Gov. Walz Convenes Another Special Legislative Session

SAINT PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz Friday announced that he will convene a special legislative session beginning on July 13.

The governor continues to push for legislation on police reform and has asked the Legislature to pass "a robust bonding bill."

"I am asking Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature to work together on the urgent matters Minnesotans expect them to tackle this summer," Walz stated. "Our state had a trying few months, and we need the Legislature to rise to the occasion and get things done to help Minnesotans rebuild and recover. Give me a bill to sign on police accountability and reform and let’s work together to build a stronger, more equitable economy by investing in local jobs and projects across the state."

Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan say they support use of force reform, greater police oversight, community healing, as well as prosecutorial, investigatory, and training reform.

Walz will also extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days "to ensure the state can continue to quickly and effectively respond to the pandemic."

A total of 49 states currently have a state of emergency in place, according to a news release.