Legislative Update – January 2, 2025
Dear neighbors,
Happy New Year! In case you missed it in last week’s update, Fox 9 covered the new laws in a piece you can watch below, and a comprehensive list of everything that took effect on January 1 can be found here.
Whether it’s banning “junk” fees, protecting renters, prohibiting the sale of deadly “binary triggers” on firearms, or implementing fair prices for concert tickets, there’s a whole host of commonsense measures that are now law in Minnesota.
HPAI Resources
I have been closely monitoring the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) situation here in Minnesota, and last month as co-chair of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), we approved funding for the University of Minnesota to assist with tracking and studying the spread of HPAI.
I also wanted to share a few resources in this week’s update. You can find more information and call hotlines to ask questions or report information to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health here. There are also steps to take to protect backyard flocks, available from the CDC here.
Nitrate Contamination Response
Last November, I asked the Legislative Audit Commission to look into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) finding that Minnesota state agencies needed to take additional action to protect drinking water from nitrate contamination. They have completed their review of Minnesota’s work plan, which you can find here.
The audit found that “Minnesota’s work plan shows how the state intends to address almost all components of EPA’s November 2023 directive to address immediate public health concerns. However, it is not clear that the state’s long-term strategy outlined in the work plan fully addresses EPA’s expectations.”
I will continue working on this issue in the upcoming legislative session and I will push to ensure that our state is taking the necessary steps to protect clean drinking water throughout Minnesota.
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