Week in Review: March 25-27

It was a short week as lawmakers began their Easter Break Wednesday evening, but many committees were able to meet at least once before taking some much-needed time away.

House offices will be closed on March 29 and, no April Fools here, members won’t officially return until a noon floor session April 2. Committees will resume meeting that afternoon as well.

Have a safe, enjoyable break and here’s a look back at what happened over the last few days.

BUDGET

Ways and Means Committee OKs proposed $512 million supplemental budget on party-line vote

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18226

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE

Commerce panel advances cannabis policy bill, tweaking landmark 2023 legislation

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18242

Medicinal cannabis users could benefit from increased home-grow limits

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18227

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

With 2026 Special Olympics USA Games on way to Minnesota, organizers seek help from state to clear final funding hurdle

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18238

EDUCATION

Funding proposed for grant program to develop cultural studies materials for Minnesota schools

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18240

Hourly school employees seek compensation for e-learning days

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18239

Bill aims to help seasonal, recreational property-heavy school districts manage low tax bases

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18231

EMPLOYMENT

Committee sends labor policy bill to the House Floor

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18233

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Increasing popularity of off-roading requires better trail planning, legislator says

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18237

ENERGY

Warmed by waste: Counties could reap fuel from food scraps

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18243

Bill seeks to remove funding barriers for renewable energy projects

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18235

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Advocates tell lawmakers Minnesota needs better accessibility to disability services

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18236

Legislation would have insurance companies cover cost of prosthetic devices

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18234

Lawmaker seeks to boost program that delivers small grants with a big impact to child care facilities

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18228

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Paper or plastic? House bill proposes to bin ban on local bag laws

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18230

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bill to promote more prison visitors could lead to better post-release outcomes, advocates say

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18232

TRANSPORTATION

Rumble strip requirement gets hearing in House transportation committee

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18229