With the upcoming New Year, many recently passed statutes will take effect in Minnesota. The following is a summary of various initiatives that were passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Dayton:
· A new law conforms state statutes to new federal requirements related to case mix classifications and reimbursement rates at nursing homes. Additionally, the law permits counties and the state to contract with facilities in a bordering state for detoxification services for Minnesota residents. It also allows Minnesota detoxification facilities to contract with bordering states to provide services to residents of the bordering states.
· A new law taking effect May 25, 2011, required that information about carbon monoxide poisoning be included in the driver’s manual and be part of driver’s education training. Beginning Jan. 1, those seeking a driver’s license will be tested on their knowledge of carbon monoxide dangers. Sponsored by Rep. Andrea Kieffer (R-Woodbury) and Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood), the so-called “Tyler’s Law” is the result of a December 2010 tragedy when Tyler Lavers, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, was accidentally killed when installing stereo speakers in his car. He backed his car into the garage at the family’s cabin to be closer to the tools and best lighting. With the garage door open, he started the car at some point to test his speakers. Despite a ventilated garage, the very cold air created a higher output of carbon monoxide from his engine, and combined with a confined space, allowed the deadly poison to concentrate where he was and ultimately kill him.
· In addition to being asked if they want to be an organ donor, people applying for a driver’s license or state identification card will be asked to contribute $2 to a donor awareness campaign. The same question will be posed when registering and transferring title on a motor vehicle.
Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite City) supports these initiatives and is pleased to see the laws take effect in January. He stated, “These are examples of how government can work for the betterment of the public and ensure a more effective and safe community.” If constituents have any questions regarding these laws or any others, they may contact Sen. Kubly’s office at any time.
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