Capitol Letter for January 20, 2023
The Capitol Letter™ is a recurring publication that provides reports from LWV Minnesota volunteer Observer Corps and Lobby Corps members on what is happening in the current legislative session.
Lobby Days
January 3, 2023 - On the first day of the legislative session, LWVMN joined ERA advocates, legislators, and Attorney General Keith Ellison to show our commitment to an inclusive democracy and enshrining equal rights for all in the Minnesota Constitution. Those in attendance and local leagues will be hosting presentations on its current status and sending postcards to legislators with ERAMN. This year’s bills are HF17 and SF37 to have a 2024 ballot question on equality under the law, and HF197 and SF47 to call on Congress to ratify the ERA.
January 17, 2023 - 40+ League members joined hundreds of Minnesotans to promote policies like rights restoration and automatic voter registration with We Choose Us. HF3 and SF3 are the comprehensive democracy bills that will be going through the House and Senate in the coming weeks. Those in attendance met with other constituents to ask their legislator what policies they would support to protect and expand democracy! Read more about other democracy bills below and make sure that you sign up for our Observer and Lobby Corps to track these issues. More information can be found on our brand new Advocacy Webpage!
Observer Reports
SF1, “Fundamental right to reproductive health establishment”
LWVMN Observer Corps Member Rebecca Monson
State and Local Government and Veterans - Thursday, Jan. 12
Intro by Senator Morrison who asks for the bill to be referred to the Judiciary Committee. This hearing focuses only on subdivision 5 on whether local governments (municipalities) can restrict abortion care in their own communities. Opponents claim that this will take away parental rights for minors, contradict Democrats who promote local control, and eliminate the right to govern at a local level. There were three amendments that were all defeated along a party line vote. A17, Sen. Anderson wanted local governments to have the right to restrict abortion and Sen. Morrison responded that this is not a mandate and will protect local governments. A18, Sen. Anderson, delete subdivision 5 altogether. A20, Sen. Drazkowski called for local ordinance in contradiction to SF1 to be honored.
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety - Wednesday, Jan. 18
Passed and was referred to the Senate floor. Two amendments made by Republican legislators were defeated: ALL votes followed party lines exactly. ACLU, Gender Justice, retired MN Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson, and citizens including one with three miscarriages were in support. There were six testifiers in opposition mainly from church organizations and other citizens including someone who had multiple abortions. First amendment: A25, Sen. Howe-surrogacy, concerned about what science will bring forward in the future. Second amendment: A26, Sen. Howe -no abortions will be paid by MN taxpayers with Sen McEwen responding that funding is not part of this bill. Sen. Kreun and Limmer repeatedly question the bill relating to the manner and age restrictions for abortions.
SF26 and companion, HF28, “Right to vote restoration to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of any term of incarceration imposed and executed by a court for the offense”
LWVMN Observer Corps Member Cindy Holker
Senate Elections Committee - Tuesday, Jan. 17
SF26 presented by Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL). Testimony given was all in favor of the bill. Republicans on the committee are not supporting the bill at this time. All seem to want a bill that has bipartisan support. It was not made clear what needs to happen to the bill as is in order to get bipartisan support. Vote to pass the bill onto the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee passed 7 to 6 with one absence. Straight party line vote, Republicans were no.
House Public Safety Finance and Policy - Thursday, Jan. 19
HF28 passed onto the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee (some no votes were heard). All testifiers were in favor including County Attorney Mary Moriarty, the Association of MN Counties and the ACLU. Only negative comments came from Rep. Novotny (R) who stated the bill did not take into account the victims of crime. Chair Moller stated that several victims groups did support the bill and that that testimony was in the committee documents for the day.
Minnesota House News
Including DFL priorities and HF1, or the bill to codify abortion, heard in committee
Including billions available for MN Capital projects, House passes the CROWN Act, restoring voting rights and pre-registration for 16-17 year olds in House elections committee
Including lead service line replacement gains approval, proposal to restrict foreign corporate spending in elections, the 100% clean energy bill moves on with broad coalition support, and House agrees to enshrine abortion rights in state law
Related coverage
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