Status Report: New laws, grand marshal, Adele

Here are highlights from Minnesota government and politics over the past few days, as well as a peek at what may lie ahead.

On the books: Statutory changes that took effect July 1 include new laws on:

• Body art technicians (HF 3142/Chapter 179)
• Wagering on out-of-state races (HF 3211/Chapter 183)
• The Legislative Coordinating Commission (SF 1372/Chapter 130)
• Sulfate discharges at Keewatin’s Keetac mine (SF 3376/Chapter 165)
• Electronics recycling (HF 2841/Chapter 166)
• Raffles (HF 3102/Chapter 139)
• Eyelash extension technicians (SF 2802/Chapter 127)
• Coin dealers (SF 3175/Chapter 134)

Independence Day: Gov. Mark Dayton got back from his trip to Croatia in time to serve as grand marshal at the Fourth of July parade in Delano, following in the footsteps of at least two gubernatorial predecessors: Tim Pawlenty and Jesse Ventura, according to the parade website.

Recognition: The next day, Dayton recognized two women with official announcements. He and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith declared July 5 “Adele Day” in honor of the megastar launching her North American tour in St. Paul. That follows similar proclamations this year for Prince and Beyoncé. Also on Tuesday, Dayton issued a statement remembering journalist Toni Randolph, who died Sunday: “During her 13 years with Minnesota Public Radio, Ms. Randolph told the stories of our citizens and communities, which contributed greatly to the recognition of our shared values and aspirations.” Dayton said Randolph’s legacy would live on in the work of the many young journalists she mentored.

BWCA: Former Vice President Walter Mondale, with Theodore Roosevelt IV (great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt), penned an op-ed in the July 2 New York Times titled “Protect Minnesota’s Boundary Waters” in opposition to opening copper-nickel mines in northern Minnesota.

What’s next: University of Minnesota research “at the nexus of water and agriculture” is the topic for the Legislative Water Commission’s next meeting Thursday at the U of M’s Borlaug Hall on the St. Paul campus. There are no negotiations for a special session set between Dayton and legislative leaders.

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