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Brian Bakst

3 things to watch this week at the Minnesota Legislature

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State Capitol reflection
The Minnesota State Capitol is reflected in the floor of the new State Senate Building, Monday, March 7, 2016, in St. Paul, Minn., where the 2016 Legislature will convene on Wednesday.
Jim Mone | AP

1) Deadline rush

Minnesota's legislative session might have seven more weeks to run, but many proposals could hit the end of the line this week. The first committee deadline arrives Friday, and it requires that most proposals gain a positive vote in at least one committee to remain viable for the year. There are exceptions to the policy deadline and strictly budget-related proposals have some wiggle room. But it will mean many committees will work into the night this week as they aim to give bills at least a look.

2) Soccer stadium booze and taxes

It's not the huge lift that the Minnesota Vikings and Twins faced in their lengthy quest for stadium subsidies, but forces trying to bring Major League Soccer to St. Paul step onto the Capitol playing field this week. A hearing on a plan giving St. Paul permission to sell liquor at a proposed stadium is scheduled for Wednesday. It's part of a broader soccer stadium campaign, which also includes efforts to exempt the proposed stadium from property taxes and let the construction proceed without sales taxes. St. Paul also needs legislative approval for a stadium liquor license. If all goes well, owners of the team could break ground on their Midway neighborhood stadium later this year and the team could be in its home by 2018.

3) Drones, cell phones and cosmetic regulations

They won't get as much attention this year as transportation and taxes, but a raft of proposals covering catchy topics are consuming some of the Legislature's time. There's legislation to regulate the use of recreational and professionally managed drones. Another bill would outlaw the use of cell phone cases shaped like firearms. And there are regulations in the works for massage and bodywork therapists, those who do body piercings and cosmetologists who do eyelash extensions. All are set for hearings this week.