House passes public safety, economic development finance bills
The House today (April 24) passed its public safety and economic development finance bills, but not before a good deal of debate.
An attempt was made during the public safety floor session by Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls, to a pass a bill, Emily’s Law.
The law would lower the age that a teen could be taken into adult court from 14 to 13-years-old. Nornes explained it attempted to remedy a situation raised by a violent crime in Fergus Falls where a 13-year-old teen raped a toddler and killed her by throwing her against a wall.
Supporters argued the provision was narrowly tailored, just applicable to first-degree murder. But Democratic leaders disputed the amendment’s fitness for the public safety bill.
“I urge you to vote ‘No’ to the ruling,” said Peggy Scott, R-Andover, of supporting an appeal to throw out a ruling by the that Emily’s Law was nongermain.
But the ruling was upheld.
House Public Safety Finance Committee Chairman Michael Paymar, DFL-St. Paul, said the “(Minnesota) courts are very happy” with the public safety bill.
The bill, which uses some $38 million in federal stimulus dollars, directs the money to the state prison.
But it also directs that the system must cut its car fleet by 20 percent and make other cost savings.
The bill also raises court fees. For instance, the $270 marriage dissolution fee is increased to $330.
Items found in the economic development bill includes $250,000 for City of Hugo tornado relief, a life line to the Arts Board which Gov. Tim Pawlenty proposed to defund, half the cuts to the Minnesota Historical Society, about seven percent, than proposed by the governor, and $250,000 for the Combative Sports Board to became self-funding.
In a big city provision, the City of St. Paul is granted loan forgiveness for repayment of $32 million to the state for the St. Paul River Center in order to build an ice arena that the Minnesota Wild can use for hockey practice.
