Legislative Update - March 31, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

We are approaching the mid-session break, and many of our committees are putting together their budget and policy bills. I have been reviewing these bills closely to understand the initiatives we are proposing. While nothing is final yet, I am excited about the direction the DFL trifecta is moving to ensure we improve the lives of all Minnesotans.

Here’s my update from the Capitol.

Our Progress

We passed many bills off the House floor this week. 

Of note, realistic computer-generated video creation has become available to individuals with software readily available on personal computers. This technology allows individuals to create ultrarealistic fake video made with artificial intelligence software called “deepfakes.” As we continue to watch this technology develop, the House passed House File 1370 to outlaw this technology as it relates to pornography and election interference. Specifically, this bill makes it a criminal offense to publish a deepfake video or image of a pornographic nature or close to an election with an attempt to influence an election. I’m proud to say this was a unanimous vote in support of the bill.

Also, we passed a $40 million investment for the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account. Since it was created, the state has appropriated $103 million into this fund. The most recent appropriation was for $30 million in the Omnibus Public Safety bill passed in June 2021. Many millions of dollars have been allocated from this fund several times over the years, removing the need for the Legislature to convene a special session to respond to a natural disaster. This is a great initiative to ensure the state is prepared to act when disaster strikes. Again, I was proud of another unanimous vote!

At the Capitol

It was truly inspiring to meet Gabby Giffords this week. As a congresswoman, Gabby was shot during a constituent event in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, she has made a miraculous recovery and began her gun violence prevention advocacy organization, Giffords. I’m inspired by her work to ensure gun violence prevention around our country. I am proud to chief author of House File 601, requiring reporting lost or stolen firearms promptly to law enforcement. It is a common-sense gun violence prevention measure. Now is the time to get it done.

As chair of the Pensions and Retirement Commission, I have been hearing from many advocates as we build our budget bill. Recently, former state representative Lyndon Carlson along with Louise Sundin, visited my office to advocate for retired teachers in the basic retirement plan. Even in his retirement, he shared tax strategies that could help support our pension plans in the future.

Also, members of AFSCME Council 5 visited to advocate for public sector pensions. Our public sector workers sacrifice a great deal to ensure our government is efficient and effective. We must do more to ensure we are attracting and retaining the best talent we can.

Stay in Touch

If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.com or call (651) 296-8799 or like my Official State Representative Facebook Page.

Sincerely,  

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative