Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature
Minnesota House of Representatives

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

Back to profile

Pet Trusts and Tax Cuts

Friday, April 8, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are blessed with an incredible school district! ISD 279 Osseo Area Schools was nationally recognized for its outstanding commitment to music education with a 2016 Best Communities for Music designation. This national honor acknowledges outstanding efforts by teachers, administration, parents, students, and community leaders who work together to ensure access to music learning for all students as part of the curriculum. This is the 8th national recognition earned by ISD 279 – congratulations!

Here are the highlights from week five at our capitol:

  1. American Disabilities Act Bill – Passed Out of Senate Committee
  2. Vending Tax Parity Bill – Heard in Tax Committee
  3. Pet Trust Bill – Passed On To The House Floor
  4. Mud Art Contest at Elm Creek Park

ADA Bill Passes Committee (HF2955)

I am honored to be the chief author to this bill that will increase access to our businesses for the disabled while decreasing the unnecessary lawsuits that have been plaguing our local businesses. This week, the companion bill in the Senate passed out of committee which will create a House floor vote soon. I’ve worked with the Minnesota Council On Disabilities, the Minnesota Human Rights Department, and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to gather information and input from all interested parties. I look forward to the passage of this bill.

Vending Tax Parity Bill – Passed Out of Tax Committee (HF3205)

When you buy food products in a vending machine compared to the grocery store, they are taxed differently. This non-parity in taxation creates higher prices for vending machine items. My bill eliminates the tax and creates a level playing field. The bill I am carrying was heard in the Tax Committee this week and was met with interest. I am hopeful this bill will be included in the tax omnibus bill.

Pet Trust Bill – Passed Out of Committee (HF1372)

Minnesota is the only state in our country where you can’t establish a trust for a beloved pet. This week, my bill to allow said trusts was heard in the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee. This bill will allow someone to leave assets for the care of their pet after they have passed. This bill unanimously passed out of committee and now heads to the House floor. I was fortunate to have my dog Reagan with me at the Capitol as we gave testimony to this legislation. WCCO had a nice recap of the hearing and the purpose behind HF1372.

Mud Art Contest at Elm Creek Park

This weekend, check out the Mud Art contest at Elm Creek Park on Saturday morning at 10:00 am. Let’s embrace spring even though it is still snowing out there today!

For more information about my Real ID bill (SF1646/HF1732) that was signed into law last week, read my guest column in the Maple Grove Osseo Press. Even though the weather this week has seemed like winter is still hanging on, our youth spring sports teams are preparing for their seasons. We look forward to seeing them in competition soon. 

If you are able to visit the Capitol, please contact me so we can visit and I can hear your concerns and bill ideas. It is a privilege to represent our community – let me know if I can assist you or your family. 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

Recent News for Rep. Dennis Smith