On Wednesday, Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives unveiled a set of legislative proposals intended to improve public safety, increase criminal penalties, and provide more transparency to citizens.
Dubbed the “Make Minnesota Safe” plan, the set of legislative provisions was discussed at a House GOP press conference in St. Paul.
“For the past two years, the Democrat Trifecta has prioritized soft-on-crime policies that have tied the hands of law enforcement, emboldened criminals, and made our communities less safe,” said Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River. “House Republicans are committed to putting victims and their families first, empowering law enforcement with the resources they need, and restoring accountability in our criminal justice system.”
Among their proposals, the GOP wants to establish 10-year mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of first-degree sex trafficking, require individuals to register as predatory offenders if they receive stayed sentences in sex offense cases, and establish new criminal offenses for blocking highways and freeways.
The “Make Minnesota Safe” plan would also increase criminal penalties for those who flee from a police officer in a reckless manner, assault a police officer, or conspire to damage critical infrastructure. Additionally, the GOP’s plan would establish a searchable database for the public to access more information on charging and dismissal decisions.
“Our proposal will increase transparency in the criminal justice system, helping Minnesotans gain a clearer understanding of how it operates, where improvements are needed, and how justice can be more effectively served,” said Rep. Jeff Witte, R-Lakeville.
While Republicans would like to continue working on these issues in the House, they have so far been prevented from doing so because the chamber is not yet organized. As such, there are no established committees for legislative work and there is no speaker of the House.
Why is the Minnesota House still not organized?
Following the 2024 election, the two parties were working on a power-sharing agreement because the House appeared to be tied with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats. Due to certain events, the legislative session began with the GOP having a one-seat advantage (67-66). As such, Republicans announced that they would take control of the chamber.
In turn, the DFL decided to boycott the first weeks of the legislative session, thus preventing the presence of a quorum and keeping the House from formally organizing.
The DFL argued that Minnesotans voted for a tied House, the tie should be honored with a power-sharing agreement, and the GOP should not be allowed to take full control of the chamber for two years based on a temporary vacancy.
Despite the boycott, the GOP attempted to take control of the chamber, but the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the presence of at least 68 members is necessary to conduct legislative business.
All 67 Republicans have been showing up to the State Capitol every day attempting to do the work of the legislature, but no real work can commence unless one Democrat shows up. Republicans have accused the Democrats of not doing their jobs while Democrats contend they are doing their jobs by meeting with constituents and drafting legislation.
Last week, Democrats said they will agree to end their boycott if the GOP agrees to shared power should the House return to a 67-67 tie. Since the one House vacancy is in a solid DFL district, a return to a 67-67 tie is likely. The date for a special election to fill that vacancy is still unknown.
Negotiations between the two parties have occurred in recent days, but no resolution to the current situation has been announced.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
