MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Minnesota lawmakers who've argued for less government regulation say 1999 could finally be the year they claim success. With a Republican-controlled House and a new Governor who campaigned on the issue, legislation cutting regulations may fare better than in previous sessions.

Republicans cite two examples of what they consider unnecessary government regulation…the state's emissions testing program, and the ban on snowmobile studs, which passed in the final hours last session. The ban was aimed at preventing damage to Minnesota's paved trails, but many lawmakers got an earful from angry snowmobilers while campaigning in 1998.