‘Hands Free’, other bills currently moving through the legislature
We are nearly one month into the 2019 legislative session. Even though we can’t begin in-depth discussions on the state budget until after we receive the February revenue report, there are still plenty of bills that are already making their way through the legislature.
Here’s a quick rundown of a few of the issues we are already talking about. This list is by no means comprehensive – we still plan to address child care costs and fraud, transportation, and much more.
- Hands Free Driving and distracted driving. There are a couple different bills traveling through the legislature related to distracted driving. One bill would bring penalties for killing or injuring someone while using a cell phone while driving on par with the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. Another bill would prohibit cell phone usage outside of one-touch communications, similar to the laws already on the books in a number of states. I understand the concerns behind these bills, but we have to do something. There have been too many tragic deaths already; if we can save one life, it will be phenomenal.
- Lemonade stand bill. How many times have you seen news stories about police being called on children simply because they were operating a lemonade stand without a permit? I think we all have the same reaction when we hear those stories. We have a bill that would eliminate permits and food training regulations for kids operating temporary food stands. Operating a lemonade stand is one of the most wholesome activities an enterprising child can participate in, and the police would certainly prefer to buy lemonade rather than shut those stands down.
- Health care reform. Health care costs continue to be unaffordable for too many Minnesota families. Republicans are focused on innovations that will lower costs. We recently unveiled some of our ideas, such as a Direct Primary Care model that is a flexible new way for doctors and patients to work together without the insurance middleman; a ‘Right to Shop’ plan that gives patients the right to shop around for the best value for their health care dollar, even if the doctor or clinic is out of network; coverage for pre-existing conditions; and more transparency and accountability for Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
- Opioid addiction crisis. It is no secret that opioid addiction is devastating families and communities throughout Minnesota. In fact, you are now more likely to die from an opioid overdose than in a car accident. We recently unveiled a plan to combat opioid addiction with better prescription monitoring, funding to help kids who have been subjected to abuse or neglect statewide access to effective treatment and recovery services, and more public awareness. Similar legislation was approved by the Senate last year with ninety percent support.
Those are just a few of the issues we are working on currently. In addition, the Judiciary Committee is examining criminal sexual conduct penalties and procedures, and the Family Care and Aging Committee will soon hear a bill allowing Granny Cams in nursing facilities after the elder care abuse scandal surfaced last year.
If you have any questions about these bills or anything else on our agenda, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 651-296-0284 or sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn.