Senate backs bill targeting virtual-currency kiosks and QR-code scams; 53-13 vote

The Minnesota Senate concurred with House amendments and repassed Senate File 3868, a bill aimed at prohibiting virtual-currency kiosks and related consumer-fraud devices.

Senator Hemmingson Jaeger, who moved concurrence and explained the House amendments, said the changes included clarifications and finer points learned in consultation with stakeholders. "We learned that not only do we have these little fraud machines, but we also have QR codes at the register that they're also using to get and scam our consumers," the sponsor said, and noted staggered effective dates to allow unplugging of devices, removal from stores, and refunds for defrauded consumers.

Senator (voice 8) thanked the sponsor and cited police chiefs from Forest Lake and Stillwater who raised concerns about kiosks scamming elderly residents. Supporters framed the bill as bipartisan and bicameral work to help law enforcement and protect seniors.

The secretary took the role on final passage; the roll call closed with 53 ayes and 13 nays and the bill passed as amended. The sponsor urged a green vote and said she looked forward to the bill's repassage.

The floor discussion concentrated on consumer protection measures, including coverage of QR code–based schemes, staggered effective dates, and refund provisions; no floor amendment debate is recorded in the transcript.