2 weeks to go: What's done, what's still on the table at the state Capitol

The Rotunda from the third floor.
There's just two weeks left in the Minnesota legislative session.
Evan Frost | MPR News 2016

There are just two weeks left in the Minnesota legislative session. On key issues, here's a look at what's done and what's still on the table at the state Capitol.

What's done

Health insurance premium relief. The legislation would prop up the individual insurance market by creating a reinsurance program to help insurers cover expensive medical claims. Lawmakers also adopted 25 percent discounts for many MNsure policy purchasers.

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Sunday liquor sales. Shopping for wine, beer and liquor on Sundays will be allowed in Minnesota starting in July.

What's left

High-level negotiations continue on the state budget.

Legislative leaders, key staff members and Gov. Mark Dayton met for several hours Friday and Saturday, trying to cut a deal on the total amount the state will spend over the next two years and on what types of things. They're also talking through a package of tax cuts, both in size and the recipients of that relief.

Dayton said Sunday the six-hours of deliberations Saturday were cordial and involved line-by-line discussions. Though he said the sides are still "a ways apart," he was optimistic about getting to an agreement. Top Republicans have also been upbeat.

Other unsettled issues at the Legislature include:

Real ID. The issue is important because Minnesotans will soon need an ID that meets the federal standard to board a commercial flight. The main sticking point is unauthorized immigrants and whether the language of the bill should explicitly prohibit their ability to one day obtain drivers licenses. The House bill would make the existing rule that prohibits such licences a law. The Senate bill does not.

Pre-emption bills. They prohibit local governments from setting their own wage rules and sick time ordinances. Differing versions have passed the House and Senate. Dayton is getting pressure to veto any legislation that reaches him.

Gun law changes. In March, gun rights supporters and gun control advocates debated two bills at the Capitol. One would eliminate the state's permit-to-carry requirement and the other would expand a person's right to use deadly force in self-defense. A pair of bills await House floor action; no Senate bills have advanced.

Restrictions on abortion. The Minnesota House and Senate voted to ban state-funded abortions and to establish new licensing and inspection requirements for abortion clinics. Dayton has promised to veto both bills when they reach his desk.

Internet privacy. Language requiring an opt-in for sharing information was left out of a compromise budget bill, but top lawmakers say it's still under consideration this year.