Medical Marijuana

May 1, 2014

House heralds medical marijuana compromise

House Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Melin’s bill would be put up for a vote in the House Rules Committee on Friday, and said it was “unclear” when the bill would reach the House floor.

Apr 30, 2014

State’s Libertarians aim for major party status

Noting the current high profile debate at the Capitol over medical marijuana legislation and the dearth of pro-legalization candidates in the gubernatorial field, gubernatorial candidate Chris Holbrook thinks his party could garner 5 percent of the vote in November.

Apr 30, 2014

Senate charges ahead on medical marijuana

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk explained that the Senate’s quickened pace came at Dayton’s urging. “The governor, probably about two weeks ago, actually asked the Legislature to move on the bill,” Bakk said. “I guess, at his request, we thought we would show him that courtesy.”

Apr 30, 2014

The Capitol Note: Medical marijuana proposal continues forward, fate unclear

A medical marijuana proposal is moving to another committee in a continued sprint toward an uncertain future.

Apr 29, 2014

The Capitol Note: Judge shuts down online voter registration, legislation imminent

Gov. Mark Dayton could get a bill authorizing the online registration -- the policy isn't controversial among lawmakers, just the way the secretary of state's office put it in place -- as early as Tuesday, which would minimize service disruptions. Roughly 3,600 people have used the system to register to vote.

Apr 28, 2014

The Capitol Note: Medical marijuana proposal advances in Senate, future uncertain

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted 7-3, across party lines, to move the languishing proposal forward. It has so far passed one committee in the House. Sen. Scott Dibble, the measure's chief Senate sponsor, called the proposal a "responsible bill."

Apr 23, 2014

Medicinal marijuana advocates turn up heat

With the fate of proposed medical marijuana legislation still uncertain, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care heralded the latest additions to its coalition.

Apr 23, 2014

The Capitol Note: Senate passes cell-phone tracking regulations

The Senate passed a measure on Tuesday that would enhance the regulation of cell-phone tracking devices currently used by at least two law enforcement organizations in the state. The Senate version, however, was amended at the last minute to weaken the legal standard allowing only limited access to citizens' location information, according to privacy advocates

Apr 22, 2014

The Capitol Note: Lawmakers return to wrap up tax, spending bills before bonding

Though legislators have already passed $443 million in tax cuts, they're still wrangling over the differences between two bills that would provide roughly $100 million in additional tax relief. The House has passed $323 in new spending, which must be meshed with a $210 million bill from the Senate.

Apr 10, 2014

The Capitol Note: Senate committee hears medical marijuana

Thissen: Law enforcement “not opposed to” bill On Thursday House leaders announced a breakthrough in negotiations with law enforcement on the hot-button topic of medical marijuana, offering new legislation that they say police organizations have agreed not to oppose. The deal signals a key step in the ongoing debate over marijuana, as Gov. Mark Dayton’s ...

Apr 8, 2014

Dayton to lawmakers: Stop hiding on medical pot

“Let’s see ‘em vote. They’ve hidden behind their desks the whole session,” Dayton said at a press conference at the Capitol.

Mar 28, 2014