On a vote of 35-29, the Senate passed SF 709. The bill extends hotel bar closing times until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30 a.m. on weekends for Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud.

On a vote of 40-25, the Senate rejected an amendment to a campaign finance bill (SF 3384) that would put restrictions on independent expenditures in state elections. Independent expenditures are unlimited third-party monies used in elections without the knowledge of the candidates.

Special Orders were taken up as follows:

SF1811 Public drainage systems jurisdiction transfer. Third Reading. Final Passage Roll Call - 61-0

SF2150 Technology circuits or systems contractors and power limited technicians. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 63-0

SF709 Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth intoxicating liquor on-sale hours extension; hotel room cabinets intoxicating liquors on-sale hours restriction exemption. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 35-29

SF3098 Medical assistance continuing care programs provisions modifications and clarifications. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 36-24

SF3030 Responsible Lending Act of 2002. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 63-0

SF2991 State and public employee military reservists salary differentials. Third Reading. Final Passage Roll Call - 58-0

SF2950 Election judges appointment authority expansion; polling places location outside a precinct in the metropolitan area extension. Third Reading. Final Passage Roll Call - 45-12

HF2706 Emergency vehicles siren sounding or lights display requirements and obstruction penalties and probable cause arrests. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 57-0

SF2594 Sustainable agriculture and methane digester loan programs. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 61-0

HF2780 Real property conveyance and document recording provisions; nonconsensual common law liens regulatory provision sunset repeal. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 58-0

SF3384 Election campaign finance and ethics provisions modifications. Third Reading. Final Passage as amended Roll Call - 65-0

The Senate will reconvene on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at 11:00 a.m.