ST. PAUL – Two separate bills Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, authored – "Laura's Law" and an omnibus agriculture package – were signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday.
Laura's Law strengthens penalties for interfering with the body or scene of a death. It is in response to events surrounding 19-year-old victim Laura Schwendemann, of Starbuck. Schwendemann's body was found in a corn field 12 days after she was reported missing last fall.
Anderson's bill (H.F. 3469) raises the charge for concealing a body or evidence at the scene of a death from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. The maximum penalty is increased to up to three years imprisonment.
"It is very satisfying to see this bill pass with such strong support in the Legislature and now receive support from the governor in officially putting this change into law," Anderson said. "I appreciate all the people who worked so hard to help me keep moving this bill through the process and thank the governor for signing it."
A key component in Anderson's omnibus agriculture policy bill helps farmers renegotiate, restructure, or resolve farm debt through the Farmer-Lender Mediation program.
Anderson's legislation provides a two-year extension for the program, through June 30, 2018. It also includes a provision Anderson advocated for inclusion which establishes a 14-person commission to review the program and recommend updates. The program that has remained unchanged since its inception three decades ago.
"I felt it was extremely important to form that commission," Anderson said. "This will help the state provide better customer service so we can maximize the benefits of the program. Again, I am grateful for the people who helped bring this bill to enactment. The Department of Agriculture played a significant role in discussions and the agency's willingness to conduct the commission at no additional cost proved to be the difference-maker in helping get this through."
The commission will include farmers and bankers, along with representation from the University of Minnesota Extension, Farm Business Management and other major farm organizations.
Another measure in the bill (S.F. 3018) establishes the Farm Safety Initiative to analyze farm safety issues, including common causes of farm accidents.
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