Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, Happy July! While many of us are soaking up the sunshine and enjoying some well-earned summer fun, July 1 also marked the official start of several brand-new Minnesota laws. I know, not the typical “poolside read,” but stick with me—some of these are actually pretty cool (and important!). Motorcycles Just Got a Little Cooler — Lane Filtering is Now Legal!
That’s right — starting July 1, motorcyclists can legally weave through slow or stopped traffic. It’s a smart way to reduce congestion and keep our riders safer on busy roads. Just remember, no lane splitting in school zones, work zones, or roundabouts — safety first! And for the drivers out there: don’t block motorcycles trying to filter through, or you might be paying a $50 fine. Everybody wins when we share the road! Bass Fishing Just Went Year-Round
If you love to fish (and who doesn’t?), here’s a little summer gift: you can now catch largemouth and smallmouth bass anytime you like — no more closed seasons! So whether you’re an early bird casting at dawn or an evening angler chasing that perfect catch, Minnesota’s lakes are your playground all year long. Time to sharpen those hooks! Watercraft Registration Fees Got a Summer Refresh
Planning to hit the lakes on the Fourth this weekend? The watercraft registration fees have been updated to help keep our waters clean and accessible by supporting invasive species prevention and maintaining public access. It’s a small change that makes a big difference for our beautiful Minnesota lakes and rivers — so splash away with peace of mind and enjoy the holiday! Shotgun Zone Repealed — More Freedom for Deer Hunters!
Good news for hunters! The old “shotgun zone” restriction in southern Minnesota — which limited deer hunters to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns — has been repealed. That means more flexibility in your hunting gear choices this season. Happy hunting and stay safe out there! These new laws aren’t just about rules — they’re about making our Minnesota summers safer, smoother, and more fun. Here’s to making every drive, cast, and boat ride count this season! Town Halls, Friends & Fellowship!  I had the pleasure of joining Rep. Dave Baker, Sen. Andrew Lang, and Rep. Scott VanBinsbergen for a town hall on Tuesday—and let me tell you, it was a blast. Great questions, great company, and some honest, real conversations about the issues that matter most to our communities. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to spend your afternoon with us. Your input, your energy, and your commitment to community are what make this work so meaningful. Let’s keep the conversation going!  Red Knights Western Rally 2025 — Deadwood, SD Last weekend, firefighters, past and present, rolled into Deadwood for the annual Red Knights Western Rally — and what a blast it was! The brotherhood and sisterhood among the crew made the whole event unforgettable. My husband and I couldn’t be prouder to represent MN7 and be part of such an incredible chapter. Here’s to the fire service family that always has our backs!    Wishing You a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation, I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a joyful, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July. This holiday isn’t just about fireworks, parades, and cookouts—it’s a time to reflect on the extraordinary gift of freedom we’ve been given, and the generations of Americans who’ve fought, served, and sacrificed to protect it. From the Founding Fathers who pledged their lives for liberty, to the men and women in uniform who continue to defend our values at home and abroad—our independence has never been free. It has always been earned.  I’m proud every day to represent a community that cares deeply about those values: faith, family, service, and love of country. Whether you’re honoring tradition by raising the flag at sunrise, heading to a local festival, or simply spending time with loved ones, I hope you take a moment to appreciate what unites us as Americans. We may not always agree on the path forward—but we are bound together by a shared belief in freedom, opportunity, and the promise of a better tomorrow. So from my family to yours: Happy Independence Day! May your skies be clear, your grill be hot, and your heart be full of pride for this incredible country we call home. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America! Sincerely, Representative Dawn Gillman Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |