SE Minnesota News

Governor Tim Walz has introduced a framework for a potential special legislative session focused on gun issues. However, he has not reached an agreement with Republican lawmakers on the agenda for such a session. House Republicans recently sent their own proposal to Governor Walz, suggesting that if a special session is called, it should also address student safety, mental health access, and public safety. The governor rejected this proposal.

The authority to call a special session rests solely with Governor Walz. Once convened, unless there is an advance agreement, he does not control which bills are prioritized by the legislature. In the absence of such an agreement, any bill considered will go through the standard committee process before being debated on the floor, similar to regular sessions. With the House currently evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, any legislation will require bipartisan support to advance.

Rep. Steven Jacob commented on the situation: "The governor knows this. Yet, he continues to play this 'will he or won’t he' game regarding a special session. It’s bizarre and unprecedented."

Jacob expressed concern about the governor's intentions: "I fear this is yet another political stunt orchestrated by Governor Walz. Somehow, he wants to blame Republicans if he doesn’t call a special session, and he’ll clearly blame us if he calls one and we don’t do exactly what he wants."

He added that House Republicans are prepared to participate in a special session with priorities focused on student protection and public safety. Jacob also mentioned ongoing concerns about fraud within state administration: "I also think the rampant fraud taking place under Walz’s administration – nearly $2 billion by some estimates and growing – would also be a topic worthy of consideration."

Jacob emphasized legislative independence: "But lawmakers are not just going to follow the governor’s marching orders." He concluded his statement by criticizing what he described as attempts by Governor Walz to control legislative proceedings: "To me, this is another Walz attempt to try and control what the legislature does and thwart the democratic process. That’s a king’s mentality, and there’s no place for kings in Minnesota."