Minnesota State Representative Lisa Demuth announced on Apr. 17 that the House is concluding committee work as it reaches the final bill deadline for this session, with over 125 bills now available for consideration by the full body.
This period is significant as lawmakers focus on debating and voting on a range of measures, including proposals related to school safety and state taxes. Demuth said that House Republicans recently held a press conference to present legislation aimed at improving school safety across public, nonpublic, and Tribal schools. The plan includes increased funding for security measures, expanded mental health support for students, flexible threat reporting systems, reforms to classroom discipline policies, and more options for hiring student support staff.
Demuth stated these initiatives are based on input from educators, students, and parents throughout Minnesota. She said many elements have received bipartisan backing in previous sessions but noted that an amendment incorporating the plan into H.F. 3493 was blocked by House Democrats both in committee and during floor debate this week.
Another legislative focus is H.F. 2358—a bill addressing online sextortion crimes—scheduled for discussion Monday. Demuth referenced testimony from law enforcement describing sextortion as a growing national problem targeting young people through intimate images. The bill proposes harsher penalties: up to ten years in prison or $20,000 fines if victims suffer serious harm; up to fifteen years or $30,000 fines if offenses contribute to a victim’s death; with escalating penalties tied to financial exploitation.
Tax policy also remains under discussion following Tax Day. Demuth highlighted Minnesota’s high tax burden compared to other states according to the latest State Tax Competitiveness Index. She described a Republican proposal aiming to reduce taxes by $3.8 billion—the largest such measure in state history—and called on Democratic colleagues for bipartisan cooperation.
Demuth concluded by encouraging constituents to stay engaged as legislative decisions unfold in coming weeks.
