Legislative Update

Legislative Udpate

Hello!

The best part of this job is hearing directly from the people I represent. Over the past week, I have had the opportunity to meet with students, professionals, and small business owners who came to the Capitol to share how legislation impacts them.

I appreciate the respectful conversations and thoughtful feedback. Good policy starts with listening, and I appreciate that so many of you have shared your thoughts via phone, email, or during our in-person meetings!

HF 3496 – Putting Victims First

During the Public Safety Committee, I presented HF 3496 to address a clear gap in current law.

Under the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, offenders can earn credits to reduce their time on active supervision. However, they can move to inactive supervision even if they have not paid the restitution they owe their victims.

Department of Corrections reports show that of cases closed in 2023, only 35.8 percent had restitution paid in full. That tells us we need to do better.

HF 3496 simply requires that court-ordered restitution be paid before an offender can move to supervision abatement status.

Deputy Commissioner Safia Khan testified in committee and acknowledged that restitution is deeply important to victims and that this bill starts an important conversation. I appreciate her willingness to continue working on this issue.

Accountability should include making things right with victims. Victims should not be an afterthought in our justice system.

You can watch two short clips below for additional context: one of my introduction of the bill and another featuring Deputy Commissioner Safia Khan from the Minnesota Department of Corrections providing testimony in committee.

Bulldog Day at the Capitol

I had the opportunity to attend the annual Bulldog Day at the Capitol, where students from the University of Minnesota Duluth came to St. Paul to advocate for their school.

It was great to connect with Heidi Seales from the City of Carver, who serves on the Legislative Relations Committee within the UMD Student Government Association. Heidi and her fellow students are actively engaged in making sure their voices are heard and that their campus remains strong and competitive.

I always appreciate when students take the time to come to the Capitol, learn about the legislative process, and speak up for their communities. Civic engagement matters.

Meeting with Future Athletic Trainers

I also had the opportunity to meet with Riley Ahrendt from Norwood Young America and Marit Gueningsman from Winsted, who were at the Capitol on behalf of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association.

They came to discuss legislation that directly affects their future careers as athletic trainers. It is valuable to hear from students and young professionals who are preparing to enter the workforce and want to ensure policies support their ability to serve schools, athletes, and communities across Minnesota.

I appreciate Riley and Marit taking the time to share their perspective and advocate for their profession.

Optometrists Day at the Capitol

I was glad to visit with Dr. Wendy Goldsmith of Goldsmith Eye Care in Gaylord during Optometrists Day at the Capitol.

Dr. Goldsmith came to discuss legislation that impacts her practice and her small business. Providers like her are essential to keeping healthcare accessible in our rural communities. It is important that policies coming out of St. Paul support local clinics and do not create unnecessary barriers for small business owners.

I appreciate Dr. Goldsmith taking the time to advocate for her patients and her profession

Thank You

It is an honor to represent you at the Capitol. Please continue to reach out with your, concerns, and ideas. Your input helps guide my work.

Sincerely,
Rep. Bobbie Harder

 

Please Contact Me

It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!