Legislative Update from Rep. Mike Freiberg

Neighbors,   

I hope you’re staying warm out there. I want to thank everyone who came to last weekend’s town hall. I always enjoy hearing from you, and I'm always encouraged when I see so many people turn out to share what’s important to you. Thank you. 

Here at the Capitol, things continue to move quickly as we work to fulfill our promises to Minnesotans. Let’s dive in.  

Reproductive Rights

On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed the PRO Act into law, making Minnesota the first state to act on a legislative level to protect abortion rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June. Now that the PRO Act is the law of the land, Minnesotans will never have their reproductive rights taken away by rogue politicians.  

Drivers Licenses for All

On Monday, I voted to pass HF 4, known as “Driver’s Licenses for All.” The bill would allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license. This measure would impact 81,000 of our immigrant neighbors. After passing standard licensing exams and tests, families will be able to complete essential daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. This proposal has broad support from law enforcement, the business community, and unions, who have all testified in support.  

All of us deserve to be safe when we are on the road and getting more people to pass a driving exam and become licensed ensures motorists have a common understanding of the rules of the road, can safely operate a vehicle, and can obtain insurance. 

100% By 2040

The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know that climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change.  

DFLers are committed to taking bold action, and just last week, we voted to pass the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. It feels great to see progress.  

National Popular Vote Bill

Yesterday, the Elections Finance and Policy committee passed HF 642, a bill that would add Minnesota to an interstate compact to elect the President of the United States by the national popular vote. I am proud to be carrying this bill as chief author. 

Under the proposed compact, each member state would allocate its electoral votes to the winner of the nationwide popular vote for president. Currently 16 states, totaling 195 electoral votes, have enacted the compact. The bill would take effect in practice once enough states to total 270 electoral votes pass a similar measure.  

The function of the electoral college does not accurately represent the will of the citizens of the United States. No one’s individual vote should matter more than anyone else’s, and by joining this compact, we will take a big step to ensure fairness in our Presidential elections. 

Banning Conversion Therapy

This week, HF 16 was heard in committee, which would ban conversion therapy on children or vulnerable adults. Putting a stop to subjecting our children to this harmful practice is long overdue, and I’m thankful that we’re finally getting it done under DFL leadership. I will keep you updated as this bill progresses. 

Restore the Vote

Tonight, HF 28, known as “Restore the Vote,” will be heard on the House floor. The bill would restore voting rights to individuals who have been completed their term of incarceration after being convicted of a felony. This bill is the very first bill the Elections Finance and Policy heard in committee this session, and I can’t wait to vote for it when it heads to the floor this evening. 

Stay Connected

To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. 

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page or my Twitter.  

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. 

It is an honor to continue to serve you.  

In solidarity,  

Rep. Mike Freiberg