Minnesota Legislature to convene for another special session starting Monday

Gov. Tim Walz on Friday announced that he’ll convene a special legislative session beginning Monday.

It comes after a special session last month resulted in no major legislation being passed amid strong partisan disagreements.

Minnesota Legislature special session ends early Saturday, no major bills passed

Walz continues to push for legislation on police reform and accountability, as well as a bonding bill.

"I am asking Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature to work together on the urgent matters Minnesotans expect them to tackle this summer," Walz said. "Our state had a trying few months, and we need the Legislature to rise to the occasion and get things done to help Minnesotans rebuild and recover. Give me a bill to sign on police accountability and reform and let’s work together to build a stronger, more equitable economy by investing in local jobs and projects across the state."

Walz also announced that he’ll extend the state’s COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days to allow for quick action in response to the pandemic. Every U.S. state declared a state of emergency due to the pandemic and 49 currently have states of emergency in place.

However, Republican lawmakers vowed to block certain legislation, such as a bonding bill, if Walz’s emergency powers remained in effect during both the regular session and the last special session. It remains to be seen if it will be an issue again when the new special session begins next week.