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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
New state laws offer reasonable protection for Minnesota residents
This week, several new laws go into effect in Minnesota that will offer additional physical and financial protection for state residents. The one that has received the most attention prevents drivers under the age of 18 from talking on a handheld or hands-free cell phone while driving, except in emergencies. Young drivers can easily be overwhelmed just navigating their vehicle without the added distraction of talking on a cell phone. Hopefully, we'll see fewer accidents thanks to this new restriction.
There is a lot of discussion in the news these days about identity theft and how to protect our personal data. Beginning Jan. 1, businesses will be required to let Minnesota residents know if a security breach has put their personal data is at risk. The law requires that disclosure be made in the “most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay." Information covered includes a person’s driver’s license or Minnesota identification number, account or credit card numbers or Social Security number. If the breach affects more than 500 people at one time, all consumer reporting agencies would be notified within 48 hours of the discovery.
Also beginning in 2006, meth cooks could have one more bill to pay. A new law may now require people convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine to pay restitution to police and fire departments involved in an emergency response to their criminal activity. In addition, meth makers may be forced to pay restitution to any property owner who “incurred removal or remediation costs" as a result of their crime.
Meth use and production has caused a substantial financial burden in our state, especially in rural Minnesota where most of the production takes place. From the initial response, to the investigation and clean-up, the cost can run into the thousands of dollars. Oftentimes, meth is manufactured in rented rural properties, leaving the owner of the home with the huge financial cost of cleaning up. This new bill will allow for some compensation from the meth makers.
Another new bill will offer protection against injury and possible death of infants by requiring licensed day care providers to perform monthly safety inspections on their cribs. Documentation of the inspections is required, and all cribs that are found to be unsafe should be removed from use and made inaccessible to children.
Finally, beginning January 1, any ATV operator born after July 1, 1987, and who is at least 16 years old, must successfully complete the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ all-terrain vehicle study course before operating an ATV on public lands. Safety certificates will be issued to those between 16 and 18 years who successfully complete the program.
Please feel free to call or write if you have ideas or concerns you want to share about these new laws. I can be reached by phone at 1800-292-0012 or 1-651-296-8237, by mail at 231 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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