New law protects senior citizens from exploitation
Despite Gov. Dayton’s vetoes of the tax cut bill and the supplemental budget bill, we actually got quite a bit done this session. We passed laws that protect seniors from fraud, give rape victims more information about their cases, strengthen criminal penalties for certain offenses, address the child care affordability crisis, and much, much more.
Several of these new laws officially took effect on August 1. Here is a sample of some of the more notable changes.
House File 3833 is the “Safe Seniors Act,” which protects senior citizens from financial exploitation.
Senate File 2863 strengthens the way police handle rape kits, and gives victims more information about the progress of their case. This is especially important in light of recent news reports about police mishandling of rape cases.
We are in the midst of a child care affordability crisis, particularly in Greater Minnesota. We heard damning testimony this session about how difficult it is for providers to stay in business, and how expensive care is getting for working families. Senate File 3310 begins to look at reforms that will make child care more affordable, and ease the burdens we place on providers.
Sex traffickers frequently operate using hotels and motels. Senate File 3367 aims to stop sex trafficking at these establishments by training workers to look for warning signs.
House File 3265 creates a “Sibling Bill of Rights” for children in foster care. These kids will now have the right to be placed with their siblings whenever possible, or at minimum, visit their siblings regularly.
Military beneficiaries are susceptible to scams, but Senate File 327 protects them from fraudsters who seek to steal their pay or benefits.
You might remember the tragic story of 8-year-old Allen Geisenkoetter, who was struck and killed by a drunk snowmobiler in Chisago County last January. Senate File 3638 is “Little Allen’s Law,” named in his honor. It closes loopholes related to operating off-road vehicles following DWI convictions.
Finally, House File 3157 cracks down on the use of fake service animals.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. It shows that Republicans and Democrats were able to work together on a number of issues this year, even though those issues may not have received the same volume of headlines that taxes or bonding did.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I have enjoyed catching up with you at parades, fairs, and other events around the community this summer. If you happen to see me at any events, please stop and say hello!
This column originally ran in the Owatonna People’s Press.