Greetings,
At long last, the Minnesota House has taken the first step towards bringing school resource officers (SRO) back to dozens of schools across the state.
SRO BILL FIX APPROVED IN HOUSE
You’ll recall last session the Democrats changed how school resource officers are allowed to de-escalate aggressive or violent situations, which caused dozens of law enforcement agencies to pull SROs from schools across Minnesota. After their legislation stalled in committee, Republicans were allowed to shape the bill and help bring it to the House floor. The plan was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support, though 8 Democrats voted no.
The plan is currently stalled in a Senate committee, but at least progress has been made on the House side.
ALLOWING YOU TO VOTE ON THE NEW STATE FLAG
Should a group of 13 or a state of 5.6 million make the final decision on whether to approve a new state flag?
A recent analysis found that roughly 75% of Minnesotans have some level of dissatisfaction over the process to create a new state flag or the final product itself. I have heard from many residents in regard to this symbol of our state, and have signed onto a number of bills that would dial things back. This includes legislation that would allow Minnesotans to vote on the new flag design that has been approved by the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission.
I’m hopeful for a hearing, but it was the majority party that changed the flag, and it is highly unlikely to hear bills that would slow progress towards making the new flag design a permanent reality.
HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES
In the legislature, there is a process to determine whether to include additional mandated coverage in state health insurance. That process began in the House Commerce Committee this week. Some of the items House majority lawmakers believe should be covered by health insurance include prosthetic devices, exams for firefighters, in vitro fertilizations, procedures that change a person’s sexual identity, and abortion with no cost sharing. Discussions were intense but respectful, including talks that would preserve religious freedom as applied to these proposed mandates.
VISITORS
This week, I was able to visit with St. John’s Preparatory School junior Isabel Crue. Isabel was in St. Paul taking part in the Minnesota House High School Page program, where she was able to learn first-hand how the Minnesota House operates.
Other visitors included Ruth Rathman and Lori Hawkins from Tri-Cap.
Thanks for stopping by!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov. or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim