The Minnesota State Bar Association can speak for all of its members on proposed legislation or court rules. MSBA committees and sections can speak independently as long as certain rules have been followed.

Association Action -- See Article 13, MSBA Bylaws
The MSBA can endorse or oppose legislation or rule proposals which are:

• Within the expertise of the legal profession;
• Within the purposes of the MSBA; and
• Of the public interest.

The Association takes action through the:

• Assembly
  
• Council
  

Sections and committees may present legislative recommendations to any of these bodies to obtain MSBA endorsement through the staff liaison or by contacting the MSBA Executive Director. Proposals for MSBA endorsement are reviewed by the MSBA Legislative Committee, which coordinates the lobbying efforts of the Association. The Legislative Committee makes recommendations to the Assembly, which adopts the MSBA legislative agenda at its December meeting.

Association positions remain in effect for six years. Only the President or the President's designee has authority to testify on the position or to agree to amendments and substitute proposals, consistent with previously adopted positions of the MSBA.

Section or Committee Action -- See Article 14, MSBA Bylaws
Legislative positions may be taken by sections and committees of the MSBA without seeking full Association endorsement. The Association has the right to pre-empt independent positions by placing the issue on the agenda of the Assembly, or the Council. Committee and section positions are subject to the same requirements as Association actions. In addition, the section or committee must satisfy Article 14 of the Bylaws by certifying to the President:

• Vote totals on the matter;
• That the matter is germane to the section or committee;
• That the item has been approved in accordance with the section's bylaws or, in the case of a committee, by a majority of the quorum;
• That the position is not contrary to any current position of the MSBA;
• That the matter does not address an issue pending consideration by the MSBA on the agenda of a governing body;
• That the position indicates that it is the action of the section, section council, or committee and does not represent the views or action of the entire MSBA; and
• That a copy of the position has been provided to the MSBA legislative representative or shall be provided prior to any presentation of the position to the public or any governmental body.

Section Legislative Positions -- Policy adopted December 5, 2003

Legislative Resources
The legislative representative of the MSBA is available to committees and sections for positions endorsed by the MSBA. The legislative representative provides direct legislative services, including bill drafting, securing bill sponsors, scheduling and preparing testimony before the legislature, and lobbying for or against specific bills. The legislative representative reviews all bill introductions and will refer appropriate bills to sections and committees for consideration throughout the legislative session.

Who to Call
Tim Groshens, Executive Director
612/333-1183
email: tgroshens@mnbar.org

600 Nicollet Mall, #380
Minneapolis, 55402
612/33-1183 or 800/882-MSBA
Fax: 612/333-4927