Legislative Update – December 27, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a great holiday season and have a great new year. I want to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to serve District 53B at the state Capitol this past year. Your support and input are invaluable in making our state and community a better place.
After years of gridlock and dysfunction, we came together this year for the most transformative legislative session in state history. We passed critical local infrastructure projects, a historic environmental budget that solves past problems and prevents future pollution, and more.
This January 1st, our earned sick and safe time legislation, gun violence prevention measures, tenants' rights bill, and more will officially go into effect. You can find a full list of legislation taking effect from our nonpartisan House research department here. As you all know, there is still work to do, and I am looking forward to next year’s legislative session as we continue moving Minnesota forward.
Environmental Protection Updates
You may have heard me on MPR News last week talking about Minnesota’s native fish population, which was previously called ‘rough’ fish. Last week the DNR delivered a report of recommendations regarding classifying and protecting these species. As I said in my interview with MPR, I think it will be treasured for generations to come that we’re taking this action now to protect these native fish.
I’m also happy to share that a law protecting Minnesota’s turtle population will go into effect on January 1st, including banning the commercial harvest of western painted turtles and snapping turtles. The enhanced protections will help ensure the ongoing health of turtle populations in Minnesota, you can read more here.
Minnesota Picks New State Flag
Big news from last week–Minnesota has a new state flag and state seal! The State Emblems Redesign Commission has unveiled its design choice for the state emblems and will submit them in a full report to the Legislature by the end of the month. The Star Tribune has more information on the process here.
Waste Treated Seeds Request for Comments
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is currently accepting public comments on rulemaking relating to waste-treated seeds–seeds that have been treated with pesticides. These comments will help inform future rulemaking and legislative action, and I encourage you to submit comments if interested. You can find more background and information here.
Stay in Touch!
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback throughout the year. You can reach me by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-6828. You can contact my Legislative Assistant Sam O'Neill at 651-296-3305 or via email at Samuel.ONeill@house.mn.gov.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative