Minnesota House defeats push to recall inspector‑general bill after floor debate, 67–66

A motion to recall Senate File 856 and re‑refer it to the House Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee failed on the floor of the Minnesota House on Feb. 23, 2026, after a narrow 67–66 vote.

Representative Carver Nash, who moved the recall, told colleagues the chamber had only a few hearing days left and urged immediate movement of the bill so Minnesotans alleging fraud would not be left waiting. "We don't have time on our side," Nash said, asking for a roll call on his motion.

The motion set off a heated exchange. Representative Peggy Cleburne, who defended standard committee procedures, said the floor was not the right place to do detailed amendment work: "This is really the work of committee," she said, arguing that some of the bill’s constitutional and technical issues are best addressed in committee. Other opponents echoed concerns that the bill needed additional review and that a delete‑all amendment had changed the measure’s substance.

Supporters, including Representative Nisga, characterized delays as partisan obstruction and said the legislation — which backers described as creating inspector‑general authority to investigate fraud — should progress so an independent oversight office can be established. "This bill needs to get moving," Nisga said.

After floor debate and a requested roll‑call, the clerk reported 67 ayes and 66 nays and the presiding officer announced the motion did not prevail. No subsequent floor vote on the underlying bill was recorded in the proceedings; proponents said they would continue pushing the measure through the committee process.

The House also took up other business that day, and the session adjourned with the body set to reconvene at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.