Minnesota House Session's Opening Day Streamed Online

The Legislature is scheduled to convene for the 2013-2014 biennium today at noon, and the largely ceremonial House floor session will be streamed online at www.house.mn.

Live mobile streaming is now available via the House website to smart phones and devices running software version 4.1 or better. The session will be televised over local PBS stations’ digital Minnesota Channel.

Webcast coverage begins at 11:30 a.m. when interviews with House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen and Minority Leader-elect Kurt Daudt will be presented.

It continues with opening day events that should include the swearing in of 132 House members — 72 DFLers and 60 Republicans.

Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake) will be sworn in as representative of House District 39A. Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Lake Elmo) will be sworn in as representative of House District 39B.

PHOTO: Getting Ready for the 2013-2014 Minnesota House Legislative Session

New Laws Take Effect in Minnesota

According to the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services:

This year, legislators must constitutionally complete their work by May 20.

The first year of the biennium is traditionally reserved for consideration of the state budget, which means legislators must address an anticipated $1.1 billion shortfall. By law, the state cannot carry a deficit at the end of a biennium.

Two members submitted their resignations Monday: Rep. Terry Morrow (D-St. Peter), who has accepted a position out of state, and Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud) due to new employment.

A special election has yet to be called by the governor to fill either vacancy.

- Lee Ann Schutz, Assistant Director/Editor - House Public Information Services contributed to this post.