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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Dan Fabian (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Dan Fabian

Friday, April 17, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

Here is an update from St. Paul.

Informational Hearing on Avian Flu

On Thursday, a joint meeting was held between the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committees about a serious problem affecting turkey farmers across the state. The Avian Flu has killed nearly 1.5 million turkeys in Minnesota, hurting farmers in a state that produces more turkeys than any other.

This disease has also hit Northwestern Minnesota including a farm in Roseau County. It's an extremely serious concern for our agriculture community, and I am glad we held this hearing to not only inform state leaders about the crisis at hand, but also examine ways to deal with it.

During the joint committee hearing we heard from Steven Olson, the Executive Director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, who expressed that government agencies have been timely and effective in their response to this bird flu pandemic. I agree. It's great to see state leaders, government agencies, scientists and the agricultural community working together to deal with the Avian Flu which has the potential to do extreme harm to the turkey industry.

Additionally, the University of Minnesota has also been testing birds to identify animals with the disease, trying to figure out how to stop its spread. They have done an excellent job responding to this sudden outbreak. I had language drafted that is part of the Environmental and Natural Resources Omnibus Bill that gives local farmers more control to deal with ducks and geese which are possibly spreading the disease to their flocks.

I am hopeful we can find a solution to this serious problem very soon.

Second Amendment Legislation

Also on Thursday, the House took up several gun bills which work to protect our Second Amendment Rights here in Minnesota.

First, House File 327 amends state law to allow permit-to-carry holders to bring guns onto the Capitol grounds without having to file additional notice. Currently, a failure to notify that a licensed gun owner is carrying within a 100-block span of the Capitol could result in a felony charge.

Next, House File 830 clarifies state statute, aligning it with federal law to ensure that it is legal to purchase any long gun like a rifle or shotgun in any other state, as long as it's legal in that state to do so.

Third, House File 1434 allows Minnesotans to purchase and own suppressors. The federal government already has an extensive background check process, and they are allowed in 39 other states. Suppressors are particularly important to hunters and gun owners who want to prevent ear damage when discharging their firearm.

The final bill, House File 722, ensures a government agent cannot seize firearms from law abiding citizens during a state of emergency. It protects the Second Amendment and personal property rights of lawful gun owners, with similar laws having been enacted in 30 other states.

I will continue to stand up for your Second Amendment rights and am pleased this legislation was passed in the House this week.

Solid Waste Management Problem

I have been working with counties in Northwest Minnesota to improve the solid waste management process. The goal is to reform the MPCA's approach to waste management and recycling. Problems with their rules have been going on for too long and are quite complicated.

While certain programs and requirements for recycling and trash collection may work in the metro, suburbs and large cities, it doesn't always work in sparsely populated areas like my district. I will continue to work with local county officials and MPCA staff on a solution to this problem so that we can have a common sense program that works for Northwest Minnesota.

Follow me on Facebook!

To stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your State Capitol, feel free to “like” my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RepDanFabian.

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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!

Dan

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