WEEK THREE: January 24, 2019
2019 Legislature starts hearing bills while a number of press conferences highlight legislation
State offices were closed and committees did not meet so legislators were able to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday on January 21. The week started off with a number of press conferences, including one on paid family and medical leave, reducing the cost of insulin, the opioid epidemic, and gun violence reduction.
Committee work kicked into full gear with the hands-free cellphone bills heard in the Senate and House, an update from the Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention working group, Driver Assist Technology in commercial trucks, and stricter penalties for sexual assault.
There were a number of groups who held “days” at the Capitol this week including the Woman’s March, AIDS Action Day, MCCL, National School Choice, and the Minnesota gun owners lobby day.
There seems to be consensus to fast track a few bills this session including legislation authorizing Minnesota to access federal funds for election security and hands-free cellphone legislation. The legislature will hear more regarding these issues and others in the coming weeks.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Senate celebrated this week what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s 89th birthday. It was a day to applaud and remember Dr. King’s many accomplishments and take a moment to keep his “dream” alive. But for all of his incredible accomplishments, the state still has a long way to go in achieving racial equity and social justice.
Minnesotans call for increased family and medical leave
The Minnesotans for Paid Family and Medical Leave Coalition, a group of organizations from the faith, labor, business, and nonprofit communities, held a press conference this week voicing its support for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.
Reducing the immorally high prices of insulin
A press conference this week highlighted a legislative package of four bills designed to bring down the immorally high price of insulin for Minnesota’s consumers. The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act, the first piece of the package, establishes a means for Minnesotans who are unable to afford their needed insulin to get their prescription filled on a temporary basis.
Bipartisan efforts to address the opioid crisis
A bipartisan group of legislators held a press conference this week to unveil legislation to help prevent opioid addiction and support children subjected to abuse or neglect. The state pays for the legislation with an increase in licensing fees on opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Bills introduced aimed at curtailing gun violence
Two bills introduced at a press conference this week focused on new gun laws aimed to curtail gun violence. Two bills introduced at a press conference this week focused on new gun laws aimed to curtail gun violence. The first bill, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), also known as “red flag” laws, would allow law enforcement and family members to seek a court order temporarily restricting a person’s access to guns when they show red flags and pose a danger to themselves and/or others.
Agriculture Economy reviewed in committee
In the Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Policy Committee this week, members heard there are variances across the state, but 2018 was a challenging year for farmers overall.
Legislators continue work to address elder abuse in Minnesota
Addressing the abuse and neglect of Minnesota’s seniors is once again on the agenda after the 2018 session ended without any urgently needed reforms in long-term care.
Helmets to Hardhats receives first hearing
A proposal that would allocate resources to aid the trades in recruiting military members and veterans to work in Minnesota’s construction industry was heard this week in the Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee.
Committee looks at stricter penalties for various sex crimes
The Senate Judiciary Committee this week took up a bill that would address a number of concerns with the state’s definitions of and penalties for sex crimes.
Protecting student renters
A bill heard in the Judiciary Committee this week aims to improve relations between landlords and student renters while protecting student renters.
Committee considers distracted driving regulations
The Senate Transportation Committee considered two bills this week aimed at making Minnesota’s roads safer.
Veterans Committee hears legislation to support veterans’ spouses
The Veterans Committee this week focused on expanding tax benefits for veterans and their spouses.