Week in Review Jan. 30 – Feb. 3

The restoration of felon voting rights upon release from incarceration is an issue supporters have been working on for years at the Capitol. So too is the “Driver’s Licenses for All” proposal that would allow people without proof of legal presence in the state to drive legally.

Both objectives may have been achieved this week as the House held long debates before passing each bill for what is likely the last time.

But even as those issues culminated, others began their journey through the committee process over the past few days. The capital investment committee heard the $3.3 billion bonding request from Gov. Tim Walz, one of several hearings that featured briefings on aspects of the governor’s $65 billion budget proposal which lawmakers will have to consider in the months to come.

Bills involving gun safety, health care costs, education funding, renewable energy, environmental conservation, housing, taxes, and public safety are also on the move.

Members, staff, and everyone who follows along, had a busy week.

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

AGRICULTURE

State's noxious weed fighters could get $1 million boost in dedicated funds

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17608

BONDING

Citing ‘growing demand,’ Walz administration proposes $3 billion bonding plan

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17578

BUDGET

Attorney general's office looks for up-to-date funding in its budget request

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17605

CIVIL LAW

Bill aims to establish Minnesota as a ‘Trans Refuge’ state

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17586

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

State lawmakers seek more authority over potential Sanford-Fairview merger

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17602

Proposed $15 million loan program to reduce racial, economic disparities gets first hearing

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17595

EDUCATION

Proposal to permanently expand pre-K programs clears key committee

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17609

MN students’ mental health is suffering. More help could be on the way

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17600

School officials from across state ask lawmakers for more funds to bolster English language courses

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17598

Education committee hears funding pitch to kickstart novel schooling model

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17588

Special education funding gap would disappear under massive spending proposal

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17585

ELECTIONS
House votes to restore voting rights to felons post-incarceration

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17612

MN voters could do the electric sign at polls

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17596

DFL lawmakers push to offer paid time-off for early in-person voting

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17594

EMPLOYMENT

Lawmakers move to block ‘forever chemicals’ from kids products

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17592

House committee approves measure to free MN workers from restraints of non-compete agreements

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17590

ENERGY

More public solar projects? That's the goal of proposed grant program

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17601

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

House passes lands bill containing same provisions that failed in 2022

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17611

Legislation would direct percentage of pollution fines to impacted communities

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17603

Bill would give conservation districts a dedicated funding source

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17597

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

House panel discusses ongoing funding to expand reading program for kids

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17604

Health panel considers bill requiring more medical, dental cost transparency

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17591

Grants to lessen disparities among kids could become permanent — and receive $50 million

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17582

Medical Assistance would cover home care and homemaker services under new, bipartisan bill

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17579

HIGHER EDUCATION

Affordability, attainment key drivers in Walz's proposed higher education budget

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17607

Inflation, scholarships and safety are focus of U of M budget request

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17584

HOUSING

Countable income adjustments could aid recipients of MN housing support

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17599

With supply short, lawmaker wants homes sold to prospective homebuyers — not investors

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17593

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

VA budget proposal includes money to open doors at three new veterans homes

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17580

PUBLIC SAFETY

Public safety panels House OKs contentious gun background check bill

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17615

Public safety panel approves ‘red flag’ firearm removal

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17614

MN police may get expanded powers to use high-tech tools to track stolen vehicles

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17606

Beefed-up background checks may be coming for peace officer applicants

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17587

STATE GOVERNMENT

Juneteenth on way to becoming Minnesota's newest holiday

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17613

TAXES

Lawmakers contemplate state tax credit to ease electric vehicle, appliance purchases

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17610

Bill proposes expanding state’s working family tax credit

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17589

TRANSPORTATION

Driver’s license applicants could volunteer demographic info under bill that gains committee OK

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17583

House gives go-ahead to 'Driver's Licenses For All'

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/17581