By Rep. Paul Anderson
The fast pace of politically charged legislation continues at the Capitol in St. Paul. Bills were passed off the House floor last week allowing what's called "drivers' licenses for all," in addition to another bill giving convicted felons the right to vote again once they are no longer in prison. On top of that, four controversial gun control bills were heard in the Public Safety committee and will probably be scheduled for floor action in the near future.
The drivers' licenses-for-all legislation has been around for years and has seen its support increase over that time. It is now supported by many farm groups, in addition to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. It grants driving privileges to undocumented residents upon their passing both the written and behind the wheel driving tests.
The major change from this year's bill to previous versions is that the licenses granted now to undocumented residents will be identical to those of citizens. Earlier versions had the license differentiated by including the wording "not for voting purposes" and having the lay-out of the license itself rotated 90 degrees. Now, they will be identical to standard Class D licenses.
Although one must be a citizen to vote legally in our state, concerns have been raised about possible election fraud. There is also no requirement for taking behind-the-wheel drivers' training for anyone 18 years of age and older.
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The bill restoring voting rights to convicted felons was also passed and sent to the Senate. The main point raised during debate was whether voting should be restored before all aspects of a sentence were carried out. Allowing one to vote while still on probation was the main point of contention. Over time in Minnesota, actual prison sentences for felonies have been reduced, and the use of probation has increased. There are cases when no jail time is ordered, only probation. So under this legislation, in that situation, one's right to vote would not be suspended.
Of the four gun control bills being considered, the most controversial is the so call "Red Flag Law," whereby with a court order, one's firearms could be confiscated. There is no due process, only the word of one who feels there is a danger present when another person has firearms in their possession.
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Took a drive over the weekend, when our temps finally got into the more comfortable range. We drove west and were amazed by the number of pheasants along the roadsides and in nearby fields. We quit counting but must have seen at least a couple hundred! The deer were also out in force, especially along Highway 7 between Beardsley and Ortonville along Big Stone Lake. Grazing in grassy areas or sitting peacefully among the trees, they seemed to be enjoying the 40-degree temps as much as we were.
Also ran into a guy who was on a snowmobile trip with two of his buddies. They were from the International Falls area and were making their annual swing through North Dakota, western Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin before heading back up to the Falls. Their goal is to make the trip in seven days, and they raved about the great trail conditions this year in our part of the state.
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