Legislative UpdateFriends and Neighbors, Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hard at work authoring legislation aimed at improving public safety, supporting our law enforcement officers, and making infrastructural improvements for counties across the state. Public Safety and Law Enforcement Support BillsH.F. 1119 increases public safety by discouraging reckless driving during police pursuits. It provides a strong deterrent with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine for fleeing while violating traffic laws. The bill creates a clearer legal framework for enforcement, reduces dangerous chases, and helps protect both officers and the public. It strengthens accountability and prioritizes safety by holding individuals accountable for reckless behavior during pursuits. H.F. 1118 ensures that officers diagnosed with posttraumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) are eligible for benefits, including payment for lost wages and medical treatment for up to one year to help them recover. The bill also allows employers to request evaluations by mental health professionals and clarifies that PTSS benefits do not require physical injury. H.F. 1567 seeks to extend personal information protections, previously available only to judicial officials, to peace officers in Minnesota. It amends various statutes to ensure that certain private data, such as residential addresses, phone numbers, and the names of family members, are kept private and cannot be publicly disclosed by government entities, businesses, or individuals. The bill also allows these individuals to request the removal of their personal information from publicly available sources, such as websites, with legal recourse if the information is not removed within 30 days. Have any questions, concerns, or ideas on legislation? Please reach out! I’ve included my contact information at the bottom of this update. Bonding BillsH.F. 1528 - Beltrami County This bill provides funding for a sanitary sewer collection and treatment system in Northern Township, Beltrami County, specifically for the north and east sides of Lake Bemidji. This project will improve public health by reducing water contamination, protect the environment, and support future growth in the area. H.F. 577 - Lake of the Woods County This bill funds the design, construction, and improvement of law enforcement and government facilities. The project aims to enhance public safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and the delivery of public services. It includes funding for expanded mental health and emergency operations facilities. Rally in Support of Girls’ Sports (Monday, March 3rd)A rally in support of preserving girls' sports will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul. The event will feature Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer and advocate for women's sports, as the keynote speaker. Organizers, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth, aim to highlight the importance of fair competition and protecting opportunities for female athletes.  Supporting H.F. 12 - Preserving Girl's Sports Act As a husband and father of three beautiful daughters, this bill is deeply personal to me. I believe it is my responsibility to protect them, both now and in the future, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed and compete fairly. Women’s sports have come a long way, and we must continue to protect the integrity and safety of these programs. This bill is about preserving fairness and ensuring that our young female athletes are not put at a disadvantage. It’s important that the playing field remains level, and that those competing in women’s sports are biologically female, as this is what those sports were originally designed to support. I’ve seen firsthand how hard young women work to excel in their sports, and I want to make sure they can continue to pursue scholarships, sponsorships, and future athletic opportunities without the fear of unfair competition. This is about their future, their safety, and their opportunity to thrive. Ultimately, this bill is a simple one — we are standing up for young girls, their sports, and their right to fair competition. I am proud to sponsor this legislation to protect the future of women’s sports in Minnesota. |