Legislative Update - May 4, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
We are continuing the work of passing our House budget proposals. Building on last week’s success, so far we’ve approved our Higher Education, Legacy, Environment and Clean Energy, Housing, Veterans, Elections, State and Local Government, K-12 Education, Agriculture, Transportation, Early Learning, Children & Families, Jobs & Labor, Human Services, Pensions, Commerce, Judiciary & Public Safety, Tax, and Health budget bills.
Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC)
We have been making great progress on my nation-leading bill to create a Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC), which would ensure that our youth can access all the internet has to offer without the risk of harm from predatory data collection and exploitation. The bill has been included in the 2023 Commerce Committee budget bill and asks companies that develop online products and services likely to be accessed by children to consider the safety and data privacy of children first before the harm can be done. It holds Big Tech and companies with online products accountable for developing products in a safe responsible way that does not harm kids. We already do this for cribs, car seats, cars and every other product and online should be no exception. Parents are asking us to keep kids safe online and it’s time to deliver on that promise. Here are some of my remarks from the House floor
Recently, I met with Frances Haugen, a Facebook whistleblower who revealed internal company research showing their platforms are toxic for teens. We met with Governor Walz’s chief of staff to advocate for the passage of the Minnesota Age-Appropriate Design Code. We also had a full-page ad in the Star Tribune in support of the bill signed by physicians, educators and parents! Senator Klobuchar and AG Ellison support the bill with more community and parents groups signing on in support every day!
Defending Democracy
Earlier this month, the House passed the Democracy for the People Act, which increases voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. We also passed the Elections budget bill in the House and Senate. The bill which funds the Campaign Finance Board which oversees state and local elections and Secretary of State’s Office. More importantly, the bill addressed concerns from across the state, and from urban, suburban, to rural. It reduces the influence of foreign influence on state elections while increasing transparency of campaign communications to let you know who is trying to influence your vote. It also addresses protections for poll workers and restores the ability to have a robust system of small grass roots donors that live and work in MN rather than large corporate interests. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote and power is firmly in the hands of the people.
As a member of the Elections Committee, the bills we voted on also included provisions I authored to clearly define rules governing polling places to ensure the polling place is a sanctuary where voters can get to the business if voting in a safe secure and welcoming environment. It also streamlines efficiencies for election judges, and citizens and a section to allow voters to sign electronically on a polling pad, improving the administration, efficiency, accessibility, and accuracy of voting. It provides an electronic receipt, and ensures all records are maintained consistent with current law to provide robust checks and balances.
Lastly, the Democracy for the People Act included a provision for Automatic Voter Registration (AVR), which I gave a speech in favor of on the House Floor. AVR is a mechanism that verifies that you are who you say you are, you live where you say you live, and you are in fact an eligible voter. This system has been supported by Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and everyone in between, and has been hailed for its improvements in red and blue states across the country. I was proud to support the bill on the floor. Safe, secure, and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democratic process, and this will help our system become even better!
Protecting our I.T. Infrastructure
Last Friday, the House passed H.F. 1960, my bill defining I.T. (information technology) as “critical infrastructure” in the event of a cyber-attack. The legislation would help the state access federal disaster resources more quickly and work with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Department of Homeland Security to effectively respond to threats to our I.T. infrastructure.
This nation-leading legislation takes steps to ensure that our data, our privacy, and the services that we have come to expect as citizens are protected in the case of a cyber-attack. As an I.T. professional of over 20 years, I am proud to author this bipartisan bill to strengthen our state’s security and modernize our emergency management laws to reflect the 21st century realities. I’m glad to report that the bill passed on a unanimous vote of 122-0! Check out this piece by CCX with more information.
Human Services Budget Bill
The Minnesota House passed Senate File 2934, the Human Services budget proposal. The provides support of our most vulnerable Minnesotans, significantly invests in caring professions, and doubles down on our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The bill passed on a vote of 70-60. This reflects more the real needs of the state and the challenges that must be balanced with a sustainable budget for years to come. Our needs to care for the most vulnerable our elders, the disabled, those struggling with mental health and substance use issues continues to present us with the challenges to do it all in the face of such great need. I know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle worked diligently to strike this balance, provide for communities and do it within our means.
As Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee, I was proud to support this bill. Minnesotans know that our state is at its best when we come together to help care for one another. This budget supports our most vulnerable residents and invests in those who help care for them to ensure that everyone can thrive in their community and receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Stay Connected!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you may have. I can be reached at 651-296-5502 or rep.kristin.bahner@house.mn. It’s an honor to represent our community.
Sincerely,
Kristin Bahner
Your State Representative