Legislative Update – April 23, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
There is less than one month remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, and DFLers are working together to pass legislation to improve the lives of Minnesotan families. The next month will be full of late-night sessions on the House Floor as we pass policy packages and small supplemental budget bills.
Recently I was glad to meet with students from the Policy Engagement Program at the University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. I also met advocates from Moms Demand Action, a gun violence prevention group. DFLers made great strides last year by passing universal background checks and red-flag laws, and we are building on that work this year by advancing safe storage laws and lost or stolen notification requirements for firearms.
Combatting Junk Fees
I was proud to vote for two bills that protect Minnesotan consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices by ending junk fees and requiring ticket price transparency.
When buying a ticket to a concert, sports game, or other event, Minnesotans often see extra “service” and “convenience” fees added that provide no additional value to consumers. The DFL passed legislation to require fair, transparent ticket prices and other important protections for consumers. Ending these practices is the right thing to do and will help Minnesotans plan and budget better in the future.
House Floor Votes
Recently the House passed a human services policy bill that continues to make tangible progress for Minnesotans with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive.
I’m proud to report the package includes my legislation making it easier for patients using methadone, a highly effective medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder, to access their treatment. By removing barriers to accessing methadone we can improve treatment retention and save lives.
The House also recently passed:
- A labor policy bill including provisions to strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, and increase pay transparency.
- A K-12 education policy bill that prioritizes policies to improve the experiences of students in Minnesota schools while strengthening academic outcomes.
- An environment and natural resources bill that supports native fish, expands opportunities to protect prairies and prepares for a digital outdoor recreation licensing system.
- A commerce policy bill focusing on consumer and child protections, debt reform, net neutrality, and more.
Climate and Energy Committee
Last week, The Climate and Energy Committee, which I chair, passed our 2024 Climate and Energy Budget and Policy bill. Building on last year’s legislation setting a 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal, this year our committee focused on policy changes to speed up the clean energy permitting process, make targeted investments in geothermal and solar, and increase energy conservation efforts.
The legislation includes several provisions I authored, including a geothermal energy system grant program that will help cities and towns assess whether geothermal is the right choice for them.
The bill passed the Climate and Energy Committee and has one more stop before a full vote on the House floor. I will keep you updated on its status as the session continues. You can read more about the bill here.
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Staying in touch
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative