Dear Friends,
With just over a week remaining in the 2026 legislative session, numerous bills are coming forward every day for consideration in the Minnesota House. Most of them are being approved with overwhelming, if not unanimous, support.
SIGNIFICANT FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURE APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE
At long last, the Minnesota House has taken a necessary step to crack down on fraud by passing legislation to create an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG). I voted yes on the plan.
Under the proposal, the OIG would have broad authority to investigate state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors. It would be equipped with subpoena power and, with court approval, the ability to freeze or stop the flow of taxpayer dollars when fraud is suspected.
At its core, the OIG would focus on uncovering fraud and investigating the misuse of public funds. While it would handle investigations and evidence-gathering, any criminal findings would be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Around 15 states already have statewide Offices of Inspector General with sweeping oversight of executive agencies, specifically tasked with exposing waste, fraud, and abuse in government.
This is a critical reform. Estimates suggest as much as $9 billion has been lost to fraud in Minnesota, with little serious effort by the Walz administration over the past eight years to stop it or hold anyone accountable. Ending this culture of complacency is a top priority, and establishing a strong, independent OIG is an essential step toward restoring accountability and protecting taxpayer dollars.
STUDENT PROTECTION BEFORE LAWMAKER PROTECTION
This week the Minnesota House debated a bill that would spend $40 million ($20 million ongoing) to bring added security for Minnesota legislators and judges, including the hardening of the Minnesota Capitol. The bill passed the House and will now go to conference committee.
This bill bothers me - not so much the bill itself, but its timing. I believe protection for judges and elected officials is critical for our democracy to maintain the rule of law. We have felt the impact of this issue personally in our state with the tragic events of last spring. It is critical that legal and political decisions be made without intimidation. Though the bill is not perfect, I support it.
That said, I cannot in good conscience vote for added security for politicians before we provide added security for our schools. I voted no. Hopefully we’ll get some security provisions passed for our schools before the end of session. Kids should come first.
EXPANDING VETERANS’ CEMETERY BURIAL ELIGIBILITY
Having served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a number of years, I can tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working on issues that impact the brave men and women who have served our country’s interests.
This week, the House unanimously passed legislation to make honorably discharged members of the National Guard and other reserve components eligible for burial in a state veterans cemetery for a fee. This expansion properly recognizes their service and sacrifice to our country. At the same time, it establishes a fair, sustainable framework to manage these cemeteries for the future. It’s also important to note that certain veterans and active-duty service members will continue to qualify for cost-free interment.
FAIR COMPENSATION FOR ACTIVE-DUTY NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS
The House also unanimously passed legislation to increase pay for both commissioned officers and enlisted National Guard members serving on state active duty. It’s a simple, common-sense fix. When Guard members are called up, they leave their families and civilian jobs behind to serve the public. They shouldn’t take a financial hit for answering that call and putting their lives on hold.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
This week, I joined a large number of Minnesotans on the steps of the Capitol to take part in the 75th anniversary observance of the National Day of Prayer.
It was an honor to join so many others in praying for our state and nation, and a blessing to be prayed for as a legislator as well. Joining me on the steps of the Capitol was Rep. Bryan Lawrence along with many legislative colleagues from the House and Senate.
What a beautiful day to pray!
MY GUEST COLUMN - PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM PREDATORY GROOMERS
Predatory grooming and the resulting sexual abuse of children in our schools has sadly become an increasingly frequent occurrence. News headlines speak of this prevalence at an alarming rate. I can say with most certainty that everyone knows someone who has been touched by grooming.
I began working on legislation to protect our children from predatory groomers last fall. My bill (HF3489) was introduced at the beginning of the legislative session in both the House and companion bill in the Senate. Since then, the bill has traveled through five House committees and recently came to the House floor for a vote.
I want to share the story about how this bill came to be.
Last fall, a major network reporter reached out to legislators asking for comments on a series she was doing related to sexual grooming. I happened to be the only legislator who responded to her. I don’t believe this connection was by chance.
When I spoke to that reporter, she told me she was doing a series on sexual grooming based on a young woman named Hannah LoPresto who was sexually groomed and later assaulted by her high school band teacher.
As I listened to the reporter share Hannah’s story, it brought back potent memories for me when I was in high school. As a tenth grader, I was a percussionist in band just like Hannah and I was also groomed by my band teacher. I was later assaulted by him and almost raped.
I was appalled - fifty years ago and it's still happening today! I decided then that it was time for me, like Hannah, to share my story in hopes that it might make a difference for the many children and teens who are preyed upon by sexual groomers.
I met Hannah in my office not long after and we instantly connected. I also met Detective Chad Clausen of the Eagan Police Department and learned about the many roadblocks and gaps in our current state laws concerning child grooming. I knew I had to do something.
Thus, the birth of this bill.
My legislation strengthens protections for students against predatory grooming by providing clear field trip supervision rules, requires reporting by mandated reporters and mandated reporter training to include grooming, and creates a new felony penalty for grooming. It allows grooming of children and youth to become a more chargeable and recognizable offense.
Since the introduction of this bill, I have heard from so many people throughout the state through emails thanking me for this legislation and sharing their personal grooming stories. I even had a custodian at the Capitol stop me in the hall and thank me for carrying this bill. This legislation touches every Minnesotan.
As Hannah so articulately shared with me, grooming is not just a precursor to abuse; it is abuse all on its own. Grooming is psychological manipulation. It creates long-term harm to the victim’s understanding of healthy relationships, self-image, and the ability to trust others. Grooming is a serious offense.
I am extremely passionate about this issue and very proud of Hanna LoPresto for her bravery in bringing forth her story. Both she and Detective Clausen have been an amazing help and have done a lot of legwork in moving this bill forward and sharing their stories.
I was very touched to watch my bill pass unanimously in the House and sent to the Senate. I am hopeful that it will soon make its way to the governor’s desk for his signature.
I know without a doubt that the vast majority of educators and school staff would never think of grooming or sexually abusing a child. I honor their wonderful work to educate and build healthy relationships with students. Sadly, the bad actors out there make this legislation necessary.
In the meantime, to the sexual predators out there who go after our children and use our schools as their own personal opportunity zones, I want this bill to put them on notice:
“We’re coming after you. Stay away from our children!”
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms! Enjoy your day on Sunday!
Have a good weekend,
Peggy