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Tougher pool rules win House, Senate approval
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Tougher regulations for pool drains won unanimous approval in the House and in the Senate on Monday, in a bill named after Abigail Taylor, the Edina girl who died after being injured in a pool last summer.
The Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act (SF 2833) would require new drain technology in all public pools across the state.
In another action Monday, the House voted to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot asking voters whether a citizens council should be established to set legislative salaries and daily expense payments.
Republicans protested, saying it was a ploy to give lawmakers a raise without having to vote on it directly. Rep. Kent Eken, the bill's DFL sponsor, said legislators shouldn't be in charge of their own pay.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dog bill gets Senate's unanimous supportThe Senate unanimously approved a canine-oriented bill (SF 2876) allowing dogs to accompany their owners to outdoor dining areas if local cities approve and imposing new restrictions on dog ownership for people who have used animals in violent crimes or had pets involved in vicious attacks.
The dine-with-your-dog measure got roughed up a bit in the House before passing by a 110-23 margin. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Delano, said it raises sanitation concerns, especially if the dogs try to lick patrons' plates or soil the patio.
"Are they going to come in with a pooper scooper next to my table?" Emmer asked.
It would be up to the restaurant to clean up dog waste immediately.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pawlenty signs agriculture, veterans measureGov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill that requires diesel fuel to contain a greater share of plant-based fuel and allows soldiers' family members to take time off for military events. Pawlenty said the agriculture and veterans bill is one of the successes of this year's legislative session. He signed it into law at a Capitol event packed with veterans.
The bill bumps up Minnesota's 2 percent biodiesel requirement to 20 percent by 2015, although the required level falls during the cold months of the year.
Military provisions include expanded educational benefits, veterans license plates for motorcycles and legal protections against civil claims for businesses owned by reservists who are called up.
The governor says he still hopes lawmakers will pass an income tax exemption for military pay and authorize borrowing for improvements at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
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