Minnesota Court Upholds 68-Member House Quorum

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that a quorum in the Minnesota House of Representatives requires the presence of 68 members, based on the total of 134 seats. This decision supports the stance of the DFL party and Secretary of State Steve Simon, rejecting the Republicans' attempt to conduct business with only 67 members present after a DFL boycott. The boycott aimed to disrupt a quorum amid disputes over chamber control following November elections, with a special election pending in the 40B district temporarily giving Republicans a one-seat majority. The ruling forces both parties back to negotiations for a power-sharing agreement, emphasizing that vacancies do not affect quorum requirements. The legal clarity provided by the court decision suggests a resolution to the ongoing legislative impasse may be forthcoming.