Intense competition for budget dollars could make for a disappointing session for the judicial branch, which is seeking a 7.5 percent funding increase — or an additional $45 million — mostly to pay for raises for court personnel after five consecutive years of salary freezes.

After debating a bill to expand background checks to gun shows, private sales and online sales for nearly two hours Wednesday morning, the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee reconvened in the evening only for a moment to lay over the bill instead of taking a vote, leaving the fate of background checks hanging in limbo.

The St. Paul Democrat and chair of the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee rolled out his "Gun Violence Prevention Act" at a press conference on Thursday. It includes his signature proposal to expanding background checks for prospective buyers.

The House Judiciary Policy and Finance Committee will no longer be a stand-alone committee and Rep. Steve Smith will no longer be a chairman, according to House Speaker Kurt Zellers. Also, Rep. Tom Hackbarth has been given a gavel on a new energy subcommittee.

A little-discussed provision in the public safety budget bill is causing headaches for legal services organizations across the state. The legislation states that “priority must be given” to clients with cases in state courts when spending state dollars.

Senate DFLers are upset with cuts contained in the public safety omnibus bill that's slated for a vote on the Senate floor today. In particular, Democrats take issue with a 50 percent reduction in funding for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and a $6.5 million transfer from the Fire Safety Account, which pays for firefighter training.

GOP Rep. Steve Smith has introduced a bill that would stop the Legislature and the executive branch from using funds in state's dedicated Fire Safety Account in tough budgetary times.

In the May 15, 2009 PIM Weekly Report we covered the little-known backstory of how the Senate DFL’s efforts to reform public safety policies in ...

In the May 15, 2009 PIM Weekly Report we covered the little-known backstory of how the Senate DFL’s efforts to reform public safety policies in ...