ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Wednesday, April 23, the Senate passed the Commerce and Consumer Protection budget, led by Chair Matt Klein (DFL – Mendota Heights).
“I am honored to Chair the Commerce and Consumer Protection committee, where we make real impacts on Minnesotans pocketbooks,” said Senator Klein. “Now more than ever, we need to remain vigilant and forward thinking in defending Minnesota consumers from financial scams, fraudsters, and unfair business practices in our marketplace.”
The legislation contains the following provisions:
- Investment broker fraud protections: Providesresources to support two additional auditors to improve oversight of Minnesotan’s assets invested through broker dealers and protect consumers from harm.
- Ombudsperson for Homeowners Associations: Establishes an ombudsperson and registry for HOAs within the Department of Commerceto ensure fairness and transparency in governance of these communities and help residents navigate regulations and resolve disputes with associations.
- Free Water at Concert Venues: Requires entertainment venues to make water freely available to anyone attending an event to prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and other health issues at events. Access to water can be difficult and expensive, especially during long performances in packed, hot venues.
- Prohibiting Nitrous Oxide: Prohibits the retail sale of nitrous oxide canisters to address the harmful and lasting effects of whippet abuse on our young people. These products are targeted at young people through flavoring and quantities ideal for huffing, and the legislation will close the loophole that allows them to be sold in retail stores.
- PFAS and Cadmium prohibition clarifications: Provisions included to exempt snowmobiles and other vehicles from the definition of “juvenile products” and clarified cadmium prohibitions to allow the sale high quality artist paint.
- Office of Cannabis Management: Ensuring the Office of Cannabis Management has a successful launch, and extending CanRenew grants into the next fiscal year.
Senate File 2216 passed the Senate on a vote of 35 – 29 and now moves to the House.
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Matt Klein represents Senate District 53 which includes Inver Grove Heights, South Saint Paul, West Saint Paul, Saint Paul Park, Cottage Grove, Newport, Mendota Heights, Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, Grey Cloud Island Township.
Learn more about Sen. Klein.
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Learn more about Sen. Klein.
Read more news from Sen. Klein.
