Maria Horn

This is my State Capitol update for the week of September 26.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, click the image below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter.

Although I feel like I’ve been crunching leaves underfoot for weeks now, it is now officially fall, with leaf-peeping season just around the corner.  The Northwest Corner remains one of the top destinations for viewing fall foliage, and the season brings the closest thing we get to “traffic” here as visitors from across the country come to experience what we know is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I plan to sneak a few extra hikes in here and there, a plan which is heartily endorsed by our dog Nelly. 
 
According to the experts, peak foliage will hit the NW Corner starting October 3, then wends its way through the rest of the state.

• New Laws Going into Effect October 1. Click here. 
• Sustainability and Resiliency Week. Click here. 
• Marble Valley Farm on Conservation Farmer Award. Click here. 
• Upcoming Events. Click here.

A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect on Tuesday, October 1st.

New laws include increasing safety for home health care aides who are on the front lines of direct contact with clients, giving the elderly population more options for choosing nursing homes and preventing discrimination for those under mental health care.

The internet is a great informational resource, but can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.

Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!

Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots.  With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the time violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.
 
There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link below for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. Public input and feedback had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard.

Each day features virtual, hybrid, and in-person events hosted by partners from across the state.  For the full schedule of events and information, click here. 

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Maria Horn
State Representative