Progress at the CapitolOn Monday, we passed a slate of bills that will make Minnesota a safer and more welcoming state. First, we passed a ban on conversion ‘therapy’ for children and vulnerable adults. We must celebrate our LGBTQ+ youth for the people they are. I was proud to ban this dangerous and discredited practice and ensure we are protecting all Minnesotans.  Also, we passed a bill to establish The Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. As a state, we have a responsibility to do more to address disproportionate rates at which people inflict violence upon Black women and girls compared to white peers. Over 60,000 Black women and girls are missing in the United States, and Black women are more than twice as likely to be victims of homicide. I was proud to vote for this initiative that will save lives.  Lastly, we passed a bill to curb catalytic converter theft. Victims of catalytic converter theft lose thousands of dollars and experience major disruptions in their lives. This 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. I’m glad we are tackling this issue that has affected many Minnesotans this session.  All of these bills passed with bipartisan support. I thank all of my House colleagues for putting the needs of Minnesotans at the heart of our work this session |