Week in Review: March 4-8

It is one week before the first committee deadline and, with seven House meetings on Friday, this session is speeding right along. “Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin” by March 15. That means next week will likely be an organized blur of bill presentations, votes and recesses – either to a later time or the dreaded “call of the chair.”

A plethora of evening meetings have already begun to pop up on next week’s schedule.

But before we look ahead, however, 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

Veterinarians seek immunity for reporting animal cruelty

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13695

Plea for rural mental health aid answered by House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13688

BONDING

House passes funding change for $100 million in bonding projects

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13692

CIVIL LAW

House passes bill to let state voters decide if gender equity should be provided for in state constitution

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13723

Proposed tenant protections inspired by U of M student struggles

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13706

Bill would presume equal parenting time to divorcing couples

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13705

Bill would adjust thresholds for marijuana offenses, penalties

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13698

Bill proposes to make employees’ private social media accounts off-limits to employers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13691

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Communities could benefit from a statewide boost in business development funds

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13717

EDUCATION

Committee considers increased eligibility for school-age care programs

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13724

As snow days pile up, school districts ask lawmakers for relief

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13713

Students with dyslexia could be identified sooner

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13700

Teacher licensure system, overhauled in 2017, may see more changes

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13687

ELECTIONS

To get more accurate census, bill calls for more access for employees

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13727

House, Senate to aim for compromise on bills releasing federal election security funds

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13718

Election officials push for expanded electronic voting systems OK under state law

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13694

EMPLOYMENT

Tipped employees could get protections for credit card tips

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13715

ENERGY

All-electric future for Minnesota envisioned under bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13720

U of M, Minnesota State may get funding to help transition to renewable energy

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13696

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Increased watercraft fee would fund research, grants for aquatic invasive species

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13708

Funding request for parks and trails commission advances

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13702

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Minnesotans with disabilities need more access to maintain physical fitness

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13726

Bill to prohibit minors from marrying OK’d by House, heads to Senate

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13722

Division considers ‘Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13719

Proposals aim to increase MFIP cash benefit, help families out of poverty

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13711

Expanded bill aims to address racial disparities in state's child protection system through sweeping change

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13704

Small funding boost can go a long way in supporting mental health of people with disabilities

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13701

Industry fees could be used to offset some insulin costs

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13699

Child care centers may be able to use reusable water bottles

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13697

Increased staffing in ombudsman office could help prevent elder abuse

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13689

HIGHER EDUCATION

Children’s mental health would be focus of new U of M program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13712

Legislation aims to fill aid gap facing undocumented students

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13703

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bill aims to help courts better serve people with mental illness

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13721

Second House division approves pair of firearms-related bills

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13714

Connecting families to inmates lowers recidivism, fund seekers say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13707

Starting Line: A look at both sides of the gun bill debate

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13686

STATE GOVERNMENT

Proposed cannabis task force would examine issues surrounding legalization

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13725

With flood danger rising, lawmakers look to replenish disaster contingency account

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13710

TAXES

End appears near for corporate alternative minimum tax

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13716

Working family tax credit would expand under three bills

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13709

As development projects grow, cities ask House lawmakers to help bend the rules

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13690

TRANSPORTATION

Amended MNLARS funding bill heads to governor — but without aid for deputy registrars

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13693