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

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Debt Settlement Bill Signed Into Law

Friday, May 13, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This past week at the Capitol has had a quick pace as we completed the ninth week of the session and get ready for the final remaining days.

Here are the highlights from week nine at our Capitol:

  1. Debt Settlement Bill – Signed into Law by the Governor!
  2. Update on Transportation Bill
  3. Real ID – Passes out of Ways and Means Committee – On To The House Floor
  4. Probate Omnibus Bill Passes off the House Floor
  5. American With Disabilities Act Bill – Passes the House Floor
  6. License Period for Marriage is Eliminated – Passes off the House Floor

Debt Settlement Bill Signed into Law by the Governor (HF2641/SF2869)

The governor signed my consumer-friendly bill into law! I am very proud of this bill as it creates some additional consumer protections to the debt settlement laws in our state, ensures Minnesota courts will resolve any issues arising from disputes, and includes past state and federal tax debt in this statute. This may sound boring, but it makes a big difference for many Minnesotans around the state.

Transportation Bill Update

Earlier today, I stood with my Republican colleagues to urge the governor to propose a transportation funding package without increasing the tax on gas. Between federal and state taxes, there’s a combined 47 cents per gallon tax on gas. With a $900 million surplus, we don’t need to add to this burden. We can pass a plan to fund roads and bridges throughout the state without hurting your family’s budget.

Real ID Bill – Passes out of Ways and Means Committee

This week, my Real ID bill passed out of the committee with bipartisan support. I amended my bill to include a two-track system. If you choose to not have your license compliant with the federal standard that will allow you to fly commercially, gain entrance to certain federal buildings and military bases, you can opt out and have the same license that you have today. Next week, it will be on the House floor, and I look forward to the passage of this important bill for Minnesota citizens.  

Probate Omnibus Bill Passes Off The House Floor (HF1372)

My bill that I chief-authored received unanimous support this week as it was passed off the House floor. There were two parts that I authored; part one adjusts the probate code to be in compliance with the new trust code, adds some options for correcting unintentional mistakes in wills, and updates financial levels not adjusted in twenty-five years. Part two allows you to create a pet trust; if you desire to leave assets for the care and well-being of your beloved pet after your passing, this bill allows you to do so with fiduciary responsibility attached to the trustee. This consumer-friendly bill has been sent to the Senate for hopeful concurrence.  

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Bill Passes off the House Floor (HF2955)

This bill that I carried will increase accessibility for people who are disabled and also decrease the number of drive-by lawsuits for our local businesses. I am proud of the six months of work that resulted in a bipartisan bill passing the House floor 82-45. I look forward to completing this bill in conference committee with the Senate’s version early next week.

Elimination of License Period for Marriages Passes Off The House Floor (HF2294)

This consumer-friendly bill eliminates the five-day waiting period for a marriage license. There is an exemption process if you show extraordinary circumstances or it is an emergency. As it turns out, our judges throughout our state have complied with 100% of the exemptions applied for as long as we have kept records. This is an outdated law from 1933 that creates unnecessary government expense. In the House, this bill received broad support and passed 114-15.

Please Contact Me

The 2016 session concludes in one week. If you have any comments or concerns please continue to contact me via email or call me – your feedback is important to me. It is my privilege to represent our community at the Capitol. I can be reached via email at Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, by phone at 651-296-5502, and US mail address: 13570 Grove Drive, #370, Maple Grove, MN, 55311.

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Have a great weekend!

Dennis

P.S. Please encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates here.