Dear Neighbors,
School Safety Bill
Early this week, I presented my bill to fund and create threat assessment teams in Minnesota schools. The bill passed out of committee and is moving on to its next stop in the Civil Law Committee. It was encouraging to see support for the bill and to help educate the committee members on how the creation of threat assessment teams could help to prevent an attack in a Minnesota school.
Part of going through the committee process is listening to experts and advocates in various subject areas so we can modify the bill to make it the best it can be. That certainly happened for this hearing. I had strong support from my colleagues, but also received helpful suggestions on how to improve the bill before a final vote. I think we’re making strides with the bill, and I’m hopeful we can get it in a form that strengthens safety in schools while addressing some of the suggested modifications.
Here’s a good story from MPR on the hearing.
Distracted Driving Bill
On Thursday, I had the first hearing for my bill to increase penalties for those who kill or harm someone because they were distracted by their phone while driving. We’re seeing technology grow faster than the law, and I think it’s time for the law to catch up. There are multiple examples of someone who is texting and driving, kills a pedestrian or biker, and their sentence is just 30 days in jail. The punishment is much more severe for a similar scenario if the driver is under the influence of alcohol, and I think texting and driving should carry a comparable punishment if the driver kills or hurts an innocent victim.
KSTP did a story on the committee meeting if you’re interested in hearing some of the moving testimony from yesterday.
Local Visitor
Even though I was extremely happy to see my bills move in committee, the absolute highlight of my week was talking to 10-year-old Jerilyn Robinson of St. Paul Park.
Jerilyn came to the Capitol to share her struggle with epilepsy and raise awareness for her condition. She was so brave, thoughtful, and heartfelt during our discussion. I was in awe of her courage. She gave me a button for epilepsy awareness and I wore it for the governor’s State of the State address. Thank you, Jerilyn, for your visit and showing incredible strength in the face of adversity.
Please Contact Me
As always, please continue to reach out by phone or email if you ever need anything. I love hearing from you.
Enjoy your weekend,
Keith