ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota legislature will discuss a myriad of important issues this week at the Capitol. Here are several bills that will garner attention this week:
Republicans take another shot at Sunday sales.
On Tuesday afternoon, the House will hold a hearing on the Sunday sales bill at 3 p.m. As reported by Alpha News, the Senate introduced S.F. 33 on January 9th officially relaunching the Sunday sales controversy. Minnesota Republicans have tried to pass the bill for several years without success. Now that Republicans control the House and Senate they hope this year will be the year for Sunday sales. In a press conference Tuesday morning, Governor Dayton told members of the media he will not veto the bill if placed on his desk.
Real ID rams its way through the Capitol.
A vote on Real ID is expected to happen in the House and the Senate is expected to introduce their version the Real ID bill this week. Real ID has faced little opposition as Republican leadership tries to pass the bill through as quickly as possible. As Alpha News
reported on January 12, the bill passed through two House committees. Minnesota is one of eight states not in compliance with Real ID without a deadline extension. The state has until October 1, 2020, to become Real ID compliant.
The Push for Healthcare relief continues.
Another vote on the Health Care relief bill is expected this week. The bill is facing backlash for the speed at which it’s moving through the legislature. As Alpha News reported, some members of the Senate, like Sen. Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) are saying “lawmakers need to take their time to see what happens at the federal level.” Lawmakers in D.C. have already taken steps to repeal Obamacare. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has begun to unveil details for a healthcare alternative he is drafting to replace Obamacare.
Buffer Law facing its own buffer.
Look for continued discussion replacing the Governor’s 50 ft buffer on local private farmland. Covered by Alpha news last session, the 50 ft buffer zone on private farmland would protect Minnesota’s waterways from farm waste pollution. Minnesota Republicans and Farmers have opposed the bill since its proposition in 2015.
A week for gun legislation.
Republicans have introduced two new gun bills. Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia) introduced H.F. 188 which seeks to remove permit conditions attached to conceal and carry laws. Alpha News spoke with gun activists about current 2nd Amendment legislation. Those who are considered law abiding would be able to conceal and carry without having to apply for a permit. The second bill also introduced by Nash would establish stand your ground laws in Minnesota – which would legalize the use of deadly force in the case of self-defense. Stand your ground laws have faced scrutiny following the death of Florida teen Trayvon Martin.
Subscribe to Alpha News for continued legislative coverage.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
