Bills This WeekHF24Last night, we debated the Born Alive Rollback (HF24) on the House floor. As the bill's author, I introduced this legislation to ensure that infants born alive after an abortion receive immediate medical care and legal recognition. The level of care a newborn receives should not be determined by the circumstances of their birth. Despite a thorough discussion, the bill received 67 votes, with every Democrat opposing this commonsense measure. Republicans remain committed to advancing this important issue. Watch my closing comments from the floor here:  HF194This week, I introduced HF194 to the Taxes Committee, a bill aimed at increasing property tax exclusions for eligible veterans with a disability and their surviving spouses. As the cost of living continues to rise, many individuals face financial strain, but our disabled veterans, who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, deserve additional support. By increasing these tax exclusions, we can help support disabled veterans and their families. Providing this relief is a meaningful way to honor their service and improve their quality of life. This bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus tax bill later in the session. HF897This week, I also introduced HF897 to the Public Safety Committee, a bill designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from malicious exposure to fentanyl. My bill addresses a critical gap in our laws by aligning the penalties for fentanyl exposure with those for other controlled substances, such as methamphetamine. This deadly substance has devastated communities across the country, including here in Minnesota, and we must take action to prevent further harm. I am pleased to share that the Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the bill, and it is now advancing to the Children and Families Committee as it moves toward the House floor. |