THE BUDGET
Job one will be to craft a budget to fund government for the next two years, dealing with a projected surplus of nearly $1 billion and possible GOP tax cut proposals.
MINIMUM WAGE
Starting in 2018, the state's newly increased minimum wage will be indexed to inflation. Some groups show interest in repealing the index.
MARIJUANA
Gov. Mark Dayton said he would be open to considering expanding the list of qualifying health conditions for medical marijuana.
MNSURE
The Legislature may call for stronger oversight of the state's health care exchange following a litany of technical glitches after the rollout.
TRANSPORTATION
Lawmakers are expected to take up a comprehensive bill that would include a major increase in funding. Conflict could arise between outstate and metro projects.
EDUCATION
DFL will likely push for early childhood education scholarships. Republicans will likely introduce bills to give schools more local control and expand charter schools.
LABOR UNIONS
Labor groups are seeking to establish paid sick leave and find legislative solutions to reduce erratic work schedules they say harm working-class Minnesotans.
LIQUOR
Another look at allowing Sunday sales in Minnesota, as well as amending existing laws to allow distilleries to share their "cocktail rooms" with their taprooms.
PRIVACY
Drones, license plate readers and other surveillance technology used by law enforcement and others will again draw close scrutiny from lawmakers.
DRUNKEN DRIVING
Lawmakers may examine stricter administrative penalties for drunken driving, creating stronger incentives to install interlock devices to get back on the road.
SEX OFFENDERS
The Legislature could revisit reform of the state's sex offender program, the subject of a federal civil rights lawsuit because residents are held indefinitely.
