{{Short description|American politician}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Paul Novotny | image = | state_house = Minnesota | district = 30B | prior_term = | term_start = February 11, 2020 | term_end = | predecessor = Nick Zerwas | successor = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1966|05|26}} | birth_place = | death_date = | death_place = | party = Republican | spouse = Nicole | children = 2 | alma_mater = North Hennepin Community College (A.A.S.) | occupation = Law enforcement | constituency = 30B (2023-present)<br/ >30A (2020-2022) | website = {{URL|https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15536|Government website}}<br/ >{{URL|https://paulnovotnymn.nationbuilder.com/|Campaign website}} }}
'''Paul Novotny''' ({{ipa|en|nəˈvɑt.ni}},<ref>{{cite web |title=Name Pronunciation Guide for House Members 2025 |url=https://www.house.mn.gov/members/pronunciation |website=Minnesota House of Representatives |publisher=Minnesota Legislature |access-date=14 April 2026}}</ref> born May 26, 1966) is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2020. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, Novotny represents District 30B in east-central Minnesota, which includes the cities of Elk River and Otsego and parts of Anoka, Sherburne, and Wright Counties.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Novotny, Paul - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present |url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=15536 |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=www.lrl.mn.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rep. Paul Novotny (30B) - Minnesota House of Representatives |url=https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/15536 |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=www.house.mn.gov}}</ref>
==Early life, education, and career== Novotny grew up on a dairy farm in Elk River, Minnesota. He graduated from North Hennepin Community College with an A.A.S. in law enforcement.<ref name=":0" />
Novotny has worked as a police officer in Princeton, Minnesota, and was a sergeant for the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office, serving as an investigative sergeant and a firearms instructor over the course of his 30-year career.<ref name=":0" />
==Minnesota House of Representatives== Novotny was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in a special election on February 4, 2020. He won a full term in November 2020 and was reelected in 2022. Novotny first ran after four-term incumbent Nick Zerwas resigned to spend more time with his family.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van Berkel |first=Jessie |date=November 25, 2019 |title=4-term Minnesota Rep. Nick Zerwas, battling heart condition, to resign |url=https://www.startribune.com/rep-nick-zerwas-to-resign/565424712/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Faircloth |first=Ryan |date=January 14, 2020 |title=Sherburne County sheriff's sergeant wins special election primary for Minnesota House seat |url=https://www.startribune.com/two-republicans-face-off-in-special-election-primary-for-minnesota-house-seat/566992182/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Faircloth |first=Ryan |date=February 4, 2020 |title=DFL, GOP hold onto Minn. House seats in two special elections |url=https://www.startribune.com/dfl-gop-hold-onto-minn-house-seats-in-two-special-elections/567574232/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=The Associated Press |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Republican Novotny, Democrat Jordan win special elections |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/02/05/republican-novotny-democrat-jordan-win-special-elections |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref>
During the 2021-22 legislative session, Novotny served as an assistant minority leader. He serves as the minority lead on the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and sits on the Human Services Policy and Ways and Means Committees.<ref name=":0" />
=== Political Positions === Novotny opposes ending qualified immunity for police officers and banning no-knock warrants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berkel |first=Jessie Van |last2=Faircloth |first2=Ryan |date=February 1, 2023 |title='A constant reminder': Minnesota lawmakers consider police reforms after Tyre Nichols' death |url=https://www.startribune.com/a-constant-reminder-minnesota-lawmakers-consider-police-reforms-after-tyre-nichols-death/600248306/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> He drafted legislation that would require more transparency when third-party organizations post bail for someone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andy |first=Mannix |date=October 9, 2020 |title=Release of Derek Chauvin again brings bail questions to the forefront in Minnesota |url=https://www.startribune.com/derek-chauvin-s-release-raises-questions-about-bail-system/572682182/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Orenstein |first=Walker |date=2021-03-25 |title=Bill requiring public disclosure of groups covering cash bail is getting traction at the Minnesota Legislature |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2021/03/bill-requiring-public-disclosure-of-groups-covering-cash-bail-is-getting-traction-at-the-minnesota-legislature/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref> He has argued that bail should be set for violent offenders who pose a threat to society, not nonviolent low-level offenses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ibrahim |first=Mohamed |date=2023-01-17 |title=Violence prevention, bail reform among lawmakers' public safety priorities |url=https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2023/01/violence-prevention-bail-reform-among-public-safety-priorities-for-minnesota-lawmakers/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref> Novotny opposed a provision that would give families of those killed by police money for burial costs and trauma services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=April 8, 2021 |title=Gulf builds in MN Legislature over public safety plans |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/04/08/gulf-builds-in-legislature-over-public-safety-plans |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref>
Novotny supported a DFL bill requiring judges to issue "sign and release" warrants for certain misdemeanor offenses instead of arrest warrants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Montemayor |first=Stephen |date=April 27, 2021 |title=Wright's death fuels push to change Minnesota warrant process |url=https://www.startribune.com/daunte-wright-s-death-fuels-push-to-change-minnesota-warrant-process/600050879/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> He co-authored a bill establishing harsher penalties for the sale or possession of fentanyl, and legislation that would create an electronic database to track the sale of used catalytic converters in response to an increase in theft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Paul |last2=Chhith |first2=Alex |date=March 21, 2021 |title=Motorist shot after interrupting suspects trying to steal his catalytic converter, St. Paul police say |url=https://www.startribune.com/police-motorist-shot-after-interrupting-suspects-trying-to-steal-catalytic-converter-in-st-paul/600157986/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Small |first=Robert |date=March 17, 2022 |title=OPINION EXCHANGE {{!}} Reforms needed to battle fentanyl scourge |url=https://www.startribune.com/reforms-needed-to-battle-fentanyl-scourge/600157033/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> Novotny spoke against a state office of youth restorative justice because it would increase bureaucracy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serres |first=Chris |last2=Sawyer |first2=Liz |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Citing failures, Minnesota DFL lawmakers push juvenile justice system reforms |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-dfl-lawmakers-citing-failures-push-reforms-to-the-juvenile-justice-system/600243043/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref>
Novorny opposed legislation to restore the right to vote to felons while they are on parole, saying it is unfair to the victims of serious crimes such as homicides. He unsuccessfully attempted to amend the bill to require payment of fines before voting rights are restored.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Rochelle |date=February 5, 2023 |title=Minnesota Legislature moving to restore voting rights for felons upon release from custody |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-legislature-moving-to-restore-voting-rights-for-felons-upon-release-from-custody/600249302/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakst |first=Brian |date=February 15, 2023 |title=MN Supreme Court defers to lawmakers on felon voting rights |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/15/mn-supreme-court-defers-to-lawmakers-on-felon-voting-rights |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MPR News |language=en}}</ref>
Novotny signed on to a letter to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners asking it to designate the county a "Second Amendment sanctuary."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Montemayor |first=Stephen |date=January 21, 2020 |title=GOP lawmakers press for first Minn. 'Second Amendment sanctuary' |url=https://www.startribune.com/gop-lawmakers-press-for-minnesota-s-first-second-amendment-sanctuary/567166462/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=Star Tribune}}</ref> He has expressed concerns about red flag laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orenstein |first=Walker |date=2023-02-15 |title=Minnesota Democrats hope to advance 'red flag' gun bill at Legislature |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/02/gun-politics-are-tricky-at-the-minnesota-legislature-why-dflers-hope-they-can-pass-a-red-flag-law/ |access-date=2023-03-06 |website=MinnPost |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Electoral history ==
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2020 Republican Primary for Minnesota State House - District 30A Special Election<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=126&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=413&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 30A Special Election Primary|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul Novotny | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 1,136 | percentage = 86.98 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Kathy Ziebarth | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 170 | percentage = 13.02 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 1,306 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2020 Minnesota State House - District 30A Special Election<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=127&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=413&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 30A Special Election|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul Novotny | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 1,983 | percentage = 63.44 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Chad Hobot | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 1,141 | percentage = 36.50 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 2 | percentage = 0.06 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 3,126 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2020 Minnesota State House - District 30A<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=136&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=413&show=Go|title=2020 Results for State Representative District 30A|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul Novotny (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 16,154 | percentage = 66.23 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Chad Hobot | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 8,219 | percentage = 33.70 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 16 | percentage = 0.07 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 24,389 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change | title = 2022 Minnesota State House - District 30B<ref>{{cite web|url=https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=StateRepresentative&DistrictId=414&show=Go|title=2022 Results for State Representative District 30B|access-date=February 17, 2023|website=Minnesota Secretary of State}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Paul Novotny (incumbent) | party = Republican Party of Minnesota | votes = 12,866 | percentage = 65.57 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Chad Hobot | party = Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party | votes = 6,751 | percentage = 34.40 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 6 | percentage = 0.03 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 19,623 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no change | winner = Republican Party of Minnesota }} {{Election box end}}
==Personal life== Novotny lives in Elk River, Minnesota, with his wife, Nicole. They have two children.<ref name=":0" />
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Minnesota legislator ID|15536}} * [https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15536 Official House of Representatives website] * [https://www.paulnovotnymn.com/ Official campaign website]
{{Minnesota House of Representatives}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Novotny, Paul}} Category:Living people Category:Republican Party members of the Minnesota House of Representatives Category:1966 births Category:21st-century members of the Minnesota Legislature Category:People from Elk River, Minnesota