Legislative Update – April 24, 2024
Dear neighbors,
We have less than one month left in the 2024 Legislative Session, and we will have some long nights coming up on the House Floor to ensure we finish our work and pass legislation that helps working and middle class Minnesotans thrive.
Human Services Policy Bill
Last week, the House passed a human services policy bill that continues to make tangible progress for our neighbors with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive.
I’m proud to share that the package includes three pieces of legislation I authored this year, like my provision protecting group homes from unfair and exclusionary zoning requirements. It also contains two bipartisan provisions I authored regarding home and community-based services and disability waiver technology.
I am proud of the work our committee has done this year to support our neighbors with disabilities and improve services for aging Minnesotans, substance use disorders programs, and more. You can read more about the full legislation here.
House Floor Votes
The House continues passing policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. Recently, the House passed:
- An environment and natural resources bill that supports native fish, expands opportunities to protect prairies, and prepares for a digital outdoor recreation licensing system.
- A minor cannabis policy bill that takes into account recommendations from the newly created Office of Cannabis Management.
- A housing policy bill that looks out for renters by clarifying and strengthening tenant’s rights.
- A commerce policy bill focusing on consumer and child protections, debt reform, net neutrality, and more.
One major highlight of our commerce bill is a Queer Caucus provision ensuring gender-affirming care is covered by insurance plans. Healthcare saves lives - and gender-affirming care is healthcare. I am grateful to my colleagues for standing up to pass a Commerce plan that includes mandated coverage of Gender Affirming Care. Thank you to Rep. Finke for her tireless work, alongside myself and the rest of the Queer Caucus, for holding true to the values of integrity and equity. You can watch my full speech on this provision here or by clicking the image below.
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. 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