St. Cloud Sun

Minnesota State Representative Paul Novotny has provided an update as the 2025 legislative session nears its conclusion. The session is expected to extend into a special session, which Novotny attributes to delays caused by House DFL members' absence for 23 days. He stated, "Let’s be honest: Minnesota lost 23 full days of the legislative session because House DFL members chose not to show up for work. While the rest of us were ready to get to business, they walked away—and that delay didn’t just stall bills, it stalled real solutions for real people. Now, we’re headed into a special session that could have been avoided."

Novotny highlighted his first year as Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, calling it "both an incredible honor and a serious responsibility." Under his leadership, several public safety measures were advanced during the session.

Key actions included establishing mandatory minimum sentences for human traffickers and increased penalties for assaults on jailers, firefighters, and EMS workers. The legislation also introduced stronger accountability measures for those who allow children access to fentanyl.

Victim-focused reforms were part of this year's agenda. Novotny noted the extension of the statute of limitations for first-degree arson cases so victims have more time to seek justice.

Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are set to benefit from over $10 million in investments directed toward peace officer training programs and use-of-force education. Local agencies will also receive reimbursements aimed at supporting their operations.

The legislature expanded crime prevention tools by allowing broader use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles and authorizing greater deployment of drones (UAVs) in investigations.

Another measure aims to prevent early release of violent offenders by restricting phased prison closures and permitting revocation of early release credits if prison rules are violated.

Novotny described these initiatives as “real public safety reform,” stating: “This is what real public safety reform looks like—tough, victim-focused, and rooted in respect for the people on the front lines.”

He emphasized his commitment to accountability: “Minnesotans don’t expect perfection from their government—but they do expect basic accountability. They expect us to show up, roll up our sleeves, and do the job we were elected to do. I’m proud to say that’s exactly what I’ve done.”

Beyond public safety issues, Novotny discussed his role on both the Ways and Means Committee and Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. He said budget decisions affect students struggling with college costs, parents working multiple jobs, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small towns facing financial pressures.

Novotny expressed opposition to shifting a projected $6 billion state deficit onto local governments or increasing taxes on Minnesotans. He stated: “I’ve pushed back hard on the Governor’s attempt to shift the state’s looming $6 billion deficit onto the backs of local governments. I’ve said no to bloated bureaucracy and yes to smarter, targeted investments—especially in public safety, education, and infrastructure. And I’ve stood firm against tax hikes on working Minnesotans and seniors, because I believe you can spend your money better than the state can.”

He added: “No one should be taxed out of their home.

No small business should be regulated into closure.

And no family should be left wondering why their legislators didn't show up.”

Reflecting on community events outside legislative work, Novotny mentioned strong attendance at Elk River's Memorial Day Parade: “The turnout at the Memorial Day Parade in Elk River was incredible—it was truly heartwarming to see our community come together to honor our fallen heroes...”

He concluded with thanks: “Thanks for trusting me to be your voice at the Capitol. I’ll keep you posted as we head into the next phase—and I’ll keep fighting for the values that make our communities strong.”