Neighbors, The snowstorm put a pause on our work at the Capitol, to allow representatives from outside the Twin Cities to travel safely to their districts before the weather deteriorated. Despite the storm, we have been catching up on constituent business and working remotely on several issues before us this session. Prior to the storm, we passed several important bills earlier this week. Something I have been hearing about from constituents is the ongoing issue of catalytic converter theft. On Monday, the Minnesota House passed catalytic converter theft prevention legislation. This bill prohibits scrap metal dealers from purchasing a catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle unless the catalytic converter contains identifying markings connecting the device to a vehicle. Furthermore, scrap metal dealers must collect certain information to aid law enforcement and enter data into an electronic database. Penalties for not complying with the law include a fine of up to $10,000 for unlawful possession and sale. Minnesota ranks in the top five for catalytic cover thefts and in November of 2022, a federal takedown of a catalytic converter theft ring of over a half-billion dollars included more than a dozen search warrants across Minnesota. I was glad to vote ‘yes’ on this bipartisan bill. Also on Monday, I joined a bipartisan vote when the Minnesota House passed legislation to ban the discredited practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” The legislation would ban conversion therapy on children or vulnerable adults, prohibit conversion therapy from being offered under medical assistance coverage, and eliminate the misrepresentation of services or products associated with conversion therapy. This legislation supports families and children, and I was proud to vote ‘yes.’ Stay Connected with the LegislatureThe 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 |