Unusual and unpredictable don’t even begin to describe all that’s happened this week. Regular House business increasingly gave way to meetings about COVID-19 and the issues that accompany the virus, at the Capitol and far beyond.
The week ended with all House business postponed until after an 11 a.m. floor session on Monday, March 16.
Legislative leaders are said to be in close contact with Gov. Tim Walz about the days ahead, and more should soon be known about what the Legislature will do, and when. But when circumstances change quickly, plans do too. So please stay up-to-date on House news at Session Daily.
But before we look ahead, here’s one last look at the past week. And check out the latest gallery from House Photography.
WATCH Weekly recap on our YouTube channel
AGRICULTURE
Lawmakers consider proposal for grain bin safety app
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15195
BUDGET
Walz unveils lean supplemental budget proposal in face of virus uncertainty
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15196
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
Want a plastic straw? Under House bill, you'll have to ask
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15187
CONSUMERS
Lawmakers consider toughest robocall regulations in the nation
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15181
CIVIL LAW
New post-conviction relief exception sought for those facing deportation
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15188
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Business development funds could expand programs, connect Greater Minnesota
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15174
EDUCATION
Education division considers funding changes to Head Start programs
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15197
Students may have more opportunities to participate in service-learning activities
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15192
Proposal would explicitly prohibit schools from using seclusion as a disciplinary practice
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15183
Division considers proposal to reduce youngest learners’ device usage
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15177
EMPLOYMENT
Bill aims to close gender wage gap by banning employers from asking about past salaries
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15198
ENERGY
Renewable energy funding bill emerges; electric vehicle rebates OK’d
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15176
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Panel endorses $7 million in funding for Clean Water Fund projects
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15199
Air polluters would get more scrutiny under bill
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15179
House water panel considers council to help get the lead out of Minnesota water
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15169
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
House leaders announce package of COVID-19 preparedness legislation
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15189
Allowing raw cannabis could help state's budding medical program cut cost, increase access
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15184
Emergency powers, loan program sought for COVID-19 response
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15175
Lawmakers rush funding to governor's desk to fight COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15171
PCA program changes could lead to increased wages, improved outcomes
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15170
HIGHER EDUCATION
What is pharmacogenomics? Maybe a life saver
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15191
Requiring prorated rents could ensure college students get what they pay for
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15185
HOUSING
Advocates call for funding increase to address rise in MN homeless population
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15193
MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Bill aims to speed support to homeless veterans
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15182
PUBLIC SAFETY
Bill aims to ensure constitutional rights of county jail inmates
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15201
Disaster Assistance Contingency Account funds head to governor
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15200
Short-term sentenced offenders could remain in county jail, not go to prison
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15186
Lawmaker wants more DWI offenders to use ignition interlock
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15180
STATE GOVERNMENT
House committee, workplace changes to be implemented
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15204
Walz wants quick action on COVID-19 response package as Legislature to remain open
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15202
Fabian will not seek re-election
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15172
TAXES
Volunteering to drive may become a more tax-friendly task
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15194
Could the state expand free tax filing options?
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15173
TRANSPORTATION
Requirements for railway safety inspection program head to House Floor
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15190
Following cities’ lead, Minnesota counties could set own speed limits