Legislative Update – February 22, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Meteorologists predict a historic winter storm to last from tonight through Thursday, which could reach blizzard conditions. Predictions estimate 15-20". Here are some steps that the Inver Grove Police Department recommends taking in preparation: prepare your family and selves, stock up on necessities, and charge your phones. DON’T leave your home unless it is an emergency. If you do have to leave. Give yourself enough time to safely travel to your destination, provide enough space between you and other road drivers, and SLOW DOWN. Stay safe and check the US National Weather Service Twin Cities Minnesota page for forecast updates!
Notary Public
Did you know that according to Minnesota State statute, every member of the Minnesota legislature is an ex officio notary public? As a notary I can serve as an unbiased and impartial witness, attesting that a person signing a document is authentic. Last week I received my updated notary stamp, updated to reflect my new district and term in office. If you ever have any need for a notary, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office by emailing me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov
Environment Committee Update
Yesterday, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which I chair, heard a number of bills, including a bill to update wetland banking rules and my bill to improve the petroleum tank release cleanup program by strengthening guidelines and making consultants more accountable for the quality of their work. You can watch a recording of the hearing here.
Finally, we heard a bill to ban the use of the harmful “forever chemicals” PFAS in firefighting foam. After hearing this bill earlier in the session, today we made amendments to address concerns about firefighter turnout gear and allow voluntary biomonitoring of firefighters so that we can better understand the health consequences of PFAS. We previously heard testimony from firefighters who see higher rates of cancers because of these chemicals and from Tom Dimond, a South Saint Paul resident active in advocating for PFAS prevention and cleanup.
House Floor Votes
This Monday, the House voted on several important pieces of legislation. We passed legislation to crack down on catalytic converter theft. Our bill aims to deter thieves and bad actors by changing state laws governing the possession of catalytic converters by individuals and the purchase of catalytic converters by scrap metal dealers. Local law enforcement has testified in support of this bill, and I was proud to sign on as a co-author.
We also passed a bill banning the dangerous and discredited practice of “conversion therapy” for minors and vulnerable adults. Every major professional health organization opposes the practice and we heard firsthand from Minnesotans negatively impacted by the practice. I was proud to vote for this bill to make our state more welcoming for all Minnesotans regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Finally, we also voted to create an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. Black Minnesotans have told us that they experience a lack of urgency from our public institutions when Black women and girls are reported missing. This new office will set strong standards for promptly sending alerts and supporting the community members closest to the pain of not knowing what happened to a missing family member or loved one.
Stay in Touch
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my legislative assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at samuel.oneill@house.mn.gov
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative