Last Week in Summary
In the sixth week of session a number of Republican priority bills were heard in House committees. These committee hearings were filled with partisan rhetoric and vitriol, setting the stage for some less than friendly floor debates in the coming weeks.
Ten lawmakers now face recall petitions—nine DFLers and one Republican. These petitions have been sent to the state Supreme Court, but that doesn’t mean new elections are imminent. The process has multiple steps, and the court isn’t rushing. The legislative session will be well underway, possibly over, before the court decides whether to dismiss the petitions or move forward with a recall.
Republican senators have filed two new ethics complaints against DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell, which will trigger a Senate ethics committee review within 30 days. Mitchell recently had her trial postponed until after the Legislature adjourns in May and voted last month to block an expulsion vote against her. One complaint argues that her vote to keep her job violates the Senate conflict of interest rules. Last year, the Senate Ethics Committee delayed any decision until her criminal case was resolved. Sen. Johnson criticized the delay, saying Sen. Mitchell is using her position to avoid trial.
As things move forward, some important dates draw near. The budget forecast is set to be released on March 6, and the special election for District 40B occurs on March 11. If a Democrat takes the seat, the House will be tied and begin co-chairing committees once again on March 17. House budget resolution(s) are due by March 31.
House Education Finance
HF52 and HF53 were heard in committee last week. The two bills set out to correct the transportation sparsity discrepancy by increasing the sparsity aid from 35% to 70% beginning in fiscal year 2026. The funding was increased from 18% to 35% in the last biennium. Testifiers from across the state drove down in support of these bills, stating they’ve had to reduce bus routes to off-set costs which in turn makes some student’s bus rides over an hour long. The committee laid both over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.
HF6 (READ Act modifications) was up for discussion again and representatives debated the need for the bill to see additional committees. Ultimately, a roll call vote sent the bill to the floor.
On Thursday the committee heard HF56, a bill that would create safe schools aid and repeal student support personnel aid. Chair Kresha presented HF780, forecast adjustments to education programs.
House Education Policy
Last Tuesday, House Ed Policy heard HF29, a bill authored by Rep. Kresha (R-Little Falls) that would halt the implementation of new social studies standards and remove ethnic studies mandates in schools. A lengthy list of testifiers for and against the bill showed up. Rep. Kresha emphasized drops in academic achievement in Minnesota, and the possible connection to added mandates. He stated that this bill was not a rollback in curriculum. The bill was referred to House Ed Finance.
Chair Bennett introduced HF65, a bill that would remove statewide health standards in classrooms, leaving the health curriculum up to the teachers and districts. Bennett emphasized the importance of local control when it comes to deciding how certain health topics should be approached in the classroom.
On Wednesday, Rep. Scott presented HF12, a bill restricting female sports team participation to the female sex. More than two dozen individuals testified both in support of and against the proposal. Among them were lawyers, doctors, parents, coaches, and student-athletes. The testimony extended into the evening hours. The bill passed on a party-line vote and was moved to the House floor.
Senate Education Finance
Tuesday’s Senate Ed Finance committee heard an update from superintendents at Intermediate School Districts on the Special Education Apprenticeship Program. Sen. Maye Quade (D-Apple Valley) presented SF949, a bill appropriating money for grants to intermediate school districts for registered special education apprenticeship programs. Senators questioned the possibility of expanding these apprenticeship programs to rural districts where there are needs. The bill was laid over for future consideration.
On Thursday, librarians and directors from across the state presented to the committee. Presenters thanked the senators for the state’s support, and shared success stories from funding increases.
Senate Education Policy
Senate Ed. Policy heard SF0360, a bill that would repeal the Algebra 2 requirement in schools, authored by Sen. Farnsworth (R-Hibbing). Scott Vedbraaten, Superintendent at Browerville Schools testified in support of the bill. Vedbraaten urged senators that students will benefit from being able to take courses that align more with their intended career path. Former MDE Commissioner Robert Wedl said that schools are moving toward personalization and away from the one size fits all approach. Sen. Farnsworth closed by saying this does not lower the standards for any student. It is possible SF0350 will make it into a larger education policy package down the road. Bill critics argued that this is not the moment to ease up on standards or reduce expectations.
This Week at the Legislature
Senate Ed Policy will hear a presentation on the P-20 Partnership Legislative Report. Remaining agendas are yet to be posted.
