ST. PAUL — The Minnesota House and Senate are moving quickly in the first hours of a special session to end the state government shutdown.

Both chambers of the Legislature went into floor sessions about 6 p.m. Tuesday and passed five of nine budget bills in less than two hours. Together the bills cover spending for courts and public safety; colleges and universities; environment and energy programs; transportation; and jobs and economic development programs.

The session could go late into the evening, if necessary.

Gov. Mark Dayton’s chief of staff says he will sign all budget bills at the same time, which will end the 19-day government shutdown.

Lawmakers must still pass budget bills covering taxes, health and human services, public schools and state agency funding as well as a construction bonding bill. They are planning to work into the night.