Week in Review: Feb. 14-18

There were nearly 50 House hearings and three floor sessions this week – all before Friday.

Plus, this was the week the newly redrawn district maps were released that will govern the state’s elections for the next decade. And the House also took on voter registration, absentee voting, no-knock warrants, paid family leave and a host of other issues over the last several days.

Monday is Presidents’ Day, but the House will be open for business and plans to hit the ground running beginning at 9 a.m. when the House Ways and Means Committee is to take up HF2900, which would appropriate $1 billion for payments to those working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agriculture, education policy and workforce and business development committees also have hearings planned, each scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Finally, there is a 3:30 p.m. floor session scheduled, although there are no bills on the Calendar for the Day.

Have an enjoyable weekend and here’s a look at what you may have missed this week.

Remember to keep up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

AGRICULTURE
Bill seeks more funding, increased eligibility for drought relief to MN farmers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17109

CIVIL LAW

House panel approves medical cannabis negotiations between state, tribal nations

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17105

COMMERCE

Liquor bills could allow nonprofits to better tap into needed funds

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17113

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Relief could be on way for northern Minnesota businesses hit hard by fires, border restrictions

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17110

EDUCATION

New comprehensive mental health positions proposed for Department of Education

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17112

Legislation proposes $25 per hour starting wage for non-licensed school employees

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17100

ELECTIONS

Minnesota’s redrawn legislative, congressional maps unveiled

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17099

Automatic absentee ballot distribution, more early voting get committee OK

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17097

Divided elections panel advances plan allowing 16-year-olds pre-registration to vote

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17092

EMPLOYMENT

State’s budget surplus could fund start of paid leave program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17096

ENERGY

Draft bill would boost state weatherization program beset by backlog

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17118

State’s electric vehicle drivers could get a charge out of federal funding

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17102

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

House panel approves certification program for salt deicing applications

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17122

Deer farmers could face more requirements to safeguard against chronic wasting disease

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17093

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Human services panel advances bill expanding data use by DHS

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17117

House health panel approves bill to help more Minnesotans access MA benefits

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17111

Funding for mental health interventions could get boost

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17106

Proposal aims to help people navigate complex guardianship systems

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17098

Proposed MinnesotaCare expansion would aid undocumented immigrants, small businesses

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17095

Access to menstrual products in schools would be required under bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17094

HIGHER EDUCATION

Student loan borrowers could see some tax relief

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17108

HOUSING

House lawmakers consider grant program to spur housing rehab, development across state

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17119

Funding for homeless emergency services grants could increase by $35 million

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17107

Cost-burdened renters could receive further assistance

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17101

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety committee OKs legislation to restrict no-knock warrants

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17124

House panel OKs bill aiming to close ‘treatment gap’ for those found incompetent to stand trial

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17116

House panel OKs bill to extend statute of limitations for wrongful death suits against police

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17103

STATE GOVERNMENT

House panel puts debate on hold over creation of new state board regulating companion animals

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17120

Bills to create Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day await House vote

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17115

Dettmer will not seek re-election in 2022

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17114

TAXES

Expanded child care credit could ease parents’ burden, bill’s supporters say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17123

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation committee calls for review of Southwest Light Rail project

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17121

Matching funds key to unlocking billions in transportation spending, committee hears

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17104