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Mandated Reports

Each year the Legislature mandates reports and studies to be completed by state agencies or other governmental entities. Some mandates are for one-time studies; others are for ongoing reports. Agencies are required to submit an electronic version and two print copies of each report to the Legislative Library (Minnesota Statutes 3.195).

Legislative Reference Library staff track these mandates and obtain copies of the reports for the Library's collection. Each year we read the session laws to identify new mandates and note repeals or extensions of mandates. For example, in the 2009 Session Laws we identified 226 new or changed mandates; in 2010 there were 166.

Since 2003, the Library has created electronic versions (Edocs) of mandated reports; Edocs have also been created for a growing number of pre-2003 reports. The Library’s Minnesota Edocs collection ensures long-term access to the reports, despite changes in agencies.

Learn about new reports

The Library's Newly Acquired Minnesota State Government Reports page, updated daily, lists all state documents as they are received. Each report that is mandated includes a reference to the statute or session law that required it.

With the "Inside Issues - Books and Reports" service, we notify you when mandated reports are processed by the Library. By choosing the "mandated" topic, you will receive a list of recently received mandated reports every other week. To sign up, contact a librarian at 651-296-8338, or by email. (Note: This service is available to legislators and legislative staff only.)

Searching for mandated reports via the Library's catalog

Reports the Legislative Library has received and processed are in the Library's catalog. If you cannot locate the report you need, please call us to check on the status of the report.

If you know the title, mandate number (law or statute citation), keywords, or the issuing agency, you can use the Library's catalog to locate mandated reports.

Minnesota Statute mandate search

Example: To search for the annual report on biodiesel mandated by Minnesota Statute 239.77 subdivision 5, click on "Subject Keyword," then type 239.77 5 in the box.

Minnesota Session Law mandate search

Example: To search for the "Legacy Amendment reports" mandated by Minnesota Laws of 2009, Chapter 172, Article 2, click on "Subject Heading, Keyword," then enter as much of the law citation as you know in the box, such as: 2009 172 2 (using numbers only, separated by spaces, works the best)

Submit state documents

In addition to sending reports to committees specified in legislation, here are instructions for submitting the report to the Legislative Reference Library. Please send one electronic copy (Word, PDF, URL) to " "

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and two print copies to:

Attn: Jess Hopeman
Legislative Reference Library
645 State Office Bldg.
100 Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

Custom lists can be created

If you have a specific need, the Library can also create custom lists for you.

  • By agency
  • By date received
  • By date due
  • By Session Law/Statute
  • Other lists as requested

To request a custom list, contact a librarian at 651-296-8338, or by email.