The bill focused on technical changes to allow critical government operations to continue under social distancing and mitigation efforts due to COVID-19.

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Today Senate Republicans passed a fourth bill to respond to COVID-19. Smaller than the previous three bills, the legislation was filled with mostly technical changes to allow crucial government services to continue and prevent unintended mistakes or statutory deadlines from negatively impacting people’s everyday lives. 

“The top priority was to help the Governor react to the COVID virus – we’ve put more than $500 million in funding to prepare hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and state agencies, and funding to support child care providers, small businesses, college students, and veterans,” said Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake). “Today’s bill includes some important technical issues that need to be dealt with as we continue with our response to the challenges caused by the virus.”

The bill mainly focuses on the necessary government services related to commercial driver’s licenses, marriage applications, wills, court proceedings, farmer-lender mediation, child support, and tab fees. The legislature has adapted to using technology as the main form of meeting under COVID-19, and this bill allows for local governments to utilize technology for remote meetings in order to continue their work. Finally, there is a one-time appropriation of $1.25 million to the Second Harvest food bank to support the increasing demands on local food shelves.