Activity at the State Capitol slowed down this week following last Friday’s Simon v. Demuth decision from the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court ruled that the House of Representatives needs at least 68 members present, a simple majority of the 134 total seats in the chamber, to organize and conduct legislative business. The chamber had previously organized on January 14 with 67 members present, all Republicans, while all 66 Democrats boycotted the start of session.

All legislative activities in the House conducted prior to the court decision have been nullified and the chamber is no longer organized. On top of that, negotiations between the two parties to end the Democrats’ boycott have broken down. Unless the parties come to an agreement, it is expected the boycott will continue until the vacant seat in the heavily Democratic District 40B is filled and the balance of power is 67-67. That special election has yet to be called by the Governor, but it is anticipated to be mid-March.

The Senate will soon return to 34-33 Democratic control following the District 60 special election this past Tuesday, which Senator-elect Doron Clark handily won. He is expected to be seated next week.


Bills this week:

SF 350 (Mathews)/HF XXXX - Certificate of need issuance for a new nuclear power plant prohibition abolishment.

Summary: Repeals the moratorium on new construction of nuclear power plants, which was enacted by the Legislature in 1994.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: Given Minnesota’s mandate for 100 percent clean energy by 2040, it is critical that we have all clean energy sources at our disposal. Nuclear energy requires less land, produces more energy than wind or solar, and provides a consistent, reliable energy source.

Action taken by MFBF: Joined the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and signed onto a letter in support with other coalition members.

Status: Laid over in the Senate Energy Committee on 01/29/2025. Not yet introduced in the House.


SF 468 (Mathews)/HF XXXX - Certificates of need authorization for certain small modular reactors.

Summary: Allows construction of nuclear power plants with a maximum generation capacity of 300 megawatts, which are considered small modular reactors.

Position: Support as written.

To our members: Small modular reactors are easier to site and faster to construct than traditional, large-scale nuclear power plants. The siting flexibility and scalability of these reactors, along with the other benefits of nuclear, makes them an attractive energy option, particularly for rural communities.

Action taken by MFBF: Communicated our support to legislators.

Status: Failed to pass the Senate Energy Committee on 01/29/2025. Not yet introduced in the House.


SF 553 (Wesenberg)/HF XXXX – Farmed Cervidae fencing requirements provisions modifications.

Summary: Removes the prevention of “physical contact” requirement for Cervidae (deer) farms, also known as the double fencing requirement. The original purpose for this requirement was to prevent contact between wild and farmed Cervidae in an attempt to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Position: Support as written.

To our members: The current cost of fencing is high and continues to rise. For some deer farms, spending the capital necessary to comply with the double-fencing requirement could put them out of business. MFBF believes there are more collaborative, less onerous efforts the State could pursue in stopping the spread of CWD.

Action taken by MFBF: Provided written testimony in support of the legislation.

Status: Passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee on 01/29/2025. The bill next goes to the Senate Environment Committee. Not yet introduced in the House.


SF 659 (Wesenberg)/HF XXXX - Certain duties transferal from the commissioner of natural resources to the Board of Animal Health.

Summary: Fully returns authority over Cervidae farms from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the Board of Animal Health (BAH).

Position: Support as written.

To our members: DNR jurisdiction over any livestock, including farmed Cervidae, sets a concerning precedent. While DNR has expertise in regulating wildlife, they lack experience and knowledge in livestock and animal agriculture. MFBF strongly supports the BAH and believes they are the proper entity to oversee animal health and livestock.

Action taken by MFBF: Provided written testimony in support of the legislation.

Status: Passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee on 01/29/2025. The bill next goes to the Senate Environment Committee. Not yet introduced in the House.


The MFBF public policy team and leadership are keeping track of everything that happens at the Capitol. Throughout the session, we will continue to provide updates and insight into our work on behalf of our members.