Capitol View for May 19

Good morning, and happy Thursday.

The Associated Press reports: Family members of the late U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn say his widow, Jennifer Carnahan, who is running to replace her husband in Congress, hasn’t come through on a promise to pay them back medical expenses related to his cancer treatments. Carnahan calls it a political stunt.

Two lawsuits filed Monday by Hagedorn’s mother, stepfather and sister allege they helped pay for cancer treatments he received at Envita Medical Centers in Arizona. Carnahan made a “clear and definite promise” to use inheritance she was to receive after his death to reimburse his family members, according to the complaints. Carnahan said Hagedorn’s estate is required to go through the probate process in the courts to determine how to divide up his assets and there is nothing more she can do at this time. Carnahan issued this statement Wednesday: "Grief affects everyone differently. Handling the affairs of my husband's estate should be a private matter. It's unfortunate a very simple process has been turned into a political stunt. Jim’s estate is required to go through the probate process and the courts will determine the disposition of assets in accordance with Minnesota law. There is nothing further we are allowed to do at this time. I wish Jim's family well and know this time has been very difficult for all of us."

A police incident Wednesday evening in St. Paul sent the Minnesota State Capitol into lockdown as police searched for suspects, FOX 9 reported. The suspects were arrested after a chase down I-94 that ended in the governor's parking lot at the Capitol. While police were looking for the suspects, the Minnesota House was in session and voting on bills. A feed from the House floor showed lawmakers go into recess with Majority Leader Representative Ryan Winkler warning lawmakers to stay in the chambers.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has breathed new life into a lawsuit related to COVID-19 closure measures by Gov. Tim Walz. MPR’s Brian Bakst reports a central Minnesota vineyard and restaurant owner sued the governor over an executive order that forced his businesses to remain closed early in the pandemic. Calvin Buzzell Jr. says the action represented a commandeering of his property and he is entitled to compensation for his losses. Two lower courts sided with Walz and the state, saying the mitigation didn’t represent a takeover of private property. The Supreme Court said in an opinion written by Justice Paul Thissen that state law doesn’t clearly define the word “commandeer” in law. Justices sent the case back to a district court, where they said Buzzell would have to show he was denied physical control over his property. The ruling represents a rare legal setback for the Walz administration in connection with his use of peacetime powers.

The push to legalize sports betting in Minnesota remains alive at the state Capitol with a hearing scheduled today in the Senate. MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports: The Senate Finance committee hearing comes with just days remaining for lawmakers to act on bills. The move follows last week’s House passage of a sports betting bill. Both measures allow for sports wagering online and in tribal casinos, but the Senate version also includes the state’s two horse racing tracks. Supporters say a legal and regulated framework is needed for an activity that is already widespread. They also want Minnesota to keep the sports betting revenue currently going to neighboring states. It’s unclear if the bill has enough support to pass in the Senate.

Republicans in the Minnesota Senate blocked a procedural move by Democrats Wednesday to bring up a cannabis legalization bill for discussion. Lawmakers voted 33 -31 to prevent a debate of a bill passed last year by the House. DFL Senate Minority Leader Melissa López Franzen, who offered the motion to bring up the bill, said it is time for a Senate discussion of the issue. “Minnesotans want to have this discussion about legalization, and they broadly support moving forward with legalization," she said. "That’s why the DFL caucus pressed this motion today.” Gov. Tim Walz said later that he wished the Senate would discuss legalized cannabis. He said the current prohibition is a waste of public safety money.