Legislative update

Photo courtesy Andrew Von Bank, House Photography

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from the House. I want to take a moment to reflect on the tragic loss of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

Rep. Hortman and I spent countless hours working together the last two years as the leaders of our respective House caucuses. We were in especially close communication the last few months as we navigated the nuances of a 67-67 tie in the House and passed a new state budget.

Through it all, Rep. Hortman and I found we had a lot more in common at the human level than areas of political disagreement. She cared as much about Minnesota as anyone I’ve ever met and wanted to do what she thought was best for the people of our state. Her ability to lead and the transparency in which she did so are admirable and shall remain cornerstones of her legacy. Here is a link to coverage of Saturday’s funeral where the Hortmans were “remembered for humility, humanity in a harsh political world.”

God bless the Hortmans.

New laws

July 1 is the effective date for a number of new laws in Minnesota, including changes to the state budget as the new fiscal year begins. New laws related to watercraft certification and lane splitting for motorcyclists also are of interest. Here’s more:

Permit needed to operate boat, personal watercraft: Many boaters must now have an operator's permit to drive a boat or personal watercraft in Minnesota. The requirement will start with boaters 21 and younger but will gradually apply to older age groups by 2028. Click here for a full rundown from the DNR. The bill which became law passed in 2023.
Lane splitting for motorcyclists: Motorcyclists are now allowed to lane split and lane filter. This means a motorcyclist is permitted to pass another vehicle going in the same direction and in the same traffic lane at no more than 25 mph. A motorcyclist can move through stopped traffic, such as at a traffic light or traffic jam, at no more than 15 mph over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes. The bill which became law passed in 2024. Here is a link with details from the Minnesota Department of Public safety.

Click here for more information on new laws as of July 1.

Independence Day

I hope you and your family have a happy and safe Independence Day. May we honor the sacrifices that made our freedom possible and celebrate the American spirit that unites us all. Here’s to fireworks, family, and the enduring strength of our great nation. Happy Fourth of July and hope to see you out and about at community events in our district.

Sincerely,

Lisa