Week in Review: Jan. 23-27

Another lengthy floor session wrapped up another busy week in the House. Members debated for more than seven hours before passing HF7 that would require utilities in the state to produce electricity from entirely carbon-free sources by 2040.

The House also passed proposed legislation that would require state officials to include inflation on both sides of the ledger when making budget forecasts.

Another controversial bill is scheduled on the Calendar for the Day Monday, meaning another extended floor session could occur. HF4 would allow people to get a driver’s license or state identification card without proof of legal presence in the United States.

Monday’s schedule also includes a morning meeting of the House Ways and Means Committee and afternoon gatherings of the capital investment, human services and veterans panels, as well as a joint hearing of the commerce and health committees

Members will then convene for a 3:30 p.m. floor session.

But before then, have an enjoyable weekend, stay warm, and here’s a look back at what you may have missed over the last week.

AGRICULTURE

State agriculture officials seek additional $117 million over next four years

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17556

BUDGET

House OKs bill to include inflation on both sides of budget forecast

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17576

Gov. Walz's proposed budget largest in state history, includes $8 billion in tax cuts

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17557

CONSUMERS

Governor’s budget request aims to give Border to Border Broadband a boost

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17573

Commerce committee approves bill aimed at bringing halt to price gouging by drug companies

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17550

CIVIL LAW

MN voters could get vote on amendment to remove exception allowing slavery as criminal punishment from state constitution

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17553

EDUCATION

Walz administration seeking $7 billion to boost funding for schools across state

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17574

Proposal to add mental health positions at Education Department gets a preliminary passing grade

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17566

ELECTIONS
Should Minnesota move to a permanent absentee voter list? Supporters say it would streamline voting; opponents question security

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17560

EMPLOYMENT

House OKs legislation extending unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range workers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17547

ENERGY

House passes carbon-free energy requirement after bill generates lively debate

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17575

Bill would give utility customers the power to appeal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17555

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Highways for Habitat pollinators program would require MnDOT to ditch current green space practices

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17568

Anglers may celebrate a closer look at Minnesota’s funkier fish

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17565

FAMILY

Divided workforce committee advances paid family and medical leave proposal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17562

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

‘Reproductive Freedom Defense Act’ seeks to protect patients, providers and visitors

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17572

First responders may be on track for horse-assisted mental health therapy

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17571

Budget proposal includes new state agency focused on kids, families

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17569

Minnesota Council on Disability requests budget increase

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17558

HIGHER EDUCATION

Student loan tax credit would grow tenfold under bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17563

HOUSING

Tenants could be temporarily sheltered from non-payment evictions

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17567

Forget fees — under bill, MN tenants could sidestep landlord entry and additional charges

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17559

$1 billion bonding request would open doors to affordable housing, advocates say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17549

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

More local governments could broaden their investment opportunities

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17552

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Hot meals for 200 more veterans in need could be delivered under new proposal

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17545

PUBLIC SAFETY

As heists surge, lawmakers consider cracking down on catalytic converter thefts

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17548

RECREATION AND TOURISM

State officials seek millions to help state tourism industry market Minnesota getaways

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17564

STATE GOVERNMENT

‘Moving Technology Forward for Minnesotans’ theme of requested MNIT budget increase

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17570

TAXES

Student loan tax credit would grow tenfold under bill

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17563

Proposed 'Great Start Child Care Credit' could put money back in parents’ pockets

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17554

TRANSPORTATION

Lawmakers explore ways to ease effects of gas-to-electric vehicle transition

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17561

Route to new commuter normal could run through I-494 commission, bill supporters say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17551

House paves way for $315 million in federal funds to improve infrastructure

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17546