As Minnesota Legislature enters final week, Democrats race to finish priorities

By the end of next week, the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature could spend much of the state's surplus, legalize marijuana, toughen gun control laws and create a state-paid family and medical leave program.

Democratic lawmakers hope to cap a productive legislative session with action on these marquee bills before their May 22 deadline. Just last week, the Legislature passed a $1 billion housing bill and a higher education budget that would create a college tuition assistance program for Minnesota students whose families make less than $80,000 annually.

Late Friday night, the Senate passed a public safety bill that includes background checks for gun show sales and a procedure under which judges could remove guns from individuals determined to be dangerous. Senate Democrats united on the measure, one of the toughest tests of their one-vote majority.

https://www.startribune.com/as-minnesota-legislature-enters-final-week-democrats-race-to-finish-priorities/600274710/