Dear Neighbors,
We’ve had several long nights of committee meetings ahead of the Thursday midnight bill deadline this week. Here’s some of the latest news from the Capitol:
MNLARS fix
For the past few weeks, I’ve been advocating for taking action to fix the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS). The challenges this project has faced have created significant issues for drivers, businesses, and deputy registrars across the state and those issues would only get worse with inaction.
On Thursday, a compromise was reached between the Senate, House, and Gov. Dayton to authorize funding to fix the system and get a bill to Gov. Dayton’s desk he could sign. New leadership is in place and they have a specific plan to address the issues causing stress and anxiety for Minnesotans around the state.
Gun safety measures blocked
Yet again, it appears the chances to make progress on stopping senseless gun violence has ended for this session. Two reasonable gun safety bills that would have protected the rights of responsible gun owners and been an important step in increasing safety were stalled in the Public Safety Committee.
One bill would have tightened loopholes used to get around criminal background checks and the other would allow for “extreme risk protection orders” to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people while still protecting their right to due process. Both bills were stalled on mostly party line votes.
Saturday’s March for our Lives
On this Saturday morning, March 24th, Minnesota students and advocates are marching in Saint Paul from Harriet Island to the State Capitol to demand action on gun violence prevention from legislative leaders. This coordinated effort stems from a student rally organized in Washington D.C., and has spread to communities across the country. You can learn more details of the event here.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force
We heard testimony Thursday on HF 3375 in our Government Operations and Election Policy Committee. This legislation will create a Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The testimony from all five women made very clear how prevalent assault, murder, and kidnapping is in their communities. It was very moving.
I have signed on to this bill.
Visits
It was a busy week for visits and I had the opportunity to meet with people from the trucking and insurance industries.
As always, please feel free to contact me with your thoughts or concerns on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin
State Representative