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State Representative Mary Franson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3201
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
News From Representative Franson
It was a busy week for education in the Minnesota House last week. To keep up with all of our reform bills visit www.reform2.mn
Overview of bills introduced on the House floor last week:
HF 1515 clarifies late fees that landlords can charge when tenants are late with their monthly rent payments. This bill makes clear the distinction between the 8% cap and the ability of public agencies to rely upon the guidance they have received from the public programs that support the public housing facilities. Language in the second section of the bill changes certain dates in statute relating to eviction from properties subject to foreclosure. These changes conform state law to current federal timetables.
HF 300 adds content to the current parent notice about early childhood development screening programs. The added content will inform parents that childhood development screenings help the district identify children who may benefit from available community resources and that the vision screening, while helpful in detecting potential eye problems, is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.
HF 1770 requires teacher candidates to pass the basic skills exam before being granted an initial teaching license. This bill also requires teachers who completed their teacher preparation program outside Minnesota to pass the basic skills exam before being granted a Minnesota teaching license.
HF 392 requires that all school buses used in Minnesota that are manufactured after January 1, 2013 (updated from 2012 in House passed bill), must be equipped with a crossing control arm on the front right bumper. The arm must be automatically activated in conjunction with flashing red lights (which under most circumstances are required to be used along with a stop-signal when loading and unloading passengers on the side of a road).
HF 247 is in regards to the Public Employees Insurance Program (PEIP). Right now, for example, the Teachers’ union can force a School District to join PEIP, regardless of the relative cost of using PEIP or contracting with some provider. This bill would allow School Districts to have a say in that choice.
HF 1870 makes reforms is the “Last In First Out” (LIFO) bill which was passed on the House floor Thursday. This bill will require a school board and the exclusive representative of the teachers to negotiate a plan to base unrequested leave of absence, discharge, and demotion decisions on teachers' subject matter licensure fields, their effectiveness, and their seniority. Seniority will no longer be the sole decision basis for teacher lay-offs.
We also passed lawsuit reform measures a week ago, with great bi-partisan support. They were supported by numerous small businesses and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. So I was disappointed when I found that Governor Dayton vetoed these bills. It is my hope that moving ahead he will work with the legislature in supporting and signing bi-partisan job creating bills.
Governor Dayton also gave his annual State of the State Address on Wednesday. I’m glad that job creation is something that we can all agree on. The governor spoke about improving Minnesota’s job climate and education. It is my hope that the governor will work with us during the session to accomplish those things.
Redistricting maps come out Tuesday. I will be sending out an email to update you on that towards the end of the week.
Also, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook for instant updates from the House floor. Look for “Representative Mary Franson” and ask to join the group.
Don’t forget to participate in my 2012 legislative survey. I want to hear from you! Www.surveymonkey.com/11b2012survey
Have a great week!
Mary
News Items
- FRANSON SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 5:26PM)
- News from Representative Franson - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- News from Representative Franson - (Posted: 2012-03-23 00:00:00)
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