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Parents' pain helps change how police treat missing adults
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A law that takes effect on Wednesday is a testament to the perseverance of two parents and an example of what is possible when the average citizen gets involved in the legislative process.
Brandon Swanson was 19 when his car veered into a ditch in southwestern Minnesota in the early morning hours of May 14, 2008. While he was on the phone to his parents, Swanson's cell phone went dead at 3:10 a.m. He's never been heard from since.
When Annette Swanson told police her son was missing, she was startled by their reaction. "The first thing they told me was 'You know, ma'am, he's an adult and he has a right to be missing,' " she told legislators.
Annette and Brian Swanson's emotional testimony at the Legislature prompted a new law that requires law enforcement to act when adults go missing under questionable circumstances.
The road to "Brandon's Law" started when the Marshall couple met House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, in a local restaurant.
It led through committee hearings, compromises and choked-up retellings of that disastrous night, and finally Gov. Tim Pawlenty's ceremonial signing of the bill that bears Brandon's name. "This was an example of how a bill becomes law," Seifert said.
"Rather than have a lobbyist or some bureaucrat talking at the Legislature you had real live people sharing their pain, under often difficult circumstances."
MORE TO COME: Another round of laws will take effect in August.
Mark Brunswick • 651-222-1636
MORE LAWS TAKING EFFECT
State sales tax goes up: Minnesotans will start chipping in a little something for the environment and arts on nearly every purchase starting Wednesday, when the state sales tax increases by three-eighths of 1 percent. The increase is expected to raise about $275 million a year for the outdoors, water resources, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Estimates by the Department of Revenue showed that, in the first year, the water resources and outdoors categories each stand to receive $77.2 million, while $46.2 million would go to arts and cultural heritage projects. Details on A1.
TOUGHER ON CHILD SEATS: Parents will also have to put children under 8 years of age in child restraint seats or risk a petty misdemeanor and a $50 fine. The new law also applies to children under 4 feet 9 inches tall. The fine will be waived if the driver can prove he or she has purchased a proper system within 14 days.
COMING TO RIVERS AND LAKES -- A MOVE-OVER LAW: Boaters will be required to maintain a slow/no-wake speed within 150 feet of enforcement watercraft that are flashing emergency lights. The so-called move-over law is intended to provide the same protection for watercraft enforcement officers as similar laws do for police, state patrol and other emergency response personnel.
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Current state office holders
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
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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