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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels.
Driver Safety Course Length Reduced
Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.
Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed
Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.
AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.
Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes
AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of Tyler versus Hennepin County.
AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.
Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated
Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.
No Action on Affordable Housing Options
AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.
Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing
In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.
AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.
Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled
The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.
This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the AARP Minnesota page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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--grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Saint Paul</span>' $location = '<a href="/saint-paul-mn/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Twin Cities, MN</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/saint-paul-mn/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">2024 Legislative Report</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/22/24 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families</b></h2></span></span><p>AARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. 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Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, AARP Minnesota gives you a voice at the state and federal levels. <br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><div class="TransparentButton"><a href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-priorities-for-2021-mn-legislative-session" target="_blank" data-google-link-analytics="cta" data-ga-category="cta buttons" data-ga-action="click">ADVOCACY HUB</a></div></span></span></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description">AARP Minnesota volunteers work tirelessly in each legislative session on issues important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50-plus. This year, we urged lawmakers to <b>fight fraud</b>, <b>protect your hard-earned money</b>, help<b> improve driving safety,</b> <b>protect vulnerable adults</b>, and<b> increase affordable housing</b> options for older Minnesotans.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Legislative Wins</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>Driver Safety Course Length Reduced</b><br>Safe driving courses help keep older Minnesotans safe on the road, but course participation numbers have declined. This year, AARP advocated for reducing the rule requiring an eight-hour driver safety course to four-hours to be eligible for the car insurance discount to increase participation and save lives. An independent study comparing course lengths found no significant impact on the amount of knowledge drivers retained and found that drivers were equally as likely to change 19 safe driving behaviors for the better. Minnesota now joins 18 states allowing for the four-hour course without sacrificing content or quality. Volunteer voices are critical in passing legislation, and testimony and advocacy provided by AARP Driver Safety Instructors were vital to our success.<br><br><br><b>Predatory Real Estate Scams Outlawed</b><br>Lawmakers took action to prohibit unfair real estate agreements. These scams occur when brokerage firms prey upon vulnerable homeowners, offering small cash gifts - some as low as $300 - in exchange for decades-long contracts lasting up to 40 years for exclusive property sales rights. As a result, homeowners face huge penalties of 3% of their property value if they want the agreements removed, list their property with another firm, or transfer a property title to a family member upon death, divorce, or foreclosure.<br><br>AARP supported this legislation and worked to ensure that Minnesota's Attorney General has the authority to seek restitution from these bad actors and allow individuals to file for damages in court.<br><br><br><b>Older Homeowners Protected from Losing Equity in their Homes</b><br>AARP advocated for a law prohibiting the unconstitutional practice of county governments from not returning the equity in someone's home for failure to pay their property taxes. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, recently held that it is unconstitutional for local governments to take an owner's equity in the case of <i>Tyler versus Hennepin County</i>. </p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="FactPromo" > <div class="FactPromo-info"> <div class="FactPromo-description"><i>Ms. Tyler fell behind on her condo's property taxes. She owed only $2,311 in property taxes but had almost $13,000 in added penalties, interest, and fees. To collect the $15,000 debt, Hennepin County seized her condo, valued at $93,000, sold it for $40,000, and pocketed it all—a $25,000 windfall at Ms. Tyler's expense.</i></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>AARP worked to ease the burden of claiming a homeowner’s equity by extending the timeframe for filing a claim and improved notification requirements helping to protect one's home equity.<br><br><br><b>Cryptocurrency ATMs Regulated</b><br>Criminals are adept at exploiting new technologies to scam consumers. AARP advocated for consumer protections to regulate virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs. The bill protects new customers who are victims of fraud by providing a refund of the total transaction amount as long as they report the fraud within 14 days. It also sets a daily virtual currency transaction limit of $2,000 for new customers and requires operators to post warning signs that scammers may use virtual transactions to defraud consumers.</p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><bsp-youtubeplayer data-video-player class="YouTubeVideoPlayer" data-player-id="f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" data-video-id="IfrYgoVSem8" data-video-title="2024 Legislative Report"> <iframe id="YouTubeVideoPlayer-f988f7c7006f34794bdbc22d5721a4c42" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IfrYgoVSem8?enablejsapi=1"></iframe> </bsp-youtubeplayer> </div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Cathy McLeer and Mary Jo George recap the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading"><b>Continued Work</b></h2></span></span><p> <br><b>No Action on Affordable Housing Options</b><br>AARP supported a bill that would have eased restrictive zoning requirements, allowing for a mix of housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This bill would have helped provide a broader mix of housing options close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and green spaces, which surveys show is where most older adults prefer. Unfortunately, due to strong opposition from local municipalities, the bill authors pulled the legislation.<br><br><br><b>Impasse on Protecting Vulnerable Adults in HUD Housing</b><br>In 2019, AARP advocated for the Eldercare and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act to combat elder abuse for older Minnesotans in Assisted Living facilities. When passed, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized facilities and Low-Income Tax Credits (LITC) facilities, including locked dementia units, were exempted. AARP and consumer groups fought to extend protections to vulnerable adults in these facilities. However, negotiations stalled as providers wanted to weaken current Assisted Living termination protections before agreeing to expand residents’ rights.<br><br>AARP, consumer groups, and the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care successfully increased mental illness and de-escalation training requirements and defeated legislation that would have reduced RN assessments in Assisted Living facilities, weakening care standards.<br><br><br><b>Restitution Fund for Victims of Scams and Fraud Stalled</b><br>The financial loss resulting from fraud is profound, particularly when victims are older adults at a time in their lives when they are least able to recover financially. AARP supported the Minnesota Attorney General's bill to create a state-level Restitution Fund for victims of scams and fraud. Unfortunately, given the short legislative session and time constraints, lawmakers did not move the bill this year. AARP will pursue this bill in future legislative sessions. The Restitution Fund would be modeled after the Consumer Protection Bureau's Restitution Fund. To be eligible for the fund, the Attorney General would have to bring a case against a defendant as a public enforcement action and obtain an Order from the Court based on the AG's investigation establishing that the person was defrauded.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"> <div class="PromoFullWidth" data-partial-gradient="true" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-overlay"></div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-media"> <img class="Image lazyload" alt="" data-src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4522619/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/1440x640!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg" data-srcset="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/94fe98e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/2880x1280!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 2x,https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf68eef/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x2432+0+608/resize/4320x1920!/format/jpg/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fcf%2F7b%2F03eb2e8d43cba91923b70ebd6681%2Fa9i7735.jpg 3x" width="1440" height="640"> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-info" > <div class="PromoFullWidth-title"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Give Back to Your Community: Volunteer</a> </div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-description">Give your time and talent — in person or from home — to improve the lives of older Americans and their families. We are looking for volunteers across Minnesota to make a difference in your community.</div> <div class="PromoFullWidth-button"> <a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/volunteer-with-aarp-mn">Volunteer</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Minnesota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank">AARP Minnesota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7a9df9-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66daaaf7aabd7-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SAINTPAUL-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SAINTPAUL-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>2024 Legislative Report</title> <meta name="page_title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their FamiliesAARP Minnesota advocates for what is important to our members and Minnesotans aged 50 and over. Alongside a" name="description"/> <meta content="2024, Legislative, Report" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/2024-legislative-report" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/2024-legislative-report-mn-2024-05-22.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="2024 Legislative Report"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Fighting for Minnesotans 50+ and Their Families"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c2a2a5d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5472x3518+0+65/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F38%2F82%2F1080d0634eb1a2796e7b620d2496%2Fa9i5710.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Saint Paul</span>' $location = '<a href="/saint-paul-mn/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Twin Cities, MN</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/saint-paul-mn/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/saint-paul-mn/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/saint-paul-mn/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118