Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Daylight Savings begins this coming Sunday. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour! While we will be losing an hour of sleep, the good news is we can see light at the end of the tunnel bringing an end to cold temperatures!!
Rep. Lucero joined by members from Minnesota Advocates and Champions for Children testifying in support of his Student Data Privacy bill HF 1507.
STUDENT DATA PRIVACY BILL ADVANCES
I am chief author of HF 1507, a bill seeking to enhance protection requirements of student private data and re-empower parents with authority over their children’s private data. My bill was heard in the House Civil Law Committee this week and cleared the committee with a unanimous vote in favor sending the bill to the House Education Innovation Policy Committee.
Technology innovations and the use of technology in the classroom has greatly expanded the ability of technology providers and companies to collect, store, data mine, and share our student’s private data leaving our children's Personally Identifiable Information (PII) vulnerable and at risk of unauthorized access and use. Current law is not keeping up with technology evidenced by the fact education/technology statutes in Minnesota date back to the 1980s and there have been very few updates to the law since that time.
As a cyber security professional myself I’ve been working on digital data privacy issues since first elected to office. I’m very thankful to the broad, bipartisan coalition of partners including Minnesota Advocates and Champions for Children, ACLU of Minnesota, parents, and citizen activists who've collectively invested more than 1,000 hours of their personal time fighting to protect our children's data.
The next step in the process is a hearing in the House Education Innovation Policy Committee which is currently scheduled for Tuesday next week.
Rep. Lucero joining two colleague State Reps. and hundreds of college students last week at the U of M campus
in which commentator, columnist, author, and lawyer Ben Shapiro was invited to speak.
ENHANCED PERMIT TO CARRY
In late February Gov. Dayton signaled his interest and willingness to have constructive conversations to keep our children safe including the topic of arming school staff. This week Gov. Dayton reiterated that sentiment.
- February 26, the Star Tribune reported Gov. Dayton is willing to consider “arming school staff.”
- March 7, the Star Tribune reported Gov. Dayton reiterated he is "open to considering anything and everything."
Under Minnesota State Statute 609.66, a process presently exists in law to allow Permit to Carry holders to carry their gun in school. The current process requires “written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school.” Law abiding, Permit to Carry holders all across the State of Minnesota are currently following the process and legally carrying guns in schools, today.
Whether schools, churches, movie theaters, malls, nightclubs, or other similar venues, the unfortunate reality is real and perceived “gun-free” zones have become the targets of people intent on committing evil acts of tragedy. The reason real and perceived gun-free zones have become targets is because evil people know gun-free zones are areas people are least likely able to defend themselves.
I agree with Gov. Dayton in that the best policy is the product of constructive conversations which consider all options and is the reason I introduced HF 3286 which seeks to build upon current law by creating an additional Enhanced Permit to Carry law. My bill would require the development of an advanced training course including active shooter training. A person seeking to obtain an Enhanced Permit to Carry would need to successfully complete the following:
- First complete requirements to obtain a standard Permit to Carry
- Be a staff member of the school district
- Complete an enhanced training course that includes Active Shooter training
- Submit an application at the sheriff’s office of their resident county
- Pay an application fee
- Pass a background check
- The Enhanced Permit to Carry would expire in 12 months
- Renewal of the Enhanced Permit to Carry would require the person repeating the advanced training, application, fee, and background check annually
Nobody would be mandated to obtain an Enhanced Permit to Carry and the costs to obtain would be paid by the individual person. A school staff member who obtains an Enhanced Permit to Carry would not need the written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school.
Children are our number one asset and it is our solemn duty to protect our children. Protecting our children will certainly continue to be debated at the Legislature and I look forward to continue working toward the best policies to keep our children safe.
Rep. Lucero meeting with small business owner constituents from Saint Michael and Otsego.
MNLARS
The Transportation Finance Committee this week continued our work toward fixing the MNLARS mess. We passed a bill that would appropriate $10 million toward fixes for MNLARS. Gov. Dayton would be required to reduce his agency budgets by $10 million and replace the $10 million within the driver services operating account where the appropriation would come from. Prior to receiving the funding, performance metrics would be required to be sent to and approved by the Legislature. The agencies would be required to send monthly reports to ensure MNLARS is staying on track.
Rep. Lucero meeting Saint Michael constituent Amber.
STAYING IN TOUCH
As always please contact me to share any issues, concerns, or feedback you may have that will assist me best represent you. The best way to reach me is by email at Rep.Eric.Lucero@House.MN or by phone at 651-296-1534.
Sincerely,
Eric Lucero
State Representative
District 30B
Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, Saint Michael, and the Wright County portion of Dayton