Legislative Update - March 30, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
This week I passed my very first bill off the House Floor! We passed H.F. 1523, which grants authority to the Department of Corrections’ Fugitive Apprehension Unit to assist other law enforcement agencies upon request. The unit is made up of 13 POST-certified peace officers who are all highly trained in fugitive apprehensions and who partner with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners daily to do its work.
Current law unnecessarily limits the scope of law enforcement officers working in the Fugitive Apprehension Unit. This means that those officers cannot assist in developing situations, even if they are stationed just blocks away. This bill fixes the statute, allowing these highly trained officers to support local jurisdictions when needed. I am proud to report the bill passed on a unanimous vote of 130-0!
Disability Services Day
Tuesday was Disability Services Day at the Capitol, including an amazing rally in the rotunda and meetings with constituents from our community. As someone who has worked in disability services, I know the needs are great, and I was proud to speak at the rally in support of our disability services professionals and the Minnesotans they support each and every day.
Bill Presentations
In the past couple of weeks, I have been busy presenting bills in front of committee. On St. Patrick’s Day, I presented my bill to extend the Bruce Vento Regional Trail between Buerkle Road and Highway 61 in White Bear Lake. Thank you to Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt for coming in and testifying in support of the bill.
I also introduced my bill to create a White Bear Lake Area Water Use Work Group. Our region has seen prolonged issues over water quality and water use permits. This working group is necessary to move forward and ensure that our residents have clean, safe, water—and I was proud to introduce this bill with bipartisan legislators from all across Washington County. In addition, the Mayors of White Bear Lake, Lake Elmo, Oakdale, and Hugo all supported the bill.
Trans Refuge Bill
Last week, the House met from 3:30 p.m. on Thursday until around 5:30 a.m. on Friday morning to pass critical legislation protecting trans and LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans. We passed HF 146, the Trans Refuge Bill which protects the rights of Minnesota’s LGBTQIA2S+ community to seek and receive gender-affirming health care. I am so proud of Representative Leigh Finke for carrying this legislation and ensuring it is passed.
The Trans Refuge bill ensures access to life-saving healthcare for all families in the state of Minnesota, including age-appropriate, gender-affirming care. This health care is founded on sound research and echoed by positive outcomes. Minnesotans trust each other to make these decisions with their families and health care providers. I was proud to vote yes on this legislation!
Stay Connected!
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4342, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Sincerely,
Brion Curran
State Representative