SAINT PAUL, MN—Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, has introduced her first two bills of the 2015 legislative session. The bills were introduced late last week during Thursday's legislative session, and during Monday's legislative session.
The first bill, HF449, would designate the Shell Rock River a state water trail. The second bill, HF500 would close a loophole in state law and prevent anyone who has certain child-related sex offense convictions from getting or retaining their teacher license.
Bennett said she introduced the Shell Rock River bill after talks with members of the Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea, tourism officials, and other local stakeholders.
"Designating Shell Rock River as a state water trail will bring more tourists and allow residents from here in town and across the state to enjoy the scenic views and other outdoor recreation offered by the Shell Rock River," Bennett said. "This bill is a priority for our community, and I'm grateful to have secured bipartisan support from my colleagues. I hope this bill will receive a hearing in the coming weeks."
Bennett, who taught elementary school in Albert Lea before being elected to her first term this past November, said she introduced HF500 to make it easier to keep criminals out of the classroom who had been convicted of serious child-related sex offenses, and to reduce administrative costs. Under current law, even those tried and convicted of child-related sex offenses are entitled to an appeal hearing that costs districts valuable staff time and money.
"My bill will save school districts from unnecessary hearings and will ensure that child sex offenders are kept out of the classroom and away from our children," Bennett said. "This is a common-sense fix that will protect our children as well as save schools time and money."
HF500 was referred to the Education Innovation Policy Committee, where Bennett currently serves as Vice Chair. Bennett said she hopes to receive a hearing on the bill soon from Education Innovation Policy Committee Chair Sondra Erickson, who is also a co-sponsor of the bill.
HF449 was referred to the Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee.
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