Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We are now in the second week of session since my Democrat colleagues finally decided to show up for work… and it’s about time! While their delay may have slowed things down, my Republican colleagues and I wasted no time getting to work for the people of Minnesota. Committees are in full swing, and we’re making steady progress on key legislation—even after the initial holdup caused by the Supreme Court’s ruling on quorum requirements.
Minnesotans deserve real solutions that make life more affordable, protect our communities, and hold government accountable. While we may have different approaches, my priority remains clear: delivering meaningful results that benefit hardworking families across our state.
I’m honored to serve and excited for the work ahead. Let’s get things done!
Protecting Fairness in Girls' Sports
As a strong supporter of girls' athletics, I believe every young woman deserves a fair and equal opportunity to compete. Growing up, sports were a huge part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how athletics build confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. But for competition to be meaningful, it has to be fair.
That’s why I support House File 12, the Preserving Girls’ Sports Act, authored by Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover). This bill ensures that girls’ sports remain just that—fair—by requiring that only females can compete in female-designated teams at the elementary and secondary school levels.
Recently, a Feb. 5 presidential executive order reinforced what many of us already know to be true: only females assigned at birth should compete in girls’ and women’s sports. Despite this clear directive, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has hesitated to implement the order, citing potential conflicts with state law.
HF12 ensures that Minnesota law aligns with common sense—that girls' sports remain for girls. This is not about exclusion; it’s about fairness and safety. Women have fought for decades for equal opportunities in athletics, and we cannot allow those hard-earned victories to be erased. Minnesota’s high school sports records show just how significant the biological differences are: the boys’ long jump record outpaces the girls’ by nearly five feet, the 400-meter dash sees a seven-second gap, and the shot put difference is over 11 feet. These disparities exist across nearly every sport, proving the need for clear policies that protect female athletes.
This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting the integrity of girls' sports and honoring what generations of women fought for through Title IX. We have separate divisions in sports for a reason: to ensure fairness and safety. I fully support this legislation because I want young female athletes to know that their achievements matter, their opportunities will be protected, and that Minnesota will stand up for fairness in competition. As a father of four daughters, I feel a deep responsibility to protect the integrity of women’s sports—we owe it to our daughters, granddaughters, and future generations of female athletes to preserve the integrity of women’s sports.
Strengthening Accountability and Streamlining Elections: Advancing HF 2
I’m proud to sponsor House File 2, a critical piece of legislation that tackles fraud head-on by requiring mandatory and immediate reporting by state employees if they suspect fraud in any program administered by their agency. As it moves through committee, we are working diligently with the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Auditor to ensure this bill creates an effective, transparent process. The Office of Legislative Auditor plays a key role in enhancing the accountability of government operations. They conduct audits and reviews that help identify inefficiencies and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent properly. Their independent oversight provides vital information to keep our government functioning for the people it serves.
In addition to fighting fraud, we are also addressing the growing concerns around early voting in Minnesota. While both Republicans and Democrats are mastering the art of early voting and driving massive voter turnout, it’s essential we balance accessibility with efficiency.
That’s why my bill seeks to streamline the process by shortening the early voting period to 28 days, setting a firm 3 p.m. deadline on election day, and requiring absentee results to be uploaded the same day as the election. This will not only make the system more efficient but also ensure quicker and more reliable results for voters across the state.
Together, these initiatives represent our commitment to making Minnesota’s government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of its citizens. By tackling fraud and improving the voting process, we can make Minnesota a better place to live and work for everyone.
Stay Connected
If you want to be part of our anti-fraud efforts, I encourage you to follow us on Facebook at MN House Committee on Fraud and Oversight and on X: @MN_Fraud_Cmte.
Your input is essential as we navigate the 2025-2026 Legislative Session. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, questions, or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-0172 or via email at rep.ben.davis@house.mn.gov. Thank you for your continued support!
God Bless!
Representative Ben Davis
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 6A