> “Obviously, our office encourages lifelong learning and wants Minnesotans to take advantage of educational materials available on the Internet, particularly if they’re free,”

Nothing here is a denial that they did try to get Coursera to pay.

> “When the legislature convenes in January, my intent is to work with the Governor and Legislature to appropriately update the statute to meet modern-day circumstances,” said Pogemiller. “Until that time, I see no reason for our office to require registration of free, not-for-credit offerings.”

I read this as: "We can't ask them to pay now, but will try to find a way in the future to change the law so it does apply"

I don't want mid level bureaucrats ignoring laws because they don't care for them.