Minnesota Legislature
Poll results show state fairgoers favor ban on cell phones in schools; strengthened gun storage requirements
Two-thirds of respondents to the 2024 House of Representatives’ State Fair Poll support prohibiting K-12 students from using cell phones during the school day. A similar percentage say they would favor expanding firearm storage laws.
A new law requires a school district or charter school to adopt a policy on students' possession and use of cell phones in school by March 15, 2025, and 68.6% of polltakers said K-12 schools should ban the use of phones during the school day, while 20.8% oppose such a policy, and 10.6% are undecided.
The firearm storage question brought similar results with 69.8% in favor of requiring owners to store a firearm unloaded and with a locking device, or firearm storage unit, while 22.8% are against such a proposal, and 7.4% are undecided.
The annual poll was conducted by the nonpartisan House Public Information Services Office and is an informal, unscientific survey of issues discussed in prior legislative sessions and that may again be topics of discussion in 2025. The 12-question poll was taken by 7,965 fairgoers this year, down slightly from 2023 when 8,144 people took part.
Session Daily
House members receive committee assignments for 2025-2026 biennium (12/11/2024 1:30:00 PM) State's latest budget forecast projects shrinking surplus, 'significant financial headwinds' (12/4/2024 10:11:00 AM) House committee, division co-chairs announced for 2025-26 legislative biennium (11/25/2024 6:00:00 PM) Canvassing board certifies 2024 General Election results; recounts in two House races still outstanding (11/21/2024 4:18:00 PM) House committees, meeting schedule announced for 2025-26 biennium (11/18/2024 5:15:00 PM) Demuth named Republican speaker-designate (11/8/2024 6:33:00 PM) House DFL selects Hortman as speaker-designate (11/7/2024 11:22:00 PM) Fight for House control appears tied as razor-thin races head for likely recounts (11/6/2024 8:22:00 AM) Poll results show state fairgoers favor ban on cell phones in schools; strengthened gun storage requirements (9/3/2024 12:44:00 PM) Meet representatives, share your opinion at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair (8/21/2024 3:17:00 PM) Garofalo to resign from House (7/9/2024 2:40:51 PM)
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Live Video
Event Schedule
DEC. 17: Session Daily Update
Tuesday, December 17 2024 12/17/2024 12:55 PM
Watch: Live Event
Updates from the House
DEC. 17: House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee
Tuesday, December 17 2024 12/17/2024 1:00 PM
Watch: Live Event
Informational hearing on several topics related to the Department of Corrections.
No official action will be taken.
JANUARY 14, 2025: Opening Day of the Ninety-fourth Session of the Minnesota Legislature
Tuesday, January 14 2025 1/14/2025 12:00 PM
Watch: Live Event
Opening Day House Floor Session.
Typical activities include:.
Members-elect take their oath of office.
Election of Speaker of the House.
Election of Chief Clerk of the House.
Election of other officers of the House.
Election of Chief Sergeant at Arms.
Adoption of Temporary Rules of the House.
News and Notes
Bill Introductions: HF5486-HF5488
2025 Session
The legislative session will begin Jan. 14, 2025 at noon.
Member retirements
The Legislative Reference Library maintains a list of members not seeking re-election in 2024.
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