Friends,
Now that the State Hockey Tournament is behind us, it may be safe to hope this upper forties weather sticks around for good. I'd also like to give a big shout out to the great effort by the Maple Grove Girls Basketball this past week came up just short in overtime their state quarterfinal game against Lakeville North.
Rep. Smith with his daughter, Lillian, and her classmate, Carston, at Governor Dayton's final State of the State
Business Organization Bill passed House Monday
On Monday, the House passed my bill, HF 2764, that will modernize our business organization laws, making them more in line with that of Delaware where many businesses are incorporated. Delaware is the national leader in business law and it will help to make Minnesota a more attractive place for companies to form and expand into.
My bill passed the House unanimously and will head to the Senate soon to be passed there. This is good, common sense legislation that, literally, everyone can get behind. I am proud to have carried it through the process and look forward to it becoming law.
Rep. Smith with high school students from his district
REAL ID Update
A few weeks ago, I sent a letter to Governor Dayton looking for clarity from his administration on their plans to implement and distribute REAL IDs to the millions of Minnesotans who will likely want one. This came after the DPS Commissioner would not confirm to a reporter that they would request an extension, leaving only a ten-day window in October for Minnesotans to acquire REAL IDs.
On Thursday, the Governor responded. He confirmed the REAL ID implementation process is moving forward on schedule and that as October approaches, his Administration will remain in contact with DHS to request the necessary extension to distribute new REAL ID cards to the millions of Minnesotans who will want them. DHS is expected to grant such an extension as long as Minnesota is in the process of distributing the cards.
This is good news and I am glad we have helped to clarify the status of this important issue.
Rep. Smith and two constituents who were at the Capitol for Biker Day at the Capitol
Bill in Committee
My bill, House File 3095, was heard in Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee this week. The bill brings consumer and small business-friendly reforms to the contract negotiation process for waste management companies. It was passed out of committee and will be heard in the Civil Law Committee next week.
Rep. Smith presents his bill to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee
Federal ADA Lawsuit Abuse Reform
Last week, I spoke with Congressman Erik Paulsen about Congress' response to the abuse of ADA lawsuits that many small businesses in Minnesota are facing. Over the last few years, I have authored multiple new laws that have stopped unscrupulous lawyers from misusing Minnesota law; however, they have used the federal law to continue harassing businesses. Congressman Paulsen confirmed the House is working on a fix to this issue and a bill should be forthcoming to fix the problem
Rep. Smith meeting with constituents in his office
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. If you are going to be at or around the Capitol, please stop by or schedule a meeting. 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