St. Paul Reporter

As the legislative session approaches its conclusion, lawmakers are negotiating final committee bills on the House floor. Several bills have passed, while others remain under debate.

This week, Rep. Bidal Duran (R-Solway) participated in discussions on the Veterans Bill, advocating for an amendment to maintain a range of options for veterans seeking benefits. "When service members return home, they shouldn’t have to fight through red tape to access the support they've earned. It's critical that we get these benefits to them quickly - right when they need them most by offering them more options," Duran said. Although the amendment did not advance, he stated his intention to continue working on this issue based on his own experience and conversations with other veterans.

The Veterans and Military Affairs Bill includes several provisions supported by Duran:

- Enhanced eligibility verification tools are set to improve veterans' access to programs such as the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative.

- Increased funding has been allocated for mental health services in response to rising veteran suicides.

- National Guard members activated during state emergencies will receive pension credit.

- A new memorial at the State Capitol will honor Gold Star and Blue Star families.

Duran emphasized his commitment: "I remain committed to fighting for the rights of our veterans and ensuring they get the care and benefits they deserve, without delay."

The Higher Education omnibus bill also passed this week. It maintains critical funding levels for Minnesota’s State Grant program by reallocating existing funds rather than increasing spending. The legislation moves $36.4 million in the first biennium and $38.3 million in subsequent years directly toward addressing the grant program shortfall. Funding was eliminated for financially stable organizations that do not require state assistance, and resources were redirected from inactive or underperforming programs.

"This legislation showcases the effectiveness of having Republicans involved in the process. We’ve maintained essential student services and funded grant programs without resorting to the typical spending increases of the past," Duran said.

A public safety bill was also highlighted by Duran as reversing previous policies considered lenient on crime. The bill introduces tougher penalties for violent crimes, including sex trafficking and exposing children to fentanyl; allocates over $8 million annually for officer training; extends prosecution windows for arson; continues probation fee collection; establishes a working group on Brady-Giglio transparency; cuts $23 million in spending and redirects it toward court cybersecurity upgrades; and applies public data laws to key Metropolitan Council members.

Additional measures focus on school safety through anonymous threat reporting requirements, increased penalties for repeat unlicensed drivers causing harm, reforms ensuring inmates receive prescribed medications, expanded missing persons alerts, strengthened victim notification laws, clarified firefighter mental health benefits under Hometown Heroes programming, improved Fusion Center reporting, and expanded background checks for certain licenses.

Duran concluded by encouraging constituents’ engagement: "I am here to serve everyone in our district, and I encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts and concerns, so we can continue working together to improve our community and our state."