Week in Review: April 8-12

It was a week when more major policy bills — public safety, elections and education — were passed by the House, which must mean conference committee season is right around the corner.

So, too, is the final committee deadline that arrives in one week on April 19, by when committees will have had to act favorably on the session’s appropriations and finance bills. (Notably, that deadline doesn't apply to the bonding, taxes or ways and means committees.)

That deadline will also mark the eve of the session’s final month, which must end by May 20.

Have a good weekend and here’s a look back at what happened over the last few days.

AGRICULTURE

Improved soil, water and climate health goal of proposed farm payment program

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18281

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Commerce committee considers measure aimed at clarifying conflicting gambling regulations

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18272

CIVIL LAW

House judiciary panel approves proposal to reform reviews of child deaths

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18273

CONSUMERS

House passes bill that calls for added protections for online ticket buyers

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18284

Defrauded homeowners could receive more from contractor recovery fund

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18276

EDUCATION

Education policy bill — including proposed student cell phone policy — passes House; conference committee expected

https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18285

ELECTIONS

Elections policy bill clears a divided House

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18271

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Child mental health services could be covered by medical assistance

https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18287

MinnesotaCare expansion unlikely in 2024, key lawmaker says

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18278

Governor’s early childhood supplemental budget proposals total nearly $37 million

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18274

HOUSING

Bill proposes creation of Office of Homelessness and Housing Supports

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18282

Electric vehicle charging stations could be required in new residential projects

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18280

Proposal would use state bonds to boost manufactured home development parks

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18279

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Lawmakers seek more remote participation in local advisory commission meetings

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18275

PUBLIC SAFETY

House passes public safety policy bill with bipartisan support

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18270

STATE GOVERNMENT

State lawmakers could return Humphrey to Washington with statue swap

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18269

TAXES

Cities, counties could impose local sales taxes to fund certain infrastructure projects

https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/18286

State tax preparation would be free for most filers under bill heard in House

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18283

Tax panel approves rent refund for child care centers

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18277