Presenting a bill in committee earlier this session
Dear Neighbors,
Budget bills continue to make their way through committees before heading to the House floor. All bills must be passed by May 18th, when the 2015 Legislative Session is constitutionally obligated to adjourn.
2015 Legislative Survey
Your input on issues being debated at the Capitol this session is extremely important. Please take my 2015 Legislative Survey by clicking the link below. Your feedback is appreciated!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SKM5TD7
This is the last week to take the survey so please take time to complete the survey if you have not already done so and be sure to share the survey with friends and family. Hearing from the people of 35A helps to ensure I'm representing the priorities of our community.
House Passes Series of Pro 2nd Amendment Bills
The House debated and passed four pro- 2nd Amendment bills on Thursday. As a strong supporter of lawful citizens’ right to keep and bear arms, I was encouraged by the overwhelming and bi-partisan support these bills received. Here is a brief summary of the bills:
HF 327- Amends state law to ensure that the issuance of a permit to carry is a sufficient notification to the commissioner of public safety when a firearm is carried within the Capitol Area.
HF 830- Clarifies that long guns can be purchased from and sold to persons in other states (not just contiguous states), bringing Minnesota into conformity with Federal law.
HF 1434- Strikes the Minnesota prohibition on the ownership of suppressors.
HF 722- Ensures that government agents cannot seize firearms from law-abiding citizens during a state of emergency, and clarifies current practices surrounding the return of seized firearms.
For more, check out the recent Star Tribune article on these bills:
Staying Connected
The House is planning to take up our large finance bills next week as the state budget begins to take shape. Debate on these bills is expected to be long and contentious. I will have updates for you on these bills next week as they pass off the House floor.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend,
Abigail