On January 14 — just 64 days from now — legislators will kick off the 2025-2026 biennium. Safe Passage is preparing to meet with many of them to discuss the need to prioritize children’s safety. We know far too many children are left in abusive homes, even when significant concerns are known.
As a quick recap, the 67-member Minnesota Senate, which was not up for reelection, will remain under DFL control (34-33). However, the 134-member Minnesota House appears to be evenly split (67-67) – something that hasn’t happened since 1979.
What does this mean for Safe Passage’s advocacy efforts? Thankfully, our approach will remain the same as last year, when many of the bills we supported or introduced were passed.
However, a divided government requires compromise and bi-partisan solutions to get policy measures done. Safe Passage’s priorities for the 2025 session are measures that Democrats and Republicans should be proud to support and champion together.
Among other issues next year, we are advocating for stronger training for mandated reporters, a closer look at child welfare funding streams, and better data surrounding child fatalities.
Fortunately, the lawmakers with whom Safe Passage has its closest relationships have been reelected, including Rep. Jim Nash, Rep. Nolan West, Rep. Dave Pinto, and Rep. Kelly Moller. Additionally, we will continue to monitor and help inform discussions via the Legislative Task Force on Child Protection and Supreme Court Taskforce on Child Protection.
We are proud to have spent the last year investing in building bipartisan relationships so that we can confidently navigate a narrow DFL-majority in the Senate and a tied House with DFL and Republican leadership.
Child safety should never be a partisan issue. Join us in speaking up for kids.