With most committees, subcommittees and divisions up and running again, an increasingly hectic schedule looks likely as the first deadline is less than three weeks away.
From guns to MNLARS to audits of auditors, there were no shortage of hot-button issues heard this week at the Legislature. But a number of other meetings offered overviews or introductions that set the stage for the work to come, and lawmakers received good news in the form of a $329 million projected budget surplus they now have to work with.
Before looking ahead to next week let’s take a look at what you may have missed this week.
Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.
AGRICULTURE
More money needed for farmer loan program
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13017
Minnesota growers hope new initiative can uncork state’s wine potential
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13029
BONDING
State agency and education officials detail preservation bonding requests
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13025
State officials pitch bonding requests to improve sex offender program, health testing lab
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13021
EDUCATION
Education committee approves measure aimed at preventing sex trafficking
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13018
Intermediate school districts seek support through new innovation grant
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13032
New special education working group gains traction
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13036
Committee OKs measure intended to improve outcomes for students with dyslexia
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13041
ENVIRONMENT
Audit: Pollution Control Agency failed to validate contractor payments
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13020
Outdoor heritage funding gets early committee approval
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13033
3M settlement brings $850 million boost for water, natural resources projects
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13037
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Rare disease council creation gets committee OK; MNsure repeal discussed
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13016
We’re fixing the elder abuse backlog, officials say
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13028
Child care access subcommittee hears emotional testimony from providers
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13027
Bipartisan push for ‘penny a pill’ on Opioid Awareness Day
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13039
HIGHER EDUCATION
Committee reviews regent selection process, shares concerns
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13035
PUBLIC SAFETY
Pair of gun bills lead to passionate debate — but no committee vote
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13040
Time improvement sought for sexual assault examination kit testing
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13023
Should life without parole be a sentence for the most heinous juvenile offenders?
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13030
STATE GOVERNMENT
State auditor’s report could harm private CPA firms, legislative auditor says
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13019
Subcommittee’s work on revising House sexual harassment policy begins
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13012
2018 committee deadlines set
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13022
Bill would help fund community food shelves in towns
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13015
State projects $329 million budget surplus in latest forecast
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13026
Audit: DEED should be more transparent about the Minnesota Investment Fund
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13034
TAXES
Proposed electricity tax exemption could give jolt to residential customers
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13031
Tax bill could give marijuana manufacturers room to breathe
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13038
TRANSPORTATION
No emergency funds for MNLARS, threatening progress on struggling system
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13042
State officials seek more funding for malfunctioning MNLARS, but transportation chair unimpressed
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13024
MnDOT study explores tolling expansion
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13014
VETERANS AFFAIRS
How to combat the military recruiting shortage? Require counselors to suggest it http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13013