Legislative Update from Rep. Peggy Scott

Dear Friends,

It?s that time of year again! Our high school athletes are signing their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at university. Congratulations to Malia McKinnon, Will Caldwell, Ethan Lincoln, Hailey Stanius, and Aliyah Neeser who all signed their letters of intent at Forest Lake High School this week!

The first bill Democrats passed this week would give drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. These identification cards will look exactly the same as a normal driver?s license. Not only does this bill have consequences for our already stressed DMVs, but it poses serious threats for election integrity as this driver?s license could be used for same-day voter registration. Republicans offered several amendments on this bill, but none were accepted and I voted no.

Last night the House passed a bill to restore voting rights to felons upon release from incarceration. This means that a convicted murderer or rapist would receive the same consideration as a non-violent drug offender when restoring their voting rights. I strongly believe in second chances, but what does this bill say to victims? Are their voices truly heard in this? I could have supported a bill that made exceptions for these egregious crimes or perhaps, had a waiting period of six months or a year after release from incarceration to prove they were truly reformed.

Republicans offered several amendments to try to put some limits on this bill. Unfortunately, none were accepted so I voted no.

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