Capitol Review: More Bills to Committees

Editor's Note: Capitol Review is a look at what your state legislators are doing at the Minnesota Capitol—how they're voting, the bills they're writing and the issues they're getting behind. Come back to Inver Grove Heights Patch weekly for a new Capitol Review. 

Taking a glance at the lawmakers representing Inver Grove Heights at the Capitol:

State Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-District 39B) of Inver Grove Heights

IN THE NEWS

Atkins was quoted by the Star Tribune in its March 12 story, “Vikings stadium bill trips over projections of gaming revenue.”

As the ranking DFLer of the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee—the first committee that will review proposed stadium legislation—Atkins said he doubts that legislation would move forward until an issue regarding how local charities would share proceeds of video bingo and pulltabs with a Vikings stadium financing plan are settled. Also standing in the way of stadium legislation is a lack of support from the Minneapolis City Council.

"There are any number of issues that are issues," Atkins told the Star-Tribune. "But the two that are bars that need to be cleared before much happens at all are Minneapolis City Council support and the charitable gaming resolution."

Atkins also was mentioned in the Pioneer Press on March 4 for his introduction of legislation on health insurance exchanges in the House of Representatives.

BILL SPONSORSHIP

In the past week, Atkins authored or co-authored the following bills that were introduced in the House of Representatives:

• Co-authored a bill to expand automobile theft and financial crime prevention grant awards. The bill (HF2706) was referred to the House Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Finance Committee on March 7.

• Chief-authored a bill modifying the sale and purchase definition relating to amusement devices. The bill (HF2748) was referred to the House Taxes Committee on March 8.

• Chief-authored a bill pertaining to income tax on individual retirement account rollovers. The bill (HF2773) was referred to the House Taxes Committee on March 12.

• Chief-authored a bill clarifying a Liquor Act citation. The bill (HF2784) was referred to the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee on March 12.

• Chief-authored a bill requiring a premium refund on life insurance. The bill (HF2794) was referred to the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee on March 12.

• Co-authored a bill requiring wireless telecommunications service providers to alert customers whose usage approaches or exceed contract limits. The bill (HF2803) was referred to the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee on March 12.

State Sen. James P. Metzen (DFL-District 39) of South St. Paul

BILL SPONSORSHIP

In the past week, Metzen authored or co-authored the following bills that were introduced in the Senate:

• Co-authored a bill requiring the Workers Compensation Reinsurance Association to comply with open meeting and data practices laws. The bill (SF2364) was referred to the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee on March 12.

• Co-authored a bill establishing a technology corporate franchise tax certification transfer program. The bill (SF2390) was referred to the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee on March 12.

• Co-authored a bill dealing with individual retirement account rollover provisions. The bill (SF2427) was referred to the Senate Taxes Committee on March 12.

• Co-authored a bill dealing with the public officials gift ban exception. The bill (SF2431) was referred to the Senate State Government Innovation and Veterans Committee on March 12.

• Co-authored a bill authorizing and paying for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Cannon River. The bill (SF2434) was referred to the Senate Capital Investment Committee.

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