Dear Neighbor,
Things picked up on the House floor this week, with a handful of notable bills receiving approval from the full body. Here is a rundown:
Sunday sales
The House on passed legislation Monday that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays. It was the first time in state history that standalone legislation on this issue has been voted on or approved. The proposal, which would take effect July 1, now awaits action in the Senate.
Real ID
On Thursday, the House approved legislation which would allow Minnesotans to obtain an ID which complies with increased federal standards for such purposes as boarding commercial flights.
Without a change in state law, Minnesota driver’s licenses will no longer be acceptable for boarding planes as soon as January of 2018. Minnesota is one of only a few states which remains out of compliance to the new standards.
The House’s proposal features a two-path approach which allows people who want a Real ID to receive one, while also providing citizens the option of continuing to use the standard IDs available today. The bill is now in the hands of the Senate.
Wetlands replacement
Also on Thursday, the House of passed legislation that is crucial for local transportation projects statewide. The bill provides $5 million to facilitate transactions necessary under the state’s “no net loss” policy for wetlands impacted by construction projects. The pot of funding for this initiative has been depleted and this bill helps to ensure work can begin with the upcoming construction season. This bill has been sent to the Senate.
Energy production
Another bill the House approved Thursday concurs with Senate language in a bill facilitating the building of a natural-gas fired power plant to replace the two coal-fired units slated for shutdown at Xcel Energy’s Sherco electric generating complex in Becker. A similar bill passed the House earlier this month. The proposal now goes to the governor, who has indicated he will sign it.
A number of bills I have drafted as the chief author continue making their way through the committee process, including:
Next week will be a busy one, with Minnesota Management & Budget scheduled to issue a fully updated budget and economic forecast. The information we receive from that report will serve as guideposts as we construct the state’s next two-year budget. Look for more news on that subject and other issues from the Capitol next time.
Sincerely,
Jim