Koran Update: Ethics Complaint, Equal Rights Amendment, and Human Rights Act Reviewed

Friends and Neighbors,

 

As we begin the last week of session, “crunch time” will undoubtedly be a term used often around the Senate building.  It seems as though the schedule changes numerous times a day as bills and conference committee reports are added to the calendar in a last ditch effort to get them passed into law.  But one thing is certain even when the calendar isn’t – there’s still work to be done.

Ethics Investigation Update

Senate Republicans took quick action after Sen. Nicole Mitchell was arrested and charged with felony burglary. You may remember that I joined my colleagues in filing a formal ethics complaint, stating that her actions were unbecoming of a senator and cast a shadow over the work of the Senate. Despite these complaints, nothing has been done to hold Sen. Mitchell accountable for her actions. 

As legislation continues to be passed on the Senate Floor, Republicans have raised concerns with Sen. Mitchell being the deciding vote on many controversial bills and amendments, including the recent gun control measure. It’s alarming that Democrats are allowing the institution of the Senate to continue to operate under this light.

The Subcommittee on Ethics finally met to address the complaint that was filed, on which I was a co-signer. Its important to note, the committee was not deciding if Sen. Mitchell was guilty or not. They were only looking into whether her actions violated the ethics of the Senate. I think it is clear that her actions have violated the ethical standard expected of members of the Senate as well as those expected of a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and as a licensed attorney. Unsurprisingly, Sen. Mitchell did not say a single word, instead allowing her attorney to take all questions. Two Republicans and two Democrats serve on that committee. Republicans voted that there was probable cause and the investigation into her behaviors should continue, but the two Democrats were unwilling to agree.

The committee hearing was aired on the Senate YouTube site the night of the hearing.  If you missed it, you can watch it in its entirety here.  If you’re ever interested in listening/watching a committee hearing or floor session, almost all are available to view or listen to live or can be found afterward on the Senate Media website. Please reach out to my legislative assistant, Melissa, if you need assistance navigating the website to find what you’re looking for!

Human Rights Vs. Equal Rights

Human Rights Amendment

After weeks of negotiations, Republicans successfully amended the 2024 Minnesota Human Rights bill with language that reinstates religious liberty protections that were removed by the Senate Democrats last year.

Religious liberty is both a fundamental and a foundational right to every American. The updated bill reinstates the protections for religious organizations that every Minnesotan deserves and expects to have. Passage of this new language secures in law the right we all have under the Constitution. This change will ensure Minnesota’s statutory framework with religious exemptions in the Human Rights Act is consistent with the United States and Minnesota Constitutions.  It will provide religious organizations clarity in the law to abide by their faith without facing unexpected and costly discrimination claims; however, another bill is looming which could make changes to Minnesota’s constitution that could override this law.

Equal Right Amendment

In last week’s newsletter we covered the misnamed Equal Rights Amendment currently being considered by the Legislature. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is being heard in the House today (Monday, May 13) and is expected to be passed by Democrats this session and placed on the 2026 General Election Ballot for consideration by the voters. However, this measure is fraught with potential consequences that extend far beyond its claims of preventing discrimination against women.

One of the most significant issues with the ERA is its potential to cancel out the protections for religious liberty that Republicans enshrined into the 2024 Human Rights Act. Minnesota has long been a leader in ensuring equal rights for all its residents, with decades of laws designed to prevent discrimination. These protections ensure that Minnesotans are treated equally under the law. However, the new push for the ERA seeks to expand its scope far beyond the original intent, from 1923, of safeguarding women against discrimination. The ERA’s broad language would undermine Minnesota’s longstanding protections guaranteed to religious organizations so they can operate consistently with their faith traditions. The ERA could inadvertently jeopardize the very freedoms Republicans protected with our amendment to the Human Rights Act.

Bills Passed Last Week

HF 3911— Omnibus Environment and Natural Resources supplemental appropriations

HF 5247— Various tax provisions modifications and appropriation

HF 4247— Health-Related occupations licensing

HF 3436— Transportation Policy Bill (conference committee report)

HF 3488— Compensation for minors appearing in internet content creation provision

SF 716— Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act

HF 2609—Gustafson: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Violent Crime Enforcement Teams gun trafficking investigations and firearms seizures report requirement, trigger activator definition modification, and penalties increase for transferring certain firearms to persons who are ineligible to possess firearms

I am very disappointed that Senate Democrats missed the opportunity to work together to pass a bi-partisan gun bill designed to increase the criminal penalties for straw purchases.  Instead, they kept it tied to a controversial gun control provision that targets law-abiding citizens. Once again, we’re seeing the voices of 50% of Minnesotans being ignored as Democrats passed their bill relying on the vote of an alleged felon.

Local Bulletin Board

As a member of the State and Local Government and Veterans Committee, I appreciate the time I have to work for and with the veteran community in Minnesota.  The MN Department of Veterans Affairs is currently hiring for numerous part and full-time positions in facilities all around the state.  If serving those who have served us is something that interests you, I would recommend looking into some of the positions available.  Here are just a few to give you an idea of what’s available:

Fergus Falls

Minneapolis Veterans Home

You can also sign up for their job notification bulletin here for future job opportunities.  Good luck!

Small Business Info for Veterans

If you’re a veteran who has a small business or you’re looking to start one, there are some upcoming opportunities that may be able to assist you.  If you’re interested in learning more, I’d encourage you to look at the website here to see if you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity.  Be sure to look soon!  The next class is taking place this Friday, May 17 in Moorhead.

2024 Police Week

May 12-May 18 is National Police Week.  Thank You to all of our Law Enforcement professionals who have served and are currently serving our state and community.  We see you and we appreciate you!

Contact Me

Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out!  I truly believe I’m a better legislator when I hear your feedback.  I can be reached via email at Sen.Mark.Koran@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5419.  My Legislative Assistant, Melissa Field, is also a great resource if you need assistance!  She can be reached at Melissa.Field@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-6200.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in the community soon!

Sincerely,

Mark W. Koran

Minnesota Senate, District 28