Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ben Lien (DFL)

Back to profile

Legislative Update - April 21, 2016

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Greetings from the Floor,

Bills passed by the House this week were:

  • HF 2994: Technical changes to the Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Association approved by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council

  • HF 3102: Gambling manager provisions modified, raffles provided, prize limits increased, and local regulation prescribed

  • HF 3252: Modifications to real estate licensure for active duty military members, veterans and their spouses

  • HF 3281: Technical clarifications to raffle boards brought by the Gambling Control Board

  • HF 2478: Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council omnibus bill

  • HF 2514: Host community economic development grants modified

  • HF 2870: Community correction subsidy program modifications

  • HF 3175: Background checks for driving instructors required

  • SF 2503: Buffer strip modification and clarification

  • SF 2614: Technical changes to PIPELINE program

The third committee deadline is today.  Deadlines are set for bills to be heard in committees and either put into omnibus bills or referred to the House floor for debates and votes by the entire body.  Bills can be introduced anytime during the session, but the Legislature establishes deadlines for committee action on bills.  The first and second committee deadlines were for policy bills and bills which originated in the Senate.  The third deadline is for committees to act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.  Late last week and earlier this week committees wrapped up their work and most of our time will now shift to the House floor for debate.  This House does not have any official business tomorrow in observation of Passover.

Gov. Dayton proclaimed April 17-23 as Water Action Week in Minnesota to call attention to the challenges facing our lakes, rivers, and drinking water systems.  The governor and members of his Cabinet visited classrooms, water treatment facilities, research institutions and farms to learn more about Minnesota’s waters and what every day solutions may be.  More information from the governor’s office can be found here:http://mn.gov/governor/issues/wateraction/index.jsp.

Thank You for the Opportunity to Serve,

Ben