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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL)

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Legislative Update - August 12, 2019

Monday, August 12, 2019

Dear Neighbors,
 
I hope the summer has been treating you well. With the Minnesota Legislature adjourned until February 11, 2020, I wanted to take a moment to update you on an important event happening this evening, as well as recent laws that have come into effect.
 
“Restore the Vote” Roundtable
This year, I authored legislation to restore the civil right to vote for those convicted of a felony, once they are released from prison. This is an issue that impacts over 50,000 Minnesotans across the state, and though this bill was supported in the DFL House, it was unfortunately blocked by Senate Republicans.
 
In order to discuss the next steps for this legislation, advocates and law makers will meet this evening to hold a bipartisan roundtable meeting. We will be discussing a plan to engage Minnesotans in a conversation about restoring the vote, talk about the importance of the legislation, and take questions from audience members.
 
What: Restore the Vote Roundtable
Who: Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Rep. Raymond Dehn, Rep. Carlos Mariani, Rep. Rena Moran, Rep. Aisha Gomez, Rep. Nick Zerwas, Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, Secretary of State Steve Simon, Restore the Vote advocates
When: Monday, August 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: University of Minnesota Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, Room 105
 
New Laws
Several new laws from our work this session took effect this month, including the new hands-free law, which you can read about in-depth on the Office of Traffic Safety website. This legislation prohibits holding a cell phone while driving on Minnesota roads. Drivers will still be able to make calls, text, listen to music, and get directions as long as they use voice commands or single-touch activation. We heard countless tragic stories of avoidable accidents due to distracted driving, and with similar laws in other states producing safer roads, this is the right thing to do.
 
Other new laws taking effect this month will:
  • Protect seniors and vulnerable adults who live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities from retaliation after they file a complaint.
  • Improve transparency in our health care system by requiring clinics to disclose facility fees so patients aren’t surprised by higher out-of-pocket costs.
  • Make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain disability license plates and permits.
  • Allow deployed service members to participate remotely in local government meetings.
  • Fully incorporate the wage theft prevention and enforcement measures passed this year. Minnesotans deserve to be paid for their work, and the laws we passed this year will ensure those who seek to deny workers their wages will be held accountable.

 
More information about all of the new laws from this year’s legislative session can be found here.


Stay In Touch!
Regardless of whether you’re able to make it to the roundtable this evening, I want to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or questions you may have. You can reach me at (651) 296-8659, or at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Raymond Dehn