Legislative Update – March 15, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are having a chance to enjoy the wonderful weather outside the last couple of weeks. Here in Saint Paul, I have been busy attending committee hearings, meeting with constituents, and working on legislation to improve our district and state.
Last week, I voted for legislation updating the state’s school resource officer policy. By codifying guidance provided by the Attorney General’s office into law, we are providing law enforcement and school districts the uniformity and clarity they’ve sought to ensure SRO services can continue in schools that choose to utilize them.
We worked closely with all affected parties to craft a bill that secured broad bipartisan support, passing 124-8. You can read more about that bill here.
The House also passed bipartisan legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. You can read more here: More than 100 projects on tap to receive environmental trust fund dollars.
Protecting Judges from Intimidation
Last week, I was proud to present legislation that protects our judicial officials from "doxing" - the act of publicly identifying or publishing private information about someone, especially as a form of punishment or revenge. The bill passed multiple committees and is now awaiting action from the full House.
I’m also glad to share this commentary piece by a Duluth area judge in support of my bill: Law would protect court personnel from threats, harassment.
Too often, posting online, say, a judge’s home address or personal phone number is paired with a threat to cause bodily harm. This bill will help protect our public servants from this behavior. You can read more here: Anti-doxing bill to protect judges clears judiciary panel.
Tax Season Update
DFLers have been making big moves to help working families, and you’ll feel some of the benefits this year as you file your 2023 taxes. During the first week of the 2024 legislative session, the House passed a technical corrections bill for the 2023 Tax Bill that ensures all Minnesotans receive the return they’re entitled to. The biggest change from last year’s bill was updating how we account for inflation, and the adjustment will save Minnesotans around $300 million dollars as they file 2023 taxes.
Now that tax season is upon us, I wanted to share some information about various programs you may be eligible for this year, including the Child Tax Credit, Property Tax Refund, Social Security Income Exemption, and the K-12 Credit and Subtraction.
Other News and Updates
One piece of legislation I am co-authoring would provide more oversight and a new reimbursement system for those recovering from addiction. This is a smart, bipartisan bill that strengthens our peer support services. You can read more here: KARE 11 Investigates: Lawmakers propose addiction recovery peer payment reforms after fraud allegations.
In district-related news, I am glad to share that the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $115,253 to the City of White Bear Lake for the Wildwood Rowhomes project.
Finally, last week I was glad to talk with Phillip Anthony from AM950 about my background, my experience at the legislature, and touch on so many issues that are being discussed at the Capitol.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4342, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Sincerely,
Brion Curran
State Representative