"There are real people who are impacted," said Rep. Ruth Richardson, DFL-Mendota Heights, the bill's sponsor. "These thefts are hurting Minnesotans' pocketbooks as the replacement cost can exceed $2,000 or result in a total loss in the vehicle."
The effort to recruit more comes as the security of the capitol and state other government buildings is under a brighter spotlight, especially in the last couple of years with the 2020 civil unrest and the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol.
Panels in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature both advanced a proposal on Tuesday requiring businesses offer paid time off for workers if they are ill or need to care for a loved one.