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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL)

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Protecting Families After Losing A Loved One

Monday, May 6, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

You may have read in the Star Tribune about a family in Bloomington, which was cheated by an estate sale company following a family member’s death. After selling items on behalf of the family, the estate sale business never gave the family their rightful share of the sale. The family did obtain a court judgment against the company, but unsurprisingly, the judgment turned out to be uncollectible. During a period of grief, no family should have to endure this additional hardship.

After consulting with the Attorney General’s office, I found that many Minnesotans have experienced this problem. My legislation (HF 131) requiring businesses conducting estate sales to post a $20,000 surety bond was recently signed by the governor. Surety bonds ensure the family receives payment, even if the estate sale business defaults.

Hopefully, this legislation will help protect families in this unfortunate situation. I will continue to inform you of new developments at the Capitol. Please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Linda Slocum
State Representative

You can contact me by telephone: (651) 296-7158, by email rep.linda.slocum@house.mn, or send me mail to 415 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.