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July 1, 2025
Legislative Update
Welcome to July! We’ve reached the heart of summer, and I hope you are enjoying every moment in the great outdoors, celebrating at community festivals, enjoying the county fairs, and preparing to celebrate 249 years of American Independence later this week.
The new fiscal year begins today after the state budget was recently signed into law. Below are the some of the key laws taking effect July 1, 2025, and why they matter:
Laws in Effect Starting Today
Freedom to Enjoy Your Vacation: Free the Hot Tub Bill
When families travel or groups gather for a weekend getaway, many choose to stay in short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO instead of traditional hotels. These properties often offer more flexibility, more space, and unique amenities that make for a better experience. And one of the most popular amenities? A hot tub.
I’m proud to say that my bill, HF 2147, the Free the Hot Tub bill, was signed into law. Effective today, this new law removes the onerous government regulations which had prevented short-term rental owners from offering private hot tubs on their properties to their guests. This concern had been brought to me directly by small business owners in our community even though it had been a challenge in every corner of the state.
This is about restoring common sense. Property owners should have the right to offer amenities that guests want, and consumers should have the freedom to choose the type of experience they’re paying for, without the state stepping in with unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.
It’s time to free the hot tub!
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Strengthening Public Safety: Penalties and Law Enforcement Tools
The Public Safety and Judiciary Law increases penalties for assaulting firefighters and extends the statute of limitations for first-degree arson. It also makes it a crime to knowingly expose a child to fentanyl, which is crucial for protecting the most vulnerable among us.
In addition, this law expands electronic access to judicial court records and increases funding for crime victim services. It also strengthens penalties for the destruction of public utilities, including streetlights and electric vehicle charging stations, which will hold criminals accountable and save more money for taxpayers.
Veterans Affairs: Increased Support for Minnesota’s Heroes
The Veterans and Military Affairs Law increases funding to support our veterans and military personnel. This budget helps ensure that Minnesota’s veterans receive the care and services they need. Funding will go toward increasing staffing at veterans' homes which should now be fully funded, improving mental health support, and more.
Motorcycle Lane Splitting and Filtering
The new law allows motorcyclists to lane split and filter through traffic. Motorcyclists can now navigate through stopped or slow-moving traffic more safely, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting smoother traffic flow.
Fighting Fraud and Improving Efficiency
In a major step toward transparency, this new law gives state agencies the authority to withhold payments if there’s evidence of fraud in public programs. It also strengthens whistleblower protections for state employees, ensuring accountability in government operations and protecting taxpayers’ money.
Fighting Free Tuition for Illegal Immigrants
One of my top priorities this year was ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used to benefit Minnesotans, not those who are in our state illegally. We did make some progress on this issue this year, ending taxpayer funded health insurance for illegal immigrants, but some programs still remain. This includes a policy passed by the Democrat Trifecta last biennium that provides free in-state tuition for illegal immigrants at state universities.
The Trump administration has since signed an executive order barring states from offering tuition assistance to illegal immigrants. Minnesota has yet to comply, and our universities could see their federal funding cut because of it.
Fox News did a story featuring my testimony in committee on this very issue. Watch below:
Town Hall
I’d like to invite you to my upcoming town hall at Royalton City Hall on July 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to get updates on what happened during the 2025 legislative session, what’s coming next, and to ask questions or share your priorities for our community.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can continue working together to address the issues that matter most to you and our district.
Happy Independence Day!
On Friday, we celebrate the birth of our nation and the enduring spirit of freedom, courage, and independence that has defined us since 1776. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by countless patriots, let us honor the brave men and women who fought, and continue to fight, to preserve the liberties we hold dear.
This day is not only a celebration of our nation's history but a reminder of the values that unite us as Americans. Let’s take pride in the freedoms that allow us to live, work, and dream freely.
Wishing you all a fun, safe, and patriotic weekend filled with joy, family, and reflection on the greatness of our country.
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