Dear Neighbor, 

We are quickly approaching our constitutional deadline for adjournment, set for Sunday, May 17th, and the timeline leaves very little room for delays or unfinished work. With only a short window remaining in the legislative session, we are working diligently to finalize major pieces of legislation, reconcile differences between chambers, and ensure that priority bills are passed before time runs out. As a result, the coming week is expected to be especially busy, with extended floor sessions, last-minute negotiations, and an increased pace of activity as efforts intensify to meet the deadline. Thank you for your continued support! 

I have gotten a handful of questions and comments regarding a bill that recently passed out of the Senate, SF4067. This bill proposes broad new gun regulations, including bans on many semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity magazines, registration and certification requirements for current owners, and tighter limits on private sales and homemade firearms. The bill raises concerns because it places significant compliance burdens on law-abiding gun owners through fees, paperwork, and the risk of penalties for technical violations, while offering limited evidence that it would stop individuals who already ignore existing laws. Its definitions of restricted weapons could also affect commonly owned firearms used for self-defense and recreation. Compared with this approach, many Republican-backed proposals focus more on enforcing current laws, increasing penalties for repeat violent offenders, and investing in law enforcement and mental health responses rather than expanding regulations on legal ownership. 

Since this bill recently passed the Senate, it has now been transmitted to the House for consideration. I can assure you that legislation imposing a broad ban on firearms for law-abiding gun owners does not have a path forward in the House. Our focus remains on advancing practical school safety measures and maintaining clear, effective statutory language so that criminals can be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

I am pleased to report that we have delivered on a top priority for the 2025–26 legislative session. The House has now passed the independent Office of the Inspector General bill, marking an important step toward strengthening oversight and accountability in state government. 

This proposal reflects more than a year of work. Since last January, we have engaged with stakeholders and carefully developed a framework designed to function effectively in practice. The objective from the outset has been to establish a truly independent office with the authority necessary to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse wherever it occurs. Despite delays during the process, we remained committed to advancing the bill and ensuring its passage. 

The legislation establishes an office that operates independently of the Governor’s administration, an essential feature for maintaining impartiality and public trust. It also grants meaningful law enforcement authority, ensuring that the office is equipped not only to identify misconduct but to take action and support enforcement efforts. 

This approach addresses longstanding concerns about gaps between identifying fraud and resolving it. By creating a dedicated, independent watchdog, the bill is intended to improve accountability, safeguard taxpayer resources, and strengthen confidence that state programs are administered as intended. 

Coffee with Tom is now on break until after the legislative session concludes. 

Please note that we will not host Coffee with Tom during the month of May due to our uncertain legislative schedule. As we move towards the end of session on May 17th, 2026, we could be in-session all seven days of the week. 

Currently, I am planning to host Coffee with Tom at the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 5th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.  

Next, I am planning to host Coffee with Tom at the Waseca Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 19th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Note: The Waseca Chamber of Commerce is closed on June 12th, 2026, so we rescheduled to the following Friday. 

Thank you for your support and feedback, and please reach out if you need assistance in the meantime!