Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to modify the existing rules that govern joint legislative studies by involving the Legislative Coordinating Commission in oversight and coordination. It seeks to streamline the process of how these studies are conducted and funded.

Main Provisions

• The Legislative Coordinating Commission is tasked with overseeing all joint legislative studies that are mandated by the Minnesota legislature. This includes the authority to require regular progress reports.
• Appropriations for joint legislative studies will generally be directed to the Legislative Coordinating Commission unless the study is specifically assigned to an existing legislative office or commission.
• The commission is given the flexibility to delegate responsibility and control over these studies to various entities such as staff offices of the House of Representatives or Senate, a legislative commission, a joint legislative committee or office, or a state agency.
• The designated office, commission, or agency responsible for a study is authorized to contract with another agent for assistance in conducting the study.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.305 subdivision 9, by consolidating the authority and responsibility of joint legislative studies under the Legislative Coordinating Commission.
• The commission's ability to delegate both responsibility and funding for these studies to other legislative bodies or state agencies marks a notable shift intended to ensure more centralized management and accountability.
• This amendment could potentially lead to more efficient use of resources and improved coordination in conducting studies required by the legislature.

Relevant Terms

Legislative Coordinating Commission, joint legislative studies, appropriations, delegation, oversight, progress reports, Minnesota legislature, legislative office, commission, state agency.