Week in Review: Feb. 10-14

It was a busy first week for House committees, with several going into the evening.

Committees heard presentations about budget proposals and topic overviews as lawmakers prepare for the work ahead in the coming months.

The first bills of session have begun moving through committees. This week saw proposed legislation approved including delaying the start of the paid family leave program, boosting penalties for crimes and providing property tax relief for some veterans.

The new House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee also held its first meeting this week as it aims to better prevent fraud involving taxpayers’ money.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and stay warm!

AGRICULTURE

State poised to power planes with pulp, not petroleum

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18454

CIVIL LAW

Wide-ranging crime bill would boost penalties, establish new crimes

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18465

Bill would enhance maximum penalty for prostitution of a minor

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18471            

Bill aims to increase public access to state attorney general data

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18477

COMMERCE

State’s cannabis office outlines budget needs, policy plans ahead of marketplace launch

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18458

Commerce officials review budget needs for upcoming biennium

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18468

House members voice concern over fraud investigators’ move to BCA

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18476

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Proposal would put brakes on paid leave program for one year

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18474

EDUCATION

Walz budget proposes education funding cuts amid predicted deficit

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18464

ENERGY

Energy committee approves measure lifting MN nuclear moratorium, delaying renewable standards

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18463

Energy committee signs off on regulatory shortcuts for data centers

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18479

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

House Republicans push for streamlined environmental permitting process

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18480

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health, human services budgets propose solutions for increasing costs

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18456

‘Born alive’ bill ignites emotional debate, advances to House Floor

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18470

Proposed human services budget would slash spending by $1.3 billion, lawmakers hear

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18478

HIGHER EDUCATION

House higher ed panel OKs bill to restrict state aid for undocumented immigrants

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18462

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Property tax relief could increase for some veterans with disabilities

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18466

Legion halls across Minnesota could face closure without relief, House panel hears

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18467

STATE GOVERNMENT

New House oversight panel aims to stop misuse of state grant dollars

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18452

Bill seeks to boost state agency accountability

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18457

Stronger protections proposed for state employees reporting waste, fraud

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18460           

House lawmakers consider ‘Parent’s Bill of Rights’

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18472

Legislation to encourage innovation, cost savings heads to full House

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18475

TAXES

Taxes committee approves expanded exemption for baby products

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18459

Should state’s constitution be amended to return budget surpluses to taxpayers?

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18461

House lawmakers consider phasing out estate tax

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18473

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation committee considers governor’s budget proposals

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18453

Social Security subtraction, repeal of delivery fee clear House committee

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18455

Citing cost concerns, House GOP bill moves to pause spending on light rail projects

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18469