A bill effectively banning private prisons in Minnesota, including the Appleton facility that’s been closed for 10 years, is among controversial proposals up for debate in committees today at the State Capitol. There’s also a hearing on a bill that would ease COVID restrictions on bars and restaurants in Greater Minnesota, and on May 1st drop the early closing requirement, unless the state Health Department can demonstrate that the earlier loosening caused an increase in COVID cases. A committee gets an update on security preparations at the State Capitol Complex for the trial of ex-officer Derek Chauvin. Jury selection begins Monday in Minneapolis. And a bill being heard in House committee would authorize 300 million dollars in state bonds to redevelop areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul damaged by last year’s riots after the death of George Floyd.