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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bud Nornes (R)

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Local schools recognized; rundown of my bills

Friday, February 1, 2013

Dear Neighbor,

Congratulations to the Fergus Falls High School band for its performance at the President’s inauguration ceremony recently. Today I will be presenting the band with separate House and Senate proclamations, along with a certificate from Gov. Mark Dayton.

Another local school – Cleveland Elementary School in Fergus Falls – recently received recognition. It was named a Celebration School by the Minnesota Dept. of Education for excellence in student proficiency and growth, closure of the achievement gap and success with initiatives aimed at positive outcomes. This is impressive and achievements like this bode well for our future.

In legislative news, this is the point in the session when bills are being introduced and make their way into the committee process to be thoroughly examined. Here are some bills I have introduced:

Five-year property-tax exemption for new businesses

This bill is designed to encourage entrepreneurs to set up shop in our state. Our state routinely ranks among the nation’s worst in terms of business taxes and this would provide some relief for start-ups.

Allow visually impaired bow hunters to use laser sights

This issue was brought to me by an area resident. My bill would allow a person with visual impairment to use laser sights on private land or in special hunts when accompanied by a physically capable person. This bill received a legislative hearing this week and has been held over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill this session.

Permit additional fishing line

Minnesota fishermen currently are limited to two lines in an ice-fishing house, while both Dakotas permit four lines. A bill I authored would allow fishermen to use three lines in our state.

Emily’s Law pertaining to juvenile justice

I have worked on this legislation for a number of years and continue working on behalf of a local family to improve the way our court system handles some cases involving juveniles. We continue making tweaks we hope will make a difference and help this legislation reach enactment.

Legalizing mini trucks for highway use

I authored a bill to allow for mini-truck usage on some Minnesota roads a few years ago. We now are seeking to expand where these trucks can legally travel to include state highways.

As always, I will keep you posted as things transpire in St. Paul. Please continue providing me feedback on any of the issues by emailing me at rep.bud.nornes@house.mn.

Sincerely,

Bud