Friends and Neighbors,
The Wright County fair was better than ever this year! Great food and conversation made it a wonderful weekend. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!
Please read this week’s newsletter for details on the new laws taking effect on August 1st and why a great group of students visited the Capitol.
Student Statesmanship Institute:
On Wednesday, students with Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) visited the Capitol for their mock committee. It was a privilege to meet these students and witness the interest they are already taking in state government. I played the role of committee chair for the bills that the students chose to present. We followed committee protocol and they did a wonderful job presenting their statements in support and opposition of the bills. I enjoyed seeing this new generation taking initiative to learn more about the process that keeps our democracy running. I wish them all the best as they continue their schooling, and maybe we will see them back at the Capitol sometime soon! Photos below.
New Laws
On August 1st, new laws that we passed last session are going into effect. Here are a few of the changes to be aware of:
- Hands Free: The new law broadens the state’s existing ban on texting while driving, prohibiting drivers from holding a cell phone or other handheld device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers will be required to use hands-free technology when making calls, sending messages, or accessing content, including audio and navigation behind the wheel. The law specifies that a communications device does not include a device that is physically integrated into the vehicle, such as a navigation system that is only capable of being used for navigation purposes or a two-way radio. We hope this will make us all a little safer on the road!
- “Slow-poke” bill: If the roadway has more than one lane in each direction, a person must move out of the leftmost lane to allow another vehicle to pass. This should keep our traffic flowing smoothly.
- Construction work zone safety: Qualified work zone flaggers will be legally able to report violations of flagger directions, speeding, or various other traffic control laws in construction work zones along Minnesota highways. To establish probable cause, the flagger’s report must include a description of the vehicle and time of the incident and the flagger must have completed training related to traffic laws. Construction workers are often subject to careless drivers that put them in harm’s way. We hope this new law will encourage drivers to maneuver carefully around construction areas.
For additional details on new traffic laws and penalties, visit: https://dps.mn.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
If you would like to read more about the other bills taking effect August 1st, visit our website: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/new-laws-effective-august-1-2019/.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Keep in Touch
Senator Bruce Anderson
3209 Minnesota Senate Building
95 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55155