Legislature Reconvenes After Break; Fewer Than 6 Weeks Left in Session

April 13, 2023

State lawmakers returned to St. Paul on April 11 with just under six weeks remaining in the legislative session. In that time, they will finalize their plans for the state’s $17.5 billion budget surplus. 

As it stands, the Legislature intends to increase the state’s biennial budget to about $65 billion. According to the budget targets announced March, the Legislature intends to dedicate a bulk of the surplus to items related to children, families, and education. This includes $668 million for a paid family and medical leave program, and about $400 million for free school breakfasts and lunches for Minnesota students, which Gov. Tim Walz has already signed into law. 

“The era of gridlock is over,” said Walz, after unveiling the budget targets alongside House and Senate majority leaders in March. Walz also touted what he called the largest tax cuts in the state’s history, referencing the $3 billion set aside for tax cuts and credits. He did not go into details of the tax plan. 

Republicans in the legislature voiced concern with the outlined budget targets. 

“Contrary to what Gov. Walz might have you believe, this budget is clearly focused on growing government, not giving money back to Minnesotans,” said House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth (R – Cold Spring). “This isn’t what Minnesotans have been asking for. Our historic surplus should have been the impetus for tax cuts, not massively expanding government and charging the taxpayer for it.” 

Several big-ticket items relating to firearms, cannabis, and abortion could also see movement in the final weeks of session. 

Firearm safety measures are included in both judiciary omnibus bills. Specifically, language to expand background checks for firearm sales/transfers and implement extreme risk protection orders, or “red flag laws,” are included in both bills. The House bill includes safe storage requirements and mandated reporting of lost or stolen firearms. 

The bill legalizing adult-use cannabis has been trekking its way through multiple committees for months now and could still go to a floor vote before the May 22 adjournment deadline. The effort would legalize recreational use for anyone older than 21 and includes limitations on marketing for children and use at schools and behind the wheel. It also requires that revenue be dedicated to addiction treatment programs. The legislation also includes a label requirement outlining the effects the drug could have on brain development up to the age of 25. 

Lastly, three major bills relating to reproductive healthcare are anticipated to pass this year. Walz already signed the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act just a month into session, legalizing the right to an abortion in Minnesota law. The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA) has passed the House floor and awaits a vote in the Senate. The bill would prevent state courts or officials from complying with extraditions, arrests or subpoenas related to care received in Minnesota. It would also allow someone facing an abortion-related case against them in another state to countersue for associated costs, damages and attorney’s fees. Additionally, both the House and Senate Health omnibus bills include a section to repeal Minnesota statutes intended to obstruct or delay access to reproductive health services, including abortion. 

The health omnibus bills will likely be heard in the respective House and Senate finance committees next week. After the committee has heard an omnibus bill, it will be sent to the floor for a vote. Assuming it passes, the bill will be sent to a conference committee to hash out the differences between the House and Senate versions before returning to chambers for a final floor vote. The bill would ultimately need to be signed by the governor to become law.