Week in Review: Feb 12-16

The 2024 legislative session began, a special election was called, Valentine’s Day came and went, there was even some snow. All in all it was an eventful week at the Capitol.

Members returned to St. Paul Monday and welcomed a new member, Rep. Bianca Virnig (DFL-Eagan) who was sworn in Jan. 12 after winning a December special election in District 52B to fill the seat left vacant when former Rep. Ruth Richardson resigned last fall.

But the House remains short one member as the resignation of former speaker Rep. Kurt Daudt became effective Feb. 11. Gov. Tim Walz issued a Writ of Special Election that sets March 19 as the date when voters in District 27B will cast their ballots to fill that seat.

And as this week winds down, a reminder that while schools, banks and many other federal and state offices will be closed for Presidents Day on Monday, it’s business as usual in the House.

Committee meetings are planned as is a 3:30 p.m. floor session when HF2757 is the first bill is on the Calendar for the Day in 2024. It would provide tweaks meant to correct tax issues with filing season now upon us.

Have a good weekend and here’s a look back at what happened over the past week.

BONDING

Asset preservation at core of governor’s $982 million infrastructure plan

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18058

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Enhanced price-gouging legislation headed to House Floor

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18056

EDUCATION
How long do MN students have to eat lunch? Bill would mandate a 15-minute minimum

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18059

ELECTIONS
Elections panel approves bill to locate additional polling place on college campuses

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18052

EMPLOYMENT

Lawmakers want to add oral test option as preemployment alternative to drug screening

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18064

Lawmaker seeks added protections for minors appearing in online media

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18061

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Legacy committee hears $181 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund requests

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18054

GAME AND FISH

Photo of hunting, fishing license OK under House proposal

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18057

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Children with severe emotional disturbances could refuse medication

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18055

HIGHER EDUCATION

Minnesota’s higher ed enrollment is up, but officials say gaps remain to reach 2025 target

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18062

PUBLIC SAFETY

State could boost services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse with $20 million appropriation

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18063

Clarification to school resource officer law could be at hand

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18050

STATE GOVERNMENT

Lawmakers consider infrastructure advisory council to coordinate investment

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18053

Walz sets date for special election to fill former speaker’s seat

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18051

House reconvenes for 2024 session, rekindles partisan debate on hot-button issues

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18048

TAXES

House Taxes Committee approves standard deduction cleanup

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18049

TRANSPORTATION
Measure would eliminate trucking propane distinction without difference

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18060