Dear Neighbor,
My top priority this year has been to confront the abuses from the current federal administration, and from ICE in particular. There are two bills in particular that I have focused on moving forward.
Minnesota Constitutional Remedies Act
Across Minnesota, vulnerable communities are reporting aggressive enforcement tactics, arrests, and detentions that raise serious concerns about due process and constitutional protections. After the tragic deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti during encounters with federal agents, this has only shown us how careless and the lack of accountability from ICE agents. Federal agents are not above the law, and Minnesotans deserve clear pathways to seek justice when their rights are violated. That is why President Champion and I introduced the Minnesota Constitutional Remedies Act to establish the right for Minnesotans to pursue civil and monetary damages for constitutional violations, ensuring access to an independent court and meaningful remedies for those harmed by unconstitutional acts.
You can read more about this bill here.
Safety, Trust, and Respect Act
I’m really proud that my STAR Act passed through committee. The Safety, Trust, and Respect Act is a major bill that would hold ICE accountable and prohibit them from sensitive areas like courtrooms, schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities. It’s a bill that I’ve been working on for the last three years, because we anticipated long ago that Trump could do the type of terrible things we have seen. Thank you to all the tireless advocates who helped move this bill forward!
You can learn more about the Safety, Trust, and Respect Act here.
Constituent Corner
One of my favorite parts about my job is meeting with constituents. If you are ever at the Capitol, please stop by!
Welcome to Our 2026 Interns!
Welcome to our 2026 interns, Samia Abdulle and Nina Weimholt!
"Hi everyone! My name is Samia Abdulle and I am one of two interns in the office of Senator Fateh! I am currently a University of Minnesota student studying Political Science on the pre-law track. I bring an extensive background from all levels of government, and I have a strong commitment to bettering the lives of Minnesotans. In my personal time, I like to try new restaurants and cafes, watch movies, and stay active. I am looking forward to a busy and productive legislative session!"
“Hello, my name is Nina Weimholt and I am thrilled to be one of the interns for Senator Fateh's office! I am a student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Economics. In my free time I love to travel, go to concerts, and spend time with friends and family. I am dedicated to imparting empathy into any work I do, and I am enthusiastic to learn so much from this legislative session!”
Senate Considers Gun Violence Prevention Legislation
After pulling together a working group this fall in the immediate aftermath of the Annunciation Shooting, the Senate Judiciary Committee returned last week to the work of gun violence prevention.
The committee heard 17 bills with a focus on the unique harms caused by firearms, especially assault weapons, keeping firearms out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them, and having access to the research necessary to move forward policy that works to reduce gun violence.
The bills were sent out of Judiciary and will continue to make their way through the legislative process. We remain committed to reducing gun violence this session.
Senate Republicans, however, were reluctant to advance gun violence bills or even discuss the concept during this past fall’s working group hearings, and Republicans in the House have voted against the bill. Reducing gun violence shouldn’t be a partisan issue, but unless Senate Republicans start taking the safety of Minnesotans seriously it is likely to remain one.
How to Regulate Driverless Cars in Minnesota?
If you’ve seen a car topped by a camera rig cruising your neighborhood, you may have crossed paths with one of the first Waymo vehicles in Minnesota. These vehicles — which are primarily autonomous, with some intervention by remote drivers — already operate in California, Florida and Georgia. This week, the Transportation Committee heard four bills on this topic:
- SF 4618 would create a permitting process to approve autonomous vehicles’ operations and establish liability standards for crashes and traffic violations. It would address accessibility and local traffic impact concerns, workforce impacts, and protect consumers’ data privacy.
- SF 4010 would create a permitting process, overseen by MnDOT, to approve autonomous vehicles’ operations. It would pre-empt local control by prohibiting any local ordinances, requirements, and restrictions specific to autonomous vehicles, except for airport related fees or general traffic ordinances.
Visiting the Capitol
In addition to public hearings and legislative sessions, the Capitol is open to the public Monday through Saturday for public tours and many events throughout the year. There are several areas within the Capitol complex that are available to rent. The Department of Administration maintains that information on its website.
Tours: Capitol tours are run by the Minnesota Historical Society. In general, free guided tours leave at the top of the hour between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays. More information can be found on the Historical Society website.
New Security Screening: The State Capitol and Senate Building have implemented new weapons screening to prevent unauthorized firearms or dangerous weapons from entering. Those with a permit to carry will be asked to present their permit upon entry, if they are carrying a firearm, and only handguns would be allowed. These security enhancements will be in effect for the duration of the 2026 legislative session.
My Office
Contact Me
I want to hear from you!
- sen.omar.fateh@mnsenate.gov
- 651-296-4261
Newsletter Updates
Watch your inbox for this newsletter with updates about bills I am working on, district activities, program updates, and other opportunities to connect. Share with your neighbors and have them sign up here!
Sincerely,
Omar Fateh,
Minnesota Senate, District 62
Capitol Address
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg.
St. Paul, MN 55155