Friends and neighbors,
Last week, I was officially sworn in to once again represent district 62B. I am honored to return to Saint Paul as your State Representative for the third time. I’m excited about everything we are going to accomplish during this session now that the DFL has the House, the Senate, and Governor’s office.
This year, I am also looking forward to chairing the Economic Development Finance and Policy committee.
Federal Tax Conformity
This week, Governor Walz signed this year’s first bill, HF 31, into law.
My colleagues and I worked quickly to pass this bill to update Minnesota’s tax code into conformity with federal law. This will result in over $100 million in tax cuts to a wide range of Minnesotans, while simplifying future tax filings.
This efficient and unified action is just the beginning of an effective legislative session under House DFL leadership. By passing this bill within the first two weeks of session, the Department of Revenue will be able to incorporate these measures in time for this year’s tax filing season.
While we moved swiftly to pass this bill, it doesn’t end our discussions at the Capitol about taxes. There are a lot of ideas out there, especially to help young families, homeowners and renters, and Minnesota seniors, and as the session progresses, we will take a hard look at these solutions.
CROWN Act
This week, my colleagues and I moved swiftly to pass the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. This bill updates the definition of “race” in the Minnesota Human Rights Act to include “traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles such braids, locs, and twists.”
Once signed into law, adverse actions based on the appearance of an individual would be explicitly considered discriminatory actions based on race.
While racial discrimination in the areas of housing, education, employment, and public services and accommodations is already prohibited, the CROWN Act would emphasize that discrimination based on the appearance of someone’s hair is explicitly considered racial discrimination.
The bill passed with a vote of 111-19 and now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
I’m thankful that so many of my Republican colleagues voted alongside us in favor of progress. However, it is worth noting that the DFL led House previously passed this bill both in 2020 and 2022, but the formerly Republican-led Senate did not even bring it to the floor for a vote.
I’m looking forward to finally seeing movement on many other bills that previously met the same fate now that Democrats have the “trifecta.”
Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization
Last week, my House DFL colleagues and I officially introduced legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. We’ve heard from Minnesotans loud and clear: Minnesota is ready for legalization.
Our bill creates a safe, well-regulated, and legal marketplace, including best practices for consumer protection, health, and public safety. It also includes a robust expungement program, so people who have disproportionately been caught in the criminal justice system due to cannabis can move on with their lives.
Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good, and over the last three years, DFLers in the legislature have worked and listened to build a Minnesota-specific model for cannabis legalization.
As an author of the bill, I’m incredibly excited to move this proposal forward to address inequities, create economic opportunities, and update outdated laws.
Protecting Reproductive Freedom
Another bill I am thrilled to finally see progress on is the PRO Act.
Last year the U.S. Supreme Court unraveled a half-century of legal protections guaranteeing the right to an abortion. The PRO Act protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, the right to abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care.
Politics have no place in a doctor’s office.
Minnesotans overwhelmingly support the fundamental right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade sends a clear message that we can’t take these rights for granted. The PRO Act will codify these fundamental rights into law which is essential in guaranteeing reproductive freedom for the long term. We must act now to ensure a future state Supreme Court can’t take away the bodily autonomy of Minnesotans.
Drivers Licenses for All
The opportunity to earn a driver’s license is a human right, and a necessity for all of our communities to be safe commuting and traveling on our roads. It’s time to allow all Minnesotans access to Drivers Licenses – regardless of documentation status.
Our bill, known as “Drivers Licenses for All,” recently passed its first committee stop in Transportation, and has also cleared the Judiciary Committee. I am so grateful to all of the advocates and our community members who have fought for this critical legislation for almost two decades.
We have a real opportunity to improve the lives of our neighbors that have been ignored for far too long, and I look forward to doing everything I can to deliver for them in the House.
Redistricting Update
Last week, I was officially sworn in as your representative for the new District 62B. District lines have changed since our last session. You can find an updated map of the new district here. I am excited to get to work representing this area and am thankful for the opportunity to serve.
If you are unsure about how redistricting affects you, this site will allow you to input your address to find your representative.
Keep in Touch
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page for timely updates.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.gov. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Elijah, at 651-296-1761 or via email at elijah.henderson@house.mn.gov.
I am incredibly excited to get to work for you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with this honor.
In solidarity,
Rep. Hodan Hassan