Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution 46'
Page 127 of 500
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.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> The House will come to order today.
- A closer look. >> There being no quorum under the Minnesota Constitution, the House is adjourned until
Summary:
The House convened briefly and opened with silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk pro tem then took the roll.
After the roll call, it was determined that there was no quorum present under the Minnesota Constitution. As a result, no legislative business was conducted.
The House was adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/28/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Crazy to me today, um, well, we again thought that House Democrats, um, at least one would be found in
- Paul doing the work that we've been elected to do, House Republicans still also work in their districts
- <00:10:38.600>
pay <00:10:39.240>and We are all getting our legislative pay, and House
Summary:
House Republican leaders spoke to reporters about the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Democrats had still not returned to the chamber and that no meaningful progress had been made toward a power-sharing deal. They rejected claims by Rep. Hortman that the sides were closer to an agreement, saying the same proposal had been offered for about 15 days and that any deal would first require Democrats to “show up to work.” Republicans also said they were open to written negotiations on a tie arrangement, but only if the terms were new and acceptable to both sides.
The discussion focused heavily on the consequences of the absent Democrats and the Republicans’ efforts to keep legislative work moving. GOP members said they were still meeting with constituents, discussing bill ideas, and preparing work on capital investment, roads, bridges, wastewater, school funding, and budget issues. They emphasized priorities such as stopping fraud, improving reading outcomes, public safety, and limiting taxes and wasteful spending, while also saying agencies had previously been told not to attend Republican-led committee hearings and that they hoped those meetings could resume.
Republicans also addressed questions about pay and per diem, saying members were still receiving legislative salary but not per diem and arguing that lawmakers who do not show up should face penalties, including loss of pay. They said such penalties would need to be authorized by the Rules Committee. On other matters, they said there was nothing new to announce on possible legal action, they had not yet fully reviewed the president’s funding freeze, and they were open to meeting again with Rep. Hortman, including at 3:30 the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/28/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to respect the will of voters and the will of Minnesota voters, and sending a tie to the Minnesota House
- I would say that negotiating this agreement between the House GOP and the House DFL is far less complicated
- If we have resolution this week, we will have six weeks of GOP leadership and then nine weeks of shared
- are in week three of conflict if we we are in week three of conflict if we have<00:06:14.400>
resolution - this week we will have have resolution this week we will have six<00:06:16.840>
weeks <00:06:17.360
Summary:
Legislative leaders held a brief media availability focused on ongoing negotiations between House Republicans and House Democrats over a governing agreement. The speakers said they had met for several hours that morning, described the talks as making substantial progress, and said the number of unresolved issues had narrowed significantly. They declined to discuss specifics, but emphasized that both sides had moved from their initial positions and that nonpartisan staff were helping with the talks.
The discussion also touched on a federal funding pause announced by the Trump administration. Democrats said the federal action underscored the need to return to the Capitol and hold hearings on impacts to public safety, veterans, schools, and health care, while noting the potential effect on Minnesota could be as much as $1.9 billion a month. They said the federal issue was separate from the House negotiations, though they hoped for a governing agreement so lawmakers could address it together.
In response to questions about whether there had been real traction, the leaders said the talks had seen dark moments but that continued meetings and the narrowing of issues were meaningful signs. They expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached this week, with one leader framing each passing day as one less day of GOP-only governance potential. No votes or formal actions were taken during the availability.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> House will come to order, members.
- The House will adjourn until 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, 1/29/2025.
Summary:
The House briefly convened, opened with a moment of silent reflection, and members recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk pro tem took the roll, and the clerk then closed the roll. No bills, testimony, debate, votes, or other substantive legislative actions were taken before adjournment.
The House adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- they would need to pass off the house they would need to pass off the house floor<00:02:28.400><
- committee equal numbers of house committee equal numbers of house Democrats<00:02:42.080>
and - <00:02:42.239>
House Democrats and House Democrats and House Republicans<00:02:44.040> - to have um dispute resolution got to have um dispute resolution figured<00:12:23.880>
out <00: - I think Secretary Joan Groh convened the House three or four times before the House members were able
Summary:
On January 27, 2025, Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman and Representative D. Dibble said they had resumed negotiations after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a quorum in the House is 68. They said the ruling brought Republicans back to the table and clarified that actions taken by Republicans between January 14 and January 24 had no legal effect because the House was not validly organized. Both said they had spent several hours over the weekend and that talks were making gradual progress, though no final agreement had been reached.
The main issue remained power-sharing in a tied House. Hortman said the DFL wants Republicans to run the chamber only until the House returns to a 67-67 tie, at which point the parties would implement the previously negotiated shared-governance agreement with co-chairs, equal committee membership, and a co-speaker. She said Republicans instead want to continue operating as if they had a majority. Hortman also said the DFL was looking for ways to make the interim Republican-majority period meaningful, including possible permanent committee arrangements, while still preserving the principle of shared power once the tie is restored.
A second major topic was the GOP effort to remove Representative Brad Tabke. Hortman and Dibble said Tabke had won his seat three times—on Election Day, in a recount, and in court—and argued that removing him would be an undemocratic precedent. They also said the Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed that Secretary of State Steve Simon was properly presiding over the House under the quorum rules. In response to questions about pay for absent members, Hortman said legislative pay is set by the Constitution and statute and that no action without a quorum could change it. They said they had exchanged roughly 10 written offers since January 13 and hoped to reach an agreement soon, possibly by the end of the week.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as you can tell from the House of Representatives today, a quorum was not found.
- He is regarded right now as a member of the House. He has a seat. He has a button.
- He is regarded right now as a member of the House. He has a seat. He has a button.
- He is regarded right now as a member of the House. He has a seat. He has a button.
- <00:07:06.400>
of contentiousness here in the House of contentiousness here in the House of
Summary:
House Republican leaders held a press availability focused on the ongoing Minnesota House stalemate caused by the absence of Democratic members, which left the chamber without a quorum. Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska said Republicans were present and ready to work, argued that Democrats were refusing to attend session, and said the Secretary of State had not allowed motions to be taken on the floor. They also criticized Secretary of State Steve Simon for adjourning the House and for not recognizing Republican motions or members.
Niska described a proposed motion under Article 4, Section 13 of the Minnesota Constitution that would have compelled absent members to attend the next session and would have withheld their legislative salary and per diem until they returned. He said the motion was blocked and argued that the Constitution gives the House authority to compel attendance and impose penalties. The leaders repeatedly said Democrats needed to “show up for work,” and said the situation was delaying negotiations over a power-sharing agreement and other House business.
The discussion also touched on Representative Brad Tabke, whose seat has been part of the dispute. Republicans said Tabke had not appeared in the chamber and that his absence was not helping negotiations. Demuth said Republicans would return the next day at 3:30 p.m. and continue working if Democrats appeared. No votes were taken, and no motion was adopted during the availability.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain. Good afternoon. It's a privilege to be here.
- c><00:05:46.160>
not <00:05:46.680>present <00:05:47.680>the <00:05:47.840>house - role a quorum is not present the house role a quorum is not present the house is<00:05:48.160>
Summary:
The House convened with a chaplain’s prayer delivered by Pastor Ryan Brilley of Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota. The prayer focused on wonder, attention, and noticing the “burning bushes” in everyday life, drawing on the story of Moses and quoting Abraham Heschel in asking for grace, awe, and mystery.
The presiding member then noted that January 27 was Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and asked members to observe a moment of silence in honor of those who perished in the Holocaust. Members stood for the Pledge of Allegiance afterward.
No legislation was debated or acted on. The clerk took the roll, and the House was informed that a quorum was not present. As a result, the House adjourned until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Press Conference 1/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also the chair of the new Fraud and State Agency Oversight Committee in the House, and I'm here to
- that for six years, while the worst of this fraud has been going on, the House has never had a hearing
- But these are committee members and other members of the Minnesota House Republican caucus, and we are
- that for six years, while the worst of this fraud has been going on, the House has never had a hearing
- But these are committee members and other members of the Minnesota House Republican caucus, and we are
Summary:
Representative Kristin Robbins, chair of the new House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Committee, said the committee’s first public hearing was canceled and used the meeting to outline its planned work. She said the committee had invited DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead to discuss fraud during her tenure, but Harpstead declined, and the committee instead planned to hear from Bill Glan of the Center of the American Experiment about his fraud and waste tracker. Robbins framed the committee’s mission as oversight of state government fraud, citing the Feeding Our Future case and other ongoing investigations, and said the work was not partisan.
Robbins said the committee would also hold hearings on specific areas such as CCAP and medical transportation, along with other issues raised by whistleblowers. She said she had heard from at least two dozen whistleblowers in the prior week, including people from multiple state agencies and private-sector grant administrators, and described efforts to protect their confidentiality. She also said she is authoring a bill to expand whistleblower protections and that the committee is setting up a whistleblower portal.
In response to questions, Robbins said she had a private meeting scheduled with Harpstead before her departure from office and said the committee could schedule another hearing if the House is able to meet with a quorum. She said she hoped for bipartisan participation, emphasized that neither party wants taxpayer money wasted, and said the committee would continue meeting and organizing hearings as soon as possible.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House DFL Media Availability 1/24/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the number of people it takes to transact business in the Minnesota House
- It's time now for the House GOP to recognize the will of the voters of Shakopee.
- When does the stalemate begin to affect the work product of the House?
- Just the practicality of it is that when the House is tied, 67-67, the Minnesota House can't do anything
- um the Minnesota house can't do 6767 um the Minnesota house can't do anything<00:16:11.519>
unless
Summary:
Minnesota House Democrats reacted to the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling that a quorum in the House is 68, saying the decision confirms that neither party can act alone and that Republicans and Democrats must negotiate to organize the chamber. They argued that the GOP’s actions over the prior two weeks were illegitimate once Secretary of State Steve Simon determined there was no quorum, and said all committee activity and the election of a presiding officer during that period were not valid.
A major focus was the status of Rep. Brad Tabke’s seat in Shakopee. Democrats said Republicans were trying to use a temporary one-seat advantage to oust Tabke despite his election win, recount victory, and court ruling, which they said found it mathematically impossible that he lost. They said they would not return to the Capitol unless Republicans agreed not to remove him and to respect the voters’ will.
Democrats said they were still open to a negotiated power-sharing deal and emphasized that such agreements should be in writing. They described their current offer as allowing Republicans to run the chamber while they hold a one-seat advantage, with committee members from the DFL not voting, and then moving to full power sharing if the House returns to a tie. They said the special election timeline was not changed by the court ruling and that the governor could still issue the writ on February 5, with the session having begun on January 14.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 1/23/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- c> so<00:46:03.480>
the <00:46:03.599>redbard <00:46:04.280>we <00:46:04.440> - projects<00:46:12.960>
to <00:46:13.160>date <00:46:13.720>is <00:46:13.960> - <00:46:30.040>
review <00:46:30.440>costs <00:46:31.280>and <00:46:31.440> - :31.880>
are <00:46:32.040>about <00:46:32.280>30% <00:46:33.079>of <00:46 - >
costs <00:46:35.280>and <00:46:35.400>so <00:46:35.520>if <00:46:35.599>
Summary:
The committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on its report about Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. The presenters said the report was based on research by Barr Engineering and the Policy Navigation Group and argued that permitting delays can discourage investment and make Minnesota less competitive for manufacturing, mining, energy, clean tech, and other industrial projects. They highlighted that Tier 1 permits are generally issued quickly, but Tier 2 air and water permits often take much longer than the state’s 150-day goal, with some median timelines ranging from 419 to 771 days for Tier 2 air permits and similar delays for industrial water permits. The report also said Minnesota’s permit timelines were longer than peer states and estimated that reducing delays could increase annual output by $260 million to $910 million and support 960 to 3,400 additional full-time-equivalent jobs per year.
Committee members asked about which businesses fall under Tier 2 permits, the economic impact of permitting delays, and whether the Chamber had discussed the report with the governor or MPCA. The presenters said Tier 2 permits typically involve higher-emitting facilities such as manufacturing, utilities, mining, and other industrial operations, and that the economic estimates were based on modeling rather than exact lost-job counts. They also noted that the governor had been briefed and that MPCA had been invited to the hearing but did not attend.
The committee then took up House File 8, which Chair Heintzeman said is intended to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He described provisions that would reduce the number of 60-day wetland application extensions, require MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, break out data on missed timelines by municipal versus industrial applicants, treat failure to meet the 150-day Tier 2 deadline as a final action subject to judicial review, and require quicker notice when applications are incomplete. He also outlined sections that would allow separate construction and operating permits, expand expedited permitting, and change environmental assessment worksheet petition rules. The bill was moved to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and the discussion began, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the bill is shown.