The Minnesota Legislative Session Begins…With a Whimper

The 2021 legislative session is off and running, but the ghosts of 2020 continue to linger. We began the legislative session in a similar way to how we were all sent home from the 2020 legislative session last March. We know we are moving forward, but it is virtual and completely unlike anything we have ever experienced, and with many things still unknown. With that in mind here are FIVE new things that are true today.

New Voting Technology

During the seven special sessions that took place in 2020, the House did not have many roll call votes, as in order to do so, they had to read the names of all 134 members (many of them twice as they missed the first time) and listen for their vote. This took a substantial amount of time. The House has now installed remote access voting, which requires fingerprint confirmation that the actual member is casting their own virtual vote. While this process is still slower than having everyone in the chamber, it is light-years faster than full voice roll call voting.

New Channels

Both the House and Senate have increased the number of channels they have available for providing live webcasts of hearings and floor sessions. This should allow for all (or nearly all) committee hearings to be broadcast live. House webcast and Senate webcast schedules are both available online, including many press conferences in addition to hearings and floor sessions.

Zoom Zoom

Remember the old Mazda commercials? Committee hearings and floor sessions will take place at least partly with Zoom in both the House and Senate. Both bodies have some members participating in-person on the floor, but most activity is taking place via Zoom. The Senate has indicated they would like to move to hybrid Zoom/in-person meetings within a few weeks, but the House is expected to maintain fully remote hearings for the foreseeable future.

No Public Access

For the time being, the public, including the lobbying community, is being asked to stay away from the Capitol grounds, including legislative offices. Not surprisingly, there is discussion of allowing some public access, but it is not without significant controversy. Concerns include who will decide who has access if it is limited and the fairness of allowing public access for those who brave it, while others must stay away due to health concerns.

Budget Date

This one isn’t really all that new, but it’s important. Governor Tim Walz’s proposed budget is expected to be announced on January 26.  There is increased optimism that state and local budgets may be improved by further federal action.

January 8, 2021