Resources: MN Legislature and Bills
The League of Women Voters is committed to increasing understanding of major public policy issues.
Understanding our legislative process and getting in touch with your elected representatives is a great place to start!​
Senators and Representatives
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Who Represents Me?
​If you live in Minnesota, you have one State Senator and two State Representatives. They are elected by the people who live in their district.
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Find out who represents you by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
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What Are Their Duties, Qualifications, and Salary?
You elect people to the State Legislature to make state laws and pass a state budget. Minnesota lawmakers are paid $51,750 each year for this work.
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To run for the Minnesota Legislature, a person must
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Be at least 21 years old by Election Day
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Be allowed to vote in Minnesota
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Have lived in Minnesota for at least one year before the election
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Have lived in their district for at least six months before the election
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Bills
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What Is a Bill?
A bill is a written idea for a new law or a change to a law.
How Do You Track a Bill?
You can track a bill on the Minnesota Legislature’s website.
If you are following several bills during a legislative session, you can sign up for a bill tracking account. This can help you stay organized.
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How Can I Tell the Legislature How I Feel About a Bill?
You can share your opinion by giving in-person or written public testimony at a committee hearing. You can speak in person or submit written testimony. Your testimony helps lawmakers learn more about the bill.
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Visit the Minnesota Legislature’s website for details on how to speak at a hearing. To give written testimony, click on a meeting on the website calendar to find instructions.
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State Legislature and Legislative Process
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When Does the Legislature Meet?
The Minnesota Legislature works in two-year sessions and meets each year during that time.
In odd-numbered years, the lawmakers plan the budget, and the session runs from January to mid-May. In even-numbered years, the session is shorter and runs from February to April.
The Legislature can meet for no more than 120 days over a two-year session.
What Is a Legislative Committee?
Committees are small groups of legislators. They review bills, hold public hearings, and suggest changes. They decide if a bill should move forward.
Where Can I Find Out What Is Happening During a Session?
The weekly committee schedule is posted every Friday on the Minnesota Legislature’s website.
Can I Watch Committee Hearings and Floor Sessions?
Yes. You can watch live or recorded videos of committee hearings and floor sessions on the Minnesota House and Senate websites.​​