Grabbing headlines in this week’s news from the House was the release Tuesday of a nonpartisan report on the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which operates U.S. Bank Stadium. It found family and friends of government officials had benefited from free football, soccer and concert tickets, along with charging the authority with sidestepping a state law requiring keeping a record of who gets free tickets.

Other issues addressed during the week include: proposals to legalize recreational use of marijuana; conversion of the Becker coal-fired plant to natural gas; and a grant program to help undergraduate students cover the cost of tuition; and replacement of the state’s aging election equipment. 

Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

Before looking ahead to next week; let’s take a look at what you may have missed this week.

AGRICULTURE

House passes $35 million farm loan bonding bill

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12481

BONDING

Governor’s bonding plan shared with capital investment committee

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12487

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Minnesota’s mining industry digging out of recent recession

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12495

EDUCATION

Proposed curriculum addition spurs discussion on economic engagement

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12483

Pre-K tax break? Incentives, deductions for expenses approved

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12484

Starting Line: Is elementary school recess still important?

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12477

Teachers, staff face challenges as incidents of student misconduct rise

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12504

ELECTIONS

House panel weighs hands-on vs. hands-off redistricting processes

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12489

Aging election equipment in need of $28 million overhaul

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12507

EMPLOYMENT

Local employment law preemption bill clears another committee

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12496

Seeking balance, bill looks for teens to call it an earlier work night

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12502

ENERGY

Becker natural gas plant bill passes House

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12508

ENVIRONMENT

Environment committee approves $103.9 million Outdoor Heritage Fund bill

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12485

Wetlands funding moves forward as counties face construction roadblock

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12505

FAMILY

Child care providers want out from developmentally disabled rule

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12501

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Palliative care advisory committee would look to improve awareness, access

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12494

Former Alzheimer’s working group should be revived, advocates say

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12500

Services for exploited youth to be expanded in proposed bill

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12488

More funds, grants could help find solutions to mental health crisis

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12503

HIGHER EDUCATION

Former House speaker among four people nominated for U of M Board of Regents

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12492

Proposed ‘last dollar’ grant would help cover college costs

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12499

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Grant program targets ‘disillusioned’ veterans in criminal justice system

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12480

Free state park entry sought for disabled veterans, active military, dependents

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12482

Minnesota Index: Active military and veterans

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12478

PUBLIC SAFETY

Courtroom demands increase, funding sought for more judges, increased salaries

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12497

Driving without a license? Consequences could become more severe

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12479

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

State’s centralized IT service under fire from some lawmakers

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12493

STATE GOVERNMENT

Report: Friends, family, government officials benefited from free suite tickets

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12491

Group of DFLers say ‘it’s time to legalize marijuana

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12506

‘Discrimination’ against Israel could cost vendors state contracts

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12486

TAXES

Tax benefit sought for retired CIA employees

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12498

TRANSPORTATION

MnDOT working to make project selection process less hazy

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12490