ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature returns from Easter recess on Tuesday with a slew of bills expected to be introduced. They include a myriad of low-profile proposals, but there are also some high-profile bills in the mix, ranging from sports betting and marijuana to sports betting to transgender rights and maintenance of the state’s roads and bridges. ing.
The House and Senate convened on Feb. 12 with a far less ambitious agenda than those passed during the frenetic 2023 session, when Democrats took full control of Congress for the first time in eight years. . Right now, with little money to spend, much of the focus is on policy proposals that cost little.
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With less than two months left until the May 20th postponement deadline, here is the status of the match.
budget
The $72 billion two-year budget was mostly finalized last year. The surplus has increased to as much as $3.7 billion, but Gov. Tim Walz and Democratic legislative leaders have agreed to only add about $541 million in additional spending, with the rest going to the bank. The new spending includes $16 million for struggling emergency medical services in rural Minnesota, but some lawmakers say that’s not enough. One issue was resolved early last year when Walz signed a fix for an error that could cost taxpayers about $350 million next year.
Morning light shines on the Minnesota State Capitol Building in St. Paul on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The Minnesota Legislature returns from Easter break on Tuesday with a slew of bills. They include a myriad of lower-profile proposals, but there are also some high-profile bills in the mix, from marijuana and sports betting to transgender rights and maintenance of the state’s roads and bridges. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
bonding
The main issue this session is the public infrastructure borrowing package, known as the bond bill. Walz proposed a combination of $982 million in debt and cash. The final package is expected to have a modest focus on maintaining existing infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and water treatment facilities. A bond bill would require a 60% supermajority, so some Republican votes would be needed.
sports betting
Supporters are trying to get it across the finish line. However, politics is difficult to thread. Under the ongoing proposal, on-premises and online gambling through apps would be under the control of tribal casinos. But his two racetracks in Minnesota want to get in on the action. Backers have reached revenue-sharing agreements with charities that rely on gambling revenue that has been reduced by regulations enacted last year on electronic pull-tab games. One version includes a ban on betting after the game has started to deter problem gamblers. Nothing is likely to pass without bipartisan support.
cannabis
Lawmakers are making dozens of amendments to last year’s law that legalized recreational marijuana. A lot of it is technical. However, there is debate about giving “social equity applicants” harmed under previous prohibitions a head start on obtaining cannabis business licenses. Officials have not predicted when retail sales will begin across the state. He already has walk-in clinics in two tribes, and at least one more is under construction.
police
Lawmakers voted early in the legislative session to give clear powers to school resource officers, resolving a controversial issue. About 40 police departments pulled their officers from schools under restrictions enacted last year. A bipartisan compromise passed with support from law enforcement would ensure that officers can use prone restraints on students, while requiring better training and standards. .
vote
A floor vote on the Minnesota Voting Rights Act could come soon. This is a move by Democrats to fill the gap left by the court in the landmark 1965 federal Voting Rights Act. A federal appeals court ruling last year stripped individuals in seven states, including Minnesota, of their right to sue under federal law to challenge voting practices or procedures they believe discriminate on the basis of race. Ta.
religion
Religious groups were not exempt from gender identity protections added to state human rights laws last year. In the name of religious freedom, Republicans have tried to make exceptions three times this year. They say it is necessary to protect the rights of religious groups and schools to govern themselves and make clergy and personnel decisions in accordance with their doctrine. Democrats have so far blocked the Republican push, with some calling it an attack on the transgender and nonbinary community.
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Minnesota era
Advocates are still trying to rally support for enshrining abortion protections and rights in the state constitution. The state-level Equal Rights Amendment against sex discrimination passed the Senate last year, but time ran out in the House over language on abortion and gender-affirming care. Supporters have not yet introduced the updated language. If the amendment moves forward, it would be placed on the 2026 ballot.
assisted suicide
A proposal to allow physician-assisted suicide for patients with less than six months to live has had several hearings in the House of Representatives, but is not expected to pass this year. House leaders say the issue has received a lot of public attention, especially in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim one-vote majority and at least one Democratic senator. He also says that he has not received any. It is opposed.
