Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’re nearing the end of the 2025 legislative session—but we’re not quite across the finish line yet. While we’ve made significant progress, especially on public safety, we’re now heading into a special session to wrap things up. It’s not where we hoped to be, but I didn’t come here to back down when things get tough—I came here to work. This was my first year serving as Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, and I can honestly say it’s been both an incredible honor and a serious responsibility. With every decision and every vote, I’ve kept our communities, our families, and our future front and center. Here’s a quick look at what we delivered: - Tougher penalties: mandatory minimum sentences for human traffickers, consecutive sentences for assaulting a jailer, increased penalties for assaulting firefighters and EMS workers, and stronger accountability for those who allow children access to fentanyl.
- Victim-focused justice: Extending the statute of limitations for first-degree arson to ensure victims have more time to seek justice.
- Support for law enforcement: Over $10 million invested in peace officer training programs, use-of-force education, and local reimbursement to help agencies across the state.
- Smarter tools for crime prevention: Expanding the use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles and authorizing broader use of UAVs (drones) to aid investigations.
- Protecting Minnesotans from violent offenders: Blocking the early release of dangerous criminals by prohibiting the Department of Corrections from using phased prison closures to push offenders out early, and allowing early release credits to be revoked when prison rules are violated.
This is what real public safety reform looks like—tough, victim-focused, and rooted in respect for the people on the front lines. So why a special session?Let’s be honest: Minnesota lost 23 full days of the legislative session because House DFL members chose not to show up for work. While the rest of us were ready to get to business, they walked away—and that delay didn’t just stall bills, it stalled real solutions for real people. Now, we’re headed into a special session that could have been avoided. Minnesotans don’t expect perfection from their government—but they do expect basic accountability. They expect us to show up, roll up our sleeves, and do the job we were elected to do. I’m proud to say that’s exactly what I’ve done. I didn’t come to St. Paul for political theater. I came to serve. Because I believe in public service, and I care deeply about the people I represent. Whether it’s making sure our law enforcement officers are properly trained and equipped, or ensuring that our judicial system puts victims and families first—I came here to get things done. That same principle guides my work on the Ways and Means Committee and the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee. Behind every budget line are real lives—students trying to afford college, parents working multiple jobs, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small towns trying to make ends meet without getting buried in red tape or unfunded mandates. I’ve pushed back hard on the Governor’s attempt to shift the state’s looming $6 billion deficit onto the backs of local governments. I’ve said no to bloated bureaucracy and yes to smarter, targeted investments—especially in public safety, education, and infrastructure. And I’ve stood firm against tax hikes on working Minnesotans and seniors, because I believe you can spend your money better than the state can. No one should be taxed out of their home. No small business should be regulated into closure. And no family should be left wondering why their legislators didn't show up. At the end of the day, this isn’t about party lines—it’s about results. And I will keep fighting—through the special session and beyond—to deliver them. Honoring Our Heroes, Together The turnout at the Memorial Day Parade in Elk River was incredible—it was truly heartwarming to see our community come together to honor our fallen heroes, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.  I hope you all had a meaningful Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you spent it on the lake, grilling with family, or simply reflecting quietly, I hope you took a moment to remember the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. Their sacrifice is the reason we enjoy the freedoms we do today. Let’s carry that gratitude with us—not just on Memorial Day, but every day. Thanks for trusting me to be your voice at the Capitol. I’ll keep you posted as we head into the next phase—and I’ll keep fighting for the values that make our communities strong. Sincerely, Representative Paul Novotny Minnesota House of Representatives | District 30B |