4.09 WHO MAY BE ADMITTED TO THE FLOOR. No person shall be admitted within the House Chamber, except members themselves, properly authorized employees, the Chief Executive and ex-governors of the State of Minnesota, members of the Senate, heads of departments of the state government, judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, members of Congress, properly accredited representatives of radio and television stations, newspapers and press associations, as herein provided for, and none other. When a former member of Congress or the Minnesota Legislature or any other person is issued a permit by the Speaker good for the day, that person shall be provided with a seat near the Speaker's rostrum, and at no time shall a conversation be carried on so as to disturb the business of the House. Before issuing the permit, the Speaker shall make certain that the person does not seek the floor of the House for the purpose of influencing decisions of the House.
The alcoves shall be kept for the use of members only, and the Sergeant at Arms shall keep them cleared.
It shall not be in order for the Speaker to entertain a request for the suspension of this Rule, or to present from the Chair the request of any member for unanimous consent unless an extraordinary condition exists, in which event the Speaker may consent to entertain a motion for its suspension.
During the period extending from one hour prior to the time the House is scheduled to convene until one hour after the House adjourns for the day, the retiring room shall be reserved for the exclusive use of the members and employees of the House. No committee meetings shall be held therein except for emergency meetings authorized by the Speaker of the House. The Sergeant at Arms is charged with the duty of strict enforcement of this provision.