Session forum spotlights consensus, disagreements.

Byline: Kevin Featherly

Minnesotans gained some clarity on legislation that likely will pass this year or not as the four legislative caucus leaders and new Gov. Tim Walz gathered to answer reporters' questions Monday.

Election cyber-security seemed a hit with all five elected officials. The state is sitting on $6.6 million in federal funds and needs only what Secretary of State Steve Simon has called a legislative "permission slip" to release the money to his agency.

"That seems like one that would be a pretty logical start," Walz said.

Legislation to combat elder abuse and the opioid addiction crisis both of which failed to clear hurdles last session also are high on the list of unity bills.

So, apparently, is legislation to curb distracted driving by barring handheld cellphone use behind the wheel. But Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, cautioned that lawmakers should avoid getting "too cute" by trying to make the offense a gross misdemeanor or felony.

"I think there is risk, if a bill goes to conference, that it potentially might not come out because of penalty provisions," Bakk said. He said he personally would not vote for a bill that makes talking or texting while driving a felony.

Chances seem good as well for legislation to eliminate the "severe or pervasive" judicial standard that keeps many sexual harassment cases from surviving summary judgment. That bill made headway in the House last session but not in the Senate.

"It would not surprise me if something went forward and had bipartisan support and became law," said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa. "But the conversation has to start early. And I believe it will."

He cautioned that last year's House sexual-harassment language went a little further than some in the GOP senators preferred, though he did not specify which provisions were unfavorable. In committee testimony last year, however, several business attorneys opposed changing the severe or pervasive standard, saying current standards suffice.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, backs the changes and asserted that the reform needs to pass. "A person should be able to go to work and do their job," she said. "If they are sexually harassed, they should have a remedy."

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said that, all in all, he is optimistic that a lot of work can get accomplished quickly this session.

"Everybody talks health care costs, roads and bridges, and a lot of other things,"...

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