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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re officially in our third week of the Republican majority, and the energy at the Capitol is in full swing! It’s been an incredibly busy and productive time as we hit the ground running on key legislative priorities that matter to you. From committee hearings to important discussions with colleagues and community leaders, each day has been filled with opportunities to advance policies that support hardworking Minnesotans. I’m excited to share some of the latest happenings, updates, and insights from the Capitol with you—let’s dive in!
 Last Friday, I hopped on MPR News’ Politics Friday with Brian Bakst for a deep dive into the ongoing crime and public safety debates at the Capitol. We tackled everything from traffic offenses to felony crime sentencing—big conversations that could have a real impact on our communities. These discussions aren’t just policy talk; they’re about keeping Minnesotans safe and ensuring our laws make sense.
If you would like to hear the full debate, you can check it out here!
I am proud to support House File 435 (HF 435), introduced by Representative Mary Franson (R-Alexandria)—a straightforward, commonsense bill that ensures the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee houses only biological females. This legislation is about maintaining clear policies and ensuring our correctional system operates with consistency and accountability.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Clarifies Housing Policy – This bill makes it crystal clear: only biological females can be housed at the Shakopee facility. No ambiguity, no exceptions.
- Requires Transfers – If an inmate currently housed there doesn’t meet this standard, the Department of Corrections must transfer them to a different facility within seven days of the bill’s enactment.
At the end of the day, HF 435 is about setting clear rules and sticking to them. I stand behind this bill and will continue supporting policies that bring structure, fairness, and accountability to our institutions.
You can read more on this bill here.
On Wednesday afternoon, Representative Elliott Engen (R-White Bear Lake) held a press conference to highlight House File 15 (HF 15)—a crucial bill that prioritizes school safety. I’m proud to support this legislation because I truly believe that every student and educator deserves to feel safe in their learning environment.
So, what does HF 15 actually do? Glad you asked!
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Requires Safe Schools Planning – Schools already create long-term facilities maintenance plans, but this bill makes sure safety is a top priority. Districts will need to assess what physical security improvements are necessary—things like secure entrances, better surveillance, or other safety upgrades.
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Provides Security Grants – Schools shouldn’t have to choose between fixing a leaky roof or keeping their students safe. This bill dedicates funding to help schools make those security improvements without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: HF 15 is about being proactive, not reactive. We shouldn’t wait for a tragedy to take action—we should be doing everything we can to prevent one. I fully support this effort and will continue advocating for safe, secure schools for every Minnesota student.
You can read more on this bill here.
 I had the privilege of meeting some truly inspiring ladies from LifeSource, the organization working to save lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. We had a fantastic conversation about their mission and the critical need for organ donors in our community—because, someone’s got to step up to help the 2,700 people currently on the transplant waiting list.
LifeSource is doing incredible work across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin to raise awareness and encourage folks to register as organ donors. It’s a big job, but these ladies are tackling it head-on with passion and purpose!
I had an awesome meeting with Sherburne County Commissioners Andrew Hulse, Rae Anne Danielloski, and Gary Gray this week! We covered a lot—everything from community needs to ways we can team up to keep Sherburne County thriving. These folks are passionate about serving our communities, and it’s always great to sit down with leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get things done. Big thanks to Andrew, Rae Anne, and Gary for the great conversation—I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together!
 I had the privilege of sitting down with Wright County Sheriff Sean Deringer, along with officers Treichler and Kunkel, to talk about the challenges they face every day in keeping our communities safe. It was a truly meaningful conversation—one that reminded me of the dedication and sacrifice of our local law enforcement.
Sheriff Deringer and his team work tirelessly to ensure that our families and neighborhoods are protected, and it’s an honor to support them in any way I can. We discussed how we can work together to provide the resources and backing they need to do their job even better.
These men and women are the heart of our community’s safety, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them to strengthen the work they do. Thank you, Sheriff Deringer, officers Treichler and Kunkel—you make a difference every single day.
As always, your feedback, thoughts, and concerns are incredibly important to me. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the legislation I’m working on, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to listen and serve.
You can contact my office by phone or email, and for the latest updates, be sure to follow my Facebook page here.
It’s an honor to represent District 30B. Together, we’ll keep working toward a safer, stronger Minnesota for everyone.
Sincerely,
Representative Paul Novotny
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B
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