Gov. Walz to relinquish emergency powers on Aug. 1; Republicans push for July 1 end

Tommy Wiita
Gov. Tim Walz speaks to the media on June 25, 2021, at the Minnesota Capitol. [Tom Hauser/KSTP]

KSTP reporter Tom Hauser reports that Gov. Tim Walz said on Friday that he will end his emergency powers on Aug. 1.

The governor said during a media session Friday afternoon at the State Capitol that one more special session, which would be held on July 15, would be needed to approve the final weeks of his emergency powers. State law requires the governor to request an extension every 30 days.

Hauser reports that the Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Joe Kelly sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka explaining why the governor wants his emergency powers extended for another month.

Gazelka told reporters he plans to offer an amendment to the state government bill that would end Walz’s emergency powers on July 1.

"I don’t intend to negotiate with the governor," he said.

Gazelka will have to negotiate with the DFL-controlled House of Representatives.

This is a developing story. Be sure to refresh your page for the latest information.