Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
House File 177
On Thursday, the House unanimously passed a bill I authored, House File 177, which would allow self-storage agents to sell insurance to cover belongings stored at that facility. I am pleased this bipartisan legislation passed the House because it will bolster accountability measures and provide statute clarification about what would happen in case of a loss. It's also an important piece of legislation for people who use the self-storage businesses in Blaine.
The bill has been sent to the Senate where it awaits passage.
Omnibus Liquor Bill
The House recently passed the Omnibus Liquor Bill, which I also authored, with strong bipartisan support.
The legislation allows for Sunday growler sales, authorizes restaurants to sell alcohol before 10:00 AM on Sunday and allows brew pubs to sell malt liquor through the Minnesota Craft Breweries Guild at the State Fair, as well as makes several other small, technical modifications to state law.
Additionally the bill authorizes several special liquor licenses for golf courses across the state.
Finally, an amendment to allow municipalities to choose whether or not their local liquor stores can be open on Sundays was offered on the House Floor. I voted in favor of the amendment, but it was voted down 57-75 and not amended onto the bill.
The Omnibus Liquor Bill was signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 1st.
Transportation Conference Committee
I have been selected to the Transportation Conference Committee, where the House and Senate will negotiate a final Transportation Omnibus Bill that will be repassed out of the legislature and sent to Governor Dayton for signature.
The House has advanced their Road and Bridge Act this session, a $7 billion, 10- year transportation plan that will invest in our roads and bridges without a gas tax increase. The proposal will repair or replace more than 15,000 lane miles and 330 bridges statewide.
I am pleased that the House passed a comprehensive Transportation Omnibus Bill that can fund the improvement and repair of our infrastructure with stable, dedicated revenue sources that won't take more from Minnesota drivers.
I will keep you updated on the progress of this omnibus bill and others as we near the end of the 2015 legislative session.
As always, it is a privilege to represent you in the Minnesota House. Please let me know if I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government.
Have a great week,
Tim
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/37B