patient trust, and the exploitation of individuals - particularly women and children - through the misuse of AI-powered technologies. The bills seek to protect vulnerable populations and ensure AI is not used in ways that undermine human health, safety, and dignity.

The details

The first bill, HF 2500, would prohibit the use of AI and algorithms to review prior authorization requests for health insurance. Supporters cited a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group alleging its AI system had a 90% error rate in denying physician-ordered care. The second bill, HF 1606, would ban websites from providing access to AI-generated 'nudification' technology that can create explicit, non-consensual content, including child sexual abuse material. Survivors testified about the deep impact this exploitation has had on their lives and careers.

  • The House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee hearing was held on February 19, 2026.

The players

Rep. Alex Falconer

DFL-Minnetonka, the lead sponsor of HF 2500 to prohibit the use of AI in health insurance prior authorization decisions.

Rep. Andy Smith

DFL-Rochester, a co-author of HF 2500 who shared concerns from medical residents about AI automatically denying certain medications to older patients.

Rep. Jessica Hanson

DFL-Burnsville, the sponsor of HF 1606 to ban websites from providing access to AI-generated 'nudification' technology.

Molly Kelley

A resident of Otsego, Minnesota who testified about the impacts of AI-generated nudification technology on her and her children.

Anne Neu Brindley

Representing the Minnesota Business Partnership, who expressed concerns that the bill's language could hinder beneficial uses of AI in healthcare.

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What they’re saying

“Health care is not just a business. It's a deeply human endeavor.”

— Rep. Alex Falconer, DFL-Minnetonka (postbulletin.com)

“Allowing apps to hide behind the lazy assertation of the First Amendment is a moral surrender.”

— Molly Kelley (postbulletin.com)

“We are already arriving too late to this work, folks, so we can't really afford to wait any longer.”

— Rep. Jessica Hanson, DFL-Burnsville (postbulletin.com)

What’s next

The House committee will continue to consider the two bills and their potential impacts on the use of AI in Minnesota.

The takeaway

These proposed bills highlight the growing concerns around the risks and harms of AI, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare and personal privacy. As AI technology continues to advance, policymakers are grappling with how to balance innovation and public protections to ensure AI is used in a responsible and ethical manner.