This is a summary only. To receive full legislative updates on a biweekly basis, you must be a member of MNAAP. The emails provide additional details about legislative issues that are not posted on our website and are for members only.
- The 2014 Legislative Session came to an orderly close in the evening hours of Friday, May 16 following a highly successful 11 week session. The MNAAP achieved its two key legislative priorities for the session, including a restoration of the state’s newborn screening program and passage of a comprehensive anti-bullying law. A number of other notable public health efforts are also en route to becoming law in Minnesota, including a prohibition on minor access to artificial tanning facilities, curbs on the use and marketing of e-cigarettes, and increased efforts to fight childhood obesity.
- With the end of the session, House members will take to the campaign trail in the coming months in preparation for the November 4, 2014 elections. All 201 legislative seats will be before voters, as are the keys to the Governor’s office. Control of the House of Representatives is on the line, as the DFL holds the majority by a slim seven vote margin. The DFL-led State Senate, however, is not on the ballot until November 2016. Fourteen House members have signaled that they do not intend to run for reelection, including two key voices on health care issues – Rep. Tom Huntley (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Jim Abeler (GOP – Anoka).
