2019: Cell phone crackdown and elder abuse are in new laws

Access Press
7/10/2019 by Access Press Staff

It’s that time of year. Bills passed by the 2019 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz began taking effect July 1, with more laws going online August 1.

Several laws taking effect this summer are being watched closely by Minnesotans with disabilities. In some cases, such as changes to the state incontinence products program, activists are still waiting for specifics from the Department of Human Services or other state officials.

Other law changes are already being publicized. Here is an overview of a few laws taking effect this summer:

Hands-free cell phone use

August 1, 2019 is when Minnesota joins 17 other states and the District of Columbia in mandating that drivers have cellphones in hands-free mode when vehicles are moving.

Much focus during the session was on families who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving. But voices were also raised in support of the law by people who have sustained disabling injuries as a result of accidents where a driver was talking or texting on a phone. Several people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries were a key part of the push to get the law passed.

Under the new law, the only exception is for emergency calls on a phone. GPS devices can still be used. But with hands-free technology on phones or GPS, have the number or address punched in before driving.

After August 1, if police see a driver holding a phone while driving, that driver can be stopped.

A violation is a petty misdemeanor. The fine is $50 fine for the first violation and a $275 fine for subsequent violations.

‘Historic’ elder abuse law

Incidents of abuse at elder housing facilities sparked much debate at the capitol in 2019. Walz signed the historic legislation into law in early June. The law will be phased in over the next two years, as much work is ahead to implement its provisions.

Minnesota had the dubious distinction of being the only state not to license assisted living facilities. The new law changes that. The change affects more than 55,000 people living in more than 1,200 facilities.

At a news conference held in conjunction with the bill’s signing, Walz said “It is not only going to improve the lives of our parents our seniors, it’s also going to be an acclamation that our democracy can still work.”

The measure was hailed as bipartisan.

Minnesota’s nursing homes have been regulated for years. The need for regulating assisted living facilities was raised as the residential mix has changed. The nursing home population statewide has dropped to fewer than 30,000 people.

Facilities must be licensed. A bill of rights for residents will be created. In January 2020, people can put a hidden camera in a resident’s room.

State lawmakers allocated $30 million to set up the new law’s protections.