Legislature Reaches First and Second Bill Deadline

The first and second committee deadline today (Friday) marks a key milestone in the 2026 legislative session. By this date, most policy bills must clear committees or risk being set aside for the year. These deadlines help narrow the field of proposals, allowing lawmakers to focus on the bills with real momentum and begin shaping broader omnibus legislation ahead of the upcoming third deadline for major appropriation and finance bills on April 17. The Legislature is on its Easter/Passover recess beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, March 27, and returning on Tuesday, April 7.

What’s Next

Work on a supplemental budget will begin in earnest after the Easter/Passover break. With a projected $3.7 billion surplus for FY 26–27 and a much smaller surplus of $377 million in FY 28–29, DFLers and Republicans are expected to debate competing interests, including tax relief, targeted investments, capital expenditures and long-term fiscal stability. The narrower FY 28-29 balance is likely to shape a more cautious approach to new spending commitments. Leadership in both chambers, along with Governor Tim Walz, will play a key role in negotiating a final agreement before adjournment.

Senate Approves Rule Change Allowing Children on Floor

After a lengthy—and, at times, emotional—debate on Wednesday, the Minnesota Senate voted 41–25 to change its rules to allow senators to bring their children onto the Senate floor during sessions. The proposal gained momentum after Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten was asked to leave the chamber with her infant, prompting a bipartisan push led by Senators Julia Coleman and Erin Maye Quade to make the workplace more accommodating to parents. Supporters argued the change reflects the realities of long legislative hours and limited childcare, sharing personal stories about balancing public service and parenting, while framing the move as a step toward making elected office more accessible. Opponents raised concerns about decorum, distractions, and fairness, suggesting alternatives such as nearby childcare or remote participation, and unsuccessfully proposed limits on children’s ages and a sunset provision. The final rule, which allows children of any age with leadership approval, took effect immediately, with supporters calling it overdue modernization and critics warning of potential impacts on chamber operations.

Repeal of César Chávez Day Receives Rare Unanimous Vote in House and Senate

Minnesota lawmakers are moving quickly to repeal the state’s César Chávez Day designation, reflecting one of the fastest-moving and most highest-profile issues of the 2026 session. Following recent allegations against Chávez, the House and Senate this week unanimously passed repeal legislation with leaders aiming to finalize the bill before the March 31 holiday. The bill now goes to Governor Tim Walz who is expected to sign the bill.

“Ghost Gun” Ban Stalls in House

HF 3407, a bill to ban “ghost guns,” was heard in the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee this week and failed on a 10-10 tie vote with DFLers voting in favor of the bill and Republicans voting against. The bill sought to prohibit the manufacture, possession, and transfer of firearms lacking serial numbers and to regulate unfinished frames and receivers. Proponents argue HF 3407 would enhance public safety by closing regulatory gaps around unserialized firearms, making weapons more traceable and limiting access to guns that can currently be obtained without background checks. Opponents contend the bill could infringe on Second Amendment rights and impose burdens on lawful gun owners and hobbyists, while raising concerns about enforceability and the regulation of digital design files. The Senate’s version of the “ghost guns” bill, SF 3661, passed the Judiciary Committee and is awaiting action on the Senate Floor.

The legislature will be on break next week, so stay tuned for the next Legi Top 5 on April 10, 2026.

March 27, 2026