(The Center Square) – Minnesota Republicans recently held the first hearing on a bill that would criminalize protesting outside private homes.
“Sometimes I ask myself, what argument could they possibly come up with to oppose this incredibly common sense proposal,” Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, said in an social media post in response to criticism of his bill.
Democrats say the proposed legislation is an attack on free speech.
The measure, HF 2809, would establish a new offense called “residential protesting,” making it illegal to demonstrate in front of or near someone’s dwelling unless the location serves as a business or plays host to a public meeting.
Violations could result in misdemeanor charges to gross misdemeanor in aggravated cases, along with potential restraining orders.
“This section does not prohibit the peaceful protesting of the place of holding a meeting or assembly on premises commonly used to discuss subjects of general public interest,” the proposed legislation reads.
The bill was first introduced in March 2025, but it lay dormant until Wednesday. Sponsored by Hudson, the bill has more than two dozen GOP co-authors, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring; Rep. Paul Novotny, R-Elk River; and Rep. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey.
Hudson defended the bill in an interview with Twin Cities News Talk radio, saying it aims to protect residents’ privacy and safety.
“It’s pretty simple that we have time, place, and manner restrictions on speech as an established precedent in case law, and it’s entirely appropriate to prohibit protest at somebody’s residence, I don’t care who they are,” Hudson said. “There are plenty of other ways in year 2026 to make your voices heard and to register your dissent from whatever it is that you feel people are doing that you disagree with.”
Hudson continued, saying other states have passed similar legislation.
“The idea that you’re going to go to their house and disturb the peaceful enjoyment of their property, and terrorize neighbors and children and family, should be completely outside the bounds of what we consider acceptable behavior in polite society,” he said.
Democrats swiftly condemned the bill.
The Minnesota DFL Party issued a statement Tuesday saying, “Minnesotans protest because Republicans aren’t doing their jobs. Instead of fixing that, the GOP wants to make protesting a crime.”
