Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to the House Workforce, Labor, Economic Development, Finance and Policy Committee.
- Good morning, Chair Baker, members of the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee.
- staff, are shared across all front-of-house staff.
- <00:59:04.280>
and this with uh affordable housing and this with uh affordable housing and - For example, we've testified in 2023 in front of both House and Senate committees.
Summary:
The committee’s first official meeting was framed as an informational session, with the chair saying no legislation would be acted on and that testimony would focus on what is working and not working for businesses and workers in Minnesota. The stated topics included earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, labor shortages, and broader business climate concerns. The chair also noted the absence of DFL members and invited questions to be held until the end so testifiers could present fully.
Lauren Shodor of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce argued that Minnesota’s business climate has worsened because of high taxes, rising costs, regulation, and new workplace mandates. She cited chamber survey and research findings saying more businesses are considering leaving the state, that Minnesota companies are investing more in other states than vice versa, and that the state lags national growth rates. She said employers are especially concerned about earned sick and safe time and the upcoming paid family and medical leave program, which the chamber believes add compliance burdens and costs, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Matt Hilgart of the Association of Minnesota Counties said the new leave laws affect county budgets and operations because labor is the main county cost and services are often state-mandated. He said the programs were imposed outside the collective bargaining process and can duplicate existing county benefits, increase costs, and create staffing and service challenges. He asked for changes including clearer premium-sharing language, exclusion of elected officials and short-term election workers from paid leave requirements, better exemption and private-plan rules, coordination requirements for intermittent leave, and more clarity for essential employees during weather emergencies. Owen Worth of the League of Minnesota Cities said cities are facing similar implementation problems, with overlapping leave policies and concerns about stacking state and federal leave rules, and he indicated the league would support changes to reduce administrative and budget pressures on cities.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Bless now this House of Representatives with your presence.
- Bless now this House of Representatives with your presence.
- The chief clerk will report the House Files and give them their first reading: House Files 1 through
- I move that the House do now adjourn. The House do now adjourn.
- , January 20, 2025, at noon. madam speaker I move at the house to now madam speaker I move at the house
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer by Chaplain Keith Beckwith of the Minnesota National Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. An initial quorum was not present with 65 members, so a call of the House was ordered and the Sergeant at Arms was instructed to bring in absent members. After members were secured, a quorum was established with 67 members present.
The House then approved the Journal of the preceding day without objection and proceeded to the introduction of bills. House Files 1 through 10 were introduced and given first reading. No substantive debate on the bills is included in the transcript excerpt.
During announcements, Majority Leader Nisa moved that when the House adjourned it would reconvene at noon on Monday, January 20, 2025, and that motion prevailed. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Monday, January 20, 2025, at noon.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- House District 5A. Tom Murphy, House District 9B. Don Gilman, District 17A.
- House District 5A. Tom Murphy, House District 9B. Don Gilman, District 17A.
- Chair Schumacher, for House Fiscal, Mr.
- Chair Schumacher, for House Fiscal, Mr.
- long-term care issues and also Housing long-term care issues and also Housing and<00:03:38.439><
Summary:
The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members.
Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process.
The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers.
Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Fiscal and House Research staff.
- I work for House Research, and he works for House Fiscal, but we share a lot of common features of our
- research and he works for for house research and he works for House<00:01:39.920>
fiscal <00:01 - my name is uh Andrew Lee from House my name is uh Andrew Lee from House fiscal<00:03:57.640>
- so tax bills originate in the the house so tax bills originate in the house<00:10:29.560>
uh <
Summary:
The Capital Investment Committee met on January 16 for an informational overview on state bonding and capital investment. House Research analyst Chelsea Griffin and House Fiscal analyst Andrew Lee explained the nonpartisan roles of their offices and then walked members through the basics of Minnesota bonding: how bonds are issued and repaid, how they are categorized, and the main legal authorities governing state general obligation bonds, including the state constitution, Minnesota statutes, and federal tax law. Griffin emphasized that state GO bond proceeds must be used for a public purpose, for a purpose authorized in the constitution, as specifically described in law, and must mature within 20 years. She also noted that state GO bonding is typically originated in the House and that capital projects financed with state GO bonds generally require a three-fifths vote in each chamber.
The presentation also covered practical limits and requirements on bonding projects, including the distinction between state and local GO bonding, the role of bond counsel, restrictions on bond-financed property, the prohibition on reimbursing already-paid costs, and the full funding and non-state match requirements. In response to member questions, Griffin clarified that the full funding requirement in section 16A.502 means a project must be fully funded before the appropriation is available, while section 16A.86 reflects an expectation that local governments provide about half the financing for local projects, though the legislature can choose to fund more than half or waive a local match. She also said she did not believe a bill to make the 50 percent match requirement statutory passed last session.
Lee then began a spreadsheet-based overview of the 2023 capital budget laws, explaining how capital investment spreadsheets are organized and how different fund types appear in the documents. He highlighted examples such as University of Minnesota projects funded with GO bonds and Minnesota State projects using user financing, where the system contributes a share of project costs from non-state sources such as tuition or system revenues. The committee did not take any votes or formal actions during this informational meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Colby Sullivan with the nonpartisan House Research Department.
- Research we serve all members of the House.
- <00:19:06.520>
this to the house the house rent at this to the house the house rent at this - legislative activities between the House legislative activities between the House and<00:25:55.200
- <00:27:16.000>
scambling typically within the house scambling typically within the house scambling
Summary:
The committee met on January 16, 2025, for an organizational and informational session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Jim Nash reviewed committee expectations, including that nonpartisan staff are to be used for factual information rather than political arguments. He also noted the committee rules were a blend of prior chairs’ rules and would be posted without a vote.
Helen Roberts of House Fiscal gave a high-level overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and budget structure. She explained that the State Government Finance Committee oversees funding for major administrative agencies, the legislature, constitutional offices, and several boards, councils, and commissions. She emphasized that the committee’s general fund base for fiscal years 2026-27 is about $1.31 billion, less than 2% of the state general fund, and that the largest pieces are the Department of Revenue, the legislature, and pension aids. She also described how all-funds presentations differ from general fund views, highlighting internal service funds such as Minnesota IT Services, Department of Administration services, and other chargeback or reimbursement arrangements. Members asked questions about House and Senate budgets, debt service related to the Capitol Area building project and move costs, and how Minnesota IT Services is funded through fee-for-service chargebacks.
Colby Sullivan of House Research then summarized a memo in the packet that outlines the entities within the committee’s jurisdiction and the constitutional and statutory provisions governing them. He pointed members to the memo as a reference and noted that the committee also has jurisdiction over the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the legislative auditor, the legislative reference library, the reviser of statutes, the Secretary of State’s budget and certain duties, and three gambling-related agencies, though gambling policy itself is generally handled by another committee. He offered to help members with bill drafting and amendments and to provide a linked electronic version of the memo.
The Office of the Legislative Auditor then began an overview of its work. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained that the office is nonpartisan, serves all 201 legislators, and provides oversight through financial audits, program evaluations, and special reviews focused on state funds. She distinguished the Legislative Auditor from the State Auditor, noting that the State Auditor is an elected constitutional officer who focuses on county and local government funds. Randall said the office would also present a deep dive into its November performance audit of the Minnesota State Lottery. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The key thing about the February forecast is that in the House it starts a clock to enact a budget resolution
- , sometimes the House, sometimes the Senate, depending on if it's used a Senate file or a House file.
- resolution will be um that budget resolution will be um Targets<00:12:26.560>
in <00:12:26.680 - of origin sometimes the to the house of origin sometimes the house<00:13:01.560>
sometimes <00 - if it's used a senate file or a house if it's used a senate file or a house file<00:13:05.079>
Summary:
The Higher Ed Finance and Policy Committee met to begin a budget overview for higher education. The chair noted quorum, committee member introductions, and that Democratic members were absent. The chair also said the Office of Higher Education would not be appearing for the planned budget deep dive, so nonpartisan fiscal staff would present instead. Ken Savory, the committee’s nonpartisan fiscal analyst, introduced a presentation on the higher education finance structure and timeline.
Savory explained the state budget cycle, the difference between direct appropriations, statutory appropriations, open appropriations, base funding, tails, and one-time appropriations, and how those concepts apply to higher education. He described the committee’s usual budget areas: the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Foundation. He also reviewed historical spending charts showing higher education’s share of the general fund over time, the 2/3-1/3 funding policy in statute, and how tuition and general fund support have shifted. He noted that the FY 26-27 base for the Office of Higher Education area is about $725 million, including roughly $450 million for the State Grant program and about $99 million for North Star Promise.
Members asked about comparing the current budget to earlier biennia, and staff responded that they would need to calculate the percentage difference. The chair then summarized prior budget growth, saying the previous budget was about $650 million over base and the current budget/tail was about $450 million over base. Staff also reviewed the 2024 omnibus higher education bill, including a roughly $5 million reduction to North Star Promise that was redirected to the Fostering Independence Grant program and a $500,000 appropriation for Minnesota State’s Kids on Campus program. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm your chair, but also I represent House District 15A down in southwest Minnesota, Marshall, Minnesota
- I'm your chair, but also I represent House District 15A down in southwest Minnesota, Marshall, Minnesota
- I'm your chair, but also I represent House District 15A down in southwest Minnesota, Marshall, Minnesota
- I represent about half of Minnesota's Iron Range up in House District 7A, so looking forward to the year
- I'm Ashley, a House fiscal analyst that staffs the Energy Committee.
Summary:
The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses.
House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 1/16/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- John Walls, House fiscal staff. Ben Joh, I'm also with the House Research Department.
- John Walls, House fiscal staff. Ben Joh, I'm also with the House Research Department.
- John Walls, House fiscal staff. Ben Joh, I'm also with the House Research Department.
- name is Nathan Hopkins with the house name is Nathan Hopkins with the house research<00:09:00.480
- I'm with House Research.
Summary:
The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met for an introductory session focused on committee organization, staff roles, and an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction. Members and staff introduced themselves, and the chair explained that one member was absent due to a meeting with the governor. House fiscal staff member John Walls reviewed the committee’s budget spreadsheet and explained the agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction, including the Supreme Court, Board of Civil Legal Aid, Court of Appeals, district courts, Guardian ad Litem Board, Tax Court, Uniform Laws Commission, Board of Judicial Standards, Board of Public Defense, Human Rights Commission, Office of Appellate Counsel and Training, and the Competency Restoration Board. He also explained how fiscal notes work and how costs or revenue impacts are tracked for bills.
Nathan Hopkins then described the committee’s broad civil law jurisdiction, covering areas such as property, torts, contracts, civil rights, consumer protection, employment, family law, remedies, statutes of limitations, damages, burdens of proof, due process, and attorney general enforcement. He also outlined the committee’s role in government data practices under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, emphasizing the distinction between transparency and privacy and noting that bills affecting Chapter 13 are often re-referred to this committee. Ben Johnson added that he handles appropriations and court-related policy provisions, with most budget drafting expected later in the session.
A member asked about the Competency Restoration Board, and Johnson explained that it was created to address cases involving criminal defendants found incompetent to proceed, with the goal of coordinating placements and services to restore competency rather than serving as long-term civil commitment. The chair also noted the importance of privacy and technology issues, mentioning past bipartisan work on body cameras, license plate readers, and drones. The meeting ended with a brief announcement about a law school for legislators program and an invitation to attend upcoming Zoom sessions, after which the committee adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to just do an overview with House fiscal staff and House Research, and then also, as time
- We are going to just do an overview with House fiscal staff and House Research, and then also, as time
- I'm Matt Burus with House Research, another nonpartisan office here in the House.
- I'm Matt Burus with House Research, another nonpartisan office here in the House.
- I will be the House GOP partisan researcher this session.
Summary:
The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill.
House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown.
The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Matt Aring from House Research. Chelsea Griffin from House Research.
- House fiscal staff you have a one-page House fiscal staff you have a one-page document<00:02:24.239><
- Matt Garing from House Research.
- <00:26:05.840>
research legislative analyst with house research legislative analyst with house - that are covered in some of our house that are covered in some of our house research<00:26:34.640
Summary:
The House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met for an introductory, familiarization-only session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and House Fiscal Staff provided a budget overview for the committee’s elections-related jurisdiction. That overview covered the Office of the Secretary of State, including a requested $200,000 one-time general fund match to draw down additional federal HAVA funds released in 2024, and the presidential primary, which is an open statutory appropriation that reimburses state and local costs in even-numbered election years. It also reviewed the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board’s operations budget, the public subsidy program’s statutory and taxpayer checkoff funding, and the Voting Operations and Elections Resources account, which is funded at $3 million annually for local election-related costs.
Members asked questions about the HAVA match, including whether the funds were tied to the most recent election cycle and what specific goals or security-related uses the Secretary of State’s request would support. Staff said they would need to research the details further and would share responses with the full committee. One member also raised broader concerns about non-state money entering elections and the need for clear guidance and oversight; staff said that area was beyond their expertise but could be researched further. The chair noted that the Secretary of State would appear at a future meeting and encouraged members to submit questions for shared follow-up.
House Research then gave an overview of the committee’s government operations jurisdiction. Staff explained that the committee historically deals with structural and administrative issues such as agency organization, rulemaking, boards and commissions, state contracting, state IT services, emergency management, and state symbols and recognition days. They emphasized the committee’s role in maintaining consistency and compatibility across state government and in considering the balance between legislative authority and executive-branch discretion. Staff also noted overlap with State Government Finance for fiscal matters and said they would return for more detailed discussion if members wanted it.
The final presentation introduced local government concepts. House Research outlined Minnesota’s local government structure, including counties, cities, towns, and special districts, and explained terms such as political subdivision, home rule charter, and Dillon’s rule. The presentation described local governments as creatures of the state, reviewed home rule charter and general welfare authority, and noted that local government powers are defined by statute unless otherwise provided. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:07:12.440>
first day Journal of the house first day Journal of the house first legislative - <00:16:09.040>
of couldn't be luckier in the house of couldn't be luckier in the house of - The resolution is pretty self-explanatory, and I urge... Is there any discussion to the resolution?
- The resolution is adopted.
- The resolution is adopted.
Summary:
The House opened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call, then approved the prior day’s journal and confirmed a quorum. The main business was organizing the chamber for the 2025–26 session, beginning with the election of Pat Murphy as chief clerk. Members from both parties praised Murphy’s long service, parliamentary knowledge, work on remote voting during COVID, and commitment to youth programs and the integrity of the House. After nominations closed, Murphy was elected by a 67-0 vote and took the oath of office.
The House then adopted a resolution allowing the remaining front-desk officers and assistant sergeant at arms to be elected on a single roll call unless there was more than one nominee for an office. Representative Niska nominated Stephanie Miller, Kathy Carlson, Erica Brinson, Andrew Olen, and Carl Hamry, and the slate was approved by voice vote. The House also elected Lori Hadap as chief sergeant at arms by a 67-0 vote after nominations and supportive remarks about her law-enforcement background, security work, and responsiveness to members; she then took the oath of office.
After the chamber was organized, the House adopted resolutions directing the chief clerk to notify the Senate that the House was duly organized and appointing a four-member committee to notify the governor. The appointed committee consisted of Representatives Paul Anderson, John Koznick, Ben Bakeberg, and Max Rymer, who reported back that the governor had been notified. Members also observed a moment of silence honoring former Representative Mary Murphy for her long service. The House then set its next meeting for 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Working Group 1/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But first things first, I'll kick it to Miss Clark and Miss Mack to talk about the House Research Department
- 22.320>
Miss <00:01:22.520>Clark <00:01:23.159>and Miss Mack to talk about the House - Representative Backer, I will just run through quickly the nonpartisan staff roles, so you have the House
- Myself, I'm with House Fiscal.
- Members, I’m Elizabeth Clark Vist from House Research.
Summary:
The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars.
A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA.
The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 1/15/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- I call this Committee on House Rules and Legislative Administration to order.
- Next, we have the 2025 R11 resolution. I moved to approve the 2025 R11 resolution.
- Seeing no further discussion, I renew my motion to move the 2025 R11 resolution.
- <00:01:59.360>
today participating in this resolution today participating in this resolution - >
that opposed the resolution is adopted that opposed the resolution is adopted that is<00:03:
Summary:
The House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee met to approve the prior day’s minutes and then considered 2025 R11, a resolution to retain outside counsel for the House in connection with pending legal matters. The chair explained that the resolution followed the general format of a prior LCC resolution and was needed so the House could defend itself in lawsuits challenging its legislative business after members were sworn in. The resolution was amended to insert the names Nicholas Nelson, Samuel Deal, and Ryan Wilson.
Representative Niska stated that the named attorneys are colleagues from his outside law practice and that he had no private interest in the resolution; he said he was not participating in the matter and that nonpartisan staff were documenting that fact. Representative Nash asked about the attorneys’ prior work in a ballot-access case involving Donald Trump, and the chair confirmed that the same lawyers had represented Hortman, Long, and Holland in that litigation and had prevailed in the case.
There was no public testimony and no further discussion. The committee adopted the 2025 R11 resolution by voice vote, and the meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Opening Day of the Ninety-fourth Session of the Minnesota Legislature 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota Statute 5.05, it becomes my duty as your Secretary of State to call the members of the Minnesota House
- day to celebrate for returning members, welcome back for new members elect, welcome to the Minnesota House
- Representatives<00:01:28.960>
and <00:01:29.200>welcome <00:01:29.600>to House - of Representatives and welcome to House of Representatives and welcome to Minnesota<00:01:30.720>
- The House may not conduct any further business and the House of Representatives— Mr.
Summary:
The Minnesota House convened for the opening of the legislative session, with Secretary of State Steve Simon calling the body to order, welcoming returning and newly elected members, and appointing Representative-elect Peggy Scott as clerk pro tem. Pastor Ben M. of Watermark Church in Stillwater, identified as the son-in-law of Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, delivered the opening prayer, asking for blessing, unity, wisdom, mercy, and truth for members and their families. The members then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The clerk pro tem conducted a roll call by district and recorded members present. After noting that 133 certificates of election were on file, Chief Judge Jennifer L. Frisch administered the oath of office to the members-elect, who swore to support the U.S. and Minnesota constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties. The House then congratulated the members.
A subsequent quorum check found only 67 members present, which was not enough to meet the constitutional quorum requirement. The Secretary of State ruled that the House could not conduct further business because no quorum was present. After that ruling, a motion was made to appeal the no-quorum determination.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 1/14/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll be voting on House resolutions that are required to get the House in order.
- Chair, members, this is the resolution on House chaplain compensation.
- > Majority House minority leader House Majority House minority leader House Majority Whip<00:16:34.399
- Seeing none, I will renew my motion to adopt the R7 resolution. wanted to note that the house roster
- Miss Knight, if we do not adopt this resolution today, where does that leave the House? Mr.
Summary:
The House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of annual housekeeping resolutions governing House operations and member/staff policies. The committee heard brief explanations from House Controller Pete Squa and HR Director Kelly Knight on each item, including the 2025 P1 service award policy, donated time policy, compensatory time and time card policy, interim/per diem classification, legal fees policy, staff photo/digital image fees, chaplain compensation, leadership compensation, member expense reimbursement, member stationery allocation, postage and digital constituent communications, member communication reimbursement, alcohol consumption policy, remote work policy, drug use policy, and the high school page/internship program reimbursement policy.
Most resolutions were adopted without controversy, often with only minor clarifications or no changes from prior years. Notable changes included clarifying donated time limits, refining compensatory time language, updating leadership compensation positions to reflect the new organization, adding a Greater Minnesota mileage option in the member expense reimbursement policy, removing obsolete long-distance reimbursement language from member communication reimbursements, updating the alcohol policy location reference to the Centennial Office Building, and increasing high school page reimbursement from $10 to $15 per day. The committee also noted the House roster staff roster is on file with the controller as required by House Rule 8.20.
Two items were set aside for further review: the P5 legal fees resolution was tabled after members raised questions about prior use of the policy and whether the language should be revised in light of past circumstances, and the R5 postage/digital constituent communications resolution was also tabled after Representative Schultz proposed allowing members to choose either 100% digital communications or a 70% digital/30% postage split. The R9 drug use policy was likewise tabled after Representative Engen asked whether changes in state marijuana law affected the policy. All other resolutions brought to a vote were approved and adopted, and the committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the legal speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- <00:03:34.519>
of take the work here uh in the House of take the work here uh in the House - interfere in the operations of the House interfere in the operations of the House of<00:04:27.840
- <00:07:00.039>
of meet here in the House of meet here in the House of Representatives<00:07 - to come in I am the speaker of the house to come in I am the speaker of the house and<00:08:36.120
Summary:
The transcript centers on the Minnesota House organizing itself at the start of session, with House Republicans asserting that 67 members were present, enough to elect a Speaker and begin operating, while 66 Democrats were absent. The speaker and other Republican leaders argued that the House has authority over its own quorum rules, internal rules, and presiding officers, and that the Secretary of State does not have constitutional authority to control House organization or adjourn the chamber. They said the Secretary of State’s adjournment was improper and indicated the dispute would likely be resolved by the Minnesota Supreme Court if challenged.
The Speaker said she was honored to serve, emphasized working for Minnesotans, and said committees would begin meeting later in the week. Republicans framed their agenda around public safety, fraud prevention, fiscal restraint, and affordability, and repeatedly called on Democrats to return to the chamber and “get to work.” They also said they were open to continued negotiations, but only if Democrats were reasonable and present.
Questions from reporters focused on the legal basis for proceeding after the Secretary of State adjourned the session, the likelihood of court review, and whether Republicans would follow any Supreme Court ruling. The Speaker said they would comply with court decisions but were confident in their position. She also said the House would meet again at noon the next day and that the status of members who did not take the oath in the chamber would be reviewed if they appeared.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Opening of the 2025 legislative session in Minnesota House 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota Statute 5.05, it becomes my duty as your Secretary of State to call the members of the Minnesota House
- celebrate for returning members, elect, welcome back for new members elect, welcome to the Minnesota House
- 39.760>
Minnesota members elect welcome to the Minnesota members elect welcome to the Minnesota House - Representatives<00:00:41.399>
and <00:00:41.640>welcome <00:00:42.079>to House - of Representatives and welcome to House of Representatives and welcome to Minnesota<00:00:43.160>
Summary:
The Minnesota House was called to order by the Secretary of State at noon for the opening of the session, with remarks welcoming both returning and newly elected members and emphasizing the significance of their service to Minnesota. Representative-elect Peggy Scott was appointed Clerk Pro Tem.
Pastor Ben Mayatt of Watermark Church in Stillwater, identified as the son-in-law of Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, delivered the opening prayer. His prayer asked for blessings on members, their families, and staff, and stressed unity, wisdom, discernment, mercy, and truth as the House begins its work.
After the prayer, members and guests stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and then were seated. No bills were debated and no votes were taken in this portion of the proceedings.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Opening Day of the Ninety-fourth Session of the Minnesota Legislature 1/14/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House may not conduct any further business and the House of Representatives... Mr.
- House chamber.
- Representative Nisa offers the following resolution, and the clerk will report the resolution.
- Representative Nisa offers the following resolution. The clerk will read the resolution.
- > an resolution since the resolution is an resolution since the resolution is an expenditure<01:11
Summary:
The House convened for the opening of the 2025-2026 Minnesota legislative session. Secretary of State Steve Simon called the chamber to order, appointed a clerk pro tem, and Pastor Ben Mayatt delivered the prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk then conducted the roll call, and after an initial dispute over quorum and authority, the House determined that 67 members were present, establishing a quorum.
The main business was organizing the House. Members nominated and seconded Representative Lisa Demuth for Speaker, and she was elected on a 67-0 roll call vote. After taking the oath, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing service, civility, bipartisan cooperation, accountability, and focusing on practical results for Minnesotans. The House also adopted a resolution accepting the findings in the District 40B election contest and declaring a vacancy there, and another resolution adopting temporary House rules for the session, including a committee structure and a fraud prevention/state government oversight committee.
Members then adopted a resolution authorizing necessary House employees to continue working, and the Speaker announced appointments for Speaker pro tempore, Deputy Speaker pro tempore, and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. The House also approved permanent desk assignments for the Republican and DFL caucuses. The session ended with announcements about a reception and a Rules Committee meeting, followed by adjournment until noon on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/13/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:08.360>
of practice of Minnesota House of practice of Minnesota House of Representatives - <00:14:23.199>
itself ministerial Act and the house itself ministerial Act and the house itself - We can have an election of Lisa Demuth as Speaker of the House.
- <00:26:20.080>
of happens here at the Minnesota House of happens here at the Minnesota House - <00:26:53.159>
of in the Minnesota House of in the Minnesota House of Representatives<00:26
Summary:
Democratic House leaders Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long said Republicans were escalating the Minnesota House organization dispute by refusing to accept power-sharing, threatening to proceed as if they had a two-year majority, and planning to disregard the Secretary of State’s role on the first day of session. They argued that Minnesota law requires the Secretary of State to preside until a quorum is present, and that the House should follow the Minnesota Senate’s example of sharing power when the chamber is tied. They said Democrats had offered a compromise allowing Republicans to act as a majority for the first few weeks while they held a one-seat edge, then revert to the negotiated power-sharing agreement once the House returns to a 67-67 tie.
Much of the discussion focused on the Brad Tabke election contest and whether Republicans could use a temporary majority to remove him or otherwise reorganize the House. Hortman and Long said the swearing-in of members is a ministerial act and does not affect the election contest, citing past Minnesota examples where members were sworn in while legal challenges were pending. They said if Republicans ignore the Secretary of State and try to organize the House without a quorum, Democrats would go to court to argue the House was not duly organized. They also said Republicans’ claims about the disputed district residency issue were misplaced and that the Tabke case should be decided by the courts.
The leaders said Democrats were prepared to use denial of quorum as a backup if no agreement is reached, describing it as a quieter and less disruptive alternative to a long filibuster. They said the confidential swearing-in held the night before was done as an emergency backup because of security concerns and the possibility that quorum might be denied. They also said they were not worried about Republican recall threats, but warned that if Republicans proceeded with what they called a “kangaroo court,” Democrats might consider recall petitions for malfeasance. No formal vote or legislative action was taken in the exchange, and the leaders said they were still hoping to reach a compromise in later talks with Republican Leader Lisa Demuth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Press Conference 1/6/25
Transcript Highlights:
- It's clear, and legislators are... desks on the house floor ready to get to desks on the house floor
- The court said this goes back to the House, and the House was the final word on that, and the Minnesota
- goes back to the house and the house was goes back to the house and the house was the<00:14:17.880
- the work in the house but if that the work in the house but if that doesn't<00:19:47.000>
happen to work through that but House to work through that but House Republicans<00:19:55.280>will<
Summary:
House Republican leaders, led by Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth and Majority Leader Harry Niska, outlined their priorities for the upcoming Minnesota House session and said they intend to use an organizational majority to advance their agenda. They said their focus will be on stopping fraud, making government more accountable, reducing taxes and fees, and addressing affordability, energy costs, public safety, education, and permitting reform. Specific proposals mentioned included repealing the tax on Social Security benefits, rolling back automatic gas tax increases, repealing the nuclear moratorium, and changing state programs they said should be limited to people in the country legally.
A central theme was the creation of a new House committee on fraud and agency oversight, which Republicans said will have subpoena power and be chaired by Rep. Kristin Robbins. They said the committee will investigate known fraud, review agency internal controls, and press agencies for information on staffing, office space, and cost savings. Rep. Jim Nash also described a proposed “fraud note” scoring system to rate agencies on whether they have implemented Office of the Auditor’s recommendations, with the goal of informing appropriations decisions.
On education and public safety, Niska said Republicans want fewer mandates and higher standards in schools, citing low reading and math proficiency, and leaders said they want stronger accountability for repeat and juvenile offenders. They also said they expect committee chairs to be Republican, may reduce Democratic committee seats if Democrats do not show up, and are not planning a power-sharing agreement unless the chamber returns to a true tie. They discussed the pending court case involving Rep. Brad Tabke, a possible recall process for absent legislators, remote voting rules, and a special election timeline, while insisting they expect Democrats to appear on the first day of session and that they will proceed with organizing the House and electing a speaker on January 14.