Dear Friends,
I wanted to send along information on some of the new laws that will take effect on August 1. These laws were all passed during the 2023 legislative session and highlight some of the more extreme parts of the Democrats’ agenda. Despite a $17.5 billion surplus, Democrats pushed these extreme policies and raised taxes by nearly $10 billion. These changes include:
- Adult-use cannabis legalized, and prior low-level cannabis convictions expunged. Adults aged 21 or older can possess or publicly transport 2 ounces of adult-use cannabis flower, and up to 8 grams of cannabis concentrates. Adults can also possess up to 2 pounds of adult-use cannabis flower in their home. Penalties are established for violating possession limits, making illegal cannabis sales, selling to a minor, and exceeding personal cultivation limits. Criminal records of Minnesotans with petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor cannabis convictions will begin to be expunged. Although the records are not destroyed, they are removed from public view and will not appear in criminal background checks.
- Statement of faith requirement removed from PSEO. Higher education institutions participating in the postsecondary enrollment option program (PSEO) will no longer be allowed to require a faith statement from applicants for admission. House Republicans fought hard against this provision, which is already in litigation. While this law takes effect August 1, a judge has already ordered state officials to not enforce it as this lawsuit unfolds.
- Universal Background Checks. Private transfers of pistols and semiautomatic military-style assault weapons without a firearms eligibility background check will be prohibited. A gun purchaser will be required to apply for a permit to carry first. Private transfers must complete a record of transfer which includes detailed information about the weapon and individuals involved.
While it is disappointing to see these changes take effect, there were some good laws including:
- Increased penalties for catalytic converter thefts. The new law prohibits the possession of a detached catalytic converter with a few narrow exceptions and provides that individuals found with illegally acquired detached catalytic converters could be charged with up to a felony.
- New labor trafficking law. A new law creates a new crime of labor trafficking that results in death with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $40,000 fine. It also creates enhanced penalties for labor trafficking a person over an extended period or when a labor trafficking victim suffers great bodily harm because of the trafficking. This crime could be punished by up to 20 years in prison and a $40,000 fine if the victim is under age 18, labor trafficking occurs over an extended period, or the victim suffers great bodily harm, and the harm was proximately caused by the labor trafficking conduct of the offender.
- Permitting electronic signatures on wills. A new law allows a will to be witnessed and, where allowed, electronically notarized and completed.
More information on these laws and other changes can be found here. These laws show the impact of one-party control of state government. We need balance in St. Paul so we can protect our way of life.
Finally, don’t forget that the Tax Rebate Online Portal closes at 5 p.m. this Friday, July 28. You only need to apply for the tax rebate if you met the income limits for the rebate and your bank information or address has changed since filing your 2021 return. As a reminder, qualifications include:
- $520 for married filing jointly with an income of $150,000 or less.
- $260 for all others with an income of $75,000 or less.
- If you have a dependent, you will receive an additional $260 per dependent up to three dependents based on your 2021 adjusted gross income.
Even if you didn’t file a 2021 income tax return, you will still be eligible if you filed for a property tax refund or a renter’s credit in 2021. If your bank account or address has not changed, NO ACTION is required. The money will automatically be deposited into your account.