House and Senate lawmakers are now into their second week back after their crossover break as they hear bills that survived the first half of the session.

Some of the most controversial measures at the beginning of the session were defeated, most notably a bill that would have repealed North Dakota's pharmacy ownership law. Other bills will begin their journey through the opposite chamber of the one they were introduced in, ultimately aimed for the governor's desk for approval.

Issues in committee this week include a bill calling for the state to study the possibility of opening a horse slaughterhouse, another bill that loosens the liability for asbestos-related properties and a measure that would restrict access to public information for university presidential applicants.

Today

The Senate Human Services Committee will hear testimony on HB1478 that expands the eligibility for the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in the Fort Union Room.

The funding for the state penitentiary expansion under SB2030 will be considered by the House Appropriations Committee at 2:15 p.m. in the Roughrider Room.

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee will take up SCR4030 at 9 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room, which would establishment a new oil trust fund and use its interest to pay for a North Dakota student scholarship fund.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hear testimony on HB1377 to create a searchable database of state expenditures. Debate starts at 2:30 p.m. in the Harvest Room.

A bill (SB2111) that would increase compensation for crime victims will be in the House Judiciary Committee at 1 p.m. in Prairie Room.

Debate on a constitutional amendment that would expand the legislative session from 80 days every two years to 100 days starts at 3:30 p.m. before the House Constitutional Revision Committee inside the Prairie Room.

Tuesday

The Senate Finance and Taxation Committee will hear testimony on HB1268, which exempts sales and use tax for clothing. Debate starts at 10:15 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room.

A bill to allow voluntary blood donation by minors also will come before the House Human Services Committee at 1:30 p.m. The bill is SB2157.

The House Industry, Business and Labor Committee will hear testimony on a bill that would change the relationship between the state pharmacy board and professional association. Debate starts on SB2039 at 8 a.m. in the Peace Garden Room.

A sweeping bill (SB2042) that would change child custody laws is in the House Judiciary at 9 a.m. in the Prairie Room.

Wednesday

Senate Industry Business and Labor hears testimony on a bill that would change laws in regards to asbestos-related liabilities for corporations. Debate starts at 1 p.m. in the Roosevelt Park Room on HB1430.

The House Education Committee hears testimony at 10 a.m. on a bill that would close applications and other information for certain university positions, including university presidents, from open records requests. Debate on SB2087 is in the Pioneer Room.

An expansion on the state moratorium for basic care beds will be before the House Human Services Committee at 10 a.m. in the Fort Union Room. The bill is SB2044.

The House Human Services Committee also hears testimony on SB2394 at 1:30 p.m., which allows minors to seek prenatal care without parental consent.

A bill to exempt certain facilities from basic care bed moratorium is before the Senate Human Services Committee at 1:15 p.m. in the Red River Room. The bill is HB1327.

A bill to change the law for surnames on drivers license is before the Judiciary Committee at 10:30 a.m. in the Fort Lincoln Room. The bill is HB1252 .

Thursday

The bill that would create a state study for a potential horse slaughter house is before the Senate Agriculture Committee at 9:30 a.m. in the Brynhild Haugland Room. The bill is HB1496. At 11 a.m. the committee also will take up a bill that would create a penalty for anyone possessing feral swine. The bill is HB1110.

Friday

The funding bill for Bismarck State College is before the House Appropriations Committee at 9 a.m. in the Sakakawea Room. It is SB2003.

The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee will take up a bill that changes presidential preference caucus laws. Debate starts at 11 a.m. on SB2307 inside the Fort Union Room.

A bill that would allow trains to not sound their horns at private crossings is before the Senate Transportation Committee at 10:45 a.m. in the Lewis and Clark Room. The bill is HB1342.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com.)