Police reform measures are a possibility but a bonding bill is unlikely on what could be the final day of the Minnesota Legislature’s second special session of the year. House Republicans have numerous objections to a bonding package Democrats propose for state public works projects — and before voting for it they also want Governor Tim Walz to agree to relinquish his COVID emergency powers. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt says, “We don’t like a scenario where gridlock in the legislature or inaction in the legislature allows the chief executive to just continue unfettered without a check from the legislative branch.”
Under current law the governor’s COVID emergency powers continue until both the House and the Senate cancel them. House Republicans propose the governor’s emergency authority would *not* continue unless a bi-partisan commission gave its approval.
Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he has a “tentative agreement” with House Democrats on a police reform package. Gazelka says details still must be worked out, “But as far as what should be in the bill for points of reference, I think there’s agreement there.” Gazelka wouldn’t discuss all the details, but did say there’s agreement on banning chokeholds and warrior-style training for officers, plus changes in arbitration procedures for excessive-force cases. House Democratic leaders have not been immediately available to comment.