Legislative UpdateFriends and Neighbors, I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the (slowly) warming weather! Things have been moving fast at the Capitol, and I wanted to take a moment to loop you in. Minnesota is now facing a $6 billion budget deficit—a big shift from the surpluses we saw just a couple of years ago. That means some tough but necessary decisions are ahead to get our finances back on track. I’m focused on protecting essential services, cutting wasteful spending, and making sure your tax dollars are used wisely. There’s a lot happening, and I’ll keep you updated along the way. Stay tuned! Supporting Safe Haven Baby Boxes: Ensuring Safe Alternatives for NewbornsThis week I have some exciting news! House File 1903, a bill I’m proud to author, will have its first hearing next week! This legislation was brought to me by the Elk River Firefighters Auxiliary, and after being denied a hearing last year, I’m thrilled that we finally have the opportunity to push this important bill forward. House File 1903 enhances Minnesota’s Safe Haven Law by authorizing the installation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes at designated locations such as fire stations and hospitals. These boxes provide a secure and anonymous option for parents in crisis to safely surrender their newborns, ensuring the infants receive immediate care while offering parents a compassionate alternative. What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?A Safe Haven Baby Box is a safety device installed in an exterior wall of a designated safe haven location. The box allows a parent to securely and anonymously surrender their newborn if they are unable to care for the infant. Once a baby is placed inside, the exterior door locks automatically, and sensors trigger immediate alerts to on-site staff and emergency responders, ensuring the newborn receives prompt medical attention. Why This MattersDespite existing Safe Haven laws, infant abandonment continues to occur due to parents' fear of recognition, stigma, or misunderstanding of the law. Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a much-needed alternative, ensuring no baby is left in an unsafe situation. Since their introduction, over 130 surrenders have resulted from calls to the Safe Haven national hotline and the availability of baby boxes. Moving Forward!The initial cost of installing a Safe Haven Baby Box is approximately $11,000, with minimal ongoing maintenance expenses. Funding can be sourced through fundraising efforts, grants, or legislative appropriations. With this hearing, we are one step closer to ensuring Safe Haven Baby Boxes become a reality in Minnesota, offering parents in crisis a safe and anonymous way to surrender their newborns. I am committed to fighting for this legislation, and I hope to see it move forward with strong support. Thank you to the Elk River Firefighters Auxiliary for bringing this bill to me, and thank you to everyone advocating for these life-saving resources! Taking the Time to Get Paid Family Leave RightI wanted to take a moment to highlight House File 11, a bill I fully support because it brings some much-needed breathing room to Minnesota businesses. This bill would delay the implementation of the state's new Paid Leave Law by one year, giving businesses and state agencies the time they need to properly prepare for this major change. Look, ensuring employees have the time they need to care for their families is important—but so is making sure businesses aren’t caught off guard by costly, complicated regulations. The current timeline is simply too rushed, and many employers are struggling to figure out how they’ll manage the new system. A one-year delay would allow businesses to adjust their policies, get their questions answered, and avoid unnecessary financial strain. This is about balance. We need policies that work for both employees and job creators, and House File 11 is a step in the right direction. I’ll keep fighting for smart, practical solutions that support Minnesota workers and businesses. Streamlining Public Safety EffortsAfter serving on the Public Safety Advisory Council for the past four years, I’ve seen firsthand how it operates—and where it falls short. That’s why I introduced House File 1257, which would eliminate the council and transfer its duties back to the POST Board, where they can be handled more efficiently and effectively. The council was originally created in 2020 to provide recommendations on police regulations and accountability measures. However, instead of enhancing public safety efforts, it has created unnecessary layers of bureaucracy that slow down decision-making. The POST Board already has the expertise and authority to carry out these responsibilities, and this bill would streamline the process by ensuring decisions are made directly by the agency best equipped to handle them. This is about cutting red tape and ensuring our public safety system works as efficiently as possible. We need to focus on real solutions—not more bureaucracy. I’m committed to moving this bill forward and having an honest conversation about how we can better support law enforcement, improve public safety, and make government more effective for the people of Minnesota. Stay ConnectedAs always, your thoughts and concerns are at the heart of the work I do here at the Capitol. Whether you have questions about the legislation I’m working on or want to share what’s on your mind, my door is always open—I’m here to listen and serve. You can reach my office by phone or email, and for real-time updates on the latest from the Capitol, be sure to follow my Facebook page here. It’s a privilege to represent District 30B, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for our shared values. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Minnesota. Sincerely, Representative Paul Novotny Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B |