Debate on the House Floor
Due to COVID-19 social distancing standards, the House of Representatives is currently only allowing the few members seated in the chamber to participate in debate. Most House members are joining and voting via phone but are not given an opportunity to share their personal opinions during floor sessions. The few voices on the floor proved mighty this week when House floor debates lasted nearly three hours.
Members debated HF4556 and two resolutions to end the peacetime emergency, which was recently extended by the governor until May 13. The debates touched on the safety and well-being of Minnesotans, when and how to rebuild the economy, and whether members believe the
Legislature is acting as a co-equal branch of government. In the end, neither version of the resolution moved forward.
The Senate is operating in a different manner. Because the body is smaller, they are able to safely fit (using social distancing guidelines) in rooms near the chamber so that each member has an opportunity to vote in person and debate if they wish to do so. Senate members also have the option to vote remotely.
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