With days left, lawmakers have yet to pass legislation on gun violence, HCMC and small business recovery

With the legislative session ending on May 18, several high-profile proposals remain stalled as Democrats and Republicans clash over funding priorities and legislative procedure.

Minnesota lawmakers are entering the final days of the legislative session facing major disputes over gun violence prevention, healthcare funding, and economic relief for small businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge.

Democrats Accuse Republicans of Stalling Gun Violence Prevention Bill

House Democrats are accusing Republican leadership of blocking action on a gun violence prevention bill that recently passed the Minnesota Senate. The legislation would ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, but DFL lawmakers say House Republicans have refused to formally acknowledge or advance the bill for debate.

DFL leaders argued that Minnesotans deserve a public discussion on gun violence prevention, especially following recent tragedies, while criticizing House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R) for blocking the measure procedurally.

“Republicans have blocked these important measures every step of the way, and are now literally holding the bill hostage,” said Jamie Long. “This is unacceptable to our communities that have experienced so much trauma and heartbreak.”

Republicans, meanwhile, have emphasized broader school safety strategies rather than new firearm restrictions.

Hennepin Healthcare Funding Crisis Intensifies

Hennepin Healthcare and county officials told lawmakers that rising uncompensated care, increasing operational costs, the expiration of pandemic-era federal aid, and the collapse of UCare have pushed the system to the brink. They argued that property taxes alone are no longer enough to sustain a hospital that treats patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Meanwhile, Hennepin Healthcare faces mounting financial pressure, with Hennepin County commissioners warning that the state’s primary trauma and safety-net hospital system could begin closing services as early as June if lawmakers fail to reach a funding agreement before the session ends.

A revised proposal from Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL) would increase Hennepin County’s existing “ballpark tax” from 0.15% to 0.75% to generate long-term funding for the hospital system while also creating a stabilization program and oversight task force.

L to R: Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley, Rep. Esther Agbaje and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a May 5 press conference to discuss legislative efforts to save Hennepin County Medical Center 

“These providers and healthcare workers are some of the most talented physicians in the country and they are the heartbeat of this hospital,” said Agbaje. “I am working diligently with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide a solution to stabilize HCMC and to advocate for a task force dedicated to creating a permanent funding stream that ensures the success of HCMC for generations to come.”

The bill remains in committee. It could generate roughly $253 million annually and includes state grants beginning in 2027.

Despite disagreements over funding mechanisms, lawmakers from both parties acknowledged that losing Hennepin Healthcare would create a major crisis for Minnesota’s healthcare system.

Debate Continues Over Relief for Businesses Harmed by Operation Metro Surge

Lawmakers are also negotiating a final deal on relief funding for small businesses harmed by Operation Metro Surge. The Senate has already approved $40 million in rental assistance and $100 million in loans, but House Democrats say negotiations have stalled amid broader disputes over labor policy.

Reps. Jay Xiong and Cedrick Frazier are leading the push for $100 million in aid, arguing that immigrant-owned businesses and local economies across Minnesota are facing devastating losses. Lawmakers estimate the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region alone has lost at least $600 million in business revenue and $240 million in wages since December.

“Republicans are holding the small business relief bill hostage,” Xiong said, accusing House Republicans of tying the aid package to changes in paid family leave protections. “They want to pit working families against working families, and this is not a negotiation. This is cruelty dressed up as policy.”

Frazier emphasized the urgency facing business owners across the state.

“Many of these immigrant business owners have spent their entire lives—or even generations-working to finally realize their dream of owning a business; now, they are on the brink of closure. We will not stop fighting for small businesses and workers across the state that are foundational to local economies.”

Separately, the Senate just passed the Ice Accountability and Justice Package. The bill bans agents from concealing their identity, prevents ICE from entering schools, hospitals, and daycares without a judicial warrant, allows civilians to sue federal officers who violate their constitutional rights and ensures the state can investigate killings by federal agents like those of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. It will need just one Republican vote to pass the House.