Minnesota Legislature
Rep. Joe Schomacker, not seeking re-election, announces resignation from House
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) announced his resignation Friday from the House effective June 21, citing new business opportunities for the decision to step down.
“It has truly been an honor to represent the residents of southwestern Minnesota for the past 16 years, and I thank them for their support and encouragement,” he said in a statement.
Schomacker served in the House for 16 years, focusing on health care and the long-term care industry. During his tenure, he served as the chair of the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee and the House Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, and co-chair of the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.
The eight-term lawmaker announced in February he would not seek re-election in November. No special election will be called to fill the remainder of his term, according to the announcement.
Recent Dailies
Week in Review: May 4-8
By Lisa Kaczke
The Office of Inspector General bill has exited the House.
The House passed HF1338/SF856* Thursday after it had stalled in committees for most of the 2026 session and a work...
Housing conferees agree on funding, split on manufactured home provisions
By Margaret Stevens
The looming end of session means the end of an intense two-year conversation, Rep. Michael Howard (DFL–Richfield) said as he wrapped up a conference committee hearing on the hou...
‘One and done’: Conference committee wraps up public safety policy bill
By Tim Walker
There were two firsts at the public safety policy conference committee meeting Friday.
It was the first conference committee to meet this year, and it was also the first to ...
Voice, roll call and division: Voting in a tied House
By Winter Keefer
During a February House Health Finance and Policy Committee, a voice vote was called following debate about a bill to create a license for massage therapy and Asian bodywork the...
House lawmakers OK bill to bring Minnesota into compliance with 'One Big Beautiful Bill'
By Winter Keefer
Some legislators aren’t fond of what could happen if the state conforms with Medicaid cuts, changes and restrictions included in HR1, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”
...
After yearlong push, House passes inspector general bill aimed at combating fraud
By Mike Cook
One year ago Friday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill concerning one of the highest-profile issues of this legislative biennium.
But the House took no action in 2025....
Legislation to designate a 'Snow Professionals Appreciation Month' clears Minnesota House
By Mike Cook
Green grass is sprouting across the state, trees are in bloom and thousands of Minnesotans will take to the open water Saturday for the fishing opener.
The House may have se...
House passes elections bill after lengthy amendments discussions
By Graham Johnson
Nearly three hours into Wednesday’s debate, Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) encouraged his House colleagues to vote for the elections bill he sponsors.
“This bill inc...
Passed by House, ‘Payment Transparency Act’ aims to help subcontractors get paid
By Mike Cook Helping small businesses get paid on time and creating better working relationships is the crux of a bill referenced as the “Payment Transparency Act.” Sponsored in the Hous...House, Senate tax chairs kick off informal negotiations as session's end looms
By Rob Hubbard
It wasn’t a conference committee, but it looked a lot like one.
Gathered around the semi-circular table in the center of the Capitol’s ground floor were members of the House...
Session Daily Home
Search Session Daily
Advanced Search OptionsPriority Dailies
Could 2026 retirements lead to record turnover in the House?
By Lisa Kaczke
In the final weeks of the legislative session, House members not seeking re-election to the body have taken a turn at gaveling in a floor session.
It’s an opportunity to loo...
How short are the Legislature's short sessions?
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) was ready to end the session March 25, making the motion to adjourn sine die. But not enough of his colleagues shared that sentiment, defeating ...
