Dear Neighbor,
A number of new laws go into effect Aug. 1. A full summary can be found at this link, but here is a quick look at some notable changes pertaining to family law, marriage dissolution, investigational drugs and stiffer penalties for texting while driving.
Texting while driving
The fine for second and subsequent texting while driving convictions is being increased to $225. Reports show there were 3,200 texting-while-driving tickets issued in Minnesota last year. This is one component that has drawn more attention in recent years to a larger distracted-driving issue on our roadways. (SF1647)
Family law
Several bipartisan reforms also are taking place regarding family law to address issues involving children and divorce. A child custody dialogue group worked for more than two years to come to consensus on reform, which:
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clarifies how either parent may take the child income tax dependency exemption;
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integrates parenting rights that previously took the form of a separate appendix into the body of a court order;
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allows judges to set interest rates for certain awards in family law actions;
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revises the child’s best interest standards for custody decisions;
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clarifies that 25 percent is a presumed minimum amount of parenting time in a child support determination; and
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makes a variety of changes to laws concerning custody and visitation as they apply to parents who are deployed with the armed services. (SF1191)
Marriage dissolution
New law also makes a certificate mandatory when a marriage is dissolved. Previous statute provides for a certificate if a court or one of the parties to the divorce wanted one. A certificate of marriage dissolution will no longer contain the Social Security numbers of the parties to the dissolution or the names and Social Security numbers of any living minor or dependent children. It will contain the former and new name of any party to the dissolution who is granted a name change. (HF1357)
Right to Try
Another change pertains to terminal patients, providing them with the "Right to Try" FDA investigational drugs. A terminally ill patient who has exhausted all conventional forms of recovery can have their physician write a prescription for an experimental treatment as a last resort. Under the Right to Try Act, an experimental drug or device will need to have passed the first phase of a clinical trial, but have yet to be approved for general use by the federal FDA. Manufacturers of qualifying experimental drugs or devices will be able to provide the product free of charge and insurance companies will not be required to cover the cost. (SF100)
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Protecting the unborn
On a separate note, I am part of a group of strong pro-life legislators who recently co-signed a letter to Gov. Mark Dayton, asking him to investigate Planned Parenthood. A series of undercover videos released to the public has raised the disturbing question as to whether Planned Parenthood is selling body parts from aborted babies. Our letter asks the governor to determine whether this unconscionable act is occurring in Minnesota so appropriate action can be taken.
Good luck,
Jeff