Week in Review: Feb. 1-5

During a week that began with Groundhog Day, it may not be surprising that one of the themes to House meetings over the past few days was legislation that’s been heard before.

From a bill (HF8) in the health finance committee that would change how public health care programs purchase prescription drugs, to a bill (HF151) in the environment committee to appropriate $70 million in environmental trust fund spending, and another (HF7, in the labor committee) to provide paid sick leave, lawmakers revived some familiar topics and debates.

There was even another push started in the state government committee (HF72) to allow daylight saving time to stay in place year-round, and the week ended with a joint hearing Friday of the environment and agriculture committees to discuss the ongoing threat Minnesota trees face from the emerald ash borer.

Next week’s House business will begin at 8:30 a.m. Monday with a House Ways and Means Committee hearing that features several bills, including HF445, which would establish a ‘SAFE’ program meant to reimburse law enforcement agencies for costs that may be incurred in the months to come as trials commence for the killing of George Floyd.

Be sure to check the weekly schedule for updates on the days ahead, and let’s take one more look at what you may have missed 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

Mental health, hemp-tracking software prioritized in agriculture budget

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15536

BONDING

Storm warning: Experts say plan now for state infrastructure damage — or pay more later

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15542

BUDGET

Governor's jobs budget targets workers, businesses amidst 'unprecedented' times

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15534

CIVIL LAW

House passes bill to clarify and extend court deadlines

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15565

Bill aims to create a ‘fair system’ by reforming civil asset forfeiture laws

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15558

EDUCATION

Walz proposes $745 million in new state aid for E-12 education

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15561

Proposal to diversify the teacher workforce receives a second hearing

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15550

Public weighs in on racial justice recommendations for MN schools

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15535

EMPLOYMENT

DFL proposal would expand paid sick leave to workers statewide

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15546

In effort to close wage gap, employers could be prohibited from asking about past salaries

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15538

ENERGY

Homeowners associations wouldn't have power to say no to solar under bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15563

Could refinancing be an option for retired power plants?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15545

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Millions of dollars needed to stem emerald ash borer's spread, experts say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15568

Lawmakers consider removing hurdle in holding PFAS polluters accountable

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15566

State officials say COVID-19’s been good for park visits, bad for monitoring water

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15551

House panel OKs $71 million in conservation trust-funded projects

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15543

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Boost to local public health grants could support prevention efforts across state

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15556

Bill seeks more upfront transparency in health care costs

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15555

MFIP reporting changes proposed to help families get out of deep poverty

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15553

Helping people with disabilities live outside nursing homes helps maintain dignity, advocate tells lawmakers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15552

Parental consent may not be required for some teens to get mental health assistance

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15549

Lawmakers hear of ‘broken economic model’ that hinders early learning, child care

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15541

Support, mentorship for parents helps families reunite

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15540

State prescription drug purchasing program wins narrow approval in health committee

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15537

HIGHER EDUCATION

Private College Council requests increased funding for the state grant program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15547

HOUSING

Long-term boost to emergency services funding another proposal aimed at tackling MN homelessness crisis

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15560

Help could be coming for emergency shelters after House panel OKs funding boost

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15548

Bill proposes ongoing assistance for state's struggling renters

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15539

PUBLIC SAFETY

Measure mandating local governments to create civilian oversight of law enforcement clears public safety panel

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15569

Legislation to exclude white supremacists from police ranks advances in House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15564

Proposed ‘SAFE’ account aims to reimburse mutual aid costs for critical incidents

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15544

STATE GOVERNMENT

House panel hears bill to give Legislature say in COVID-19 response, but takes no vote

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15570

Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity proposed to shore up state systems

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15559

Is it time to end 'spring ahead, fall back?'

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15557

TAXES

Walz tax proposal: Supporting 'those who have been hurt the most’ or ‘class warfare?’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15567

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation committee approves limits on driver’s license suspensions

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15562

VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS

Panel OKs updating veterans law to ensure adult day program's standing

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15554