Greetings Senate District 2!

MNLARS Reform

On Thursday we passed a bipartisan compromise bill that will add strict oversight and accountability, as well as additional funding, to help fix the failed licensing and vehicle registration system know as MNLARS. The legislation appropriates $9.65 million from existing funds for driver and vehicle services for immediate I.T. related expenses. The bill also includes strict oversight measures, including a quarterly report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and a mechanism for the legislature to shut off all funding if development benchmarks are not met.

The bill requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Minnesota IT Services (MN.IT) officials to submit a proposed timeline, including quarterly benchmarks, for a fully-functional program to the MNLARS Steering Committee by May 15. As the software is developed, the committee must approve any additional quarterly appropriation, provided the quarterly benchmarks are being met.

Despite a decade of planning and over $93 million spent, MNLARS has been a disaster. In the eight months since its release, thousands of Minnesotans have been affected. You deserve better, and with this reform bill we’re taking the first step to make sure this system works for you.

 

Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act

Last week, Senate Republicans announced a new proposal to prevent elder abuse in long-term care facilities and repair the broken state reporting system that failed thousands of families by leaving serious cases of abuse uninvestigated. The Elder Care and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act is the final product of hundreds of conversations with Minnesotans across the state who experienced abuse, family members of vulnerable adults, and care providers.

The bill includes increased oversight and accountability of the Office of Health Facility Complaints, stricter abuse prevention measures, a new streamlined and transparent complaint processes, and additional protections for consumers against misleading marketing practices.

Even once these reforms are adopted the legislature will continue to search for additional measures to protect Minnesota’s aging population. The bill also establishes the Assisted Living Licensure and Dementia Care Certification Task Force, the Crimes Against Vulnerable Adults Task Force, and the Assisted Living Report Card Working Group who will continue to investigate the elderly abuse crisis until Minnesota seniors are safe.

School Safety

Senate Republicans continue to advance multiple bills this year focused on improving school safety, adopting a comprehensive approach to mental health and facilities security. Three of the proposals introduced so far provide new flexible funding for school safety, while a fourth addresses a state emergency evacuation regulation that could inadvertently put students at risk. Coupled existing school safety funding and established school resource officers, this new legislation will guarantee that our schools and children are safer.

• SF 3243: Allows school districts to use long-term facilities maintenance revenue for remodeling and equipping existing school facilities to increase the safety and security of students and staff.
• SF 2754:  Provides one-time revenue for safe schools that can be used for a variety of things including mental health, school counselors, structural building improvements, and more.
• SF 3068: Creates a new grant program for public school districts to conduct professional safety audits of their local schools and identify any potential areas for improvement. Districts may receive up to 100% of their costs reimbursed through state grants.
• SF 2900: Allows schools to modify their emergency drill procedure by not forcing the institution to fully empty the building every time an alarm sounds. Currently, schools must fully evacuate, even in the instance of a verified false alarm. The perpetrator in Parkland exploited this.