Legislative Update from Rep. Sandra Feist

Dear Neighbors,   

We are nearing the end of the committee work for this session and entering into the stage where we negotiate over the budgets across state government. It was in this context that we hosted our first-ever Civility Caucus bipartisan karaoke event, and I would say it was a success! We come to the Capitol with an earnest desire to serve our communities and the state, often with wildly different ideas of how to do that. The negotiations are therefore often intense and frustrating.  

I would like to think that the break that many of us took to sing and share a meal together this past week will help us to remember that when we’re not at the Capitol, we are three dimensional human beings, with families, hobbies, and lives in our communities. And while we may never agree with one another on the best policies to address housing insecurity or an optimal tax structure, it’s nice to know that we can pretty universally agree that Don’t Stop Believin’ rocks as a karaoke selection. Hopefully this agreement and interlude of camaraderie will facilitate negotiations as we head towards the final phase of the legislative session.  

Last week, 4 bills I authored were heard in committee. HF1769 would make improvements on the community supervision funding formula we passed last year, resulting in more predictable funding streams for community supervision professionals across the state. I look forward to continuing to partner with community supervision professionals statewide to ensure they have the resources they need. Their work has the potential to transform the lives of struggling Minnesotans, if we give them the resources to provide individualized, creative community supervision. 

HF134 would support nonpartisan research focused on reducing violence and improving criminal justice policies, with special emphasis on gun violence prevention. This builds on the successful Violence Prevention Project Research Center we partnered with last year and will continue our evidence-based approach to creating safer communities. 

HF203 is a bonding request for Columbia Heights so we can replace the deteriorating Municipal Service Center. This funding would enable the city to build a new public works facility, public recycling area, and access road. Finally, HF104 builds on the work I’ve done for restorative justice to expand accessibility across the state, creating greater and more thoughtful mechanisms to ensure accountability. 

On the House Floor 

Yesterday, HF2184 passed the House, a bill I authored to strengthen protections for Native children and families. The legislation adds the Office of the Ombudsperson for American Indian Families to the list of entities exempt from certain court filing fees. This exemption, which already applies to federally recognized Tribes and their representatives, ensures the Ombudsperson can more effectively weigh in with the Minnesota courts on complaints regarding non-compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) without financial barriers. This bill represents our ongoing commitment to making government work better for all Minnesotans, especially our Indigenous communities who have faced historical barriers to and discrimination by our legal systems. 

Additionally, last week Governor Walz signed another bill I carried, the Minnesota Partition Act, into law. The law modernizes Minnesota’s statute on property partition, which had not been updated in 120 years. The law also updates statute to reflect case law on partitions, clarifies law on eminent domain, and makes last term’s Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) law retroactive. This protects Minnesotans who couldn’t afford a lawyer and may have made non-substantive errors in setting up a transfer of property via a TODD. We want to ensure that families are able to pass along property to the next generation without barriers.  

Join us for a Town Hall 

This Saturday, April 12that 2pm, I’ll be joining my District 39 and 60 colleagues for a town hall at St. Anthony Village High School. We’ll be discussing topics ranging from the legislative session to federal impacts on our communities. 

No RSVP is needed to attend. This is a non-partisan event and all are welcome.  

Office of the Legislative Auditor Report on Guardianship 

Recently, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report on Guardianship, making recommendations on how the legislature can better regulate professional guardianship practices and protect vulnerable adults. I’m thankful to the OLA for these comprehensive recommendations. This is a step in the right direction as Sen. Dibble and I continue to work on legislation that ensures people can age with dignity and autonomy. You can view the full report here.  

Eye of the Storm 

Last weekend, I went with family to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. It was a balm to connect with nature and enjoy the quirky wildlife and step away from the heavy activities of my work as a legislator and immigration attorney. Here are some highlights! 

For more details on upcoming activities, visit: https://comozooconservatory.org/ 

Stay in Touch

Unfortunately, due to technological restraints, replies to this inbox won’t reach me. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me at rep.sandra.feist@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4331. Also, you can follow my official State Representative Facebook Page. 

Sincerely,   

Sandra Feist   

State Representative