Capitol Review: Wardlow, Anderson Co-author Bill Requiring Voter Photo Identification

Editor's note: Capitol Review is a weekly 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 Eagan Patch every Monday for a new Capitol Review.

Here’s what’s happened this past week with bills authored or co-authored by local legislators:

State Sen. Ted Daley (R-District 38) of Eagan and Burnsville

• A bill (SF1382) that Daley co-authored had its first reading May 4 and was re-referred to the Taxes Committee. The bill is in regards to a "constitutional amendment to limit the level of budgeted spending to 98 percent of the amount forecast to be collected in the biennium," according to the Minnesota State Legislature website.

State. Rep. Diane Anderson (R-District 38A) of Eagan

• A bill (HF1500) that was first introduced on April 18 should pass as amended and was referred to the Judiciary Policy and Finance committee on May 2. On May 4, the bill was again scheduled to pass as amended and had its second reading. The bill is in regards to "making changes to chemical and mental health ... [and] making rate reforms."
• Co-authored a bill (HF1662) to make a change to the Minnesota Constitution in regards to requiring voters to present a photographic identification, as well as providing that identification at no charge. The bill also require "equal verification standards for all voters."

State. Rep. Doug Wardlow (R-District 38B) of Eagan

• Co-authored a bill (HF1597) to make a change to the Minnesota Constitution in regards to requiring voters to present a photographic identification, as well as providing that identification at no charge. The bill also require "equal verification standards for all voters." (Editor's Note: Bill appeared to be similar, if not identical to bill (HF1662) that Anderson co-authored).
• Co-authored a bill (HF1598) that would require a "three-fifths vote to enact a law imposing or increasing certain taxes," according to the Minnesota House of Representatives website. It was scheduled to pass as amended and rereferred to the Ways and Means Committee on May 3.

State Sen. Rick Hansen (D-District 39A) of Eagan and Mendota Heights

• West Saint Paul; North Urban Regional Trail grade separated crossing funding provided, bonds issued, and money appropriated. HF1649 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. The bill was introduced May 3.

• Game and fish; license, stamp, and account revenue disposition modified, license requirements and fees modified, and money appropriated. HF1583 awaits a hearing in the Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Policy and Finance committee. The bill was introduced April 27.