in Minnesota

1. A bill for a proposed new law is formally introduced in the House or Senate by a legislator. The idea for a new law can come from anyone – a legislator, an interest group or a citizen.

2. The bill is referred to a committee based on the subject area it covers.

3. The bill is discussed in committee by members who listen to public testimony and possibly amend it. If approved, the bill either moves to another committee for further review or to the House or Senate.

4. When bills come up for discussion on the House or Senate floor they are debated and can be amended.

5. Upon passage in one body (House or Senate), the approved version of a bill is sent to the other body (House or Senate) for consideration.

6. If both the House and Senate pass the bill, and it is exactly the same in both bodies, the bill is sent to the Governor for approval or veto. If vetoed, the bill can still become law if two-thirds of the members in both the House and Senate vote to override the veto and approve the bill. However, if the bills are not identical, a conference committee is appointed.

7. Conference committees are appointed to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill. Three or five members of each body are named to conference committees.

8. Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the bill is sent back to the House and Senate for final approval. Conference committee reports may not be amended.

9. Upon passage in both bodies, the bill is sent to the Governor for approval or veto. If vetoed, the bill can still become law if two-thirds of the members in both the House and Senate vote to override the veto and approve the bill.

Committee Deadlines

• 1st Deadline, Friday, March 27: policy bills must pass all relevant committees in one body
• 2nd Deadline, Tuesday, April 7: policy bills must pass all relevant committees in the other body
• Easter and Passover Break, April 8-14 (tentative): offices closed on Friday the 10th
• 3rd Deadline, Thursday, April 16: finance and property tax bills out of relevant committees to full House and Senate Finance Committees
• 4th Deadline, Wednesday, April 22nd: omnibus tax and finance bills to the floor
• 5th Deadline, Thursday, May 7: omnibus tax and finance bills out of conference committee and back to floor

Goals: Governor’s Desk May 12, Adjournment May 18