Repealing Abortion Laws / Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

In January, Governor Tim Walz signed into law the Protect Reproductive Options Act, also known as the PRO Act. The law codifies the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling that guarantees the right to the full spectrum of reproductive care in the state. But laws have been passed over the years that restrict reproductive options, and although those laws may not be currently enforced, Senator Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, would like to see those statutes repealed. She joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to explain her efforts to eliminate the laws.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, list prices for many prescription drugs are growing significantly faster than the rate of inflation. Physician and Senator Kelly Morrison, DFL-Deephaven, talks with Shannon about a bill that would prohibit excessive price increases for some medicines. She also explains the need for the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, a bill that would protect physicians and people who travel to Minnesota for abortion care from extradition to states that have limited or restricted access.

Also in the program, highlights from passage of a bill that boosts funding for rental assistance and a Senate Republican pitch to support a bonding bill in exchange for increased investment in tax relief, long-term care and agriculture. Finally, highlights from committee testimony on bills to help needy families access diapers and to require background checks on all firearm transfers.