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

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Bill to aid family farms moves forward, REAL ID update

Friday, February 17, 2017

Friends,

I hope you are taking time this weekend to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, I’m sure another round with winter is right around the corner. In the meantime, here is my weekly update from the Capitol.

Resignations from MFSA Board

Following last week’s hearings on the findings of Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles that found the MFSA Board violated a “core ethical principle” by using their allocated suites at US Bank Stadium as a private clubhouse for their political friends, MSFA Board Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen and Executive Director Ted Mondale both resigned this week.

These resignations are a step in the right direction but legislation to reform this board is still necessary and moving forward in the House. The bill to make these reforms a reality passed two committees this week with overwhelming bipartisan support.

REAL ID Continues Progress in Senate

The Senate version of REAL ID cleared the Senate State Government Finance and Policy and Election Committee this week. The House bill has already passed through the committee process and is now awaiting a vote on the House floor.

In case you missed it, I created a video to further explain REAL ID, why we need it, and to clear up some misconceptions about what it is. Click here to watch it. Let me know if you have any questions.

House Image

Bill to Aid Family Farms Passes Final Committee

House File 22, my bill that will aid family farms by exempting them from an annual reporting requirement for land held in trusts, was heard in and passed Ways and Means this week. It will next hit the House Floor for a vote.

Preventing Animal Cruelty Bill Moves Forward

My bill to help address animal cruelty passed the Civil Law & Data Practices Policy Committee and was referred to the Agricultural Policy Committee. This bill will help to shield a licensed veterinarian from being sued for reporting animal cruelty.

Missing Money?

Almost $700 million of property belonging to Minnesotans is sitting in an account known as the Unclaimed Property Account. It’s frequently a final paycheck, a forgotten bank account, or an unclaimed insurance policy. A bill making its way through the legislature will assist in the process of returning this money to their rightful owners.

In the meantime, you can see if you are owed any money by checking this website: MissingMoney.com.

Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.


Have a great weekend!

Dennis