Latz Week in Review: First Few Weeks of Session

Editor’s Note: The following weekly update comes from Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-District 46). Click on the PDF to the right of this introduction to read a detailed look at specific issues before the Legislature.

Hello Everyone,

On January 8, the 88th session of the Minnesota Legislature began with the fanfare of swearing in ceremonies and pictures with families. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to represent Golden Valley, Hopkins, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and Medicine Lake. I am in the process of meeting with the local city councils and school boards to discuss their legislative agendas and will be scheduling Town Hall meetings very soon.

During the first few weeks of session, committees have been meeting to have policy and budget overviews and to begin to discuss the Governor’s budget that was introduced on January 22. As the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, both policy and budget, the first few weeks have focused on overviews of the Courts, Board of Public Defenders and the Guardian Ad Litem Program. On Jan. 18, the Judiciary Committee heard S.F. 1 – Minnesota Insurance Marketplace Act. Our committee made some practical adjustments to both the data privacy section as well as the appeals section and passed it on to the Commerce Committee on which I also serve. Floor sessions have been focused on bill introductions, committee structure, committee deadlines and Senate organization.

In the first few weeks, I have introduced two bills. One bill (S.F. 7), requires background checks on those who are guardians or conservators to protected persons. The other bill (S.F. 33), requires banks and companies that sell debt to outside debt collectors to give accurate information on who owes the debt and what they have paid on it so far.

I am looking forward to the organizations starting to bring constituents up for their days on the hill. As always, please e-mail, write or call with any issues or concerns that you may have.