Overview
The 2018 legislative session was gaveled to order on February 22, 2018. First out of the gate will be the legislative funding bill – line item vetoed last session. The Legislature is also expected to work to pass federal conformity tax legislation, a bonding bill, supplemental budget bills, legislation to address the opioid epidemic, and approve further MNLARS (MN license and registration system) funding. It is a shorter session, so the pace is likely to be fast and furious.
On January 16th, Governor Dayton released a $1.5 billion bonding proposal. He seeks to invest $542 million at the University of Minnesota campuses, $998 million for such improvements as state buildings, affordable housing, and water infrastructure, among others.
The second year of the biennial legislative session is traditionally known as the bonding year. Legislators have been touring the state to observe projects requesting state funding. According to Republican legislators, their resulting bill will likely be closer to $800 million. Gov. Dayton will present his bonding proposal to the legislature in February, followed by the House and Senate Capital Investment Committees which will craft their respective packages through the committee process. A supermajority is needed to pass a bonding bill so requires more consensus.
There is not expected to be an “energy” bill this year, but there may be some bills that move independently or as part of a supplemental budget bill.