New laws continue to take effect in August

Many of the laws recently passed go into effect this month. I recently shared some of them with you. I wanted to highlight a few more.

Protecting transit employees: I authored a bill to better protect public transit operators. Metro Transit employees and other public transit operators are now included on the list of protected occupations and individuals under the fourth-degree assault statute.  Assaulting a transit operator or intentionally throwing or transferring body fluids to them will be classified as a gross misdemeanor

Updating mining standards: It has been 100 years since mining inspection policy was updated. The law clarifies language on mine inspection policy and requires inspectors to have at least two years of practical experience in mining or mining-related safety work.

Construction restrictions on radiation facilities: The law extends the moratorium on non-hospital radiation therapies from 2014 to 2020. The restrictions apply to constructing new radiation facilities unless they are owned, operated or controlled in partnership with a hospital.

Additional training for paramedics: Community paramedics are required to take an additional 12 hours of study in clinical topics in order to renew or earn their certification. This is on top of the existing requirements.

New Ambulance staff permitted: By law, an advanced life-support ambulance needs to be staffed by at least one emergency medical technician and one paramedic. Advanced emergency medical technician is a new certification created that meets the qualifications to staff an advanced life-support ambulance.

Service animal clarification: The new law will bring Minnesota statute into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It clarifies the definition of service animal to conform with the ADA.

Family reunification act: This law will make is possible for some teenagers to reunite with their parents whose rights had been terminated. Prior to this law there was not any legal process for this to happen. The child needs to be at least 15 years old and the parents need to show they have resolved the issues that led to their loss of rights.

Open bidding process: Local governments will be able to advertise bids for projects over $100,000 in a recognized trade industry trade journal instead of the official newspaper.

Additional arson penalties: The new law will increase the felony penalties for wildlife arson based on certain damages.

Alters school bus use: School buses will now be able to be used by non-students for special events. Buses can be used for one or two days without having to register as a commercial bus.

Bicycle Safety: New protections were put in to place to keep bike riders and drivers safe. The law tightens restrictions on vehicles turning and passing through bike lanes and prohibits parking in bike lines unless noted by a sign.