Dear Neighbors,
Our work continues at the State Capitol to strengthen communities and help improve opportunities for Minnesotans to succeed. Here’s an update on some of the legislation I’m working to advance this session.
Technology to Recover Stolen Cars
The nationwide increase in carjackings is on the minds of Minnesotans, and law enforcement needs additional tools to help apprehend suspects and reconnect owners with their cars. Meanwhile, high-speed chases of stolen cars create an enhanced safety risk for officers and other innocent people on the road. As a result, chases are often called-off without successful recovery of the vehicle or apprehension of the perpetrator.
With strong bipartisan support, the House Public Safety Committee recently advanced my bill to allow law enforcement officers to use a mobile tracking device on stolen vehicles. The devices – which can be applied either by hand or launched from a squad car – would help officers safely recover the vehicles while reducing the need for dangerous high-speed chases. The bill – which I developed in collaboration with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office – will change the current law prohibiting officers from using a tracking device to monitor a car without the owner’s explicit consent, which is often impractical to obtain under the circumstances.
This is an urgent moment, and we’re working to meet it with significant action in response to increased carjackings, and to help keep people safe. The House Judiciary Committee will consider the bill next. KSTP highlighted the bill here.
Improving Student Mental Health
Mental health in Minnesota schools was a significant worry prior to COVID-19’s arrival. After the pandemic, these concerns have grown exponentially. To help educators address this crisis, I’m chief authoring a bill requiring the Minnesota Department of Education to create two school mental health services leads, with one focused on the needs of students and one focused on teachers and other school staff.
The two leads would be charged with helping schools assess their comprehensive mental health plans and develop improvement plans to implement evidence-based mental health resources, tools and practices for school districts. The leads would also be responsible for establishing a clearinghouse with information and resources for schools, teachers and families.
Students and educators deserve comprehensive action to address growing mental health needs, and these new positions will be uniquely equipped to work with districts to develop the resources and support needed to meet these needs. The House Education Policy Committee recently approved the bill with bipartisan support.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support at 1-800-273-8255. In Minnesota, help is available via the Crisis Text Line by texting “MN” to 741741.
Supported Decision Making
Legislators have a responsibility to ensure all Minnesotans can reach their full potential and have fulfilling lives in our communities, including people with disabilities and older adults. The Supported Decision Making model keeps their voices at the center of decisions made about their future, empowering them to make decisions with the support of trusted friends and family. It recognizes that while some people may not be able to make all decisions independently, they can still participate in the decision-making process with some support.
I’m chief author of a bipartisan bill to invest $600,000 per year in Volunteers of America’s Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making. The funding will help VOA expand the Supported Decision Making approach and allow more people with disabilities to live more independently, avoiding unnecessary guardianships through less restrictive alternatives.
Stay in Touch
Thanks to everyone who attended my recent Town Hall. If you have follow-up questions, or were unable to attend, please feel free to contact me directly with your viewpoints or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn and my phone number is 651-296-0141. You can learn about bills that have been introduced here and keep track of the bills I’ve authored here.
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Moller
State Representative