91st Minnesota Legislature

The Ninety-first Minnesota Legislature is the legislature of the U.S. state of Minnesota from January 8, 2019 to January 4, 2021. It is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives, based on the results of the 2016 Senate election and 2018 House election. It first convened and held its regular session in Saint Paul from January 8 to May 20, 2019, and from February 11 to May 18, 2020. A special session was held from May 24 to 25, 2019, to pass bills enacting the state budget following an agreement between the governor and legislative leaders during the final weekend of the regular session in 2019.[1]

91st Minnesota Legislature
←90th 92nd→
Overview
TermJanuary 8, 2019 (2019-01-08) – January 4, 2021 (2021-01-04)
Senate
Members67 senators
PresidentJeremy Miller (R)
Majority LeaderPaul Gazelka (R)
Minority LeaderTom Bakk (DFL)
until February 1, 2020
Susan Kent (DFL)
from February 1, 2020
House of Representatives
Members134 representatives
SpeakerMelissa Hortman (DFL)
Majority LeaderRyan Winkler (DFL)
Minority LeaderKurt Daudt (R)
Sessions
2019January 8, 2019 (2019-01-08) – May 20, 2019 (2019-05-20)
2020February 11, 2020 (2020-02-11) – May 18, 2020 (2020-05-18)
Special sessions
2019, 1stMay 24, 2019 (2019-05-24) – May 25, 2019 (2019-05-25)
2020, 1stJune 12, 2020 (2020-06-12) – June 20, 2020 (2020-06-20)

Another special session was held from June 12 to 20, 2020, which was required by state law as Governor Tim Walz renewed the state's peacetime emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also the followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent protests. Walz and several legislators said they intended to use the special session to address concerns raised by Floyd's death related to racial inequities in policing,[2] on which the House and Senate were unable to reach an agreement.[3][4][5] They were also unable to reach agreements on a public works borrowing bill, appropriating money from the CARES Act to local governments, and assistance for Minneapolis and Saint Paul for damage caused by riots in those cities.[5][6] Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka had said at the beginning of the special session Republicans would adjourn the Senate by June 19 regardless of whatever legislation had or had not been passed by the Legislature, which House Speaker Melissa Hortman said was an arbitrary deadline.[7] Gazelka said at the end of the special session a deadline was needed to force discussions and would be willing to return for another special session when there are agreements on these issues.[5]

Major events

Major legislation

Enacted

Proposed
Boldface indicates the bill was passed by its house of origin.

2020, 1st Special Session

Political composition
Resignations and new members are discussed in the "Changes in membership" section below.

Senate
Senate composition      35 Republican      32 DFL
Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)
 Total Vacant
Republican Democratic–
Farmer–Labor
End of the previous Legislature 34 32 66 1
Begin (January 8, 2019) 34 32 66 1
February 13, 2019 35 67 0
Latest voting share 52.2% 47.8%

House of Representatives
House composition by caucus      75 DFL      55 Republican      4 New Republican
Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)
 Total Vacant
Democratic–
Farmer–Labor		 Republican
Republican
Caucus		 New Republican
Caucus
End of the previous Legislature 55 75 0 130 4
Begin (January 8, 2019) 74 55 4 133 1
January 10, 2019 75 134 0
February 12, 2019 54 133 1
March 27, 2019 55 134 0
November 16, 2019 74 133 1
December 6, 2019 54 132 2
February 11, 2020 75 55 134 0
Latest voting share 56% 41% 3%

Leadership
Minnesota
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Minnesota
Constitution

Senate

Majority (Republican) leadership

Minority (DFL) leadership

House of Representatives
Melissa Hortman sworn in as the 61st speaker of the House by Justice Paul Thissen, January 8, 2019.

Majority (DFL) leadership

Minority (Republican) leadership

Members
For full lists of members of the 91st Minnesota Legislature, see Minnesota Senate and Minnesota House of Representatives.

House of Representatives

On December 8, 2018, four Republican members of the House (Reps. Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, Cal Bahr of East Bethel, Tim Miller of Prinsburg, Jeremy Munson of Lake Crystal) announced that they would not join the Republican caucus in the 91st Legislature and instead would form a new caucus, called the "New Republican Caucus." They cited displeasure with "the attitudes and actions by [Leader Daudt] and some of his supporters" and said they still consider themselves to be members of the Republican Party.[56]

Changes in membership

Senate
District Vacator Reason for change Successor Date successor
seated
11 Tony Lourey (DFL) Resigned effective on January 3, 2019, to become commissioner of human services.[57]
A special election was held on February 5, 2019.		 Jason Rarick (R) February 13, 2019

House of Representatives
District Vacator Reason for change Successor Date successor
seated
57A Vacant Hospitalized due to an infection.[58] Robert Bierman (DFL) January 10, 2019
11B Jason Rarick (R) Resigned effective on February 12, 2019, to assume Minnesota Senate seat.[59]
A special election was held on March 19, 2019.		 Nathan Nelson (R) March 27, 2019
60A Diane Loeffler (DFL) Died of cancer on November 16, 2019.[60]
A special election was held on February 4, 2020.		 Sydney Jordan (DFL) February 11, 2020
30A Nick Zerwas (R) Resigned effective on December 6, 2019, to spend more time with his family and to seek employment outside of the Legislature.[61]
A special election was held on February 4, 2020.		 Paul Novotny (R) February 11, 2020

Committees

Senate
Committee[62] Chair Vice Chair DFL Lead
Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance Torrey Westrom Mark Johnson Kari Dziedzic
Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Bill Weber Mike Goggin Foung Hawj
Capital Investment Dave Senjem Scott Newman Sandy Pappas
Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Gary Dahms Karin Housley Dan Sparks
E–12 Education Finance and Policy Carla Nelson Gary Dahms Chuck Wiger
Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy David Osmek Andrew Mathews Erik Simonson
Environment and Natural Resources Finance Bill Ingebrigtsen Carrie Ruud David Tomassoni
Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Carrie Ruud Bill Weber Chris Eaton
Family Care and Aging Karin Housley Jerry Relph Kent Eken
Finance Julie Rosen Bill Ingebrigtsen Dick Cohen
Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Michelle Benson Scott Jensen John Marty
Higher Education Finance and Policy Paul Anderson Rich Draheim Greg Clausen
Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Jim Abeler Paul Utke Jeff Hayden
Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Eric Pratt Justin Eichorn Bobby Joe Champion
Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Warren Limmer Dan Hall Ron Latz
Local Government Dan Hall Bruce Anderson Patricia Torres Ray
Rules and Administration Paul Gazelka Michelle Benson Tom Bakk
Subcommittees[63] Committees Paul Gazelka
Conference Committees Paul Gazelka
Ethical Conduct Jeremy Miller
Litigation Expenses Scott Newman
Permanent and Joint Rules[nb 1] Jeremy Miller
State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Mary Kiffmeyer Mark Koran Jim Carlson
Taxes Roger Chamberlain Dave Senjem Ann Rest
Transportation Finance and Policy Scott Newman John Jasinski Scott Dibble
Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Bruce Anderson Andrew Lang Jerry Newton

House of Representatives
Committee[65] Chair Vice Chair Republican Lead
Commerce Laurie Halverson Zack Stephenson Tim O'Driscoll
Education Policy Cheryl Youakim Mary Kunesh-Podein Sondra Erickson
Environment and Natural Resources Policy John Persell Jamie Becker-Finn Dale Lueck
Ethics Mary Murphy Sondra Erickson
Government Operations Mike Freiberg Duane Sauke Nick Zerwas[nb 2]
Duane Quam[nb 3]
Subcommittees Elections Raymond Dehn Kristin Bahner Jim Nash
Local Government Sandra Masin Steve Elkins Joe McDonald
Health and Human Services Policy Rena Moran Kelly Morrison Deb Kiel
Labor Mike Sundin Erin Koegel Jason Rarick[nb 4]
Bob Vogel[nb 5]
Rules and Legislative Administration Ryan Winkler Kaohly Her Kurt Daudt
Subcommittee Legislative Process Reform Gene Pelowski Linda Runbeck
Taxes Paul Marquart Dave Lislegard Greg Davids
Division Property and Local Tax Diane Loeffler[nb 6] Samantha Vang Jerry Hertaus
Andrew Carlson[nb 7]
Ways and Means Lyndon Carlson Liz Olson Pat Garofalo
Divisions Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Jeanne Poppe Jeff Brand Rod Hamilton
Capital Investment Mary Murphy Fue Lee Dean Urdahl
Education Finance Jim Davnie Julie Sandstede Ron Kresha
Subdivision Early Childhood Finance and Policy Dave Pinto Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn Mary Franson
Environment and Natural Resources Finance Rick Hansen Anne Claflin Dan Fabian
Subdivision Water Peter Fischer Steve Sandell Josh Heintzeman
Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Jean Wagenius Jamie Long Chris Swedzinski
Greater Minnesota Jobs and Economic Development Finance Gene Pelowski Ben Lien Paul Anderson
Health and Human Services Finance Tina Liebling Alice Mann Joe Schomacker
Subdivisions Early Childhood Finance and Policy Dave Pinto Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn Mary Franson
Long-Term Care Jennifer Schultz Todd Lippert Glenn Gruenhagen
Higher Education Finance and Policy Connie Bernardy Laurie Pryor Bud Nornes
Housing Finance and Policy Alice Hausman Michael Howard Tama Theis
Jobs and Economic Development Finance Tim Mahoney Mohamud Noor Bob Gunther
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law John Lesch Kelly Moller Peggy Scott
Legacy Finance Leon Lillie Ami Wazlawik Josh Heintzeman
Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Carlos Mariani Heather Edelson Brian Johnson
Subdivision Corrections Jack Considine Dan Wolgamott Marion O'Neill
State Government Finance Mike Nelson Andrew Carlson[nb 8] Tony Albright
Ginny Klevorn[nb 9]
Transportation Finance and Policy Frank Hornstein Brad Tabke Paul Torkelson
Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Rob Ecklund Jay Xiong Bob Dettmer

Administrative officers

Senate
  • Secretary: Cal Ludeman[47]
  • First Assistant Secretary: Colleen Pacheco[47]
  • Second Assistant Secretary: Mike Linn[47]
  • Engrossing Secretary: Melissa Mapes[47]
  • Sergeant at Arms: Sven Lindquist[47]
  • Assistant Sergeant at Arms: Marilyn Logan[47]
  • Chaplain: Mike Smith[47]

House of Representatives
  • Chief Clerk: Patrick Murphy[52]
  • First Assistant Chief Clerk: Tim Johnson[52]
  • Second Assistant Chief Clerk: Gail Romanowski[52]
  • Chief Sergeant at Arms: Bob Meyerson[52]
  • Assistant Sergeant at Arms: Erica Brynildson[52]
  • Assistant Sergeant at Arms: Andrew Olson[52]
  • Index Clerk: Carl Hamre[52]

Notes
  1. Established January 30, 2019.[64]
  2. Until December 6, 2019.
  3. From February 11, 2020.
  4. Until February 12, 2019.
  5. From February 13, 2019.[66]
  6. Until November 16, 2019.
  7. From January 10, 2020.[67]
  8. Until February 11, 2020.[68]
  9. From February 11, 2020.[68]

References
  1. Van Oot, Torey; Van Berkel, Jessie (May 25, 2019). "Minnesota lawmakers approve $48 billion budget after all-night special session". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  2. Van Berkel, Jessie (June 12, 2020). "Police reform shadows Minnesota Legislature's special session". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  3. Van Berkel, Jessie; Bierschbach, Briana (June 21, 2020). "Police reform efforts collapse in divided Minnesota Legislature". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  4. Orenstein, Walker (June 20, 2020). "Minnesota Legislature ends special session without deal on policing reforms". MinnPost. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  5. Bakst, Brian (June 19, 2020). "Special session ends without deal on policing, bonding". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  6. Bierschbach, Briana; Van Berkel, Jessie; Condon, Patrick (June 20, 2020). "Minnesota Legislature adjourns without agreement on key issues". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  7. Pugmire, Tim (June 12, 2020). "Special session begins with debate over COVID-19 emergency, police powers". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  8. Van Berkel, Jessie (April 4, 2019). "Gov. Tim Walz aims to break through gridlock at State of the State by telling Minnesotans' stories". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  9. Phaneuf, Taryn (May 10, 2019). "Legislature chooses four new University of Minnesota regents". MinnPost. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  10. Van Berkel, Jessie (April 6, 2020). "Walz calls for a 'united' state of the state amid COVID-19". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  11. Montgomery, David H. (April 5, 2020). "Walz: Staying home is the only vaccine we have right now". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  12. Montemayor, Stephen (April 12, 2019). "'Hands-free' cellphone bill signed by Gov. Walz". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  13. Van Berkel, Jessie (May 2, 2019). "Gov. Tim Walz signs law repealing Minnesota's marital rape exemption". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  14. Serres, Chris (May 25, 2019). "A landmark new law aims to protect Minnesota's elderly, but who writes the rules?". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  15. Nelson, Tim (May 20, 2019). "Elder care reform package on way to governor's desk". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  16. Van Oot, Torey (May 20, 2019). "Minnesota lawmakers strike deal on opioid response bill". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  17. Van Oot, Torey (May 22, 2019). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs opioid crisis response bill". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  18. Coolican, J. Patrick (May 25, 2019). "Legislature finishes $48.3 billion budget in overtime; Gov. Tim Walz expected to sign it". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  19. Cox, Peter (May 22, 2019). "This session, higher ed got less than requested, but also real money". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
  20. Phaneuf, Taryn (May 29, 2019). "Incremental change, 'lackluster' year: Compromises all around in final Minnesota education budget". MinnPost. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  21. Coolican, J. Patrick (May 31, 2019). "New Minnesota law should make filing taxes simpler, cheaper". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  22. Bakst, Brian (March 9, 2020). "Minnesota Legislature speeds $21M in coronavirus money". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  23. Bierschbach, Briana (March 17, 2020). "Minnesota governor signs $200 million package for emergency COVID-19 response". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  24. "Walz signs $200 million emergency COVID-19 funding bill". Minnesota Public Radio. March 17, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  25. Van Berkel, Jessie; Van Oot, Torey (March 27, 2020). "Minnesota House, Senate pass $330 million in COVID-19 aid". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  26. Bakst, Brian (March 26, 2020). "Minnesota lawmakers send $330M COVID-19 bill to Walz". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  27. Van Oot, Torey (April 6, 2020). "Minnesota poised to expand workers' comp for first responders hit by COVID-19". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  28. Pugmire, Tim (April 7, 2020). "Lawmakers pass workers' compensation bill — with cost unresolved". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  29. Van Berkel, Jessie; Montemayor, Stephen (April 14, 2020). "Minnesota Legislature passes emergency insulin bill after 'long and arduous road'". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  30. Callaghan, Peter (April 15, 2020). "'A great day': Minnesota Legislature finally passes emergency insulin bill". MinnPost. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  31. Bierschbach, Briana (April 14, 2020). "Minnesota lawmakers pass fourth COVID-19 relief package". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  32. Bakst, Brian (April 14, 2020). "As unity wanes, Minnesota lawmakers advance new COVID-19 bill". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  33. Callaghan, Peter (May 8, 2020). "Minnesota Senate passes 2020 election bill: more money for no-excuse absentee balloting, but no all vote-by-mail". MinnPost. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  34. Orenstein, Walker (May 15, 2020). "Minnesota lawmakers poised to pass two clean energy initiatives". MinnPost. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  35. Montemayor, Stephen (February 28, 2020). "Red flag, background check gun bills clear Minnesota House". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  36. Van Berkel, Jessie (March 6, 2020). "Minnesota House passes bill for paid family and medical leave". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  37. Bierschbach, Briana (May 16, 2020). "Bonding bill in limbo as Minnesota lawmakers race toward deadline". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  38. Bjorhus, Jennifer (April 24, 2020). "Standoff at Capitol could block Minnesota environmental spending". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  39. Marohn, Kirsti (May 4, 2020). "Dispute over environmental fund leaves projects on wolves, weeds and mussels in limbo". Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  40. Bierschbach, Briana (February 25, 2020). "Minnesota legislators introduce constitutional amendment to require a 'quality public education' for all students". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  41. Hinrichs, Erin (February 27, 2020). "The Page-Kashkari proposal for a constitutional right to 'quality public education' finds support at the Capitol". MinnPost. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  42. Van Oot, Torey (January 28, 2019). "Minnesota measure would legalize marijuana by 2022". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  43. Coolican, J. Patrick (March 12, 2019). "Minnesota Senate rejects legalizing recreational marijuana". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  44. Montemayor, Stephen (February 5, 2019). "Push to restore felon voting rights in Minnesota gains momentum, key supporters". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  45. Van Berkel, Jessie (June 18, 2020). "$841M in federal COVID-19 aid for cities, counties tied up at State Capitol". Star Tribune. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  46. Van Berkel, Jessie (November 9, 2018). "Hortman, Gazelka are chosen as Minnesota legislative leaders". Star Tribune. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  47. "Tuesday, January 8, 2019" (PDF). Journal of the Senate. January 8, 2019. pp. 4, 14. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  48. "Senate Republicans round out leadership team with Deputy Leader and two more Assistant Leaders" (Press release). Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. November 9, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  49. "Minnesota Senate Election Directory" (PDF). Minnesota Senate. p. 2. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  50. Bierschbach, Briana (February 1, 2020). "Susan Kent ousts Tom Bakk as Senate DFL leader". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  51. "Senate DFL Leader Kent Announces New Assistant Leaders" (Press release). Minnesota Senate DFL. February 7, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  52. "Tuesday, January 8, 2019" (PDF). Minnesota House of Representatives. January 8, 2019. pp. 8, 19. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  53. @mnhouseDFL (December 7, 2018). "The House DFL is proud to announce our newly elected Assistant Majority Leaders for the 2019-20 sessions" (Tweet). Retrieved December 7, 2018 – via Twitter.
  54. Van Berkel, Jessie (November 9, 2018). "Kurt Daudt will continue to lead Minnesota House Republicans". Star Tribune. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  55. "House Republicans Announce Leadership Team" (Press release). Minnesota House Republican Caucus. November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  56. Bakst, Brian. "Renegade House members split from GOP caucus". Capitol View. Retrieved 2018-12-08.
  57. Coolican, J. Patrick (January 3, 2019). "Gov.-elect Tim Walz names seven new commissioners, including state Sen. Tony Lourey". Star Tribune. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  58. Dexter, Patty (January 10, 2019). "Rep. Robert Bierman misses first day of session due to being hospitalized". Sun Thisweek. Adams Publishing Group. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  59. Cook, Mike (February 12, 2019). "Rarick to officially leave House Tuesday". Session Daily. Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services. Retrieved February 14, 2019.
  60. Miller, Pamela (November 17, 2019). "Minnesota DFL Rep. Diane Loeffler dies of cancer at 66". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  61. Van Berkel, Jessie (November 25, 2019). "4-term Minnesota Rep. Nick Zerwas, battling heart condition, to resign". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  62. "2019-2020 Directory and Committee Assignments" (PDF). Minnesota Senate. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  63. "Rules and Administration Committee". Minnesota Senate. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  64. "Monday, February 4, 2019" (PDF). Journal of the Senate. Minnesota Senate. p. 237. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  65. "Committee Information" (PDF). Minnesota House of Representatives. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  66. "Fifth Meeting, Committee on Labor". Minnesota House of Representatives. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  67. "Speaker Hortman appoints Rep. Andrew Carlson chair of the House Property and Local Tax Division". January 10, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  68. "Tuesday, February 11, 2020" (PDF). Minnesota House of Representatives. February 11, 2020. p. 6133. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
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