This article was originally posted on 03-05-2020

Legislative Update, March 2, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Last week (ending March 2) was really busy for us at the House. It was filled with visits from constituents and late night votes on several important bills. Here is some of what we accomplished.



Gun Violence Prevention Bills Passed
Last week I voted with my colleagues to pass two common sense gun laws. It's time to take action to put an end to America's epidemic of senseless gun violence and mass shootings. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens in Minnesota. This fact is intolerable. These two bills would expand criminal background checks on all gun sales (HF 8) and establish extreme risk protection orders (ERPO, HF 9). Criminal background checks on all gun sales are already required in 21 states, including GOP controlled states, and the District of Columbia. States that have taken this approach have experienced lower homicide rates, lower firearm suicide rates, and less firearm trafficking. ERPO laws have reduced firearm suicides, homicides, and mass shootings in other states, and they are currently in use in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Due to the continued outcry for action from my constituents I will continue to push for legislation that will make Minnesota safer. I'll be sure to update you if there are any new developments regarding gun violence prevention at the Capitol.

House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act
Too many Minnesotans suffering from diabetes are forced to choose between getting the medicine they need and paying their bills. That's why I'm proud to announce that I voted with my colleagues to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. Alec's bill is a combination of great ideas from both Democratic and Republican proposals which will ensure that Minnesotans have emergency access to insulin and affordable insulin over the long-term. This bill passed with bipartisan support and I am committed to working with the Senate to make sure it is signed into law so it can save lives.



Voter Privacy Passed
I voted with my colleagues to pass a bipartisan bill (HF 3068) which would address the data privacy concerns relating to the Minnesota Presidential Primary. It is important that we allow voters to determine what information they are willing to give regarding their party preference ballot selection in our Presidential Primary. You can read more about this issue here.

Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-3533. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. It's an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Sandra Masin
State Representative
 

You can help!

Put a SIGN in your yard!