Week in Review: Jan. 31-Feb. 4

The first week of the 2022 legislative session is in the books. Lawmakers hit the ground running with a busy schedule of committee and division hearings over the past few days.

From bonding and frontline workers to broadband, housing and public safety, there were no shortage of issues that received attention.

And, while it remains to be seen whether Punxsutawney Phil – who saw his shadow Wednesday – is right about six more weeks of winter, it’s a sure bet things will only get busier in the days and weeks to come as things around the Capitol get fully up to speed.

Work continues Monday with a meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee at 10:30 a.m. followed at 1 p.m. by the agriculture, education policy, health and workforce committees. Members are then set to gather for their usual Monday 3:30 p.m. floor session, although there are no bills on the Calendar for the Day.

[WATCH Weekly recap on YouTube]

But before next week arrives, here’s a look 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.

BONDING
State’s fixer-uppers are a big part of Walz's bonding request

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17042

BUDGET

The whole picture: Should inflation be included on both sides of the budget forecast ledger?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17040

CIVIL LAW

Judiciary panel OKs bill to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, style

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17050

Proposed constitutional amendment would make gender equality a fundamental right

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17041

CONSUMERS

'Fair repair' bill aims to unlock repairs by independent providers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17048

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Broadband internet access expanding statewide, but officials say many rural areas still underserved

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17045

EMPLOYMENT

House labor panel approves extended frontline workers’ compensation presumption

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17039

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

House committee hears that when it comes to climate change, where you live matters

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17052

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Extended COVID-19 presumption for frontline workers passes House, heads to governor

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17055

DHS may waive some face-to-face requirements during COVID worker shortage

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17053

House health panel briefed on MN's COVID-19 situation, potential future trends

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17049

Citing health risks, House panel hears plan to remove lead drinking water service lines from MN homes

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17044

HOUSING

Housing stability program takes focus with state budget surplus

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17046

PUBLIC SAFETY

House panel hears civilian oversight measures in DFL public safety proposal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17056

$100 million House DFL public safety proposal gets further hearing; 'We must be innovative,' sponsor says

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17054

House lawmakers consider plan offering new way to prevent crime in MN cities

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17043

RECREATION AND TOURISM

Watch out snowmobilers — trespass penalties could increase

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17051

STATE GOVERNMENT

As lawmakers reconvene, what shape will 2022 session take?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17037

TAXES

Income tax subtraction for unemployment benefits? New legislation would bring it back

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17047