This week the legislature focused on ongoing committee work as legislators race to get their bills heard before the first committee deadline (March 25). The House and Senate held 102 committee meetings, up from 88 last week; a total of 414 bills have been introduced in the legislature. In addition to Monday and Thursday floor sessions, the Senate held an additional floor session on Wednesday to process bills to be referred to their next committee.
Bill to Allow Sports Betting Advances Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL–Coon Rapids) and Rep. Pat Garafalo (R–Farmington) are spearheading a bipartisan effort in the House to legalize sports gambling. HF 778 would make sports betting safer via regulation and would channel tax revenue to address problem gambling and youth sports. If passed, legal sports betting could take place at Native American casinos and through mobile applications operated by the tribes. The bill is supported by the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, which represents 10 different tribal nations across the state. Tuesday, the bill was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was re-referred to the State Government Finance and Elections Committee by a vote of 14-4. Governor Urges Divestment from Russian Entities
This morning marked the 16th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Gov. Tim Walz has responded to the invasion by encouraging the legislature to pass a bill “to direct the State Board of Investment to withdraw investments in Russian businesses and institutions”. This request, sent Monday, comes after his executive order last week to prevent state agencies from contracting with Russian entities.
A bipartisan coalition of the House and Senate have also introduced legislation to divest Minnesota’s state pension fund from Russia and codify Gov. Walz’s Executive Order.
Governor Signs Three Bills into Law
On March 4, Gov. Walz signed SF 2774, SF 2957 and SF 1782 into law. SF 2774 is a technical reorganization of the Disability Waiver Rate System, resulting in statutes that will be easier to read and amend. SF 2957 allows retired and pensioned health care workers to return to work without any impact to their pension. SF 2957 will be in effect through Dec. 31, 2023. SF 1782 will allow cities and townships to establish local inflow and infiltration prevention programs, with the goal of lowering the cost of inspecting, repairing and replacing sewer service laterals. As session progresses, more bills will head to the governor for his signature. You can see the governor’s action on bills here.
ALS Research Funds Pass the Senate
In an emotional floor session Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill providing $25 million in research funds and $5 million in grants to help find a cure for ALS and to assist individuals and families struggling with the disease. The bill was inspired by Sen. David Tomassoni (I–Chisholm), who has been diagnosed with ALS. Several senators stood to share memories of their work with Sen. Tomassoni, speaking to his dedication, mentorship, and willingness to compromise. “This is a bill for hope,” said Sen. Tom Bakk (I–Cook), speaking for Sen. Tomassoni. The bill will be heard in the House next week, where it is expected to be “fast-tracked” for final passage.
Dates to Remember
Friday, March 25 — Committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin.
Friday, April 1 — Committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.
Friday, April 8 — Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
Friday, April 8–Monday, April 18 — Easter/Passover/Spring Break for legislature.
Retirements Here is the updated list of retirements as of Thursday, March 10.
House Retirements
Shelly Christensen (DFL–39B)
Jim Davnie (DFL–63A)
Bob Dettmer (R–39A)
Sondra Erickson (R–15A)
Rod Hamilton (R–22B)
Alice Hausman (DFL–66A)
Todd Lippert (DFL–20B)
Dale Lueck (R–10B)
Carlos Mariani (DFL–65B)
Paul Marquart (DFL–4B)
Tim Miller (R–17A)
Jeremy Munson (R–23B)
Steve Sandell (DFL–53B)
Jen Schultz (DFL–7A)
Mike Sundin (DFL–11A)
Ami Wazlawik (DFL–38B)
Senate Retirements
Melisa Lopez Franzen (DFL–49)
Greg Clausen (DFL–57)
Chris Eaton (DFL–40)
Michael Goggin (R–21)
Bill G. Ingebrigtsen (R–8)
Susan Kent (DFL–8)
Mary Kiffmeyer (R–30)
Scott Newman (R–18)
Jerry Newton (DFL–37)
John Poston (R–9A)
Julie Rosen (R–23)
David Tomassoni (I–6)
Patricia Torres Ray (DFL–63)
Chuck Wiger (DFL–43)
House members running for the Senate
Steve Green (R–2B) running for SD 2
Cal Bahr (R–31B) running for SD 31
Steve Drazkowski (R–21B) running for SD 21
Barb Haley (R–21A) running for SD 21
Tony Jurgens (R–54B) running SD 54
Eric Lucero (R–30B) running for SD 30
Kelly Morrison (DFL–33B) running for SD 33
Jordan Rasmusson (R–8A) running for SD 8
Tou Xiong (DFL–53A) running for SD 53
Andrew Carlson (DFL–50B) running for SD 50
Tama Theis (R–14) running for SD 14
House members running for other positions:
Rena Moran (DFL–65A) intends to run for Ramsey County Commissioner
Jeremy Munson (R–23B) intends to run for First U.S. Congressional District
Ryan Winkler (DFL–46A) intends to run for Hennepin County Attorney
Senators running for other positions:
Michelle Benson (R–31) intends to run for Governor
Karla Bigham (DFL–54) intends to run for Washington County Commissioner
Paul Gazelka (R–9) intends to run for Governor
Senate members running for the House
Jerry Newton (DFL–37) running for House seat 35B
They Said It...
“...our Ukrainian Minnesota communities are woven into the fabric of this state. Without Ukrainian Minnesotans, there is no Minnesota.” – Gov. Tim Walz
