Week in Review: Feb. 17-21

Things are picking up in the House.

Lawmakers debated, rejected and tabled their first bill on the House Floor this week. HF20 would make data collected by the attorney general’s office classified as private only if it were truly data “on individuals.” After it failed to receive the 68 votes needed to pass, a motion to reconsider the bill prevailed and the bill was then tabled on a split-voice vote.

Crowds showed up to testify in several committee hearings this week. It was standing room only in the House Education Policy Committee Wednesday when a bill to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports in Minnesota was sent to the House Floor on a party-line vote.

Have a restful weekend before another busy week next week.

Here’s a look back at what happened over the last few days.

AGRICULTURE

More than $1 million boost proposed for farm business management programs

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18484

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Bill aims to defray costs of new health insurance mandates

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18499

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Bill proposes $1.5 million grant to boost work of Hmong American Partnership

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18486

Bipartisan proposal would provide $5 million for infrastructure grant program

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18498

Critics warn of safety compromises as broadband bill advances

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18501

EDUCATION

Long bus rides, short on funds: House bills seek school transportation fix

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18488

House GOP seeks to roll back Minnesota’s ethnic studies mandate

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18492

House education panel approves bill to ban transgender athletes from girls’ sports

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18497

ELECTIONS

State-funded organizations could be barred from making political contributions

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18482

ENERGY

Dammed if they do? Committee considers lifting hydroelectric restrictions in renewable energy law

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18489

Energy committee sends proposed solar metering changes to House floor

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18505

GAME AND FISH

Minnesota’s senior anglers could hook discounted fishing license fees

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18503

HIGHER EDUCATION

U of M officials outline requested $235 million budget increase

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18504

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans’ groups push for bill to use more gambling proceeds for infrastructure

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18493

Minnesota charities push effort to roll back e-pull tab restrictions

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18495

PUBLIC SAFETY

House lawmakers target repeat offenders driving with revoked license

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18490

Bill seeks funding to expand equine therapy for first responders

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18494

Stiffer fines, more jail time for fleeing police under bill that clears public safety panel

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18496

Corrections department seeks $58 million to address safety, other needs at Rush City prison

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18502

STATE GOVERNMENT

Bill to create new state watchdog post advances in House

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18485

Free speech concerns raised over MN civil rights data collection

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18500

House debates, rejects then tables bill to change data disclosures of AG office

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18506

TAXES

Legislators raise concerns over the governor’s proposed sales tax changes

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18487

Potential market value exclusion aims to lower child care costs

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18491

TRANSPORTATION

House lawmakers eye higher fees for electric vehicle owners

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18483