Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you’ve been enjoying the warm weather we’ve had this week—it’s a welcome change as we move toward spring. As always, I want to thank you for staying engaged and informed on the work we’re doing at the Capitol. The legislative session continues to bring both challenges and opportunities, and I remain committed to fighting for our shared values: safer communities, constitutional rights, and respect for those who have served our country.
This week, I’m providing updates on key legislation I’ve been working on, including an important bill to ensure rehabilitation programs don’t put violent criminals back on the streets early, a pro-Second Amendment bill to clarify self-defense laws, and a proposal to support veteran retreats. Let’s dive in.
Ensuring Rehabilitation Without Endangering Public Safety
This week, my bill HF 533 passed out of the Public Safety Committee—a major step toward making sure rehabilitation efforts in our corrections system are done responsibly and without compromising public safety.
Last year, Democrats passed legislation that allowed violent criminals, including those convicted of murder, assault, and sexual assault, to reduce their sentences through earned release programs. My bill removes that loophole, ensuring that while we promote rehabilitation, those convicted of violent crimes will serve their full sentences.
Minnesotans want safe communities. That means supporting pathways to rehabilitation for non-violent offenders who are working to reintegrate into society while ensuring that dangerous criminals are held fully accountable for their actions. HF 533 strikes the right balance: it encourages good behavior for those who can be rehabilitated while keeping those who pose a serious threat behind bars. I’m proud to lead this effort and will continue fighting for common-sense criminal justice policies that protect our families.
Clarifying Self-Defense Laws for Minnesotans
Another important bill I authored is also making its way through the Legislature. HF 13 is a bill that strengthens Minnesotans’ right to defend themselves and their families from harm. This legislation ensures that when law-abiding citizens act in self-defense, they aren’t forced to consider whether or not they can safely retreat—which is nearly impossible to do quickly in a life-or-death situation—and they aren’t unfairly prosecuted for protecting their lives or the lives of their loved ones.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a ruling that significantly restricted Minnesotans' ability to defend themselves without facing prosecution. This is a serious concern for law-abiding Minnesotans. While nobody wants to be put into a situation where they need to use force to defend themselves or others, situations do occur where that may be necessary. It should be a bipartisan effort to allow Minnesotans to defend themselves, though Democrats continue to push back on this issue. Ironically, former DFL Speaker Paul Thissen—who now sits on the Supreme Court—argued in favor of exactly what my bill would do in his dissenting opinion.
We need clarity in our laws to make sure that if an individual is forced to act in genuine self-defense, they aren’t subjected to poor legal rulings that put them at risk of unjust prosecution. HF 13 fixes the confusion caused by the court ruling and restores confidence in Minnesotans’ ability to protect themselves and their families.
Investing in Veteran Retreats
Supporting our veterans has always been a top priority for me, and I’m working to secure funding for HF 532, a bill that would support veteran retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker. These retreats provide critical services for veterans and their families, offering them a place to heal, connect, and find support as they navigate the challenges of post-service life.
Veterans often face unique struggles, including PTSD, service-related injuries, and mental health challenges. Retreats like Camp Bliss give them access to therapy, peer support, and outdoor activities that promote recovery and well-being. The funding in HF 532 would cover essential costs, from transportation to therapy programs, ensuring that these opportunities remain available to those who need them most.
Right now, we are waiting on the latest budget forecast to determine how much funding will be available. But rest assured, I’ll continue to fight for these resources to make sure Minnesota’s veterans receive the support they have earned.
Looking Ahead
There’s still plenty of work ahead, and I’ll keep pushing for common-sense policies that protect our rights, our communities, and our veterans. Here are some things we’re watching in the coming weeks.
I’ve requested a hearing for my constitutional amendment that requires a supermajority vote of both the House and Senate before the state can transfer land at base value or less. Public support for this bill is crucial to ensuring that our public lands remain protected unless a bipartisan majority of the Legislature approves their transfer. There are a couple of ways you can help:
- Send an email to the members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and request they grant a hearing.
- Sign up to testify on behalf of the bill once a hearing is scheduled.
Bemidji Day on the Hill is coming up on March 5. I’m looking forward to seeing many from the community and helping them advocate for policies that will help the community.
As always, I appreciate hearing from you. If you have any thoughts or concerns, please reach out—I want to know what’s important to you.
God bless,
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