Greetings from the Capitol!
Last Friday, I was appointed to serve on the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government by Speaker Daudt. The Commission was established to oversee the Metropolitan Council's operating and capital budgets, work program, and capital improvement program. The commission monitors, reviews, and makes recommendations to the Metropolitan Council and to the legislature.
This week, I was visted by Boy Scout Troop 200 from Shoreview at the Capitol. It was great to meet with so many motivated young boys/men who value learning life skills and being good stewards of our environment.
REAL ID Compliance:
On Thursday, The House passed House File 3, which puts Minnesota in compliance with a federal law, known as the REAL ID Act.
To recap: the U.S. Congress passed REAL ID in 2005 with the intention to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain a fraudulent identification card. The state of Minnesota needs to be in compliance by January 22, 2018; if the state is not compliant by then, Minnesotans will not be able to board airplanes or visit military bases and federal buildings with their current ID.
The differences between what a REAL ID compliant license would look like and the current driver's license are minor. The REAL ID verifies the license holder’s legal status in the United States and ensures they are not licensed in more than one state. The bill that passed Thursday allows Minnesotans to obtain a REAL ID or simply continue using their current Minnesota driver’s license. However, a passport would be required in addition to the current driver’s license to board an airplane without a REAL ID.
I am hopeful for swift action by the Senate and for the Governor’s signature.
Sunday Sales:
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed House File 30 on a bipartisan vote of 85-45; this bill would allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays between the hours of 10 AM & 6 PM, effective July 1st. However, delivery of alcohol to liquor stores on Sundays would not be permitted.
The bill is now going through the legislative process in the Senate and Governor Dayton has said that he would sign it. Should the bill become law, Minnesota would join 47 other states that allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
Contact Me:
For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn. Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Randy