Political Positions

Novotny opposes ending qualified immunity for police officers and banning no-knock warrants.^[7] He drafted legislation that would require more transparency when third-party organizations post bail for someone.^[8][9] He has argued that bail should be set for violent offenders who pose a threat to society, not nonviolent low-level offenses.^[10] Novotny opposed a provision that would give families of those killed by police money for burial costs and trauma services.^[11]

Novotny supported a DFL bill requiring judges to issue "sign and release" warrants for certain misdemeanor offenses instead of arrest warrants.^[12] 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.^[13][14] Novotny spoke against a state office of youth restorative justice because it would increase bureaucracy.^[15]

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.^[16][17]

Novotny signed on to a letter to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners asking it to designate the county a "Second Amendment sanctuary."^[18] He has expressed concerns about red flag laws.^[19]