Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution 308'
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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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 2/4/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- something that we have both emailed previously to just be recognized as elected officials here in the House
- we have filed against the Secretary of State because of not recognizing duly elected members of the House
- not a member of the executive branch can shut down the voice of a duly elected member or body of the House
- floor or in Communications um the house floor or in Communications um I<00:02:40.560>
don't <00 - But as you know, House Republicans have been here every day doing the work.
Summary:
A House Republican spokesperson gave an update on the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Republicans continue to seek formal recognition from the Secretary of State and objecting to what they described as the executive branch blocking duly elected members from being recognized on the House floor. They said the Minnesota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case filed against the Secretary of State over that issue, and they argued that motions had been placed at the desk for several days and that the Secretary’s court filings mischaracterized the parties’ communications.
The spokesperson also said negotiations with Democratic colleagues over starting the session were continuing, describing Democrats as showing increased motivation to reach a deal and attributing that, in part, to public pressure. They said House Republicans have been present and working each day, while criticizing absent Democratic members and noting that more than $200,000 in taxpayer funds has been paid to members who have not shown up. They said another meeting was planned for that evening, with no meeting scheduled yet for the next day.
Questions also touched on recall efforts and the status of Representative Brad Tab. The spokesperson said recall petitions are a separate process handled by the state party and, once initiated, cannot be stopped by House leaders. On seating Representative Brad Tab, they said the House retains authority to judge the eligibility of its own membership and that their position had not changed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- [Applause] The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain. "What an honor to be among you..."
- There being no quorum under the Minnesota Constitution, the House is adjourned. Mr.
- the role there being no quum under the Minesota<00:04:17.880>
Constitution <00:04:18.880>House - Minesota Constitution House Minesota Constitution House ised ised ised ofr<00:04:24.199>
Mr
Summary:
The House convened briefly with a prayer delivered by Pastor Pepe Demerest of Recovery Church in St. Paul, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer emphasized unity, patience, love, and working for the common good.
After the prayer and pledge, the clerk pro tem was directed to take and then close the roll. No quorum was present under the Minnesota Constitution, so the House could not proceed with business.
As a result, no bills, motions, testimony, or votes were taken before adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 2/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that Democrats had a caucus offsite at 1:00 today, but not one of them could show up on the House
- recall petitions against DFL House recall petitions against DFL House members<00:04:57.600>
who - Again, the court opinion that was given, we know that it is up to the House to make the determination
- There wasn't a Democrat House member to be seen anywhere.
- That is an important thing to recognize, that House Republicans have been here every day.
Summary:
House Republican leaders in Minnesota held a press availability focused on the ongoing absence of Democratic members from the House and the resulting inability to organize the chamber. They said it was day 21 of Democrats not showing up, argued that the situation was harming Minnesotans, and tied the impasse to broader issues including fraud cases, declining reading scores, and challenges facing poultry producers affected by avian flu. Republicans said they were continuing to meet among themselves, with constituents, and with interest groups, but that committee work and public testimony were being delayed by the stalemate.
The leaders described negotiations with Democrats as ongoing but said there had been no meaningful movement from the other side. They said they met that morning, planned to meet again later in the afternoon, and hoped for a substantive offer. They also said they were open to discussing common-sense changes, including ways to compel attendance, and noted that recall petitions against absent DFL House members were reportedly being prepared by the state party. One Republican said the party was committed to passing a budget on time but warned that Democrats’ posture could threaten state government later in the year if the dispute continued.
A separate issue discussed was a lawsuit over Secretary of State Steve Simon’s refusal to recognize motions made by the smaller number of members present. Republicans said the motion at issue remained on the desk and that the Minnesota Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the case on Thursday. They also discussed the possibility of a special election in House District 40B and said March 17 could be a key date if that election occurs. The group ended by saying they hoped to have more to report at a press conference the next day.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain. Chaplain: Good afternoon.
- There being no quorum under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, the House is adjourned until
- constitution of the state of Minnesota constitution of the state of Minnesota the<00:03:52.000>
house - the house is adjourned until 3:30 p.m. the house is adjourned until 3:30 p.m.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, with Reverend Sarah Morse of Hazel Park Congregational United Church of Christ serving as chaplain. The clerk pro tem then began the roll call.
No quorum was present under the Minnesota Constitution, so no legislative business was conducted. The House was adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> The House will come to order.
- There being no quorum under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, the House is adjourned until
Summary:
The House convened briefly, opened with a moment of silent reflection in place of a chaplain, and then recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After the roll was taken, the clerk pro tem closed the roll.
No quorum was present under the Minnesota Constitution, so no legislative business was conducted. The House adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/30/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Republicans were here ready to do the work.
- the House.
- House. House.
- To the campaign the House campaign? To the campaign the House campaign?
- And that is typical in the House No.
Summary:
House Republicans held a press availability focused on the ongoing Minnesota House stalemate and their decision to file a lawsuit in the Minnesota Supreme Court against Secretary of State Steve Simon. Representative Niska said Simon, acting as presiding officer, had refused for four straight days to recognize him to make motions that a lesser number than a quorum is constitutionally allowed to consider. Republicans argued Simon exceeded his authority by preventing even discussion of those motions and by unilaterally controlling adjournment, while saying the House members present have the power to adjourn day to day and compel absent members.
The proposed motion at issue would impose penalties on absent lawmakers, including fines equal to lost salary for days not present and ineligibility for per diem for the session. Niska cited precedent from other states, including Indiana and Texas, to support the idea that a minority can enforce quorum-related penalties, and said Minnesota case law does not address a prolonged quorum break like the current one. He said the lawsuit seeks only to require Simon to stay within constitutional bounds as presiding officer, not to remove him from the role entirely.
Niska said the filing was being made that day, with courtesy copies delivered to Simon, and that the legal team is from his own law firm and would be paid privately, likely with campaign funds. He said there had been no talks with Democratic leaders that day, but he remained open to a serious offer. Republicans said they would be in the chamber every day next week at 3:30 p.m. unless Democrats returned sooner, and that there would be no gavel-in the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Press Conference 1/29/25
Transcript Highlights:
- "This is what was considered House File 7.
- <00:09:19.240>
and of uh vendors that we'd be housing and of uh vendors that we'd be housing - yesterday saying that the White House yesterday saying that the White House was<00:09:22.839>
- <00:10:02.959>
rescinded was resending the White House rescinded was resending the White House - What does that look like for the House Republican?
Summary:
House Public Safety Chair Paul Nney and several colleagues held a press-style discussion promoting a Republican public safety package, described as House File 7 and a set of 13 proposals. The members said the plan is aimed at helping law enforcement, keeping violent offenders off the streets, and increasing accountability in the criminal justice system. Specific proposals mentioned included a 10-year mandatory minimum for first-degree sex trafficking, requiring sex-offense registration even when a court imposes a stayed sentence, new offenses for freeway blocking, reckless fleeing, and conspiring to damage critical infrastructure, and making assault on a peace officer a felony rather than a gross misdemeanor.
The group also emphasized transparency measures, including searchable public websites for charging decisions by judges and prosecutors, disclosure of who pays bail for offenders, and legislative approval for sentencing changes proposed by the Sentencing Guidelines Commission. They said the package was previously introduced but not heard by House DFL leadership, and that they plan to resubmit it. They also said they had met with Senate partners and a County Attorneys Association representative, and argued the information sought is already collected and should simply be made publicly searchable.
In response to questions, the chair said the package does not directly address staffing, though members discussed broader law enforcement staffing shortages and training needs. He said academy applications have improved somewhat but will not fully offset retirements, and noted concerns about budget cuts to training funding. On costs, he said a fiscal note had been requested and estimated a separate searchable database could cost about $500,000 to build and maintain. The members also discussed public safety funding, Capitol security, and assaults on officers, saying they want protections expanded to corrections and EMS personnel as well.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/29/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the House of Representatives at this point, we cannot introduce bills. We are working on bills.
- That is what House Republicans continue to do.
- House Republicans can do both. We can work in St.
- addition to back in our districts House addition to back in our districts House Republicans<00:01
- Do you think you're anywhere near convincing maybe one or two House Democrats to show up?
Summary:
House Republican leaders used the briefing to argue that Democrats were absent from the House for the 16th day, calling it a shutdown and saying the absence was preventing the chamber from doing its work. They said Republicans were still meeting in person with constituents, interest groups, pages, and agencies, and were continuing unofficial committee meetings and line-by-line budget work even though formal bill introduction and committee operations were disrupted.
The discussion focused heavily on negotiations over whether any Democrats might return, whether there were talks with Leader Hortman or Leader Long, and whether a power-sharing arrangement was possible. The speaker said there were no direct discussions with Hortman that day, no talks with Long, and no side agreements, but that any Democrat who returned would have a place to work. They rejected the idea of equal power-sharing under the current 67-66 House split and said the immediate issue was simply getting members back to work before the May 19 end of session.
The speaker also said the Supreme Court decision had negated prior work, including bill introductions, and that the House was trying to preserve the historical record while committee videos and bills were restored. They pointed to testimony from school district officials about financial challenges from prior Democratic mandates as an example of the work that had been done before the process was interrupted. No votes were taken, and no new official legislative action was announced.