Legislative Update Friends, As many of you may know, last week marked the beginning of the 2026 legislative session. Like the previous year, the House will once again be evenly divided in a 67-67 tie. That means we will need to work together to get things done. This is what voters asked for, and last session we proved that progress is possible when we focus on delivering real results for our constituents rather than partisan gridlock. I am looking forward to getting back to work on the issues that matter most to families and communities here in northern Minnesota. As we begin this year, my focus remains on restoring accountability in state government, supporting safer communities, and improving affordability for Minnesota families and small businesses. My work this year aligns with several priorities that will guide our efforts: > Make Minnesota Competitive > Stop the Fraud > Raise Standards and Reduce Mandates > Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans > Make Minnesota Safe > Make Minnesota Affordable Public safety remains a top priority this session. Minnesota needs to return to a back-to-basics approach to law enforcement that addresses not only violent crime but also the rise in quality-of-life offenses such as retail theft, auto theft, and property crimes. When these issues go unaddressed, businesses leave, neighborhoods suffer, and crime flourishes. Supporting law enforcement and holding offenders accountable are essential to reversing these trends and improving the standard of living in our communities. Protecting Public Safety Officers: HF 1567 IntroducedOn Wednesday, I introduced HF 1567, legislation designed to protect public safety officers from doxing and the malicious sharing of personal information online. Minnesota already provides similar protections for judicial officials, recognizing that judges and court staff can be targeted because of the decisions they make. This bill simply extends those same common-sense protections to the public safety officers who are responsible for enforcing our laws and keeping communities safe. Law enforcement and correctional officers routinely face high-risk situations in the course of protecting the public. Publishing sensitive personal information such as home addresses or family details with malicious intent can place officers and their loved ones at risk. During my time serving as a peace officer, I myself experienced doxing. I know the fear that comes with having your personal information exposed. My greatest concern was not for myself, but for the safety of my wife and children. No one who serves their community should have to worry that their family could be targeted because of the job they do. Providing reasonable safeguards against doxing and targeted threats does not reduce transparency or accountability. Officers remain accountable to the law and to the communities they serve. What this bill does is ensure they are not subjected to intimidation or retaliation simply for enforcing the law. HF 1567 would: - Extend existing data protections currently provided to judicial officials to peace officers and correctional officers.
- Prohibit the unlawful dissemination of personal information about public safety officers without authorization or consent.
- Establish a process for officers to request removal of personal information published online.
- Provide clear legal remedies and penalties for violations, while maintaining important exceptions to protect free speech and legitimate public-interest reporting.
Making Minnesota More AffordableAffordability is one of the biggest challenges facing families across northern Minnesota right now. I regularly hear from constituents who are concerned about rising property taxes, higher energy bills, increasing fees, and everyday expenses that continue to climb while paychecks struggle to keep up. This session, I will be focused on solutions that reduce financial pressure instead of adding to it. That includes working to lower property taxes, stop wasteful spending, stem the flow of fraud, and ensure state government lives within its means. It also requires reviewing mandates and regulations that drive up costs for local governments, small businesses, and working families alike. Minnesotans shouldn’t feel like government is making life more expensive. We need policies that protect taxpayers, support economic growth, and make it easier for families to build a future here in northern Minnesota. |