The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up its 2024 session with a flurry of chaos and controversy as Democrats in the House and Senate maneuvered to pass a massive omnibus tax bill. With time running short, Democrats decided to combine multiple bills on various subjects into one all-encompassing legislation.

Led by DFL House Majority Leader Jamie Long, Democrats introduced the bill in a last-minute effort to finance state government. The bill encompassed provisions on transportation, housing, labor, higher education, gun safety, agriculture, paid family leave, and taxes. However, Republicans raised objections as they were denied access to the 2,860-page bill for review.

Amidst protests and heated exchanges, the bill eventually passed the House just minutes before the midnight deadline. The Senate experienced a similar uproar when the bill was introduced there, leading to a cacophony of objections from Republican senators. Despite the chaos, the omnibus bill managed to pass.

However, amidst the chaos, a bill that would have provided cash for state building projects failed to pass the Senate before the deadline. As a result, there would be no funds for projects and no borrowing in a bonding bill for state building projects.

Following the eventful conclusion of the legislative session, House and Senate leaders from both parties addressed the spectacle. DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman defended her actions, stating that she had to do what was necessary to push the bills through. In contrast, Republican House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth filed an ethics complaint against Hortman, accusing her of ignoring Republican motions on the floor.

Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson expressed his frustration, stating that he felt "gross" after the proceedings on the Senate floor. While many Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party priorities were enacted into law, there was a lack of agreement on legalizing sports betting, an issue both Republicans and Democrats were invested in. Additionally, the Senate ran out of time to address an equal rights amendment bill that had passed the House.

As the dust settles on the tumultuous session, Minnesota lawmakers will now turn their attention to addressing the aftermath and implications of the controversial omnibus tax bill. The actions and decisions made in the final hours of the legislative session will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of the state in the coming months.