Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee

Senator Erin Maye Quade Presents Bill to Ensure Insurance Coverage for Fertility Treatments

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Tuesday, the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard testimony on legislation SF 1704, Senator Erin Maye Quade’s bill that would require all health plans with maternity benefits for Minnesota residents also cover diagnosis and treatment of infertility and fertility preservation treatments. Senator Maye Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) testified in support of the bill alongside advocates, doctors, and people who have experienced infertility.

DFL Legislators Unveil Legislation to Legalize Sports Betting in Minnesota

ST. PAUL – This morning, Minnesota DFL legislators held a press conference to unveil legislation to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. In 2018, the United States Supreme Court ended the federal ban on states legalizing sports betting. Since then, 30 states, including every state bordering Minnesota, have legalized the practice.

Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee Advances Senator Kelly Morrison’s Legislation to Prevent Prescription Drug Price Gouging

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee advanced Senator Kelly Morrison’s legislation (SF 168) prohibiting exorbitant prescription drug price hikes and establishing a prescription drug affordability board today. The legislation will help address the high cost of prescription drugs for Minnesotans, said Sen. Morrison.

Student Loan Advocate Bill Passes Senate Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Tuesday, Senator Tou Xiong (DFL-Maplewood) presented and testified in support of his bill to create a student loan advocate role in the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The bill, SF 998, funds the new office and outlines the duties of the advocate, who would help to resolve complaints from borrowers, provide information on borrowers’ rights and responsibilities, and make public reports and recommendations, among other responsibilities.

DFL Senators Introduce Consumer Protection Agenda

ST. PAUL, Minn. — On Tuesday, the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee will begin the work of advancing bills that represent consumer interests. Priorities the committee will hear this week include bills to curb the recent rise in stolen catalytic converters, increase penalties on illegal robocalls, and prevent price-gouging on prescription drugs.