## Minnesota Supreme Court Rules on House Quorum, Leaving Legislature in Limbo
The Minnesota Supreme Court handed down a significant ruling on Friday, January 24, 2025, in a dispute over the state House of Representatives quorum. The court determined that 68 members are required to constitute a quorum, effectively invalidating proceedings conducted by House Republicans since the session’s opening on January 14th. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by Minnesota House Democrats and Secretary of State Steve Simon, challenging the Republicans’ actions after Democrats boycotted the session to prevent the GOP from assuming unilateral control.
The initial session on January 14th saw all 66 House Democrats absent, leaving Republicans with only 67 members present. Despite this, Republicans proceeded to elect a speaker and assign committee chairs. Secretary Simon, presiding over the session, declared a lack of quorum and adjourned. The subsequent lawsuit argued that the Republicans’ actions were invalid without a sufficient quorum. The Supreme Court, in a concise three-page order (with a full opinion to follow), sided with the Democrats and Secretary Simon, upholding the constitutional requirement of a majority of the total number of seats for a quorum. The court explicitly stated that vacancies do not reduce the required number.
The ruling leaves the Minnesota House in a state of uncertainty. It remains unclear whether House Democrats will return to the chamber on Monday. House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman indicated she intends to leverage the court’s decision to negotiate a power-sharing agreement with Republican House Leader Lisa Demuth. Hortman emphasized the need for Republicans to return to the negotiating table, stating that their actions constituted a power grab not supported by the electorate. She reported having invited Demuth to begin negotiations on Friday evening but received no response.
Demuth, in a statement, urged Democrats to return to work, accusing them of disrespecting their constituents and the state. She affirmed that House Republicans would be present on Monday, but made no commitment to new negotiations.
Further complicating the situation is a vacant House seat and the contested election of DFL Representative Brad Tabke. A special election is anticipated on March 11th to fill the vacant seat, which is considered DFL-leaning, potentially resulting in a 67-67 tie in the House. Democrats also expressed concern that Republicans might use their temporary majority to challenge Tabke’s election, despite a judge’s ruling confirming his victory. Hortman stated that she hasn’t secured assurances from Republicans regarding Tabke’s seat.
Secretary Simon, in a statement, announced his intention to convene the House on Monday, expressing gratitude for the court’s prompt and clear ruling. He expressed his hope for a productive legislative session moving forward. The ongoing standoff highlights the deep political divisions within the Minnesota Legislature and the significant implications of the Supreme Court’s decision on the state’s legislative process.
By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer, January 24, 2025