The state Court of Appeals just overturned a ruling that could have taken the vote from some Minnesotans. To make it crystal clear, this ruling means people on felony probation, parole or supervision can vote next week.
Drafting legislation and testifying on bills with civil liberties implications is key to ensuring that the government cannot infringe on your rights.
HERE'S WHAT WE'RE WATCHING THIS SESSION:
Reproductive Freedom We will work with other reproductive freedom partners and stakeholders to ensure that Minnesotans retain the right to abortion.
Voting Rights Restoration As we await the Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision in Schroeder v. Simon, we will continue to seek statutory changes to restore the right to vote for people on felony probation or parole who are now living in the community, raising families, and paying taxes.
Legalization of Adult-use Cannabis We will continue supporting legalization that properly regulates the sale and use of cannabis, and also addresses the disproportionate impact of the failed War on Drugs on communities of color. In particular, we want to see legislation include strong provisions for record expungement.
Gross Misdemeanor Sentencing Reform We are leading an effort to reduce the maximum sentence for a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota by one day in order to prevent arbitrary and disproportionate immigration consequences under federal immigration law.
State Civil Rights Claims It is currently very difficult to sue government officials, including police, for violations of constitutional rights due to the federal doctrine of qualified immunity. We will support efforts to create a state cause of action to enable Minnesotans to sue individual government officials for violations of their constitutional rights.
Ends the practice of suspending a person's driver's license because of their inability to pay fines and fees related to tickets or other minor offenses.
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Feb 19, 2020
HF 1060/SF 1375
Feb 19, 2020
HF 1060/SF 1375
HF 1060/SF 1375 Fines and Fees Reform
Criminal Justice
Position: Support
Requires courts to consider financial hardship before imposing fines, fees or surcharges related to criminal or traffic violations, and authorizes a waiver or reduction in fines and fees when appropriate....
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May 1, 2019
HF 420/ SF 619
May 1, 2019
HF 420/ SF 619
HF 420 Legalize Recreational Marijuana
Position: Support
Legalize recreational marijuana, and help end racial disparities caused by marijuana enforcement.
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Mar 19, 2019
HF 1907/SF 2155
Mar 19, 2019
HF 1907/SF 2155
HF 1971 Reform Forfeiture Process
Criminal Justice
Position: Support
Status: Active
Ends civil forfeitures and replaces the process with criminal forfeitures, so property and charges are handled together, rather than requiring people to file a separate civil action and hire a civil...