Legislative Update from Rep. Deb Kiel

New Laws In Effect as of January 1

With the new year, several new laws that passed during the 2023 legislative session have taken effect. Many of those new laws reflect the Democrats' expensive and extreme policies, where even with a historic $17.5 billion surplus, they raised taxes by $10 billion and spent that money to grow government by 40%.

Some of the new laws in effect now?include:

Earned Sick and Safe Time.?Though this is different from the expensive and far-reaching Paid Family and Medical Leave bill that also passed last session, the changes to earned sick and safe time will greatly impact our job creators and workers. The law will require all employers to offer full paid time off, and it applies to any employer with one or more employees. It covers all employees, including part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. The?Department of Labor and Industry?has put together a helpful FAQ page for any job creators who still have questions about this new law.
Gas Tax Indexed to Inflation.?Minnesota's gas tax will be tied to inflation starting in the new year. The expected tax hike is 5 cents per gallon over four years ? a $423 million increase.
Political Contribution Refund (PCR) Increases.?Among many of the changes to Minnesota?s election laws that Democrats passed last session is an increase to the PCR program. The individual political contribution refund will increase from $50 to $75, and joint married filers will have an increase of $100 to $150. These increased refunds will be applicable to any donations made after January 1, 2024.
Real-Time Driver's Exam Appointment Availability.?The Public Safety Department will be required to provide real-time information about the location and availability of driver's exam appointments. People will be able to enter their address to find out the availability of exam stations closest to them.?
Specialty License Plates Available.?For one of the more fun things that passed last session, you will be able to show your support for Minnesota?s six professional sports teams with your license plate. Options include the Vikings, Wild, Twins, Timberwolves, Lynx, and United.

You can learn about other laws that will take effect in the new year?here.

I continue to work hard for the interests of Northwest Minnesota, and look forward to making the voices of my constituents heard during the upcoming legislative session.

New Laws In Effect as of January 1

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