Here are five of the new laws went into effect as of August 1 in Minnesota. These are according to the Minnesota House of Representatives, public information services.

1. Companies can limit life insurance to beneficiaries of suspected terrorists. 

A new law will give insurance companies the go-ahead in limiting life insurance payouts to beneficiaries of suspected terrorists.

If a person dies perpetrating a suspected terrorist-related act — they don't have to be convicted — the new law, sponsored by Rep. Joe Hoppe, R-Chaska, and Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, will allow insurance providers to only pay out the amount of premiums paid into a life insurance policy.

The new law states the death could be "directly or indirectly" related to furthering terrorism.

2. The word is go for a new natural gas-fueled electric plant in Becker.

A new law will provide a faster track for construction of an electric generating plant that burns natural gas.

Sponsored by Rep. Jim Newberger, R-Becker, and Sen. Andrew Mathews, R-Milaca, the law gives authority to a public utility to "construct, own, and operate" a natural gas plant "at its sole discretion."

The law doesn't name a public utility, but specifies the current site of Xcel Energy's Sherco coal-fired electrical generating plants in Becker as the location for a potential future natural gas-fired plant.

3. More can sink their teeth into good dental care.

A new law will provide Minnesotans with greater access to dental care by allowing some dental hygienists and assistants to serve patients who have not been first examined by a dentist in settings such as schools and long-term care facilities.

Hygienists will be allowed to perform procedures outside the clinic in settings where they can better reach underserved communities, provided they have a collaborative agreement with a dentist. The law doesn't change which procedures they can perform, but expands access.

Procedures they will be allowed to perform include taking vital signs, providing topical preventative agents, polishing crowns and taking x-rays without a dentist present.

4. Impersonating military, peace officer penalties increased.

The omnibus public safety law, sponsored by Rep. Tony Cornish, R-Vernon Center, and Sen. Warren Limmer, R-Maple Grove, includes some new penalties for crimes committed on or after Aug. 1, 2017.

The current misdemeanor offense of impersonating a military officer is expanded to impersonating any member of the military, or a veteran. To be convicted, an impersonator must intend to wrongfully obtain money, property or any other tangible benefit.

A gross misdemeanor is created for someone who impersonates a peace officer and attempts to gain access to a public building that is not open to the public; without legal authority, directs or orders another person to act or refrain from acting; or operates a motor vehicle marked with lettering or symbols that identify the vehicle as a law enforcement vehicle. The penalty is raised to a felony for someone with a previous violation in the past five years.

Knowingly damaging a public safety motor vehicle — including law enforcement vehicles, fire apparatuses, ambulances and marked vehicles used by conservation officers — will be a gross misdemeanor.

5. Fine to rise for stop arm violations.

A provision in the omnibus transportation law aims to protect the littlest learners.

The law increases the minimum fine from $300 to $500 for failure to stop for a school bus that has activated its stop arm and flashing red lights system, and for passing a school bus on the right when its warning light system is activated.

Rep. Paul Torkelson, R-Hanska, and Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson, sponsored the law.

Look at all the laws taking effect Aug. 1 here.

Minnesota Capitol Committee Room- Minnesota Legislative Services Photo
Minnesota Capitol Committee Room- Minnesota Legislative Services Photo
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