Latest news with #H.F
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
E-bike rebate for Minnesotans could be a lottery system in 2025
The Brief A new bill would create a lottery system for Minnesota's e-bike rebate program in 2025. The 2024 version of the program crashed the state's website for applications due to overwhelming demand, leaving several Minnesotans who were interested in securing one frustrated. In total, the state hopes to dole out $2 million in rebates to help people defray the costs of a new or used e-bike. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Following an e-bike rebate program that crashed the state's system in 2024 – leading to cries from the public about the process being unfair – state officials could switch to a lottery system in 2025. What we know Under H.F. 2249, authored by Rep. Lucy Rehm (DFL-Chanhassen), beginning on July 1, 2025 – and on July 1 each year after – a commissioner would allocate rebate certificates on a lottery basis, totaling up to $2 million annually. How it works As part of a person's application for the lottery, they will need to include proof of their gross income. After a submission is complete, they will be issued a rebate certificate stating the percentage and maximum rebate for which they are eligible. Under the proposal, the commissioner would reserve 40% of rebate certificates for a married taxpayer filing a joint return with a gross income of less than $78,000, or any other filer with an adjusted gross income of less than $41,000. For a married taxpayer filing a joint return, each spouse could apply separately, and could be eligible for their own certificate. Any remaining funds not doled out by Sept. 30, 2025, would then become available for additional applicants beginning on Oct. 1, 2025. Dig deeper With each rebate, the state will cover 50-75% of a qualifying $1,500 purchase, depending on the prescribed income thresholds. Any Minnesota resident over the age of 15, who was not claimed as a dependent on 2023 tax forms, is eligible to apply. The backstory The first round of e-bike rebates for Minnesotans in 2024 didn't go as for the 2024 program were initially set to open on June 5, 2024, but shortly after the 11 a.m. opening, the Minnesota Department of Revenue's website crashed due to overwhelming demand. At the time, the department said it would work to identify anyone who successfully submitted an application and let them know their application was received. However, officials then backtracked to say that fewer than 80 applications were successfully submitted in the hours before the site shut down. A second round of applications opened at 11 a.m. on July 2, with those accepted taking turns in a virtual waiting room before accessing an application. The department said the system aimed to control the surge of users, similar to what major sports teams or concerts use when selling a limited number of tickets. However, it was again plagued by system failures, with potential applicants complaining of stalls, and the waiting room being filled up in mere minutes. The new lottery system aims to make the 2025 version much smoother. The department estimates awarding around 1,300 rebate certificates in total. What's next To keep tabs on how it went, the bill also requires a report from the Department of Revenue to the legislature by Jan. 15, 2026. However, it will still face several committee hearings before potentially being enacted. The Source FOX 9 coverage of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee on March 26, 2025.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Magic mushroom personal use penalties in MN eliminated in new bill
The Brief A new bill would erase criminal and civil penalties for the use and possession of psilocybin – often found in "magic mushrooms" – for those 21 years old and older. The bill is said to help "reduce the burden on the criminal justice system" by allowing the personal use and cultivation of the psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a private residence. The proposal would also establish the Psychedelic Medicine Board "to ensure the safe and appropriate use of psilocybin in the state." It would in part be tasked with setting possession limits. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A new bill before lawmakers would eliminate criminal and civil penalties for the personal use and possession of psilocybin – often found in the recreational drug "magic mushrooms" – for people 21 and older in Minnesota. What we know Under H.F. 2699, sponsored by Rep. Andy Smith (DFL-Rochester), eliminating the penalties associated with the psychedelic would "reduce the burden on the criminal justice system, promote harm reduction, and enable individuals to make personal decisions regarding use… without fear of prosecution." The bill would allow for the personal use and cultivation of psilocybin-containing mushrooms in a private residence in Minnesota, so long as they are in an enclosed space that does not exceed 12 feet by 12 feet, without the risk of being charged with a crime. However, it would also pose restrictions on the usage of them. In addition to being 21 or older, a person could not operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway under the influence of psilocybin, possess it near a school, or engage in its commercial distribution. The law change would define "psilocybin" as any mushroom, in raw or prepared form, that contains the psychoactive compound bill would also establish the Psychedelic Medicine Board, with a mission "to ensure the safe and appropriate use of psilocybin in the state." The board would be tasked with setting an appropriate possession limit that could then be enforceable. Why you should care The bill doesn't propose a free for all, though. Once set by the Psychedelic Medicine Board, a person under 21 found in possession of psilocybin could face a petty misdemeanor, and a $100 fine. Meanwhile, a person over 21 years old who uses psilocybin in a public place could also be found guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Someone found to be under the influence of psilocybin while driving a vehicle on a street or highway could face a misdemeanor, and someone found in possession on the grounds of a public school could face the same. Dig deeper In January, Minnesota's Psychedelic Medicine Task Force released a report of findings – in which one of their recommendations was to decriminalize mushrooms. In the report, the task force said that they saw evidence that mushrooms can help people with mood disorders, anxiety and alcohol abuse, while veterans in the group said it helped them with treatment-resistant PTSD. A supermajority of the group endorsed three recommendations: Creating a state-regulated clinical program for therapeutic psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Decriminalizing the use and possession of psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Funding more research into potential health benefits of MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD. A full copy of the report can be found here. What's next Officially introduced in the House on Monday, it was referred to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee. No committee hearing scheduled yet, but its author expects a Senate counterpart within the final weeks of the legislative session.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Frey says Mpls a 'safe haven' for undocumented immigrants, trans community
The Brief Minneapolis Mayor Frey said Minneapolis will continue to be a safe haven for undocumented immigrants and the transgender community. Frey made the comments during a town hall hosted by Rep. Ilhan Omar. Minneapolis police previously said the city has no role in federal law enforcement. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the city will "continue to be a safe haven for undocumented immigrants" and the transgender community during a town hall with U.S. House Rep. Ilhan Omar. READ MORE: MN law enforcement ICE cooperation would be required under new bill What they're saying Mayor Frey spoke about threats from the federal government that have said funding would be cut if the city did not adhere to federal immigration policies. He pointed out the funding, about $70 million a year, makes the "core functions" of a city government possible. "I want all of you just to know exactly where we are as far as our neighbors go," Frey said on Thursday. "Minneapolis will continue to be a safe haven for undocumented immigrants, for our trans community, regardless of who you are or where you come from, Minneapolis is a place where you should be proud to call home." He then pointed to city efforts to produce more affordable housing and the overall drop in violent crime. The backstory READ MORE: Minneapolis leaders hold firm on immigration policy despite threats from Trump admin The Justice Department said it will target state and local officials who do not comply with the Trump administration's push to carry out large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. The decision to investigate and possibly charge officials who do not cooperate escalates the tension between so-called sanctuary cities like Minneapolis and the federal government. In a memo written Tuesday, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove wrote: "Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing and otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands…." The memo instructs federal prosecutors to "investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution…." The other side Previously, Minnesota's politicians and law enforcement agencies have vowed to remain a "sanctuary state," and not cooperate with federal ICE efforts. But under H.F. 16, sponsored by Rep. Max Rymer (R- North Branch), law enforcement and government agencies in Minnesota would be restricted from "creating ordinances, regulations and policies that limit or prohibit government employees from communicating with federal officials about the immigration status of individuals." It would also direct them to cooperate with federal officials regarding immigration enforcement, and Attorney General Keith Ellison – a critic of such policies to date – as well as county attorneys to investigate any violations. "The motive for this bill is to open up a line of communication between local authorities and deal with dangerous criminals who should not be in our community," said Rep. Rymer, the bill's author. "Right now we find ourselves in a moment where you have local officials who are openly defying immigration enforcement - from the Minneapolis mayor, to the Hennpin County prosecutor." In addition to barring Minnesota's agencies from not cooperating with ICE, it would also require county attorneys to report undocumented persons who are arrested for a violent crime, regardless if the person is charged. "This bill is narrow in focus, we're talking about murder, assault, crimes committed for a gang, robbery, kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct," Rep. Rymer said. Several testifiers spoke in support of the bill, citing the need to conform with federal standards regarding immigration reform. However, opponents contested the wide-range of scope that could be used to otherwise target minority communities. The Source Video from C-SPAN and past FOX 9 reporting.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would require law enforcement in blue state to cooperate with ICE: 'A line of communication'
Minnesota lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would prevent state and local government agencies from not allowing employees to share immigration data requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill also requires county attorneys to report any illegal immigrant arrested for a violent crime, even if they are not charged, and prohibits law enforcement from not cooperating with ICE. President Donald Trump, who campaigned for an immigration crackdown, loosened restrictions on ICE, allowing broader enforcement. 'Leave Now': Trump Admin Repurposes Controversial Cbp One App To Encourage Self-deportations Under H.F. 16, sponsored by state Rep. Max Rymer, R-North Branch, Minnesota law enforcement and government agencies would no longer be allowed to create ordinances, regulations and policies that "limit or prohibit government employees from communicating with federal officials about the immigration status of individuals." "This bill accomplishes two main things," Rymer wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday. "The first is that it mandates any illegal immigrant arrested on suspicion of a violent crime…. Murder, Assault, Domestic assault, Crimes committed for the benefit of a gang, Robbery, Carjacking, Kidnapping, [and] Criminal sexual conduct. Even in cases where the county attorney elects not to prosecute, [they will] be reported to ICE." Read On The Fox News App "Second, this bill prevents state and local government entities from actively prohibiting, restricting, or interfering with federal immigration authorities in carrying out federal immigration enforcement," Rymer added. He noted the "brave" testimony of Charles Thayer, "whose mother was beheaded in broad daylight by a Cuban illegal immigrant with multiple felony convictions," Rymer said. "Why was he here? This common-sense bill could've prevented her senseless death." Trump Ice Unleashes On Biden Admin After Arrests Surpass All 2024 Data: 'Cooking The Books' The bill, which was introduced in February, went before the Minnesota House of Representatives in the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee on Wednesday, FOX 9 Minneapolis reported. It will be sent to the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee for further discussion following a roll-call vote. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL)-led Minnesota Senate and Gov. Tim Walz will need to be on board for the bill to be signed into law, a tough feat considering the state's promise to remain a "sanctuary state," and not cooperate with federal ICE efforts. Last year, DFL legislators introduced the North STAR Act to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. Those in support of the bill cited the need for the state to follow federal standards on immigration reform. However, critics warned the large scope could be used to target minority communities. Ben Gleekel with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota told FOX 9 the bill could make Minnesotans "less safe." Click Here For More Immigration Coverage "Non-citizens and citizen victims of domestic violence and trafficking will suffer the most," Gleekel said. "They will not risk calling local law enforcement to report a crime, if they know that it means their families will be separated or that they themselves might be apprehended. Prohibiting entities that know their communities best from maintaining clear boundaries between state and federal government will erode the important trust that exists between our immigrant communities and local law enforcement… ." ICE is already outpacing the total number of arrests in 2024, the agency said Wednesday. The agency also found tens of thousands of cases that were recorded as arrests actually resulted in releases into American communities. Walz did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital's Adam Shaw contributed to this article source: Proposed bill would require law enforcement in blue state to cooperate with ICE: 'A line of communication'
Fox News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Proposed bill would require law enforcement in blue state to cooperate with ICE: 'A line of communication'
Minnesota lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would prevent state and local government agencies from not allowing employees to share immigration data requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill also requires county attorneys to report any illegal immigrant arrested for a violent crime, even if they are not charged, and prohibits law enforcement from not cooperating with ICE. President Donald Trump, who campaigned for an immigration crackdown, loosened restrictions on ICE, allowing broader enforcement. Under H.F. 16, sponsored by state Rep. Max Rymer, R-North Branch, Minnesota law enforcement and government agencies would no longer be allowed to create ordinances, regulations and policies that "limit or prohibit government employees from communicating with federal officials about the immigration status of individuals." It would require agencies to cooperate with federal officials on issues involving immigration enforcement and investigate any violations. "The motive for this bill is to open up a line of communication between local authorities and deal with dangerous criminals who should not be in our community," Rymer told FOX 9 Minneapolis on Wednesday. "Right now, we find ourselves in a moment where you have local officials who are openly defying immigration enforcement, from the Minneapolis mayor, to the Hennpin County prosecutor." The bill, which was introduced in February, went before the Minnesota House of Representatives in the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee on Wednesday, FOX 9 reported. It will be sent to the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee for further discussion following a roll-call vote. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL)-led Minnesota Senate and Gov. Tim Walz will need to be on board for the bill to be signed into law, a tough feat considering the state's promise to remain a "sanctuary state," and not cooperate with federal ICE efforts. Last year, DFL legislators introduced the North STAR Act to make Minnesota a sanctuary state. Those in support of the bill cited the need for the state to follow federal standards on immigration reform. However, critics warned the large scope could be used to target minority communities. Ben Gleekel with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota told FOX 9 the bill could make Minnesotans "less safe." "Non-citizens and citizen victims of domestic violence and trafficking will suffer the most," Gleekel said. "They will not risk calling local law enforcement to report a crime, if they know that it means their families will be separated or that they themselves might be apprehended. Prohibiting entities that know their communities best from maintaining clear boundaries between state and federal government will erode the important trust that exists between our immigrant communities and local law enforcement… ." ICE is already outpacing the total number of arrests in 2024, the agency said Wednesday. The agency also found tens of thousands of cases that were recorded as arrests actually resulted in releases into American communities.
