Number of working days until the end of the 2016 session: 32
After a slow first two weeks and a short day Friday due to wintry weather, the pace should start to pick up. The House and Senate go in at 10 a.m. on Monday. No bills or resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor of either chamber, but committees are getting busy and bills should start moving soon.
An overflow crowd is expected for the first hearing on HB 722, which would allow state-controlled growing of marijuana for medical purposes, as well as to expand the list of qualifying illnesses for which the drug could be prescribed. The bill has strong backing from the House, but the governor's not on board with it.
Gambling interests will be watching how a committee reacts to SB 264 which would legalize horse racing and pari-mutuel betting –- to benefit the children, of course. Supporters hope the promise of cash for HOPE and needs-based scholarships will win over lawmakers, but the odds remain long for the bill.
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