Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from Saint Paul.
House File 3689
On Monday, the House passed legislation I am carrying that will expand the data collected for the Minnesota Birth Defects Information System (MBDIS) to include information from both live births and fetal deaths. Ensuring that data is collected on stillbirths can help us better understand the cause, treatment and prevention of many diseases, including newer problems like Zika Virus. The bill has the support of the March of Dimes and the Stillbirth Advisory Workgroup.
We want every baby born to be healthy, but for those who are not, data collection can help us better predict risk factors, leading to better outcomes for more children born in Minnesota.
Highway Protestor Bill
Also this week, the House passed bipartisan legislation to increase the penalties for those convicted of blocking access to highways, airports or public transit from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor.
With increased incidences of protestors shutting down public means of transportation over the past several years, we know that these protests can pose a real risk to public safety. I think it’s a commonsense move to increase the penalty, providing a stronger deterrent to stop actions like this in the future.
Governor Dayton has previously indicated his support of this proposal, and I hope he will sign it into law.
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It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
Sincerely,
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B