minnesota senate

Judge Blocks Release of an Ex-Minnesota Senator Accused of Soliciting a Minor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge on Monday blocked the release of a former Minnesota state senator charged with soliciting a minor, after prosecutors leveled fresh allegations that he tried to obstruct the FBI’s investigation from jail. U.S. Magistrate Judge Shannon Elkins ruled that Justin Eichorn should remain jailed instead of being released to a halfway house on Tuesday…

“Trump derangement syndrome” Introduced in MN Senate Mental Health Bill, Leader Calls It “Tongue in Cheek”

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Minnesota Republican lawmakers want the state to add “Trump derangement syndrome” to its definition of mental illness. The bill was introduced by five Republican lawmakers in the Minnesota Senate. The bill defines the syndrome as “acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J….

Senate Committee Takes Up New Ethics Complaint Against Senator Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) – A Minnesota Senate committee has taken up a new ethics complaint against Democratic Sen. Nicole Mitchell of Woodbury, who is facing two felony burglary charges. Republican lawmakers revised a previous ethics complaint for entering her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes last April. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty. Republican Sen. Karin Housley says the new statement is…

New Gun Laws Get Final Approval In MN House, Bills Heads to Gov. Walz

ST. PAUL —  Minnesota’s House of Representatives has passed a public safety bill that includes several gun control provisions. The final vote was 69-63 in the Democrat-controlled chamber. The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 34-33 on Friday. Democrats hold a one-vote majority in that chamber. The bill is now headed to Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, to…

Minnesota Senate passes controversial gun control legislation

The bill passed 34-33 on a party-line vote late Friday

                      ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — After nine hours of debate, the Minnesota Senate passes gun control legislation that has been strongly supported by the governor. The proposals include a “red flag law” that would allow authorities to ask courts for “extreme risk protection orders” to temporarily take guns away…

Minnesota Senate approves paid family and medical leave plan, 34-33

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Senate approved a plan Monday to entitle workers across the state to paid leave when they’re sick or caring for relatives who are ill. While Senate Democrats hold only a one-seat majority, paid family and medical leave has been a priority of the party for several years, and the final 34-33 vote followed party lines. The proposal passed…

MN House Passes Paid Family Leave Bill, Senate Votes Next

ST. PAUL (KVRR/KFGO) — Minnesota House lawmakers have approved a state-run paid family and medical leave program by a vote of 68-64. Rep. Ruth Richardson’s bill would now allow up to 12 weeks of partial payments each year to people who need family bonding with a new child or who have a serious medical condition. People experiencing both situations can…

Minnesota Senate votes 34-33 to legalize recreational cannabis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — The Minnesota Senate voted Friday to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, but the bill requires more work and negotiations before it can become law. The vote was 34-33, with all Democrats voting yes and all Republicans voting no. There are several differences between the Senate bill and the companion version that passed the House 71-59…

Legal cannabis in Minnesota will lead to law enforcement challenges in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A bill legalizing recreational cannabis has passed the Minnesota House and now heads to the state Senate. Attorney Mark Friese says law enforcement knows there will undoubtedly be more people bringing the drug across state lines as people lawfully buy cannabis in Minnesota, if the law is passed. “That doesn’t mean it’s lawful to bring it…

Minnesota House Passes Recreational Marijuana Bill 71-59

ST. PAUL (KVRR/AP) — A bill to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in Minnesota passes the Minnesota House of Representatives by a vote of 71-59. The House, where Democrats comfortably outnumber Republicans, debated its marijuana bill late into the night Monday before breaking around midnight. The debate resumed this morning. The Senate, where Democrats hold only a one-seat majority, is…