Dear Neighbors,
The pace is picking up at the Legislature with deadlines approaching quickly for bills to be heard in committee. Here’s an update on the legislative activity we’ve seen at the Capitol:
Anti-Protest Bills
On Wednesday, HF 390 (Zerwas) and HF 1066 (Lohmer) were heard in the Public Safety Committee. The bills increase criminal penalties for blocking highways, airports and public transit to a gross misdemeanor. Speaker Daudt has called this “a top priority,” and at a press conference last week both Rep. Zerwas and Rep. Lohmer expressed that they authored these bills to put protesters in jail.
Testimony in the committee brought up the point that those protesting would face penalties stronger than some violent crimes including types of assault, domestic violence and sexual assault. In committee, Rep. Zerwas suggested that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a permit to march on Selma and wouldn’t have been penalized under this law. These anti-protest bills seek to prevent peaceful protest by arresting people, instead of fixing the issues Minnesotans are protesting about. The bill can be seen as a political appeal to Minnesotans who oppose Black Lives Matter or protest in general. I’ll continue to fight against this restrictive bill.
Sunday Sales
Last Monday, the House voted to approve Sunday liquor sales. The measure must also pass the Senate, and if it does, Governor Dayton said he would sign the bill into law. Recent grassroots support from Minnesotans has led the way for Sunday sales after a 159 year ban. The bill contained a compromise where liquor stores would have limited hours of operation and liquor deliveries would still be prohibited on Sundays.
The House voted 85 - 45 to pass the measure. The Senate is taking up the bill for a vote today.
North High School is Recognized at the Capitol
On Thursday last week, the North High School Football Team visited the Capitol. I was proud to have the students formally recognized and honored by the entire House of Representatives for their State Championship victory last fall. Go Polars!
Please always feel free to contact me on any issue of interest. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at 651-296-8659 or by email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn.
It is an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative