Friends and Neighbors,
August 1, several new laws go into effect. The most notable change is the update to distracted driving laws. It is clear folks are taking action as Walmart employees said they are sold out of 100% of their hands free equipment every day.
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. For more information on this law and its penalties, visit: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/hands-free/Pages/default.aspx.
Here are some of the other bills taking effect:
- If the roadway has more than one lane in each direction, a driver must move out of the leftmost lane to allow another vehicle to pass.
- 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. 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.
- More people will be allowed to administer epinephrine auto-injectors, or Epi-Pens, to help someone having an allergic reaction. Individuals can qualify to administer Epi-Pens by successfully completing a training program.
- Medical clinics and hospitals will be required to disclose facility fees for non-emergency services prior to treating an individual, ensuring patients are not surprised by separate charges that might result in higher out-of-pocket expenses than previously expected.
- Community emergency medical technicians will be permitted to serve on a basic life support ambulance service. They have many valuable skills and knowledge that will now be able to serve more people in more locations.
- Drivers of Metro Transit’s light-rail vehicles will now be subject to the state’s reckless and careless driving laws by making clear that prohibitions on reckless and careless driving apply to drivers of the public transit vehicles operated by the Metropolitan Council.
For more information on these and other new laws, visit: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/new-laws-effective-august-1-2019/.
Insulin:
Since session ended, there has been a lot of discussion on ways to improve access to affordable insulin. There have been several calls for a special session to address this issue, but until an agreement on funding and policy can be established between the legislature, the governor, and stakeholders we will not be ready for session. For now, our new law regarding the reform of Pharmacy Benefit Managers that was passed last session, in which we banned health insurance companies from excessive profiting from insulin. Changes from that reform should be noticeable soon.
Any emergency insulin reform would fall to the Department of Human Services to implement. The turmoil at DHS, that I wrote about in last week’s update to you, makes it clear that it is not in the public’s best interest right now to give more responsibility to that department. DHS is faltering under its current responsibilities. It is vital to the well-being of those who depend on insulin that we utilize the new tools put in place by the PBM bill. For now, we will focus on compromise that we can implement either in a special session or in the next session and allow DHS reform to prepare them for any new changes.
We continue to stand by our promise to lower prescription drug costs for all Minnesotans. I am confident that we will come to an agreement that will protect those in need from price gouging and ensure everyone has access to the life-saving treatment they require. If you have any questions about access to insulin or any other topic, please contact my office at 651-296-5655 or sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
Mary