Dear Neighbor, The House has spent this week fully immersed shaping omnibus finance bills ahead of today’s noon deadline for those packages to move through the committee process. In the meantime, some of the less headline-grabbing work we do has been happening on the House floor. There is one bill (H.F. 1243) the House approved this week that I’d like to highlight because it addresses an issue brought forth by a local resident. Here’s a quick overview: Some individuals have medical conditions (e.g., lupus, albinism, light sensitivity due to medication, and traumatic brain injuries) that require reduced exposure to sunlight. State law allows window tinting exemptions for medical needs but requires the driver or passenger to have a valid prescription with an expiration date. Right now, there is a two-year expiration on prescriptions related to window glazing. The bill we approved eliminates an unnecessary burden on people by allowing permanent window tinting prescriptions to be issued without expiration if the driver has an eligible permanent medical condition. Thank you to local Sen. Jeff Howe for carrying this bill, which passed both bodies without a single opposing vote and is on the governor’s desk for enactment. This bill may be narrow in scope regarding the number of people it impacts, but it’s good we took care of this. It serves as a great example of taking care of a constituent’s needs. Look for more from the House soon, especially as we get into the thick of omnibus season on the floor. The House will be taking a break next week to observe the Easter/Passover holiday season. When we return to the Capitol, less than one month will remain to get our work done on the budget and other important issues before the May 19 deadline to adjourn. Hope you have a great weekend and, as always, your input is welcome. Sincerely, Lisa |