Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I call this meeting of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee to order.
- If you have stable housing, accessible housing, affordable housing, um, we have thriving communities.
- affordable housing um accessible housing affordable housing um we<00:55:01.799>
have <00:55:01.960 - need in this housing.
- housing.
Summary:
The committee met for an agency overview from Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. After member and staff introductions, Ho described Minnesota Housing’s mission, structure, and role as a mission-driven financial institution that issues bonds, uses earnings to support operations, and works across the housing continuum from homelessness prevention to homeownership and preservation. She emphasized that the agency is not a builder or regulator, but funds and partners with developers, local governments, nonprofits, and lenders. She also noted the agency’s four divisions, including a new local government housing programs division created after the 2023 legislative session expanded the agency’s responsibilities.
Ho reviewed funding and program activity, saying Minnesota Housing spent $1.96 billion in fiscal year 2024 and helped more than 73,000 households. She highlighted that the agency’s work is heavily competitive and often oversubscribed, with many projects selected through RFPs and grants but more applications than available resources. She discussed 2023 and 2024 investments, including homeownership, rental, and manufactured housing projects, and said roughly half of competitive dollars have gone to Greater Minnesota over the last several years. She also explained the difference between funds committed and funds actually disbursed, noting that construction and rehabilitation projects can take many months to close and draw down funds.
The commissioner also updated members on new programs created in 2023 and 2024, including first-generation down payment assistance, the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program, public housing rehabilitation, state housing tax credits, and other local and regional initiatives. She said some programs are already closed out, while others remain in early implementation or are still accepting applications. Ho mentioned a forthcoming technical amendment to adjust a high-rise sprinkler program after eligibility issues limited participation. She closed with examples of projects preserved or funded, including a St. Louis Park preservation deal, public housing preservation in Greater Minnesota, a St. Cloud challenge project, and the first-generation down payment assistance program, which distributed $50 million to about 1,450 first-time buyers, most of whom were Black, Indigenous, or people of color. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Ashley Ang, House Fiscal Analyst from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.
- Ashley Ang, House Fiscal Analyst from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.
- Ashley Ang, House Fiscal Analyst from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.
- Ashley Ang, House Fiscal Analyst from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.
- Ashley Ang, House Fiscal Analyst from the nonpartisan House Fiscal Analysis Department.
Summary:
The committee held an introductory organizational meeting for the newly named Workforce and Economic Development Committee, with Chair Dave Baker noting a quorum and that no votes or formal actions were scheduled. Members and staff introduced themselves and described their districts, backgrounds, and priorities. Several members emphasized worker protections, labor experience, small business concerns, rural economic issues, and the importance of balancing employer and employee interests. Others highlighted education-to-workforce pathways, affordability, support for seniors, and opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities.
Chair Baker said he wants the committee to find a balance between protecting labor and ensuring a strong employment base, fair rules, and fair taxes, while also acknowledging concerns about recent policy trends and the need to get proposals right before they leave the committee. Members from both parties echoed themes of collaboration and economic opportunity, though some Republicans criticized past rules and regulations as burdensome on small businesses. The committee also welcomed nonpartisan staff and DFL/GOP staff, including the committee administrator, legislative assistant, House Research, and fiscal analysis staff.
The committee then received an overview from DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek and deputy commissioners. Varilek described DEED’s mission as empowering growth of the Minnesota economy for everyone, increasing prosperity and extending it broadly, and coordinating with other agencies such as Labor and Industry to avoid duplication and use taxpayer dollars efficiently. He said DEED focuses on business attraction, retention, and expansion, workforce development, and helping Minnesotans—including people with disabilities—prepare for jobs and independent living. A deputy commissioner began outlining the economic development division’s structure and operations, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation was completed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/11/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- research Department I'm one of the house research Department I'm one of the three<00:01:17.240>
house - table we have a Nathan Hopkins um house table we have a Nathan Hopkins um house research<00:03:02.920
- All civil law, housing, and okay, perfect.
- <00:47:00.119>
research wondering if someone if house research wondering if someone if house - <00:57:46.240>
senate of all three branches um house senate of all three branches um house
Summary:
The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review.
Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm State Representative Paul Torkelson in my ninth term in the Minnesota House.
- Spencer Igo, House District 7A, so that's about half Minnesota's Iron Range.
- I represent Blaine, Ham Lake, and Columbus in the Minnesota State House.
- Matt Ainger, House GOP research for Ways and Means and Health. Hi, everyone.
- I'm Colby Sullivan with the nonpartisan House Research Department.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee began with member and staff introductions, including several new members and committee staff. Representative Zach Stevenson, the DFL lead, objected to the day’s presentation, saying he was disappointed the committee was starting with a group he viewed as aligned with Republicans rather than a nonpartisan budget presentation. The chair responded that the committee had a bipartisan agreement and that hearing a different perspective was appropriate. The committee then proceeded to a presentation from economists with the Center of the American Experiment, with questions held until the end.
The presentation focused on Minnesota’s budget outlook, arguing that the state faces a structural imbalance and a projected $5.14 billion deficit in the 2028-29 biennium. The presenters said spending has outpaced revenues, highlighted a large increase in general fund spending since 2023, and argued that inflation-adjusted per-capita spending remains above pre-2024 levels through the forecast period. They said the biggest growth areas are E-12 education and especially Health and Human Services, with HHS projected to become the largest budget category and much of its growth tied to Medicaid and long-term care waivers.
The presenters also argued Minnesota spends more than most states on welfare and Medicaid, citing comparisons showing the state near the top nationally in spending per person in poverty and in several Medicaid categories. They said some of the HHS growth reflects policy changes from the 2023 session, while other pressures come from enrollment growth, health care prices, federal debt, and an aging population. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/10/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I'm calling the Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee to order, and
- I represent House District 45B, which is Minnetonka, Wayzata, Deephaven, Shorewood, and Woodland.
- <00:57:42.960>
district Residency challenge in house district Residency challenge in house - <00:57:45.720>
district 40b and the contest in house district 40b and the contest in house - <01:30:00.199>
the the number of days to resolution the the number of days to resolution the
Summary:
The Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met to begin its session with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview from Secretary of State Steve Simon and elections director Paul Linnell on the state’s elections administration and budget needs. Simon said the office’s committee-jurisdiction budget request was for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant match: Minnesota received about $1 million in federal funds in 2024 and needs a $200,000 state match to unlock the money for election security navigator work. He also previewed the office’s broader presentation on the 2024 election, outreach efforts, and election security.
Simon described the 2024 election cycle as successful, saying his administrative goals were high turnout and low drama. He reported that Minnesota had very high turnout in the November election, with more than 3.27 million ballots cast and about 76.4% turnout, and noted that more than 1.3 million voters cast ballots before Election Day. He also highlighted outreach and accessibility efforts, including the Students Voting Program, Youth Day at the Capitol, National Voter Registration Day activities, expanded online voter tools in additional languages, and work to inform eligible Minnesotans about the Restore the Vote law for people leaving prison. He emphasized that elections are a team effort carried out largely by counties, cities, townships, and election judges.
Linnell then explained the state’s election administration structure and responsibilities, including the Statewide Voter Registration System, candidate filing and election reporting systems, voting equipment certification, and post-election performance reviews. He said counties are central to voter registration updates and ballot preparation, and noted that in 2024 there were a handful of counties with ballot errors that required court action, with a vendor process change identified as a contributing factor. Committee members asked for more detail on the number and identity of the affected counties. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Robert Bierman says he is the DFL lead on this House fiscal committee.
- Representative Mary Franson says she represents House District 12B, portions of Douglas, Otter Tail,
- <00:02:42.879>
fiscal <00:02:43.879>Jonathan <00:02:44.360>cter Harney House - fiscal Jonathan cter Harney House fiscal Jonathan cter committee<00:02:45.239>
administrator < - research Annie house research Annie house research<00:04:32.880>
I'm <00:04:33.039>Elizabeth
Summary:
The committee met for a Health and Finance Policy hearing, began with member and staff introductions, and noted that Representative Keeler was participating as a non-voting member. The chair outlined committee rules on decorum and then introduced the day’s first agency presentation from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), with Commissioner Cunningham appearing to present the department’s budget priorities.
Commissioner Cunningham described MDH’s broad public health role and emphasized that public health is underfunded relative to health care, with significant reliance on federal dollars. The department’s main budget request was for infectious disease prevention and response to offset anticipated federal funding losses. MDH also outlined several fee increases tied to public water systems, wells, licensing and certification, assisted living and health care facilities, HMO regulation, food/pools/lodging inspections, radioactive materials, X-ray equipment, and asbestos abatement. The commissioner said these changes were needed because costs, workload, and regulatory complexity have increased, while many fees have not been updated in years.
MDH also presented budget-neutral proposals, including continuing the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Committee, converting the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force into a standing advisory committee, restoring some local and tribal public health cannabis and substance misuse prevention grants, creating direct American Indian Health Special Emphasis Grants, reauthorizing the State Trauma Advisory Council, and extending firefighter PFAS biomonitoring work. The department also requested an operations adjustment for rising employee, insurance, fuel, utility, and legal costs, and referenced additional Clean Water Legacy Fund proposals. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided. Representative Bierman then offered supportive comments, praising MDH’s work and backing the funding and fee proposals, especially the restoration of local public health prevention grants.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House agriculture committee hears testimony on sustainable aviation fuel 2/10/25
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota.
Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector.
Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity.
Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain.
- Chaplain: Madam Speaker, members of the House, good afternoon.
- The chief clerk will report the House files and give them their first reading: House Files 26 through
- 39.160>
through 283 first reading house files 26 through 283 first reading house files 26 through - Senate motions and resolutions.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved the previous day’s journal without objection. The clerk reported a large batch of newly introduced House files, numbered 26 through 308, for first reading. The chamber also received messages from the Senate announcing its organization and the election of Bobby Joe Champion as President of the Senate.
The main substantive action was a motion by Representative Gilman to recall House File 22 from the Education Policy Committee and re-refer it to Children and Families Finance and Policy, with the bill described as relating to families and creating a Parents’ Bill of Rights before returning to Education Policy. The motion was adopted. No further debate on the bill occurred in this meeting.
During announcements, Representatives Skraba and Johnson invited members to a St. Louis County delegation reception on February 12 in St. Paul, highlighting regional projects, businesses, nonprofits, government, and labor unions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and subsequently adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 2/10/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I call the February 10th, 2025, meeting of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee
- Staff, we look forward to hearing about your role in the House.
- Staff, we look forward to hearing about your role in the House. I'll start with you, Lead Pinto.
- district 10B which I represent house district 10B which includes<00:04:17.759>
a <00:04:17.880 - Ben Johnson: Madam Chair, I'm Ben Johnson with House Research Department.
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting on February 10, 2025, with member and staff introductions and opening remarks from Chair Kristin Robbins about the committee’s bipartisan mission to address state fraud and improve oversight of executive branch spending. Robbins said the committee would focus on both legislation and informational oversight hearings, likely in coordination with standing policy committees, and emphasized concerns about reported fraud in state government and the need to prevent waste before it occurs. Members from both parties generally expressed support for the committee’s work and interest in learning more about the issues.
The sole agenda item was a presentation from the Legislative Auditor on the 2023 report, “Oversight of State-Funded Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.” Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Deputy Legislative Auditor Jodi Munson Rodriguez explained that the report reviewed how comprehensive Minnesota’s grants management policies are and how well agencies follow them. They said the policies cover the grant lifecycle but often lack detail, and the office found widespread noncompliance in recent years. The presentation included examples such as limited standards for progress reports, flexible monitoring requirements, and no required timeline for closeout reviews. The auditors also noted that state agencies spent an average of about $514 million annually on nonprofit grants from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, with about 2,400 nonprofit organizations receiving grants.
The auditors said several factors contribute to compliance problems, including inconsistent funding for grants management, limited training, and uneven use of electronic grants systems. They also noted that statutes gave little authority to enforce compliance. Since the report was released, the Department of Administration has taken some steps, including changes to pre-award financial review policies and a timeline for closeout reviews, but the auditors said other recommendations remain only partially implemented. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on at this meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/10/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The hour 1:00 is here, and I will call the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee meeting to
- I represent House District 27B, which is the areas of Princeton, Zimmerman, and St. Francis.
- I'm the House research analyst, and my favorite food is chocolate chip banana bread.
- I'm Tim Walker with the nonpartisan House Public Information Service. My name is Ken Saber.
- I'm Tim Walker with the nonpartisan House Public Information Service.
Summary:
The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee held an introductory meeting that began with housekeeping, a correction to the committee rules (the room number should be G3, not G35), and member and staff introductions. Members described their districts, agricultural ties, and priorities for the session, including consumer food costs, urban agriculture, farm economics, livestock disease preparedness, and support for Minnesota’s agricultural sectors. No votes were taken during the introductory portion.
The committee then turned to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Deputy Commissioner Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because of its potential for agriculture, forestry, and clean energy, and reviewed Minnesota’s 2023 SAF tax credit and related sales tax exemption. She said the state has feedstocks and should continue investing so Minnesota can attract SAF production and support rural jobs. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines testified that aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s main path to net zero by 2050; he cited current use of SAF, the need to scale production, and Minnesota’s role in supplying feedstocks and hosting future production.
Peter Frost of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building the full SAF value chain in Minnesota. He emphasized that Greater MSP is coordinating investors and partners to grow the regional economy and said the SAF effort is intended to create jobs and economic development. Committee members did not ask questions during the portion captured, and no formal action or vote was recorded on the SAF presentations in this transcript excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Office of the Legislative Auditor presentation on state-funded grants to nonprofit orgs 2/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Summary:
The committee heard a presentation from State Auditor Judy Randall and Deputy Legislative Auditor Jody Mason Rodriguez on the Office of the Legislative Auditor’s 2023 report, “Oversight of State-Funded Grants to Nonprofit Organizations.” Randall explained that the report takes a broad look at how Minnesota manages grants, building on earlier work that helped lead to the Office of Grants Management (OGM) in 2007. She emphasized that the new recommendation-tracking booklet in members’ packets is meant to help the legislature see which audit recommendations have been implemented, partially implemented, or not implemented, and to support oversight rather than assign blame.
Rodriguez summarized the report’s findings: Minnesota’s grants management policies contain many important practices, but they often lack enough detail for agencies to implement them consistently. The office found pervasive noncompliance in recent years and identified weak statutory enforcement as a major reason. She reviewed how grants flow from the legislature to agencies and then to nonprofit grantees and subgrantees, and noted that state agencies spent an average of about $514 million annually on nonprofit grants from fiscal years 2018 through 2022, awarding grants to about 2,400 nonprofits. The report found OGM policies partially reflected 17 of 24 recommended grant-management practices, but examples of missing detail included no required risk-based monitoring, no minimum standards for progress reports, telephone-only monitoring visits allowed, and no deadline for closeout reviews.
The auditors said some recommendations have been acted on since the report, including 2023 statutory changes that led OGM to revise its pre-award financial review policy and set a timeline for closeout reviews, though other recommendations remain only partially implemented. They also discussed repeat compliance problems across agencies, including conflict-of-interest documentation, and said agencies are beginning to improve by automating checklists and disclosure processes. In response to member questions, the auditors said training is important and should likely be required for grants staff, though not necessarily with highly specific statutory language; they also said grant managers vary widely across agencies, making baseline training especially useful. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the presentation, and the chair noted that OGM would be invited for a future presentation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House elects Rep. Lisa Demuth as House Speaker 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We will proceed to the election of Speaker of the House. Nominations are in order.
- Secretary and members of the House, it's great to see everybody back again today.
- <00:02:38.440>
thank <00:02:38.640>you <00:02:38.800>Mr house thank you Mr house - <00:03:09.560>
of Minnesota House of Minnesota House of Representatives<00:03:11.280>I - <00:13:50.720>
of speaker of the Minnesota House of speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives
Summary:
The House met to elect a Speaker. Representative Baker nominated Lisa Demuth on behalf of the Republican caucus, emphasizing civility, trust, inclusiveness, bipartisanship, and the need to unify a divided chamber. Representative Igo seconded the nomination, praising Demuth’s experience, integrity, consensus-building, and focus on affordability, safety, and future planning. On behalf of the DFL caucus, Representative Mhler nominated Melissa Hortman, describing her leadership in football metaphors and highlighting her work since 2019, including the Minnesota Values Project, her handling of major crises, and her willingness to put the institution and state above personal interests. Representative Hollands seconded Hortman’s nomination, stressing her mentorship, willingness to collaborate across differences, and sacrifice for the greater good.
Nominations were then closed, and the clerk pro tem called the roll for the Speaker election. After the roll call, the results were announced as 67 votes for Representative D. Dibble and 65 votes for Representative Hortman. The presiding officer declared Representative D. Dibble duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 session. Members were appointed to escort the speaker-elect to the rostrum, and Senator Bobby Joe Champion administered the oath of office.
In remarks after taking the oath and receiving the gavel, the new Speaker thanked family, supporters, voters, and colleagues, said the office was an honor and a responsibility, and pledged to lead with integrity, respect, collaboration, and accountability. The Speaker said the House should focus on real results for Minnesotans, maintain civility, keep government efficient and accountable, and work across party lines on issues such as public safety, schools, workforce shortages, infrastructure, and support for farmers.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 2/6/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- That's where I'll be. house hi I'm Athena Holland I represent house hi I'm Athena Holland I represent
- Well, today we'll be voting on the House policies and resolutions that allow us to get the House in order
- >
uh the house policies and resolutions uh the house policies and resolutions uh that<00:07:07.080 - been nicely packaged by um house been nicely packaged by um house research<00:07:17.039>
uh <00:15:23.759>chaplain the house chaplain uh the house chaplain the house chaplain uh the
Summary:
The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and began with member introductions, during which members identified their districts and, informally, their favorite restaurants. The committee then turned to a housekeeping resolution, 2025-P100, covering House policies and administrative procedures. The chair explained that the resolution consolidated routine rules updates prepared by House Research.
The committee adopted two amendments to the resolution. The A1 amendment gave members more flexibility in how they receive their postage and digital constituent communications allotment. The A2 amendment corrected titles in the resolution. Staff then reviewed the resolution’s contents, including service awards, donated leave, comp time and time cards, remote work, member business services payments, leadership compensation, expense reimbursement, stationery, postage and digital communications, member communication expenses, alcohol and drug policies, legal fee provisions, photographs and digital images, chaplain pay, the high school page program, and the undergraduate internship program.
Members asked several questions during discussion. Representative Long confirmed there were no changes to the legal-fee policy. Representative Hollins asked about the high school page stipend, and staff said it was proposed to increase from $10 to $15 per day. Representative Pursell asked about the 50-mile reimbursement threshold for members’ expenses; the chair said it is derived from IRS tax regulations. She also suggested reviewing how other states handle reimbursement. No members of the public testified.
After discussion, the committee renewed the motion and adopted the 2025 resolution as amended. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we're about four weeks behind, except uh House Republicans have been doing our work all along
- House Republicans have been doing our work all along, really digging into the budget as much as we can
- yesterday that they did propose this and giving you full, you know, the full role of Speaker of the House
- You know, the opportunity to serve as Speaker of the House, um, is an honor and I don't take that lightly
- um is an honor and I don't of the House um is an honor and I don't take<00:03:47.799>
that <00
Summary:
The transcript is an interview with Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth after an organizational agreement was reached to begin the legislative session. She said she was honored to serve as Speaker and emphasized a collaborative approach, noting that committee work would start immediately and that she expected the House to finish its work on time by May 19 despite being about four weeks behind. She also said the February budget forecast, due March 6, would guide budget targets and that House Republicans had been working on the budget throughout the delay.
A major topic was the recent dispute over House organization and swearing-in procedures. Demuth criticized the Democrats’ earlier secret swearing-in ceremony as unprecedented and said the new agreement reflected their acknowledgment that the House would elect a Speaker by a 67-66 margin, with her as Speaker. She said there were discussions about possible legislation to close loopholes or gaps exposed by the conflict, though those issues were not among the top priorities.
Demuth also addressed questions about lingering tension between the parties and recall efforts by the state party, saying those efforts were separate from the House’s work and would not stop the chamber from moving forward. She described the atmosphere on the floor as collegial and encouraging, said disagreements would continue but should be handled constructively, and identified shared priorities such as lower taxes, safe communities, and ending fraud in Minnesota.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Minnesota House adopts Temporary Rules, Agreement for House Organization 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- for house organization dated February 6th, 2025.
- be the same as the permanent rules of the House for the 93rd regular session as adopted by the House
- Representative Nisa moves adoption of the resolution.
- be the same as the permanent rules of the House for the 93rd regular session as adopted by the House
- permanent rules of the House for the 93rd regular session as adopted by the House of Representatives
Summary:
The House took up Representative Nisa’s resolution to adopt temporary rules for the 94th regular session. The resolution provided that the House would operate under the same rules as the 93rd session’s permanent rules, with modifications from the February 6, 2025 House organization agreement, until new permanent rules are adopted. Nisa described the measure as the product of a long bipartisan negotiation and urged members to support it so the House could begin its work.
Representative Long also spoke in favor, saying the agreement preserved power sharing in the absence of a numerical majority, limited unilateral action in election contests, required bipartisan committee votes and equal bipartisan conference committee membership, and ensured bipartisan negotiation over House rules. Long said the framework would help members work together on issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care.
After discussion ended, the Clerk pro tem called the roll. The House adopted the temporary rules by a vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The resolution is adopted.
- That's my resolution.
- The resolution is adopted.
- is<01:36:45.400>
an resolution since the resolution is an resolution since the resolution - The resolution is adopted.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then proceeded to elect a Speaker. Republicans nominated Lisa Demuth and Democrats nominated Melissa Hortman, with multiple members seconding each nomination and praising the candidates’ leadership, bipartisanship, and ability to guide a closely divided chamber. After roll call, Representative Demuth received 67 votes to Representative Hortman’s 65 and was declared duly elected Speaker of the Minnesota House for the 2025-2026 session.
After taking the oath of office from Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing gratitude, integrity, respect, accountability, and a commitment to real results, safer communities, strong schools, economic opportunity, and open collaboration with all members. She said her door would remain open to both parties and urged the House to focus on shared purpose and Minnesota’s future.
The House then took up a resolution adopting temporary rules for the 94th session, based on the prior session’s rules and modified by the House organization agreement dated February 6, 2025. Members speaking in support said the agreement reflected bipartisan negotiation, preserved power sharing, protected committee and conference committee balance, and would help the House address issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. The temporary rules were adopted by a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays.
Finally, the House began the election of the chief clerk. Representative Robbins nominated Patrick Duffy Murphy, highlighting his long service to the House, his role as parliamentary adviser, and his work supporting continuity and remote proceedings during the pandemic. The transcript cuts off during the nomination and does not include the final vote on chief clerk.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 1 through 3—same as before. Will you remind us? Correct.
- House File 2 is a greater enhancement of holding some of the activities accountable, and House File 3
- that happen, and then it's up to every member to apply for housing and per diem under those resolutions
- that happen, and then it's up to every member to apply for housing and per diem under those resolutions
- that happen, and then it's up to every member to apply for housing and per diem under those resolutions
Summary:
House Republican leaders announced that they had reached an organizational agreement with Democrats to organize the Minnesota House and end the session stalemate. Under the deal, Republicans will control the speakership while they hold a 67-66 majority, with Republican chairs on committees and a one-vote edge; if the chamber returns to a 67-67 tie, committees would shift to co-chairs with equal voting. Leaders said the agreement also preserves Republican control of the fraud prevention and agency oversight committee, which will be chaired solely by Rep. Kristin Robbins for two years with a 5-3 Republican majority.
The leaders framed the agreement as a way to get lawmakers back to work, pass priority bills, and avoid a special session. They said House Republicans had continued meeting with constituents and interest groups during the delay and were preparing to introduce a large slate of bills, including anti-fraud measures. Rep. Nash said House Files 1 through 3 would be heard the following week in State Government Finance and moved forward; Robbins described them as a new independent inspector general, an accountability measure, and “fraud notes.”
The discussion also covered the seating of Rep. Brad Tabke, with Republicans saying they wanted a full Ethics Committee hearing on the election issues before any final action. Leaders said the agreement reflected public pressure to return to work, the pending court case over quorum and organization, and the need to complete the budget on time. They also said the Speaker’s role would be largely full-power rather than a co-speaker arrangement, while some shared decision-making would remain for conferees, absences, and certain administrative appointments.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability 2/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and soon-to-be tied House.
- this time than the last tie in the house this time than the last tie in the house where<00:18:29.000
- How expect things to unfold on the House floor this afternoon? Boring.
- I would expect that Secretary Simon will call the House to order.
- expect things to unfold on the house expect things to unfold on the house floor<00:21:00.760>
Summary:
House DFL leaders announced that they had reached a power-sharing agreement with Republicans to organize the Minnesota House and begin the session. They said the deal seats Rep. Brad Tabke, sends election contests to the Ethics Committee, requires 68 votes to create a vacancy, and provides for Republican committee chairs while moving to co-chairs and equal membership once the chamber is tied. They also said the agreement includes limits on the speakership, shared control of rules and conference committees, and a GOP chair for the Oversight Committee; members were to be present in the chamber that day to establish a quorum, with committees starting work Monday.
Leaders framed the agreement as protecting the will of voters in Shakopee and statewide, and said Democrats had denied quorum to stop what they described as an attempted Republican power grab. They said the deal was essentially the same as an earlier offer, including conceding the speakership, and thanked negotiators from both parties. In response to questions, they said the breakthrough came after the Minnesota Supreme Court’s quorum ruling and that Republicans had not been ready to seat Tabke or share power before then.
During the question-and-answer portion, leaders described the agreement as constraining the speaker’s powers, requiring bipartisan support for bills leaving committee and for floor action, and limiting unilateral procedural control. They said the arrangement would force both sides to be present and negotiate, with no bill reaching the floor without bipartisan cooperation. They also said the House would proceed that afternoon with the election of Speaker Lisa Demuth, followed by implementation of the power-sharing agreement, and that they expected the session to move forward under the new framework.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 2/5/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Isaac Schultz House District 10B Good morning.
- I represent House District 10B, which is a large swath of central Minnesota to the north and east of
- So glad to be with you here this morning as House Republicans announce two priority bills.
- I think what the people of Minnesota need to know is that House Republicans are here every day working
- That was a piece of information that we had during the debate on the floor of the House.
Summary:
House Republicans held a press event to announce two priority bills focused on immigration and state spending. Rep. Isaac Schultz said his bill, House File 10, would stop taxpayer funding for people in Minnesota illegally, including through programs such as Northstar Promise, MinnesotaCare, medical assistance, and legal services. He framed the proposal as a way to redirect limited state resources to Minnesota families, veterans, people with disabilities, the homeless, and infrastructure needs, and said it could save more than $100 million, with some estimates discussed during debate reaching about $200 million for MinnesotaCare alone.
Rep. Max Rymer introduced House File 16, which would require reporting to ICE or other federal immigration authorities when an undocumented immigrant is suspected of committing a violent crime, and would bar local governments from withholding information from federal authorities. He said the bill is intended to end sanctuary-city practices and improve public safety. Both lawmakers argued that the measures are narrow, targeted at violent offenders, and consistent with cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. They also said the bills respond to voter concerns about illegal immigration and rising costs.
During questions, the members said the state-funding bill is aimed at state dollars, while the reporting bill complements federal law by addressing local noncooperation. They discussed concerns about eligibility tracking and said current programs do not provide enough data on how many undocumented people receive benefits. Schultz cited a family in his district that lost MinnesotaCare after an income change as an example of what he sees as unfair treatment compared with benefits for undocumented immigrants. No votes were taken at the event; the lawmakers said these are the first of several bills they plan to advance this session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain.
- There being no quorum under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, the House is adjourned until
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer led by Pastor Noah Money of Eaglebrook Church in Maplewood, Minnesota. The chaplain’s remarks focused on reconciliation, asking for guidance for members to be refined in their hearts, to treat others with kindness, and to seek reconciliation with one another during a time of change and contention.
After the prayer, the chamber recited the Pledge of Allegiance. No legislative business was taken up, and the clerk pro tem closed the roll.
Because there was no quorum under the Minnesota Constitution, the House could not conduct business and adjourned until 3:30 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025.