St. Cloud Sun

After nearly a month of delays, the Minnesota House has reached an organizational agreement allowing legislative work to resume. The delay was caused by the absence of a quorum, which under state law requires at least 68 members to be present for official business. Republicans currently hold 67 seats and Democrats have 66, and the absence of some Democratic legislators left the House unable to function.

According to Rep. Paul Novotny, "It’s about time—this agreement with ensure that the House will be able to conduct official business, pass a state budget, and tackle key issues facing the great people of Minnesota."

The new framework will keep Rep. Lisa Demuth as Speaker of the House for the entire 2025-26 biennium. For the first five weeks following the agreement, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority. If a special election in Roseville results in an even split in House membership, committees will move to a co-chair system with equal representation from both parties and rotating control.

A new House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee has also been established. This committee will have a permanent Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority throughout the biennium. Its focus is on investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in state government programs.

Rep. Novotny stated, "This deal was absolutely essential to getting the House back in business. With a state budget that must be passed this year and many pressing issues to address, it was essential to reach a resolution that allowed for governance to resume."

He also shared his recent meetings with advocacy groups at the Capitol. He met with members of A.B.A.T.E. (American Bikers for Awareness, Training, and Education) of Minnesota regarding motorcycle safety advocacy efforts. "Hearing their testimonies and concerns about the challenges motorcyclists face on our roads really opened my eyes to the need for motorcycle safety legislation advocacy," Novotny said.

Novotny also spoke with representatives from RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association about efforts to make fertility treatments more accessible through proposed legislation known as House File 1658. He remarked on learning more about infertility struggles faced by Minnesotans.

"The work at the Capitol is just beginning, and your input is essential in shaping Minnesota’s future," Novotny said.

Residents are encouraged by Novotny to contact his office with feedback or questions about current legislative initiatives.