Minnesota Legislature
Northern MN helium discovery prompts proposed regulatory framework for gas, oil production
By Margaret Stevens
Perhaps best known for filling party balloons and causing Mickey Mouse voices, helium is a critical element for many industries ranging from semiconductors to fiber optic cables. One of its biggest uses is as a coolant for MRIs.
A new mining boom could be underway on the Iron Range following the discovery of a large, highly concentrated reservoir of the colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-toxic gas.
Helium’s discovery in northern Minnesota earlier this year is a win for an area that could use it, said Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely). Leaders recognized the potential immediately, he said, but soon asked the question: “Now what?”
The answer could come from HF5350 that would establish a fair royalty structure on state lands and provide environmental protections while developing the industry, said Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora), who sponsors the bill.
Recent Dailies
Commerce committee considers measure aimed at clarifying conflicting gambling regulations
By Tim Walker
Depending on how you count them, the state has at least four agencies, commissions, and boards regulating gambling in Minnesota.
That’s too fragmented and causes problems, s...
Elections policy bill clears a divided House
By Mike Cook
The November election is just under seven months away, but a plethora of changes to how and when people vote are key components of the 2024 elections policy bill.
It include...
House passes public safety policy bill with bipartisan support
By Tim Walker
Changes affecting crime victims and their rights, making criminal justice reforms, modifying predatory offender restrictions, and modifying some duties of the Department of Corr...
State lawmakers could return Humphrey to Washington with statue swap
By Margaret Stevens
Minnesota could be getting new representation in Washington D.C.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Mpls), HF5156, as amended, would appropriate $300,000 fro...
Week in Review: April 1-5
By HPIS Staff
Focus started to shift this week with members beginning to spend less time in committee meetings and more time together as a body on the House Floor. That trend should continue ...
House greenlights transportation policy bill
By Margaret Stevens
House members who voted in favor of a bill that allows registration of flying cars can make a strong case the transportation policy bill is looking toward the future. Those...
House passes proposed changes to state’s early education programs
By Jonathan Mohr
Two similar state programs that work to achieve the same goal of helping prepare young children for school would be merged under a bill passed by the House Thursday.
Members...
Higher education policy bill gets high marks in House
By Rob Hubbard
If Minnesota’s 2023 higher education law was the biggest budget bang that public colleges and universities and student scholarship programs had ever seen, then you could call th...
Staggered child tax credit payments among Walz tax recommendations
By Rob Hubbard
Among the many pieces of legislation signed into law in 2023, few are more universally praised than the child tax credit. More than one legislator has called it the most consequ...
Funds to treat water included in state’s agriculture supplemental budget ask
By Margaret Stevens
In November, the Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter that directed state agencies to take action in southeastern Minnesota to protect human health from nitrates. Earli...
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Ways and Means Committee OKs proposed $512 million supplemental budget on party-line vote
By Mike Cook
Meeting more needs or fiscal irresponsibility is one way to sum up the differences among the two parties on a supplemental spending package a year after a $72 billion state budg...
Minnesota’s projected budget surplus balloons to $3.7 billion, but fiscal pressure still looms
By Rob Hubbard
Just as Minnesota has experienced a warmer winter than usual, so has the state’s budget outlook warmed over the past few months.
On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget...
