How short are the Legislature's short sessions?

Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) was ready to end the session March 25, making the motion to adjourn sine die. But not enough of his colleagues shared that sentiment, defeating the attempt to adjourn on a 72-58 vote.

If the House had called it quits for 2026, the chamber would have been in session for 37 calendar days and met for 10 legislative days. It would have been the earliest end to a regular session in decades.

Since the Legislature began its modern calendar in 1973, the shortest legislative session occurred in 1986, when it lasted for a total of 47 calendar days. Both chambers convened on Feb. 3, 1986. The House adjourned March 17, 1986 and the Senate followed suit on March 21.

Lawmakers have adjourned in March a few other times over the years, including in 1982 when the Legislature convened its regular session on Jan. 12 while it was still in its third special session of 1981 that had convened Dec. 1, 1981. The special session lasted until Jan. 18, 1982. The Legislature adjourned its regular session March 19, 1982. It’s the only time the Legislature has had sessions running concurrently.