A Review of the Incredibly Challenging 2020 Legislative Session

Lawmakers adjourned the incredibly challenging 2020 regular legislative session acknowledging that they will soon be returning to the State Capitol. While important legislation was enacted into law, major decisions await, including the passage of a public works package. On this week's Capitol Report program, legislative leaders and Governor Walz highlight the successes and failures of the 2020 regular session.

Legislative operations dramatically changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the important work of gathering and sharing information, often spearheaded by professional lobbyists. Jeremy Estenson, President of the Minnesota Government Relations Council, talks with moderator Shannon Loehrke about ways his profession adjusted their operations. Also, Senate Photographers David Oakes and A.J. Olmscheid visually captured the evolution of change during the 2020 session.

Finally, two new laws were passed: Senator Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, talks with Shannon about her successful effort to ban marriages for people under 18 years of age, and Senator Karin Housley, R-St. Marys Point, explains how professional hair/makeup artists will be able to maintain their freelance businesses without burdensome regulations. This measure awaits the Governor's signature.