David Hann on Government Reform

Voted YES to require ID for voting

All voters must be subject to identical standards of eligibility verification before voting and the state must make photographic identification available to eligible voters at no cost to them. The following persons shall not be permitted to vote at any election: A person not meeting the above requirements [for photo ID] ; a person who has been convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights; a person under guardianship, or a person who is not mentally competent.

Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Dayton on April 4, 2011 hence reintroduced as constitutional ballot initiative; passed House 72-62 on 3/20/12 on p.6771; David Hann voted YES; passed Senate 35-29 on 4/4/12 on p.5638; defeated 54%-46% by voters as "Amendment 2" on Nov 6, 2012.

Loosen restrictions on liquor licenses near state facilities

Summary by OnTheIssues: Allow liquor licenses near county jails, but disallow liquor licenses within 1,000 feet of a state hospital, training school, reformatory, prison, or other institution under the supervision or control of the commissioner of human services or the commissioner of corrections.

Governor's Veto Message: There are many other facilities beyond hospitals, training schools, reformatories and prisons that are under the supervision or control of the Commissioners of Human Services or Corrections. It would surprise me if the Legislature intended to allow liquor sales near all such facilities. Yet, the bill seems to do just that."

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 124-8-2 on 5/13/04; Rep. Otto voted YES; Passed Senate 57-3-7 on 5/14/04; Vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on 5/29/04.

Shift approval of local rules from Governor to Legislature

Governor's Veto Message: The bill essentially shifts authority for conducting rulemaking from the executive branch to the legislative branch. Under current law, the legislature has granted the Governor's office final approval authority on all rulemakings. This is sound policy as it provides accountability in a way that does not paralyze either branch of government. House File 624 would impose that responsibility on the already over-stressed legislative process.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 124-8-2 on May/16/03; Passed Senate 60-0-7 on May/16/03; Sen. Michelle Fischbach sponsored HF624 and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty on May/27/03.