Greetings Northlanders,
Now that the Easter/Passover break is behind us, the Legislature is back in session with an important list of things to accomplish in the next six weeks. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
Meetings
On Monday, I met with a constituent about the rock quarry blasting issues and with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute on Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) projects.
We’re expected to move the environment bill out of committee by April 20, so we’ll be hearing the bill and taking testimony on it next week.
On Wednesday, I met with Terri and Will Haapla from Ely about AARP issues – it’s always good to see constituents make it to the St. Paul office to visit.
I also had the opportunity to meet with Public Utilities Commissioner George Wilkes from Grand Marais. Thank you to him and all the other visitors for stopping by.
Sophia’s Law Resolved
Today, an important clarification to Sophia’s Law was passed off the House floor. Sophia’s Law is named after Sophia Baechler, a seven-year-old who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while boating on Lake Minnetonka. It requires motorboats with enclosed accommodation compartments to be equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoxide detection system.
However, the bill as originally passed would have unintended consequences on the house boat hospitality and rental industry. We finally have a satisfactory resolution for our hospitality industry and for the safety of Minnesota boaters. I would like to thank Rep. Jerry Hertaus for working with our concerns and getting this issue taken care of ahead of boating season.
The law will go into effect on May 1, 2018.
Please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol with your ideas and input on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative