Friends,
Negotiations continue this week in conference committee to come to a budget for the next two years. On Friday targets were announced and can be seen in the chart below. We hope with these agreements between the House and Senate, Governor Dayton will finally come to the table and engage in an open and transparent process to formulate the budget. I also had two important bills pass the house this week and we are making progress on REAL ID. Read more about all that below and have a great weekend!
Making Home Ownership a Reality
My first bill to pass this Thursday was to help remove currently existing barriers in Minnesota law that deter developers from building multi-family buildings like townhouses and condos. The bill makes updates and technical changes to constructional defects claims to match the reality of modern owner occupied multi-family buildings. Included in the bill are protections against frivolous lawsuits and notice requirements for third party dispute resolution.
As more young adults look to make home ownership a reality, too many are finding it simply out of reach due to high demand and not enough affordable homes on the market. The changes in my bill help will remove barriers that are keeping many developers from building townhouses and condos, opening up the dream of home ownership to thousands of young adults and families across the state of Minnesota.
An improved townhouse and condo market will especially benefit middle and low income Minnesotans looking for the financial stability of home ownership.
Preventing Fraudulent ADA Lawsuits
The second bill that I chief authored to pass on Thursday was House File 1542 that strengthens language to ensure businesses are given time to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) once they are made aware of a violation. It requires a notice be sent to the business before a civil action can be filed for violation of the ADA law.
Frivolous lawsuits brought by a few unscrupulous lawyers made this change necessary. This legislation, supported by the Minnesota Council on Disabilities and many other organizations, will allow business to comply with the ADA and not be bogged down in court by those looking to take advantage of laws designed to protect those with disabilities.
Rep. Smith on the House Floor presenting his bills on Thursday
REAL ID Conference Committee
The REAL ID conference committee met again this week and we are making significant progress towards finding a solution that will work for everyone. Following meetings with his officials over the last few weeks, it is encouraging to hear from Governor Dayton that he recognizes the importance of finding a solution on this key issue. I am confident we will come to a final bill that will be signed into law sooner rather than later.
As a reminder, you can watch the video I put together on REAL ID here.
Rep. Smith and his dog, Reagan, take a lap around the Capitol mall
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis