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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Anna Wills (R)

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News from Rep. Anna Wills 7-22-2016

Friday, July 22, 2016

Dear Friends,

This will be my last email update for the next several months, due to a 60-day post session rule for contacting constituents. With that in mind, I’ve attached a copy of my Legislative Report for this biennium. The Legislative Report includes information about some of the reforms I’ve supported, advocated for, and chief authored in 2015 and 2016. I hope you find it useful.

Legislative Report link: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/goppdf/6d6c27b4-d048-4b97-b711-647cb28877c4.pdf

New Laws

On August 1st, a new set of laws passed this last session will come into effect. These laws include removing the 5 day waiting period for people wanting to get married, new drug sentencing guidelines, and some measures for the protection of law enforcement.

Follow this link for a summary of some of the bills taking effect on August 1st:

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/0816nlrelease.pdf

 

Legislative Surrogacy Commission

Recently, I’ve had some constituents ask me for a more in depth explanation of surrogacy in regards to the Legislative Surrogacy Commission, of which I am a member.

This commission is tasked with looking at several aspects of surrogacy, which is the process of a woman carrying and delivering a child on behalf of a another individual or couple, known as the intended parent(s). According to the Legislative Surrogacy Commission’s web page, there are 10 specific topics we will be discussing:

  1. potential health and psychological effects and benefits on women who serve as surrogates;
  2. potential health and psychological effects and benefits on children born of surrogates;
  3. business practices of the fertility industry, including attorneys, brokers, and clinics;
  4. considerations related to different forms of surrogacy;
  5. considerations related to the potential exploitation of women in surrogacy arrangements;
  6. contract law implications when a surrogacy contract is breached;
  7. potential conflicts with statutes governing private adoption and termination of parental rights;
  8. potential for legal conflicts related to third-party reproduction, including conflicts between or amongst the surrogate mother, the intended parents, the child, insurance companies, and medical professionals;
  9. public policy determinations of other jurisdictions with regard to surrogacy; and
  10. information to be provided to a child born of a surrogate about the child's biological and gestational parents.

Surrogacy can bring joy to families unable to have their own children; but there are also cases where things can go wrong, including custody battles and pressure on the surrogate mother to abort the child if birth defects are discovered. I am doing my best to keep an open mind, to learn as much as I can about the pros and cons of surrogacy, and to thoughtfully consider any potential legislation that may be drafted to regulate the practice of surrogacy in Minnesota since there are currently no laws addressing it at all.

You can learn more at the Legislative Surrogacy Commission’s Legislative Coordinating Commission website: http://www.lcc.leg.mn/lcs/

 

In the Community

County East-West Transit Open House

On July 19th, I attended the East-West Transit Open House in Apple Valley to learn about the Dakota County study to improve transit in our community. Dakota County had posters explaining current conditions and projections based on population growth and job growth in the area. Dakota County is seeking input from residents in order to identify and evaluate improved transit options for east-west corridors across the County. For more information, or to provide your feedback, visit:

www.dakotaeastwesttransit.com or email the Project Manager, Joe Morneau at joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us

 

 

 

Let’s Do Lunch

On July 18th, I joined the Dakota County Regional Chamber Let’s Do Lunch at Las Tortillas in Rosemount. The discussion was great, and the company was even better. It's always beneficial for me to get feedback from the local business community and to have the opportunity to update them on what's happening at the legislature.

 

 

 

Reminders for Upcoming Events

Just a quick reminder, Leprechaun Days started today and Night to Unite is coming up! You're also invited to participate in a couple of fundraisers to support our military community.

 

Leprechaun Days

Rosemount began it's Leprechaun Days festivities today, July 22nd, and it goes through the 31st. The Grand Day Parade and fireworks display will take place on Saturday, July 30th. For more Information, follow this link:

http://www.rosemountevents.com/Leprechaun.html

 

 

Night to Unite

Night to Unite will be taking place on August 2nd, so consider holding or participating in your neighborhood block parties that evening! Take advantage of this chance to meet and enjoy time with your neighbors, and discuss ways to protect your community against crime.

The deadline to register a block party in Rosemount is July 24th. For more information and to register, follow this link: http://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=137

There's no official deadline to register in Apple Valley, find more information and an online registration form here: http://www.cityofapplevalley.org/index.aspx?NID=388

 

Warrior 196 Memorial 5K Run/Walk

The 4th Annual Warrior 196 Run/ Walk and Kid’s 1 Mile Fun Run will be held on September 10th. The 5K will begin at 9:00 a.m., while the kid’s 1 mile will begin at 10:15 a.m., at Eastview High School, 6200 140th Street West, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Proceeds go towards eight scholarships for high school graduates from District 196 high schools in the names of five alumni from these schools who were killed serving in our military. Please consider participating and supporting this great cause!

The deadline for registration is September 3rd. For more information and to register, follow this link:http://www.andersonraces.com/new-events/2016/9/24/warrior-196-memorial-5k

 

Ben Kopp Memorial Ride

The Ben Kopp Memorial Party and Memorial Ride will take place July 29th and 30th. A silent auction, Italian buffet, ride pre-registration, and party will run from 6:00 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday, July 29th. Registration for the ride begins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30th, with kickstands up at 11:00 a.m., with a pig roast to follow. Proceeds benefit local organizations that support veterans and their families. Please consider supporting this cause!

Festivities on both days will be held at Bogarts Place, 14917 Garrett Ave. in Apple Valley.

 

For more information, use this link: http://www.benkopp.org/

 

Stay in Touch

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your comments, questions, and concerns. Email me any time at rep.anna.wills@house.mn or call 651-296-4306. You can also follow my updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/repannawills and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/annacwills.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anna Wills

State Representative 57B

Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Coates