Minnesota Senate adopts temporary rule allowing children on Senate floor with caucus approval

The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday adopted Senate Resolution 69, a temporary change to chamber rules that allows members to bring their children onto the Senate floor with the permission of their caucus leader, the chamber recorded.

Sen. Oumou Verbeten, who led floor debate in support of the resolution, said the change is meant to remove a barrier for parents who must choose between parental duties and voting or speaking for their districts. "Every Minnesotan should be able to represent their community in this legislature," she said, urging colleagues to make the chamber more welcoming to parents.

Supporters said the change updates long-standing customs and reflected personal experiences of senators who were prevented from breastfeeding or caring for sick infants while fulfilling legislative duties. "We should not accept a system that tells parents you can lead only if you leave your children at the door," Sen. Pha said, recounting a past childcare emergency.

Opponents raised practical and process concerns. Sen. Housley and others criticized the timing and rushed committee notice for a rule change brought during deadline week, saying the amendment left operational questions unanswered—such as age limits, fire egress and whether car seats or food would be allowed on the floor. Sen. Holmstrom and Sen. Heintzeman also warned of potential safety and accessibility problems in a cramped chamber.

Several amendments were debated and voted on before the final adoption. Sen. Nelson’s A4 amendment (allowing children under age 1) failed, 32–35. Sen. Johnson’s A2 amendment to sunset the rule on Dec. 31, 2026 failed, 29–38. Sen. Heintzeman’s A50 amendment (limit to age five) was amended on the floor by Sen. Maye Quade to set an age limit of 10; that amendment to the amendment passed 37–29, but the amended A50 failed on final vote, 32–35. An A52 amendment offered by Sen. Holmstrom to extend permission to staff passed, 35–31.

The resolution as amended was adopted by roll call, 41 yeas to 25 nays. Sen. Murphy, the majority leader who moved the resolution to the floor, noted that these are temporary rules adopted each biennium but said he expected the Senate to review and refine the policy as the chamber gains experience with it.

Why it matters: Supporters said the change will help recruit and retain legislators—especially women—who cannot otherwise reconcile legislative schedules with caregiving. Opponents said the chamber should more fully vet operational details and consider equity with staff and other workers before altering floor privileges.

What happens next: The Senate adopted the temporary rule change on March 25; senators said they expect to evaluate its implementation during the session and consider refinements in future rulemaking. The Senate adjourned and was scheduled to reconvene March 26.

Votes at a glance: A4 (age 1) — failed 32–35; A2 (sunset to Dec. 31, 2026) — failed 29–38; A50 (age 5) as amended to 10 — failed 32–35 (amend-to-amend passed 37–29); A52 (include staff) — adopted 35–31; Final adoption of SR69 (as amended) — adopted 41–25.

Quotes: "I urge a green vote on this monumental change today," Sen. Coleman said, describing the change as a message to young parents in Minnesota. "We should trust parents to decide what is best," Sen. Maye Quade said during debate. "This came up less than a week ago," Sen. Housley said, urging more process and notice.

The debate also included personal anecdotes from multiple senators about breastfeeding and childcare conflicts that shaped support for the measure. The resolution will take effect under the chamber's temporary rules procedure; senators said they will monitor implementation and may propose adjustments.