Greetings,
As the Legislature is now observing the Passover/Easter holidays, here is a look back at the week that was in St. Paul.
HANDS FREE CELL PHONE PROPOSAL SENT TO GOVERNOR WALZ
On August 1, it will be illegal to have a cell phone in your hand while driving. This week the Minnesota House approved compromise hands-free legislation crafted by a joint House/Senate conference committee, and Governor Walz signed it into law.
The legislation allows voice activated cell phone use only, along with one-touch or headsets, but it cannot be in your hand.
Statistics show hands free laws keep more drivers’ focus on the road while decreasing fatalities. Most people in Minnesota think it’s time to strengthen our distracted driving laws and I agree.
MORTGAGE BILL APPROVED IN HOUSE
On a nearly unanimous vote, the Minnesota House approved legislation I’m sponsoring that makes it easier for some homebuyers to secure a mortgage. Certain language in current statute was making it difficult for borrowers to obtain loans, and my bill would rectify this problem. The legislation was supported by both consumer groups and the mortgage industry in Minnesota, and I was pleased by the House support.
LOCAL STUDENT SERVES AS HIGH SCHOOL PAGE
This week, I was pleased to be joined by Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student Elizabeth Zurbier at the Minnesota House.
As a high school junior, Elizabeth signed up for our high school page program and was selected to participate. By taking part in this week-long program, Elizabeth learned the legislative process and assisted members in the House Chamber during session, and also developed leadership skills by observing how committees are conducted and how issues are resolved.
My thanks to Elizabeth for joining us and for her interest in state government!
If you know of anyone who would like to receive future email updates, forward this email to them and have them sign up here. Also, if you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-7808 or rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Tim