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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dennis Smith (R)

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Session Starts! Bills Pass Committee

Friday, March 11, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Congratulations to the Maple Grove Crimson and Osseo Orioles boys basketball teams for an impressive showing at the state tournament the last few days. We are proud of you! Good luck to all of the youth hockey teams that play in their state tournaments this weekend. Our winter sports are about completed, and it is good timing since the weather outside is saying “welcome, spring”.

Here are the highlights from our Capitol this week:

  1. Session has started!

  2. Unemployment Insurance Premium Reduction Bill Update

  3. HF 2515 Probate Reform Bill Passes Out of Committee

  4. HF 2294 Marriage License Time Period Elimination Bill Passes Out of Committee

  5. Maple Grove Library Events

Session Started March 8
This week, the 2016 session started! It was awesome to see the beautiful Capitol again. While still under renovation, the beauty of the building is striking. Stop by and visit and I will show the completed parts of the building.

Unemployment Insurance Premium Reduction Bill Update
The much-needed reform to the UI trust fund and $272 million insurance premium reduction bill that I chief authored was on the House floor on Tuesday, but we were unable to vote on it. I look forward to the passage of this great reform and insurance relief for our small businesses soon.

HF2515 Probate Bill Passes Out Of Committee
I chief authored this bill that incorporates several proposals from the MSBA’s Probate & Trust Law Section. Among other things, the bill raises some specific dollar amounts (like the family allowance) to more reasonable levels that haven’t been increased in over 25 years. It also adds options to correct certain mistakes in wills. The bill has one more committee hearing before it is on the House floor.

HF2294 Marriage License Time Period Elimination Bill Passes Out Of Committee
I am carrying this bill that is consumer friendly and makes our government more efficient. The wait period to attain a marriage license is five days, and this bill will decrease that to zero days. Minnesota is one of just two states left with a wait period that long. This bill has been sent to the House floor and I look forward to its passage soon.

Maple Grove Library Events
Even though the weather feels like spring, March is a great month to explore our incredible library. There are a variety of events scheduled throughout the month – call the library or check their website for specific details – go check out a book and read it outside!

Let me know if you are able to stop by the Capitol during session. Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and US mail address: 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.

Have a great weekend!

Dennis