What were the key outcomes of the Minnesota legislative session? Throughout the 2023-2024 biennium, the majority Democratic legislature considered over 10,000 bills. Learn more today!
Minnesota lawmakers returned to Saint Paul in mid-February to finish out the second half of the 2023-2024 biennium. In 2023, their work commanded national media attention. Democratic gains in the 2022 elections largely defined the first session of the biennium. Democrats won control of the Governor’s office, as well as both chambers of the legislature, which became the most diverse in the state’s history. With control of the legislature and a perceived mandate from voters, Democrats delivered on long-held priorities in education funding, marijuana, reproductive rights, and more.
Democrats’ momentum faced continued tests in the lead-up to 2024. Many questioned whether their progress, including significant financial investments, would and could continue. Some believed that the session would resemble a more typical, less ambitious “off-budget” year. After reviewing the 2024 session, it’s clear that the result was, predictably, somewhere in the middle. Democrats were able to pass much of their agenda, including some work they couldn’t complete in 2023. Still, some priorities stalled at the finish line. Overall, the 2024 session was less “transformational” than its predecessor, a common pattern in a biennial cycle.
In this report, we detail the key outcomes of Minnesota’s 2023-2024 biennium.
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, the next key events in Minnesota will be the legislative primaries in mid-August and the general election on November 5, 2024. All members of the state’s House of Representatives serve two year terms, and every seat in the chamber is up for election this fall. Democrats are favored to maintain control in the House. However, Republicans hope to pull off enough upsets to regain control of the chamber for the first time since 2018.
The next regular elections of the state Senate aren’t scheduled until 2026. However, Senator Morrison’s retirement means that control of the chamber will be determined in a special election in November. The contentious nature of this race, one seat for control of the Senate, will lead to millions in spending. It will certainly receive significant attention this fall.
Finally, Minnesotans will also vote on one statewide ballot measure on November 5th. As a result of HF 1900, passed by legislators last year, voters will determine whether to renew the use of lottery proceeds to fund the state’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Minnesota’s 93rd Legislature will be remembered as a diverse, ambitious, and productive body. The investments and policy changes made over the past two years will have lasting impacts throughout the state. While 2023 overshadows 2024 in terms of overall activity, the legislature was still able to secure passage for important bills. Key areas like education, civil rights, and healthcare have seen significant changes. Now, voters throughout the state will have the opportunity to weigh in on the actions taken by their representatives. Their judgement will have major impacts on the shape of policymaking in Minnesota beginning next January.
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