Minnesota House Week in Review: April 27 to May 1

WEEK IN REVIEW

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A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 27- May 1

Monday will mark two weeks until the 2020 legislative session must constitutionally come to an end – the first Monday after the third Sunday in May. This year that’s May 18.

What will happen between now and then is even less predictable than usual given the unprecedented circumstances, but the House will certainly be busy if next week’s schedule is any indication.

Four meetings are already planned for Monday morning, before the full House is scheduled to gather remotely for a 1:30 p.m. floor session, when two bills are on the Calendar for the Day.

With the House Ways and Means Committee scheduled to have a meeting each day next week, it’s probably safe to assume Monday’s floor session could be the first of several.

But before we get to next week, here’s one last look at what you may have missed this week.

Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

AGRICULTURE
Ag panel gets first look at supplemental finance bill
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15272

Omnibus agriculture policy bill advances after negotiations with Senate
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15270

Lawmakers hear of trouble facing state’s hog farmers
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15260

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
House committee says ‘cheers’ and send omnibus liquor bill to House floor
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15276

CIVIL LAW
Bill would make state eligible for child protection, mental health federal funds
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15264

EDUCATION
Anti-lunch shaming provisions included in omnibus E-12 education bill
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15278

K-12 Innovation Research Zone Pilot program could be made permanent
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15268

Minnesota Youth Council presses on with legislative initiatives
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15266

Committee reviews pared down version of the governor’s education policy proposal
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15262

ELECTIONS
Divided division gives stamp of approval to vote-by-mail measure
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15258

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Omnibus environment and natural resources policy gets division OK
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15277

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
House committee creates, sends COVID-19 economic aid bill to floor
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15275

Division approves $2.7 million in grants to address opiate epidemic
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15271

Retired health care workers seek pension change as they provide help
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15263

Division hears about possible boost for low-income family assistance program
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15256

HIGHER EDUCATION
Minnesota’s colleges and universities brace for turbulent financial future
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15261

JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development fund could be reimbursed after COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15274

PUBLIC SAFETY
COVID-19 public safety and corrections policy bill advances
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15267

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Lawmakers advance broadband expansion bill as demand intensifies
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15257

STATE GOVERNMENT
House DFL leaders map out 2020 session’s road forward
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15259

Rep. Laurie Halverson announces she won’t seek re-election
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15255

TAXES
Local governments seek state’s OK to broaden uses for local taxes
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15273

TRANSPORTATION
Soon-to-expire driver’s licenses would get extension under transportation policy bill
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15269