Dear Neighbors, I wish you a happy and healthy 2025. As the new legislative session convenes, I will now serve as the DFL Co-Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee - a new role for me. I have spent many years advocating for our environment, and I am excited to begin the work. I will also serve on the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.  New LawsA host of new laws have taken effect as of January 1. Highlights include banning hidden service fees, requiring insurance to cover the costs of wigs for Minnesotans undergoing cancer treatment, ensuring transparent pricing for concert tickets, protecting renters with a minimum heat requirement of 68 degrees, prohibiting the sale of “binary triggers” on firearms, and so much more. You can find a list of all of the new Minnesota laws here. Cold Weather RuleI wanted to include a quick reminder about Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan agreed to by your utility provider. More information is available on the Minnesota Public Utilities website.  Keep in touchIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call (651) 296-5363 or email any time at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov. You can find my information on my House website. Sincerely, Peter Fischer |