Capitol Letter for May 3, 2024

The Capitol Letter™ is a recurring publication that includes reports from LWV Minnesota volunteer Observer Corps and Lobby Corps members on what is happening in the current legislative session.

 

LWVMN ADVOCACY

  • ERA Update: The ERA, with the amended language adding protections for abortion access, is on the House Rules Committee agenda for Monday, May 6! The hearing begins at 9 am in the State Office Building Basement and you can tune in virtually on the Minnesota House website. Committee documents include a letter of support from LWVMN. If SF37 passes as amended, it would then go to the House and Senate for floor votes before being posed to voters in 2026.

    • However, in this insightful MinnPost Article by Peter Callaghan: “House Speaker Melissa Hortman said there is no final deal with the Senate, citing “timing and language” as the areas still lacking agreement. Timing has meant whether to have it appear on the 2024 ballot or the 2026 ballot. Language refers to differences over whether or how to include abortion rights in the same ballot measure and how to define LGBTQ protections.” Additional coverage from MPR News on April 25.

  • Ranked choice voting local option was removed from the House-passed elections supplemental funding bill this week. Instead, the standalone bill, HF3276 (Frazier), passed the House Ways and Means Committee and is expected to be on the House floor next week. (Previous testimony in support from LWVMN)

 

Observer Reports

  • LWVMN Observer Corps Member Marti Micks

    There were 5 bills on the agenda, and action was taken on two firearm bills: HF 4300, (author Becker-Finn and others), Safe Storage with standards established for criminal penalties. DE3 amendment which adds definitions for “safe and secure” storage. Goal of penalties is to change behavior. Rep Garofolo voted no but thanked Brady for its educational ad and Vets ad campaign for safe storage. Suicide by firearm takes 351 Minnesotan lives and it’s estimated that 81 of these could have been saved with safe storage. Motion passed 17 yes, 9 no to move bill to General Register.

    HF 601, (author Her and others), mandates reporting of lost and stolen firearms. One time appropriation of $36,000 for BCA to educate local law enforcement on how to report that info. Discussion focused on “report within 48 hours when person would reasonably become aware of it.” Various scenarios were mentioned and “reasonably” was key word, then concern switched to interpretation by prosecutor. Amendment A5 appropriation passed. Motion for bill to be placed on General Register passed 17 yes, 8 no and 2 excused.

 
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