Week in Review: Jan. 28-Feb. 1

The first month of the 2019 legislative session has wrapped up, and more than 600 bills have already been introduced in the House. An afternoon floor session Thursday capped off a bitterly cold week outdoors that saw lawmakers take on a number of important issues, among them opioid addiction, sexual assault and education funding.

Next week’s schedule looks to be busy once again, with numerous meetings scheduled — including the House Corrections Division hearing at the prison in Stillwater that was rescheduled due to the weather. The agriculture division also has two meetings on its agenda for “Food Week” that will examine the issue of food insecurity. A number of experts are set to testify.

The House is scheduled to meet in session at 3:30 p.m. Monday.

But before looking too far ahead, let’s look back 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

House ag division considers increase in farm legal aid funding

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13530

CIVIL LAW

Lawmakers consider compelling law agencies to disclose how they use location-tracking warrants

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13533

EDUCATION

House panel gets rundown of the state’s early learning initiatives

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13534

School districts grapple with growing special education funding gap

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13532

Bill would establish framework for educational grant applicants

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13527

Leaders share strategies on tackling the opportunity gap

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13521

Starting Line: A reminder that college isn't the only option post-high school

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13508

ELECTIONS

Elections panel OKs automatic voter registration

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13523

EMPLOYMENT

Labor committee approves paid family and medical leave bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13525

Amended furloughed employee loan bill receives division approval

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13518

ENERGY

Minnesota municipalities share renewable energy success stories

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13531

Division hears best ways to achieve energy savings in coming decade

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13517

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Bill seeks to bring community input into pollution violation agreements

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13522

House panel learns of current challenges to state’s waters

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13509

GAME AND FISH

Agriculture panel examines state’s response to chronic wasting disease

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13514

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Comprehensive approach intended to prevent, address opioid epidemic

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13528

Pilot program could prevent opioid overdoses through follow-up services

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13516

Concerns of fraud in Child Care Assistance Program overshadow overview

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13513

Senior safety takes center stage in House Long-Term Care Division Discussions

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13510

Lawmakers seek solutions to opioid scourge during Mille Lacs meeting

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13507

HIGHER EDUCATION

University research, budgets take a beating from federal shutdown

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13526

HOUSING

Manufactured and modular homes could become neighbors

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13529

PUBLIC SAFETY

‘Survivors must lead the way’ to sex crime law reform

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13535

Grabbing clothing over buttocks could result in charges if exclusion erased

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13524

'Minnesota will not let indigenous women continue to vanish'

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13519

House panel OKs bill to eliminate ‘marital exception’ in sexual misconduct cases

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13515

STATE GOVERNMENT

Committee approves bill to eliminate Legislative Budget Office

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13511

TAXES

Tax credit could be modified to accommodate stillbirths out of state

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13520

Ambulance and firefighting equipment tax exemption sought

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13512