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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
New laws go into effect August 1, 2005
On Monday, August 1, 65 new laws that were passed by the State Legislative session went into effect. The three most notable are the increase in the minimum wage, the 75-cent increase for a pack of cigarettes, and the .08 drunken driving standard.
The hourly pay increase for the approximately 50,000 workers in Minnesota who earn minimum wage is the first in over eight years. For employers with annual gross sales of more than $625 thousand, this bill will raise the minimum hourly wage to $6.15 an hour. Employers with annual gross sales of less than $625 thousand will be required to pay an hourly wage of $5.25 an hour, and the minimum wage for training purposes will be raised to $4.90 an hour.
Despite popular belief, recent numbers show that almost 73% of minimum wage workers are 20 years and older, and forty-one percent of them are supporting children. This pay increase is a welcome change and overdue.
Minnesota is the last state to adopt the .08 drunken driving standard, which has been pushed for years by the federal government with offers of extra highway funding and threatened cuts in aid. Proponents of the change say its human and financial cost-savings are significant, and neighboring states where .08 is already the law have seen decreases in alcohol-related accidents.
A controversial 75-cent per pack health impact tax will be imposed on tobacco distributors. This new revenue source is expected to garner $401 million that will be credited to a newly created health impact fund.
Several provisions were passed in the crime bill that are aimed at toughening penalties and making our state safer. Dangerous sex offenders, like the one who allegedly abducted and killed college student Dru Sjodin, will face life in prison with no possibility of release. It is also now a felony crime to steal, purchase or possess anhydrous ammonia to be used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Meth-related activities that impact children and vulnerable adults are also now punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
In addition, domestic assault by strangulation has been added to the list of qualified domestic violence related offenses and it is now a crime to knowingly provide false information to a police officer.
Other provisions included in omnibus bills:
•Failure to pay migrant workers their required wages and benefits will cost employers an extra $250 in penalties.
• The "Unborn Child Pain Prevention Act" will require a physician to inform a woman if an anesthetic would eliminate or alleviate pain to an unborn child cause by an abortion performed after 20 weeks gestation.
•A varsity head coach whose contract is not renewed can request that the school board provide, in writing, reasons for the non-renewal.
•Parents of stillborn children will be able to receive a birth certificate.
•Secondary high school students will now be able to take pills such as Tylenol or Motrin on their own while in school.
•People who want to fly the American flag outside their common interest property, such as a town house, can do so without fear of violating homeowner association's covenants.
•Quotas for issuing traffic and vehicle inspection citations will further be prohibited.
•Fines for driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit will result in an additional surcharge of at least $25; speeds in excess of 100 mph will result in revocation of a person's driver's license for six months.
•Motor vehicle registration and transfer fees are increased from $4 to $10.
For a complete summary of new laws, vetoed bills and proposals in limbo, House Information presents New Laws 2005 on the Web at www.house.mn/hinfo/NewLaws/NewLawsmain.asp.
News Items
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: MINNESOTA STATUTE 12A IMPROVES STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS AND DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI AND SEN. JEREMY MILLER SUPPORT TWO-BRIDGE PROPOSAL - (Posted: 2012-08-23 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PACKAGE SHOULD FOLLOW PROCESS OUTLINED IN 12A AND INCLUDE PUBLIC INPUT - (Posted: 2012-08-16 00:00:00)
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