Week in Review: March 7-11

Two weeks from today is the first committee deadline, by when committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin. And in little more than two months, 74 days to be exact, the 2022 regular legislative session must constitutionally end.

There is still plenty of time to get things done. But given all the possibilities provided by the state’s projected $9.2 billion budget surplus, and all the interests seeking some of that money, there is still a tremendous amount to do.

Don’t be surprised to see a number of extended and/or night meetings in the weeks to come, and don’t forget to “spring forward” this Sunday.

Here’s another look at what you may have missed this week. Have a good weekend.

Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

COMMERCE

Sports betting bill gets out of the gate with first committee approval

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17208

EDUCATION

Legislation would help school districts cover miles of unfunded transportation costs

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17221

Grants, scholarships proposed to prepare underrepresented student teachers of color

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17210

Goal of proposed ethnic studies program would be promoting diversity, inclusivity

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17204

MSHSL briefs House lawmakers on plan to tackle racism, harassment at school sporting events

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17200

ELECTIONS
Avoiding ballot confusion is genesis of bill awaiting action by full House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17227

Elections panel OKs bill with aim to shed ‘more sunshine’ on independent campaign expenditures

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17202

EMPLOYMENT

Workforce committee approves additional $5 million to address child care shortage

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17217

Party-line vote progresses proposed Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board to next committee

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17209

ENERGY

How should Minnesota prepare for climate change? UN report’s co-author has some ideas

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17222

House energy committee considers the cost of climate change

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17203

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Bill proposes ban of sale, use of plastic-coated pesticides and fertilizers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17215

Bill would pump $304.9 million into wastewater, drinking water treatment upgrades

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17211

Proposed moratorium on new deer farms moves on to environment committee

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17199

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health policy panel proposes more money for behavioral health homes

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17213

Easing mortuary licensing requirements would relieve funeral staff shortages, says bill sponsor

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17201

HOUSING

Protecting MN renters from radon ‘a basic responsibility’

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17219

Grant program could aid those taking in homeless youth

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17214

Partial tax exclusion plan to fund more affordable housing gets House division’s OK

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17212

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Reenlistment, commissioning bonuses OK’d for more National Guard members

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17216

PUBLIC SAFETY

‘Clean Slate Act’ would offer forgiveness for certain misdemeanor offenses

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17228

Bill seeks to lower number of PTSD retirements among cops

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17207

RECREATION AND TOURISM
Funds sought for amateur sports, training facility study in south metro

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17220

Environment committee approves proposed boater safety course, permits

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17205

Explore Minnesota could be tapped to accelerate hospitality industry hiring

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17198

STATE GOVERNMENT

Bill proposes a greater say in state government for MN youth

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17226

Legislation would scrap Columbus Day, replace with Indigenous Peoples Day as state holiday

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17218

TAXES

Fall’s property tax refunds could become part of spring income tax refunds

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17223

State tax breaks add up, annual report shows

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17206