Sen. Mee Moua has dropped her proposal to prohibit law enforcement agencies from maintaining electronic databases of gang members. The proposed ban -- designed to protect privacy and civil liberties -- had drawn pointed criticism from some law enforcement officials.

Sen. Mee Moua's controversial proposal to prohibit law-enforcement agencies from maintaining gang databases came before the Senate's State and Local Government Operation and Oversight Committee on Friday afternoon. Supporters and detractors of the measure were primed for a debate. Deputies from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and community activists concerned about police misconduct filled the committee room.

But Fletcher insists that all those advances would be threatened if a bill put forth by state Sen. Mee Moua, DFL-St. Paul, becomes law.

Constitutional amendments aren't at the forefront as lawmakers try to pass a bonding bill before they move on to the strenuous task of solving another general fund budget deficit in excess of $1 billion.

In the May 15, 2009 PIM Weekly Report we covered the little-known backstory of how the Senate DFL’s efforts to reform public safety policies in ...

In the May 15, 2009 PIM Weekly Report we covered the little-known backstory of how the Senate DFL’s efforts to reform public safety policies in ...

The omnibus tax bill legislators passed the final day of session includes a tax break designed to lower the cost of building affordable housing. Housing ...

When Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed a tax-related bill signed into law March 7, housing advocates cheered at the prospect of more affordable housing in Minnesota. ...

One of the best reads that surfaces in my email each week is the Taxpayers League’s "eUpdate." Mark Giga, the group’s communications director, writes with ...

Among the many projects in this year’s bonding bill is housing for the long-term homeless in Minnesota. The issue is a top legislative priority for ...