What is Minnesota’s Viral ‘Grandparents Happy Hour’ Bill?

A bill has been introduced in the state of Minnesota that has gotten a lot of attention across the country. It's nicknamed the 'Grandparents Happy Hour' bill and basically, it's a bill to allow nursing homes and assisted living homes to serve alcohol during events.

The reason for all of the attention? Because of an assisted living resident who spoke to Minnesota lawmakers about the bill last week.

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Minnesota's Grandparents Happy Hour Bill

What is this Grandparents Happy Hour bill?

Right now, if places like nursing homes, boarding care homes and assisted living facilities want to host an event for residents that includes serving alcohol, they need to obtain a liquor license.

This bill would allow these places to serve alcohol at organized events, but they would need to "notify the state and follow certain safeguards," according to People.

Woman Who Testified for Minnesota's Grandparents Happy Hour Bill

The woman who testified and is getting lots of attention on social media is named Anita LeBrun.

She lives at Amira Choice in Champlin, which is the assisted living facility who spearheaded this bill when they were planning a special event for their residents and realized they would need to obtain a liquor license.

In her testimony, she says, "Just because we’re older and live in assisted living doesn’t mean that we should have fewer freedoms than anyone else." She talks about how have a drink with friends can allow for natural and meaningful connections.

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Personally, I don't see why this shouldn't be passed. It allows residents at these assisted living homes to have a drink like the old days and hang out with their friends.

Plus, as was pointed out in the House Committee Meeting, places like assisted living homes already go through tons of regulations already and, as People writes "requiring a separate liquor license ... is 'simply red tape without value. It is duplicative, not protective.'"

The full video of the House Committee meeting is below, but Anita speaks around 7:30.