Anderson Backs Abortion Bills, Daley Seeks Stronger Protections for Homeless Children

A pair of abortion-related bills circulating in the Minnesota House of Representatives have caught the eye—and the support—of Eagan's Rep. Diane Anderson (R).

Anderson is listed as a co-author on the bills, both of which have been introduced in the House within the last several weeks. The first, HF 2341, would require the physician who prescribed an abortion-inducing drug or chemical to be present when that drug is administered to the patient. Under the legislation, proposed on Feb. 16 by District 32A Rep. Joyce Peppin (R), a doctor who is not present for the chemically-induced abortion could face felony criminal charges.

The second bill, HF 2674, mandates that facilities performing 10 or more surgical or nonsurgical abortions each month must obtain a license from the commissioner of health, who could conduct surprise inspections and investigations of those clinics.

Eagan legislator Rep. Doug Wardlow (R) behind HF 2341 and HF 2340—another House bill similar to HF 2674. Wardlow is also listed as a co-author on a third abortion-related bill that would outlaw most abortions when doctors can detect the fetal heartbeat of the unborn child.

The "Visible Child Act"

Abortion-related legislation isn't the only thing keeping local politicians occupied. A bill that would establish stronger support for homeless and disabled children has found favor with Eagan Sen. Ted Daley (R).

The bill, known as the "Visible Child Act", was authored by Sen. Sean Nienow (R) and introduced on March 8. Daley is listed as a co-author.

The proposed legislation would establish a coordinating council of 17-25 members appointed by the governor. Members of the council would include parents, legislators and representatives from advocacy organizations—all of whom would be charged with helping develop a comprehensive, coordinated early intervention service for disabled children and their families.

But that's not all the bill addresses. The state's Housing Finance Agency would be required to produce an annual report on the number and condition of homeless children in Minnesota, including the current living arrangments of homeless children, the frequency and duration of homelessness and other information. Finally, the agency would be tasked with developing a plan to improve the well-being of homeless children in collaboration with business leaders, case workers and nonprofits.