Courts Alter Political Landscape

Just before close of business last Friday (January 16), two separate courts handed down opinions that will impact the 2025 legislative session. One decision, by a District Court in Becker County, granted the request of Senator Nicole Mitchell to postpone her trial for felony burglary charges until after the legislative session. It had been scheduled to begin next week. The second decision, by the Minnesota Supreme Court, determined that a special election to fill a House seat vacated by a newly-elected candidate had been scheduled prematurely. The winner of the general election (DFL – Curtis Johnson) was disqualified by a judge over residency concerns. While there will be a special election on January 28 for the open Senate seat, following Senator Dziedzic’s passing, the previously scheduled House special election has been cancelled and is expected to take place in early March.

The Republican members of the House of Representatives continued to meet in floor session and attend committee hearings this week, while the DFL members called the actions a “sham.” Boycotting the start of the legislative session with the intention of preventing a quorum, DFL members continue to insist that the House is not duly organized. On Thursday, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case brought against the Republicans by the DFL members. While it is unknown how long the Court will take to consider and decide the case, many are hoping that they will weigh in yet today (Friday).

Permanent House Rules?

While we wait for the Minnesota Supreme Court decision on the legitimacy of the House’s official actions, House Republicans continue to apply pressure for their DFL colleagues to return to the Capitol. On Monday of next week (January 27), the House is expected to pass permanent Rules of the House, which among other things, would deny per diem payments to members who are absent from session. The full, proposed Rules of the House, along with additional amendments that were also included in the final version, can be found here.

Campaign Finance Board Releases Lobbyist Report

Following significant changes passed in 2023 to laws regarding what constitutes lobbying and who is considered a lobbyist, the 2024 Legislature delayed implementation of many of the changes. At the same time, the legislature requested a report from the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, seeking recommendations from the Board. Last week, the Board published their final report, though in some instances declined to make recommendations on the most controversial issues. Instead they laid out the differing opinions they found while studying the issues. The full report is linked to on their homepage.

Governor Releases Capital Investment Recommendations

On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz released recommendations for state investment in capital projects. The projected plan is just shy of $900 million, and includes $790 million in general obligations bonds and $97 million in trunk highway cash. Along with a list of specific projects, the plan identifies $40 million for local projects to be determined by the legislature. The full recommendations can be found on the Minnesota Management and Budget website.

Key Upcoming Dates Relating to the 2025 Legislative Session

  • Unknown, but possibly as early as today: Minnesota Supreme Court to rule on issue of quorum and whether House is duly organized
  • January 28: Special Election for SD60
  • February 3: Anticipated swearing in of winner of SD60 Special Election, at which point Senate power sharing agreement may end
  • February 28: MMB February Budget Forecast released
  • March TBD: Special Election for HD40B
  • March or April TBD: Legislative Deadlines
  • April TBD: Traditional Legislative Break
  • May 19: Last day of the legislative session
  • July 1: Government shutdown begins if new budget isn’t passed

January 24, 2025