House fails to fast-track one-time $1 billion property-tax rebate after 67-67 tie

The Minnesota House on April 7 failed to advance a measure to fast‑track a one‑time property‑tax rebate after a 67–67 tie on a motion to suspend the rules.

Representative Niska moved to suspend the rules so that House File 4487 could be recalled for second, third and final readings. Representative Schultz, the sponsoring member, said the measure would provide immediate relief to homeowners and other property taxpayers.

"We have an opportunity right now to help 2,700,000 property owners in this state by providing 1 time property tax relief to the people," Representative Schultz said, urging colleagues to back what he described as an average rebate of about $1,500 per household.

Supporters framed the proposal as short‑term relief from recent property‑tax increases. Representative Niska said the bill would return surplus state funds to Minnesotans and that many families were facing steep year‑over‑year tax growth.

Opponents raised procedural and policy objections. Representative Gomes and other members noted the bill had not been heard in the House tax committee and pointed out there was no companion measure in the Senate. "There is no Senate companion to House File 4487," Representative Gomes said on the floor, arguing that the measure had not followed the usual tax‑committee process.

The roll call on the suspension motion produced 67 ayes and 67 nays, so the rules suspension did not prevail and the bill was not recalled for final consideration.

With the motion defeated, proponents said they would continue pursuing relief within the committee process and through future floor action. The House adjourned for the day.