House Unanimously Supports Tyler’s Law

Woodbury resident Kelly Lavers was feeling pretty good on Friday.

The Minnesota House on Thursday unanimously supported (131-0) the law her family has been helping push through the Legislature. The bill, known as , would require driver’s education classes to teach about the dangers of car carbon monoxide poisoning and place a question on permit tests.

Lavers’ son Tyler died from carbon monoxide poisoning in December 2010.

The bill’s House author is Rep. Andrea Kieffer (R-Woodbury).

“I am honored to help Tyler’s family pay tribute to his memory and help save lives,” Kieffer said in a statement.

Lavers, who had never been involved in the legislative process, said her efforts to pass the bill (HF650) has bee “educational and impressive.”

“It’s long and convoluted and frustrating, but it’s good,” she said.

Lawmakers on the House floor Thursday were “so sweet,” Lavers said, and recognized her family and the bill with a round of applause.

“We’re there thinking they’re doing a favor for us, but it was kind of like they were thanking us,” she said. “It’s a unique opportunity where everybody feels like a winner.”

Still, because of the circumstances surrounding the bill, the process has been emotional and bittersweet, Lavers said. If the bill isn’t passed, it would be “heartbreaking,” she said.

But Lavers said she feels good about the chances that Gov. Mark Dayton will eventually sign the bill into law and hopes members of the state Senate follows the lead of their House colleagues.

Teacher Testing

Kieffer’s bill on teacher testing also passed the house.

Currently, once licensed, teachers are allowed to teach for up to three years prior to passing a state-mandated basic skills exam, according to the release from Kieffer’s office. The bill (SF170) requires that the test be taken before teachers enter the classroom.

“This ensures that our students have teachers who are prepared to teach,” Kieffer said.

The bill has passed both legislative bodies and is on its way to Dayton.