Neighbors, Yesterday, the Minnesota House passed HF 1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, a bill I voted for and co-authored. When the U.S. Supreme Court acted this summer to restrict abortion, we knew it was time to act. It is not government’s place to decide when anyone should have a family. The choice is between an individual and their doctor and the Minnesota House acted to ensure government will stay out of this very personal choice. The bill protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care. The PRO Act enshrines protections for all reproductive health care, including but not limited to contraception, sterilization, preconception care, maternity care, abortion care, family planning and fertility services, and counseling regarding reproductive health care. We are awaiting action in the Minnesota Senate. Governor Walz has indicated he will sign it into law once it reaches his desk. Community & The Capitol We had a very packed week at the Capitol. In addition to passing HF 1, committees also advanced proposals for Paid Family Medical Leave, Earned Sick & Safe Time, and banning harmful conversion therapy. The Restore the Vote legislation also advanced. This week in the Education Policy Committee, which I chair, we passed HF 211, establishing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday. Stay connected with the legislature The 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 please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |