Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re officially in the home stretch! After returning to the Capitol this week, the House is shifting into high gear to finish strong before our May 19 adjournment deadline. With less than five weeks left in the 2025 session, the pace is picking up—and fast!
Committee negotiations have wrapped up, and now we’re turning our attention to voting on omnibus bills on the House floor. From the budget to key policy decisions, this final push is where all the behind-the-scenes work comes to life. I’m focused on making sure we pass a responsible, balanced budget and move forward with solutions that truly serve the people of Minnesota.
Let’s get it done!
A Big Win for Public Safety—Here’s What You Need to Know!
I’m excited to share some great news with you all—the Public Safety Omnibus Bill (HF 2432) has passed the Minnesota House! As Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, I’m proud of the bipartisan effort behind this bill, which will increase public safety funding by $50 million for FY 2026–2027.
As a retired police officer, this bill is personal to me. I know exactly what it’s like to wear the badge and carry the responsibility of keeping our communities safe. That’s why I made sure this legislation invests directly in the men and women on the front lines—our officers—while also focusing on holding offenders accountable and making our justice system more transparent.
Here’s a quick rundown of what HF 2432 will do:
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Tougher penalties for those who prey on vulnerable Minnesotans, including sex traffickers targeting minors and those who expose children to deadly fentanyl.
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Continued funding for training and recruiting new peace officers.
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Justice reform that extends the statute of limitations for first-degree arson, pauses the expiration of probation fees, and creates a bipartisan working group to improve transparency around police misconduct.
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Redirecting $23 million from past overspending into one-time upgrades for cybersecurity and court technology—no new government spending.
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Increased transparency at the Met Council, including classifying certain members as “public officials” under state data practices laws.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about politics—it’s about making sure Minnesotans feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and on their streets. This bill gets us one step closer to that goal, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done to make our communities safer, stronger, and better supported.
The bill now heads to the Senate for final approval, and I’m hopeful it’ll pass quickly. I’ll keep you updated on any new developments—thanks for your continued support!
Enough Is Enough: It’s Time to Hold Prosecutors Accountable
 Last week, news broke that the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is refusing to press charges against the individual caught on camera keying multiple Teslas in downtown Minneapolis. As Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I find this decision completely unacceptable—and I’m not staying quiet about it.
This isn’t civil disobedience. It’s felony property damage—plain and simple. We’re talking about clear video evidence and an estimated $20,000 in damages. If that doesn’t warrant prosecution, what does?
Our law enforcement officers did everything by the book. They investigated, built a solid case, and handed it over. And the response from the prosecutor’s office was essentially: “Never mind.” That’s a slap in the face to the victims, to our officers, and to every Minnesotan who expects the law to actually be enforced.
I want to be clear—this isn’t a blanket criticism of all county attorneys. Minnesota has 87, and most of them are doing outstanding work to uphold justice. But when one office makes a habit of letting serious crimes slide, it creates a ripple effect that damages public trust and puts unnecessary pressure on prosecutors who are doing their jobs.
We talk a lot about accountability for criminals. Maybe it’s time we start talking about accountability for prosecutors, too. That’s why I’m supporting House File 1188, a bill introduced by Rep. Kristin Robbins. It would allow city attorneys to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor cases when a county attorney refuses to act. Because justice shouldn’t be optional.
When prosecutors won’t do their jobs, someone has to step in—and I’m ready to do just that. Public safety is on the line, and I’m committed to making sure Minnesotans are protected and that the law still means something in this state.
You can view the vandal footage [HERE].
Cereal + Session = A Capitol Classic!
 Tuesday was Cereal Day at the Capitol—a long-standing (and highly anticipated) GOP caucus tradition! It’s always a fun way to hit pause on the policy and bond over our favorite breakfast cereals with colleagues and staff.
In the middle of final budget negotiations, packed committee schedules, and late-night floor sessions, there’s something special about pouring a big bowl of Lucky Charms and chatting with colleagues over breakfast. (Team Cap'n Crunch, if you’re wondering.)
Yes, we’re here to do serious work—but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun while we’re at it. Cereal Day is the perfect reminder that a bit of camaraderie and a spoonful of nostalgia can go a long way. Looking forward to many more mornings like this!
Stay Connected!
As always, your thoughts and concerns are at the heart of the work I do here at the Capitol. Whether you have questions about the legislation I’m working on or want to share what’s on your mind, my door is always open—I’m here to listen and serve.
You can reach my office by phone or email, and for real-time updates on the latest from the Capitol, be sure to follow my Facebook page here.
It’s a privilege to represent District 30B, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for our shared values. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Representative Paul Novotny
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B
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