The Minnesota Senate convened on May 18, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, including the controversial closure of Stillwater Prison and the passage of House File 2563, which pertains to legacy funding for outdoor heritage, clean water, parks, trails, and arts and cultural heritage.

The session began with a statement from a senator expressing support for unions in Minnesota while emphasizing that government exists primarily to provide services rather than solely to employ residents. The senator reiterated the need for qualified and safe workers, advocating for the phased closure of Stillwater Prison, which he described as inhumane and outdated. He committed to ensuring the closure process is handled properly.

Following this, the Senate moved to vote on House File 2563. The bill passed with a narrow margin of 34 votes in favor and 33 against. The legislation allocates funds for various projects, including enhancements to the Minnesota Zoo and support for cultural institutions. However, concerns were raised regarding the bill's provisions, particularly about the lack of transparency in how funds are allocated and the potential for misuse of taxpayer dollars.

Senator Pratt raised questions about the remote voting process, highlighting a specific instance where a senator voted remotely while present in the chamber. This led to a discussion about the rules governing remote voting, clarifying that members should vote in person if they are present.

As the debate continued, several senators expressed dissatisfaction with the conference committee process, noting that many decisions seemed to be made without adequate input from all members. Senator Green criticized the bill for not sufficiently addressing the original intent of the Clean Water Legacy Act, arguing that much of the funding is being used for administrative purposes rather than direct projects that benefit the public.

Senator Lang acknowledged the hard work of the committee but emphasized the need for future discussions on how to ensure that public funds are used effectively and transparently. He called for a focus on the long-term sustainability of funded projects and the importance of maintaining public access to lands purchased with taxpayer money.

The session concluded with a call for senators to review the bill thoroughly before voting, highlighting the significant financial implications of the legislation, which totals nearly a billion dollars. The discussions underscored ongoing tensions regarding fiscal responsibility and the effective use of public funds in Minnesota's legislative process.