Legislative Update – May 24, 2024
2024 Session Wrap-Up
Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 Legislative Session adjourned on May 20, and this two-year biennium has been one of the most productive in state history. This term, we worked towards a better future for Minnesotans and made progress on so many challenges currently facing our state.
We made great progress tackling issues like gun violence prevention, health care reform, combatting climate change, and strengthening consumer protections. But there is still more work to do. We will continue working with our neighbors and community members to lower the cost of living, deliver economic security for working families, and ensure everyone has the tools they need to thrive.
After setting a transformational two-year budget last year, House lawmakers built off 2023’s historically productive session by enacting more solutions to grow the state’s middle class and ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Reps Tina Liebling, Pat Garofalo, Speaker Melissa Hortman, myself, and Rick Hansen. This bipartisan group are the last remaining members of the Class of ’04!
Bills Passed into Law
In addition to my work as Chair of the House Legacy Finance Committee, I was proud to carry a couple of other critical bills across the finish line this session. Earlier this year, we passed legislation ratifying state employee compensation plans (HF 4310), ensuring our public employees are paid fairly for the wonderful work they do.
I’m also incredibly proud to report that my bill appropriating $2 million in funding to Explore Minnesota for the 2026 Special Olympic USA Games (HF 4123) was included in our bipartisan Jobs and Economic Development bill. I’m so glad that Minnesota will be hosting the games in 2026 and that we are doing our part at the Legislature to make our state more inclusive for everyone.
Legacy Bill Signed by Governor!
On May 17, Governor Walz signed the 2024 Legacy bill, which invests nearly $240 million in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture. Working alongside my Senate counterpart, Sen. Foung Hawj, I was proud to put forward a strong bipartisan bill that gained 115 votes in the House and 43 in the Senate.
Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment provides funding for so many amazing projects throughout our state. From addressing nitrate pollution, establishing a new forest, to celebrating different cultures and history, this bill reinforces Minnesota’s strong environmental and cultural legacy.
You can read more about the legislation here.
End of Session Action
Last year the Legislature passed our major two-year budget bills, and this year the House built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. Working alongside the Governor and our Senate counterparts, we reached final agreements on all major budget bills.
You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Health, and Elections.
We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenant’s right’s package.
Keep in Touch!
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn.gov or give me a call at (651) 296-1188.
Sincerely,
Leon Lillie
State Representative