Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the existing procedures and responsibilities regarding joint legislative studies undertaken by the Minnesota Legislature. It seeks to streamline the management and coordination of these studies to ensure better oversight and use of resources.

Main Provisions

• Oversight and Coordination: The Legislative Coordinating Commission (LCC) is tasked with overseeing and coordinating all joint legislative studies mandated by the legislature. This includes requiring regular progress reports to be submitted to both the LCC and the relevant committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• Appropriations and Funding: The bill stipulates that funding for joint legislative studies will generally be allocated to the LCC, except in cases where a study is specifically assigned to an existing legislative office or commission.

• Delegation of Responsibilities: The LCC has the authority to delegate the responsibility and funding for a joint legislative study to different entities within the legislative framework. These entities can include existing staff offices of the House or Senate, legislative commissions, joint legislative committees or offices, or state agencies. These responsible parties may further contract external agents to assist with the study.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill updates Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 3.305, subdivision 9 by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the LCC in overseeing joint legislative studies. It emphasizes their authority in delegating tasks and managing appropriations as necessary, potentially involving external agents in carrying out these studies.

Relevant Terms

Legislative Coordinating Commission, joint legislative studies, appropriations, delegation, progress reports, legislative committees, contracting agents, state agencies.