Week in Review: Jan. 20-24

DISCLAIMER: On Jan. 24, 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court held that 68 members are necessary to constitute a quorum of the House. This webpage may reflect proceedings that occurred before that decision was issued and are no longer active. See Simon v. Demuth, No. A25-0066 (Minn. Jan. 24, 2025) (consolidated with Hortman et al. v. Demuth et al., No. A25-0068).

Division continued in the House with DFL members remaining absent from the Capitol for a second straight week.

Oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court in the lawsuit over what constitutes a quorum in the 134-member House capped the week Thursday. The DFL side argued that 68 members is a quorum, the Republicans’ side argued that it should be 67 because there are currently just 133 members. Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said the House was “completely dysfunctional.” Now everyone waits for the court’s decision.

Elsewhere in the Capitol Complex, Republicans began holding committee hearings on bills. Issues addressed include Social Security taxes, the READ Act, crime, the nuclear moratorium and fraud.

Have a great weekend, and here’s a look back at what you might have missed.

BUDGET

Budget surplus would be returned to taxpayers under proposed constitutional amendment

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18443

EDUCATION

Modification would allow Minnesota schools to opt out of READ Act mandates

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18440             

ENERGY

Energy committee votes to lift nuclear moratorium, alter renewable deadlines

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18435

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

State needs more efficient environmental permitting to be competitive, bill proponents say

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18444

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Recommendations offered to collect outstanding Medical Assistance overpayments

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18437             

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education committee questions award given by University of Minnesota

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18445             

PUBLIC SAFETY

‘Sustained investments’ needed to maintain a quality judicial system, say administrators

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18436             

Desire to ‘make our communities feel safer’ is impetus for wide-ranging crime bill

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18439

STATE GOVERNMENT

State Supreme Court rules 68 members constitutes a House quorum

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18447

First bill approved in 2025 aims to ensure stronger legislative oversight, fiscal management

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18434             

Stronger reporting requirements focus of anti-fraud bill

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18441

Proposed House rules changes would ax per diem pay for absent members

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18442

TAXES

Repeal of Social Security taxes hitches a ride on transportation bill

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18438