The MSBA Council has named the association’s lobbying priorities for the 2020 Minnesota legislative session that begins February 11. The MSBA will advocate for the repeal of Minn. Stat. §480A.08 subd. 3(c), which establishes criteria for publication of Court of Appeals opinions. This legislative position, adopted in December based on separation-of-powers concerns, was recommended by an ad hoc committee that included Court of Appeals judges and practitioners. When the statute is repealed, the committee recommends that the Court of Appeals develop its own criteria for publication, soliciting input from the bar on proposed rules.
The Council also identified two priorities that protect the rights and interests of those often unable to protect themselves. The MSBA will engage in custody and parenting time issues that are expected to arise in the session based on existing MSBA positions that emphasize the best interests of children. The Council also committed lobbying resources for an informational hearing on HF2593, which would establish a right to counsel for tenants in public housing eviction actions alleging breach of lease.
Finally, the MSBA will pursue amendment of the Minnesota Uniform Transfer to Minors Act to unify all accounts to terminate at age 21, allow transfers to qualified minor’s trusts, modify the custodian’s investment standard, and streamline account termination and distribution when no custodian is acting. In addition to its affirmative agenda, the MSBA provides technical assistance on numerous bills and ensures that members’ voices are heard on changes that would affect the practice of law or substantive areas of law.