Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It’s been a week filled with energy, meaningful connections, and lots of progress here at the Capitol, and I’m thrilled to share all that’s been happening with you! From our first full week in the majority since 2018, to connecting with some incredible people from across our district, I’m reminded of the importance of the work we’re doing and the community we serve. I’m grateful for your continued support, and I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish together in the weeks ahead. Thanks for taking the time to read and stay connected! Introducing House File 7As Vice Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, I am proud to announce the introduction of House File 7, a comprehensive legislative proposal aimed at making Minnesota safer for all residents. This plan includes thirteen targeted provisions designed to equip law enforcement with the tools they need, ensure violent offenders are held accountable, and increase transparency in the criminal justice system. Key provisions in the proposal include: - Mandatory minimum 10-year sentences for predators engaged in first-degree sex trafficking.
- Predatory offender registration required for offenders engaged in criminal sexual conduct who receive a stayed sentence from the courts.
- New and enhanced criminal offenses including blocking a freeway, highway, transit, or the road to and from the airport.
- Increased penalty for fleeing a police officer in a reckless manner.
- Increased penalties for individuals who conspire to trespass on or damage critical infrastructure such as pipelines, utility lines, and water lines.
- Increased penalties for assaulting a peace officer from a gross misdemeanor to a felony.
- Providing better access to the public on prosecutors’ charging and dismissal decisions, and court sentencing departures.
As we begin our work this legislative session, House Republicans are committed to ensuring that violent criminals are held accountable for their actions and fulfill their obligations to society before reentering the community. Our proposal will increase transparency in the criminal justice system, helping Minnesotans gain a clearer understanding of how it operates, where improvements are needed, and how justice can be more effectively served. You can view Chair Novotny's bill introduction here. Connecting with the Next Generation: Homeschool Day at the Capitol Earlier this week, I had the privilege of joining my good friend, Senator Zach Duckworth, for a wonderful visit with kids and families during Homeschool Day at the Capitol. It was such a heartwarming experience to meet with the next generation of leaders and engage with families who are so deeply committed to their children's education. We had the chance to share insights about the legislative process, and answer questions from some very bright, curious minds. It’s always inspiring to see young people so eager to learn and ask thoughtful questions about how our government works. It was a reminder of just how important it is to create opportunities for young people to engage with the political process and become active participants in shaping the future of our state. Thank you to all the families who made the trip to the Capitol—it was a joy to connect with you, and I look forward to more opportunities to support and encourage our next generation!  Celebrating Lakeville’s Pride with Mayor Luke Hellier It was such a joy to sit down with my good friend, Mayor Luke Hellier, to discuss how we can work together to advance legislation that will directly benefit the people of Lakeville. We had a fantastic conversation about the issues that matter most to our community, and it’s always inspiring to collaborate with local leaders like Mayor Hellier to ensure we’re moving forward with the right solutions. Lakeville’s pride and passion are what make this community truly special, and that spirit fuels the work we do at the Capitol. I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with Mayor Hellier and other local leaders to ensure we’re pushing forward the policies that will help Lakeville thrive. MPPOA Legislative Conference 2025 This past Saturday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Annual Legislative Conference. It was truly inspiring to connect with the dedicated officers and talk about how we can work together to recruit and retain law enforcement while ensuring they have the support they need on the job. One of the highlights was seeing my longtime friend, Danny Long, now a police officer with the Saint Cloud Police Department. I worked with his dad in my time serving with the Burnsville Police Department and watched Danny grow up. It's so special to see him now stepping up to lead a new generation of officers—a full-circle moment that really meant a lot to me.  Looking AheadAs always, your input is incredibly valuable to me. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas about these bills or any other issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact my office by phone or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the Capitol. Together, we can build a better, more accountable Minnesota. Warm regards,
Rep. Jeff Witte
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |