Week in Review: Feb. 17-21

It was a big week for big issues in the House of Representatives. Members debated measures meant to address housing shortages, early childhood education, farm safety, climate change, transportation safety and elections security, to name a few.  

And a number of major bills have already navigated through the committee process and could soon be back on the House Floor, including the background checks on gun transfers (HF8), “red flag” (HF9) and emergency insulin (HF3100) bills.

WATCH A look back at the week 

The coming week may see additional evening meetings as members will have a 24-hour break beginning at noon Tuesday in order to attend precinct caucus events around the state. However, meetings are still scheduled for Tuesday morning and set to resume at 12:45 Wednesday afternoon. But before we look ahead, here’s one more look at the last 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

Ag safety advocates say farming has changed — now state law needs to

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14086

Lawmakers want state better prepared for animal disease outbreaks

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14067

BONDING

Minnesota State, U of M lay out bonding priorities

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14071

BUSINESS & COMMERCE

With drug prices stretching patients thin, lawmakers pitch commission to help control prices

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14082

CIVIL LAW
House bill targets ICE agreements with Minnesota county jails

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14083

EDUCATION

More privacy protections proposed for data from school-issued tech devices

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14085

Early childhood division OKs ‘Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14084

‘Increase Teachers of Color Act’ clears education policy committee

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14081

Education policy division OKs pair of anti-vaping bills

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14073

Early childhood initiatives could get $500 million boost

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14066

ELECTIONS

Ranked-choice voting bill advances in House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14076

House committee approves automatic delivery of absentee ballots

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14064

EMPLOYMENT

Bill aims to stop forcing women to 'choose between their careers and their children'

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14063

ENERGY

Nearly $200 million in grants and rebates focus of climate change proposal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14087

‘Coal holiday bill’ would make seasonal shutdowns possible

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14068

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Experts detail advance of ash borer before House panel

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14088

Task force proposed to tackle problems posed by 'forever chemicals' in state's groundwater

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14077

What are Minnesota officials doing about ‘forever chemicals’ in foam and fish?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14061

GAME AND FISH

Disposal critical in fight against chronic wasting disease, lawmakers hear

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14072

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

For parents in public with a diaper to change, relief could be on way

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14080

Senior safety improvements reported to House Long-Term Care Division

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14060

HIGHER EDUCATION

To close funding gap, Minnesota State seeks $54 million

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14079

HOUSING

$500 million in bonds proposed to create, maintain affordable housing statewide

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14075

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bill allowing judges to consider parental status in sentencing heads to House Floor

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14078

'Finally, victims will have justice' — House panel hears bill requiring rape kits be tested

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14070

Bill to limit police use of drones heads to House Floor

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14069

Starting Line: Proposal puts onus on “no gun zone” property owners

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14058

STATE GOVERNMENT

To help stem wave of opioid overdoses, partnership seeks state funds to step up awareness

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14065

Committee deadlines likely to be pushed back in bid for more time

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14062

TAXES

Worried about tax law changes? Relax, Revenue is on it

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14074

Local governments seek House OK for tax-raising referenda

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14059

TRANSPORTATION

House division OKs pilot transit ambassador program in effort to boost safety on trains

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/14089