skip to content
Primary navigation

State Agencies, Boards, Commissions

State Agencies are in the executive branch of government. Also included in this listing are state boards, councils, commissions, committees, ombudsmen offices and task forces.

 

A Back To Top
Accountancy, Board of The Board of Accountancy certifies, licenses and regulates certified public accountants (CPA's) and licensed public accountants (LPA's) and their firms in order to provide the public with qualified professional public accounting services.
Administration, Department of This department provides services to government agencies, information for vendors who wish to do business with the state, information on data practices, public auctions, State Register, Minnesota Bookstore and more.
Administrative Hearings, Office of The Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) was established in 1976 to provide a fair, prompt and impartial hearing process for citizens who disagree with actions taken by government. This office conducts hearings on rulemaking, workers compensation disputes, and contested cases involving state agencies and local governments. Search the report database for the full text of reports, recommendations, and orders from public cases dating back to 1977.
Aging, Board on The Minnesota Board on Aging is the gateway to services for seniors and their families. MBA listens to senior concerns, researches for solutions, and proposes policy to address senior needs.
Agriculture, Department of This department protects the public health and safety regarding food and agricultural products.
Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of Department of Public Safety which includes Alcohol Enforcement, Gambling Enforcement and Liquor Database.
Amateur Sports Commission, Minnesota The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC) was created in 1987 by the Minnesota State Legislature to promote the economic and social benefits of sports.
Animal Health, Board of Responsibilities include protecting the health of domestic animals of the state, regulating and inspecting many aspects of the livestock and poultry industries. Licensing of cat and dog kennels and dealers and research establishments.
Archaeologist, Office of the State The OSA is charged with sponsoring, conducting and directing research into the prehistoric and historic archaeology of Minnesota; protecting and preserving archaeological sites and objects and
Architecture, Engineering, Land Survey, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design, Board of The board examines, licenses, and regulates the practice of architecture, professional engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, geoscience, and use of title for certified interior design.
Arts Board, Minnesota The board provides aid for a variety of arts activities in the performing, visual and literary arts. The board also offers consultant services, mailing lists, workshops, conferences and publications.
Arts Education, Perpich Center for The Perpich Center for Arts Education is a state agency. The Center's three main components are: the Arts High School (AHS), the Professional Development Institute (PDI), and the Research, Assessment and Curriculum Division(RAC).
Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, Council on Advises the governor and members of the legislature on issues pertaining to Asian Pacific Minnesotans; to advocate on issues of importance to the Asian Pacific community; and to act as a broker between the Asian Pacific community and mainstream society.
Assessors, Board of The Board of Assessors was established by the Legislature to educate, license and monitor the conduct of assessors in Minnesota.
Assistive Technology (STAR) A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) is located within the Minnesota Department of Administration. STAR's mission is to help ALL MINNESOTANS with disabilities gain access to and acquire the assistive technology they need to live, learn, work and play.
Attorney General The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the State of Minnesota. The Office represents and provides legal advice to over 100 state agencies, boards and commissions.
B Back To Top
Behavioral Health and Therapy, Board of The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy was created by legislative act on May 19, 2003. It was originally created and currently exists to protect the public through the regulation of licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in the state of Minnesota. Regulation is accomplished through licensure examination and renewal, as well as by the investigation of complaints.
Barber Examiners, Board of The Board of Barber Examiners protects the public health and safety through the regulation and licensing of barbering practice in Minnesota.
Board of Cosmetologist Examiners The Board of Cosmetologist Examiners was established to ensure the health and safety of the people of Minnesota.
Board of Occupational Therapy Practice The board’s mission is to protect the public through effective licensure and enforcement of the statutes and rules governing the practice of occupational therapy to reasonably ensure a standard of competent and ethical practice.
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is committed to protecting Minnesotans by providing high quality services to the criminal justice community. This is accomplished through timely, personal service in partnership with law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies.
C Back To Top
Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board The Board develops and administers registration, disclosure, and enforcement programs to ensure that the requirements of the Ethics in Government Act are met.
Cannabis Expungement Board The CEB was created to review eligible felony and certain misdemeanor level cannabis-related conviction/stay of adjudication records and determine eligibility for expungement or resentencing.
Cannabis Management, Office of The Office of Cannabis Management will regulate cannabis (including for the adult-use market, the Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program, and for low-potency hemp edibles) and issue licenses and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the industry.
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board The Board is to preserve and enhance the dignity, beauty, and architectural integrity of the Capitol, the buildings immediately adjacent to it, the Capitol grounds and the Capitol Area.
Chiropractic Examiners, Board of The Board exists to protect the public's interest through regulation of chiropractors in the state of Minnesota. Regulation is accomplished through licensure examination and renewal, as well as by investigation of complaints.
Clerk of Appellate Courts The Clerk of Appellate Courts accepts filings for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases and provides parties with copies of court orders and opinions. All case filings should be sent to the Clerk's Office, never to appellate judges directly. The Clerk's Office notifies parties of any deficiencies in their filings and instructs them on how to make the necessary corrections.
Client Security Board The Client Security Board administers the Client Security Fund which is a fund established by the Minnesota Supreme Court in 1987 to reimburse clients who suffer loss of money or other property from the dishonest conduct of their attorney.
Climatology Office, State The State Climatology Office workgroups exists to study and describe the climate of Minnesota. Each of its members concentrates its efforts on specific topical areas in which climate plays a significant role.
Commerce Department This department is the chief regulator for the banking, energy, insurance, real estate, residential construction, securities, telecommunications industries and also operates Minnesota's Unclaimed Property.

Corrections Department

The department regulates and operates ten correctional facilities including eight for adults and one for juveniles. It is also responsible for provision of probation, supervised release, and parole services.

Cosmetic Examiners, Board of The Board of Cosmetologist Examiners was established to ensure the health and safety of the people of Minnesota.
Court System (Judicial Branch) Link to the Court system in the Judicial branch of state government.
Court of Appeals By statute, the Court of Appeals issues a published opinion only in the most important and complex cases. Published opinions include an extensive analysis of the facts and law. They will be considered and used by courts faced with similar issues in the future, and they are published in books found in most law libraries.
D Back To Top

Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans, Commission of

Dentistry, Board of

The Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans (MNCDHH) is a Governor appointed Commission that advocates for communications access and equal opportunity with Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

The Board of Dentistry examines, licenses and registers dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants and enforces the Minnesota Dental Practices Act.

Developmental Disabilities, Governor's Council on This web site features an extensive array of resources addressing developmental disability issues. Professionals and advocates as well as individuals and families will find resources focused toward their interests in designated sections of the site.
Dietetics and Nutrition Practice, Board of Promoting public interest in receiving quality dietetic and nutrition services from competent licensed dietitians and nutritionists.
Disability, Minnesota Council on The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) is an agency that collaborates, advocates, advises and provides information to expand opportunities, increase the quality of life and empower all persons with disabilities.
District Courts Minnesota's trial courts are located throughout the 87 counties in the state and are organized into 10 Judicial Districts.
Driver and Vehicle Services Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) is a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. DVS is responsible for the administration of Minnesota's driver's license and vehicle registration programs. Its primary functions include driver's license testing and issuance, driver safety compliance, motor vehicle title and registration, commercial vehicle registration, and auto dealer licensing and regulation.
E Back To Top
Economic Status of Women, Legislative Commission on the The commission advises the legislature and provides basic information and statistics on women in Minnesota.
Education Department The Minnesota Department of Education formerly Children, Families and Learning works to help communities to measurably improve the well-being of children through programs that focus on education, community services, prevention, and the preparation of young people for the world of work.
Electric Energy Task Force The Legislative Electric Energy Task Force(LEETF)was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1994 to study future electric energy sources and costs and to make recommendations for legislation for an environmentally and economically sustainable energy supply.
Electricity, Board of The board administers electrical licensing requirements statewide and inspects new electrical installations.
Emergency Medical Services Regulatory, Board of The EMSRB is the lead agency for emergency medical services in Minnesota. The board licenses and regulates ambulance services, certifies and registers EMS personnel, investigates complaints, administers a variety of EMS funding and programs and
Employment and Economic Development Department The Minnesota Department of Economic Security (DES) and the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) have merged to support the economic success of individuals, businesses and communities by improving opportunities for growth.
Environmental Quality Board The board develops policy, creates long-range plans and reviews proposed projects that would significantly influence Minnesota's environment.
Explore Minnesota Use this website to learn about Minnesota's tourism industry and to participate in Explore Minnesota Tourism marketing programs.
F Back To Top
Film and TV Board, Minnesota The Minnesota Film and TV Board works to build and promote the commerce and art of the moving image industry in the State of Minnesota.
Fire Marshal The mission of the State Fire Marshal Division is to protect lives and property by fostering a fire safe environment through investigation, enforcement, regulation, emergency response, data collection and public education.
Forest Resources Council, Minnesota The MFRC helps develop and implement SFRA initiatives. Additionally, the MFRC advises the governor and federal, state and local governments on sustainable forest resource policies and practices.
G Back To Top
Gambling Control, Board on Educates and regulates the lawful gambling industry to ensure the integrity of operations and provide for the lawful use of net profits. The five forms of lawful gambling are pull-tabs, raffles, bingo, paddlewheels, and tipboards.
Geospatial Advisory Council, Minnesota The Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council provides advice, support and recommendations for improving services statewide through the coordinated, affordable, reliable, and effective use of geospatial technology.
Geological Survey, Minnesota The Survey conducts basic and applied earth science research, conveys that information to the public through publications and service activities, and promotes earth science education. Minnesota is its exclusive focus
Geospatial Information, Office of The Minnesota Geospatial Information Office (MnGeo) provides leadership and coordination regarding GIS data and services in the State of Minnesota.
Governor's Office Find information about Minnesota's Governor, Lieutenant Governor, administration, news, and more.
Governors Workforce Development Council The GWDC's mission is to analyze and recommend workforce development policies to the Governor and Legislature toward talent development, resource alignment and system effectiveness to ensure a globally competitive workforce for Minnesota.
Grants Management, Office of State of Minnesota competitive grant opportunities. Grant seekers can search for grant opportunities by state agency or by subject area by following the appropriate link.
H Back To Top
Health Care Access, Legislative Commission on This 10-member oversight commission was created by the 1992 Legislature to review the progress of the Department of Health, the Minnesota Health Care Commission, and all other agencies involved in implementing the MinnesotaCare law.
Health, Department of The Minnesota Department of Health is the state's lead public health agency, responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans.
Health Professionals Services Program The State of Minnesota Health Professional Services Program (HPSP) is a professionally staffed, confidential program designed to monitor the treatment and continuing care of eligible, regulated health professionals.
Higher Education, Minnesota Office of The Minnesota Office of Higher Education works to help students achieve financial access to post-secondary education, enable students to choose among post-secondary education options, protect and inform educational consumers and produce independent, statewide information on post-secondary education.
Historical Society, Minnesota The Minnesota Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through interactive and engaging museum exhibits, extensive libraries and collections, 25 historic sites, educational programs and book publishing.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the state from the many threats we face.
House Research Department House Research provides nonpartisan, neutral research and legal services to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota This agency offers five primary services, development and redevelopment, supportive housing, homeownership loan programs, preservation of federally-assisted housing and resident and organizational support.
Human Rights, Department of The primary function of this department is resolution of charges of illegal discrimination, public education aimed at eliminating and preventing discrimination and promotion of employment opportunities for women, minorities and persons with disabilities.
Human Services, Department of Human Services offers programs for health care, child support, child protection, food support, general assistance, nursing home care, seniors, people who are deaf, people who have developmental disabilities, foster care, adoption, child care assistance, refugee services, adolescent services and homelessness prevention, and adult and children's mental health services.
Humanities Commission, Minnesota The Minnesota Humanities Commission (MHC) was created by an Act of Congress in 1971. The MHC operates as an independent, not-for-profit organization. MHC receives funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Minnesota State Legislature, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
I Back To Top
Independent Living Council, Minnesota Statewide The council provides statewide planning and policies necessary to provide Independent Living Services
Indian Affairs Council, Minnesota MIAC is the official liaison between the State of Minnesota and the 11 tribal Governments within the state. The Council provides a forum for and advises state government on issues of concern to urban Indian communities. Minnesota was the first state in the nation to establish an Indian Affairs agency and provided a model for other states to follow.
Insurance, Department of Commerce The Insurance Commissioner's office in Minnesota is housed within the Department of Commerce. Our mission is to ensure that consumers and industry are treated fairly in the thousands of insurance transactions that take place each year in Minnesota. We also focus on providing efficient and professional service.
Investment Board, Minnesota State The State Board of Investment serves the State of Minnesota by investing the assets of state and local employee benefit plans, state-sponsored savings plans, non-retirement trust funds, and state cash accounts.
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board The IRRRB helps strengthen and diversify the economy of northeastern Minnesota. Specifically, the IRRRB serves the interests of the Taconite Tax Relief Area (TTRA), a geographical region encompassing approximately 13,000 square miles.
J Back To Top
Judicial Standards, Board on The Board on Judicial Standards is an independent state agency that receives and acts upon complaints about Minnesota judges for judicial misconduct or wrongdoing. The board also handles judicial disability matters.
L Back To Top
Labor and Industry, Department of The Department of Labor and Industry oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training (PIPELINE Program), occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs.
Latino Affairs, Minnesota Council The Council advises the Governor and the legislature on the issues and problems of Hispanic people in Minnesota and it serves as a liaison between state and federal governments, private organizations and Minnesota's Chicano/Latino community.
Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board The office is established by the Minnesota Supreme Court to investigate complaints of unethical conduct against any Minnesota lawyer.
Legislative Advisory Commission The commission has the authority to review and grant requests by state departments and agencies for additional personnel or funding from contingent appropriations. The governor presides and the commissioner of finance acts as secretary.
Legislative Auditor, Office of The office's principal goal is to provide the Legislature, agencies, and the public with audit and evaluation reports that are accurate, objective, timely, and useful. Through its reports, the office seeks to strengthen accountability and promote good management in government.
Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) The function of the LCMR is to make funding recommendations to the legislature for special natural resource projects. These projects help maintain and enhance Minnesota's natural resources. Today's LCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963.
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement was created to study and investigate public retirement systems.
Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy The commission was created to provide the legislature with in-depth analysis of projected state revenues, expenditures, and tax expenditures.
Legislative Coordinating Commission The commission serves as the umbrella organization for legislative commissions, joint agencies, and other boards and was created to coordinate the legislative activities of the senate and house of representatives.
Legislative Reference Library The Legislative Reference Library is a joint legislative agency under the Legislative Coordinating Commission, established in 1969. The Library’s primary clientele are legislators and legislative staff. The Library’s collection focuses on public policy materials including state government documents, consultants’ reports, and newspaper resources. The Library also collects primary legislative materials including House and Senate committee minutes and hearings.
License Minnesota From this site you can access licensing information on nearly 600 licenses administered by over 45 state agencies in Minnesota. For the first time you can find the licenses you need, whether business, professional, recreational, or vehicle in one spot.
Lottery, Minnesota State Proceeds Benefit Our Natural and Economic Environments.
M Back To Top
Management Analysis and Development Management Analysis and Development (MAD) is a nationally recognized fee-for-service management consulting group providing custom-designed services and training to public service clients since 1985. MAD offers organizational problem-solving, analysis, and leadership development tailored to meet your needs.
Marriage and Family Therapy, Board on The board adopts and enforces rules, develops techniques for examinations and methods for determining applicants and licensees, issues licenses, establishes continuing education for marriage and family therapists and investigates complaints.
Mediation Services, Bureau of The bureau administers the following programs: mediation, representation, arbitrator referral, labor -management cooperation, labor relations training and alternative dispute resolution.
Medical Practice, Board of Over 14,000 physicians are licensed by the Board of Medical Practice and the Board also regulates acupuncturists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, physician assistants, respiratory care practitioners and professional firms.
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Ombudsman for The Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities assists with concerns or complaints about services, questions about rights, grievances, access to appropriate services, ideas for making services better.
Metropolitan Airports Commission The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
Metropolitan Council The Metropolitan Council is a 17-member body appointed by the Governor that coordinates the long-range planning for the seven-county metro area. The Council also operates a transit system that carries more than 80 million riders per year, provides wastewater collection and treatment services for more than 100 communities and oversees a regional parks system that attracts more than 33 million visitors per year.
Metropolitan Mosquito Control The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District promotes health and well being by protecting the public from disease and annoyance caused by mosquitoes, black flies and ticks, in an environmentally safe manner.
Military Affairs, Department of (MN National Guard)   The Department of Military Affairs consists of the National Guard military forces of the State of Minnesota, the Office of the Adjutant General, civilians employed for administration and maintenance and the National Guard military installations.
Minnesota Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing The Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans (MNCDHH) is a Governor appointed Commission that advocates for communications access and equal opportunity with Minnesotans who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.
Minnesota Historical Society The Minnesota Historical Society is a private, non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849 to preserve and share Minnesota history. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota's past through interactive and engaging museum exhibits, extensive libraries and collections, 25 historic sites, educational programs and book publishing.
Minnesota Judicial Branch To provide justice through a system that assures equal access for the fair and timely resolution of cases and controversies.
Minnesota Management and Budget MMB was created in June of 2008 with the merger of the Minnesota Departments of Finance and Employee Relations. Our mission is to increase state government's capacity to manage and utilize financial, human, information and analytical resources to ensure exceptional service and value for Minnesota's citizens.
Minnesota Office of Higher Education The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.
Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) was established by the legislature in 2012 and charged with the design, construction and operation of U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota State Academies The Minnesota State Academy (MSA) is one state agency comprised of two special schools: The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB) and The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD).
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Find information about the programs and services offered at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU).
Minnesota State Law Library The Minnesota State Law Library is the oldest continuing library in the state of Minnesota and also one of the state's oldest institutions. The Library and the Territory of Minnesota were created by the same act of Congress on March 3, 1849.
Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) MSRS administers ten different retirement plans which provide retirement, survivor, and disability benefit coverage for Minnesota state employees as well as employees of the Metropolitan Council and many non-faculty employees at the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network (MnSCN) The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is sponsoring the Minnesota Sustainable Communities Network (MnSCN) and this web site. The goal of MnSCN and this site is to encourage networking, information exchange, and better access to assistance.
Minnesota Zoo Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
Minnesota's Bookstore Minnesota's Bookstore operates as a centralized publishing house for state agency products sold to the public.
Minnesota IT Services Minnesota IT Services is the State of Minnesota's central information technology organization. Led by the state's CIO, it provides services in three critical areas: infrastructure and technical support; planning and investment oversight; and policy and standards.
Minnesotans of African Heritage, Council for The Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage (CMAH) was created in 1980 to address the unmet needs and ongoing issues impacting Minnesotans of African descent and ensure that the needs of their constituents are conveyed to the policy makers and others in positions of authority who impact the well-being of this population.
MMCAP Infuse MMCAP Infuse is a national cooperative group purchasing organization (GPO) for government facilities that provide healthcare services. MMCAP Infuse was established in 1985, is operated by the State of Minnesota, Office of State Procurement, and is self-funded. It has over 13,000 members across all 50 states.
MNsure MNsure is a one-stop health insurance marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses can get quality health coverage at the lowest rates in the country. It facilitates enrollment in public and private health insurance, determines eligibility for premium tax credits and allows Minnesotans to shop and compare between health care coverage options. MNsure will empower more than 1 million Minnesotans to compare, choose, and get help finding health care coverage.
N Back To Top
Natural Resources, Department of   Manages the states natural resources. Hunting, Fishing, State Forests and Parks, Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Boating and Water Safety, Trails, Snowmobiling, Skiing, Education, Enforcement, Wildlife Management, Lands and Minerals and much
Nursing Home Administrators, Board of Examiners for The board licenses the administrators of nursing homes in the state. They also set the qualifications required for licensure, review and act on complaints against licensed administrators, refer consumers needing help to other state and private agencies.
Nursing, Board of The board is a regulatory agency whose services include licensing, discipline and program approval, education relevant to the needs of the public and to the education and practice of nurses and disseminating information to nurses and the public.
O Back To Top
Office of Energy Security The Department of Commerce, working to move Minnesota toward a sustainable energy future, managing energy assistance funds, advocating in the public interest on energy utility rates and facility siting. We provide information and assistance to residents, builders, utilities, non-profits and policy-makers on home improvements, financial assistance, renewable technologies, policy initiatives, and utility regulations.
Ombudsman for Long Term Care The Ombudsman for Long Term Care advocates for the health, safety, well-being and rights of long-term care consumers.
Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities The Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities assists with concerns or complaints about services, questions about rights, grievances, access to appropriate services, ideas for making services better.
Ombudspersons for Families The Office of the Ombudspersons for Families can help families with a variety of difficult family issues, including child protection matters, social service issues, failure to comply the the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) or the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), and unjust or discriminatory treatment by child protection services.
Ombudsman, Other Offices Other Ombudsman offices in Minnesota.
Optometry, Board of Promoting public interest in receiving quality optometric health care from competent licensed optometrists. Protecting the public by ensuring that all licensed optometrists meet the educational and practical requirements specified in law. Protecting the public by setting standards for quality optometric health care
P Back To Top
Peace Officer Standards and Training, Board of The board licenses peace officers, certifies professional education programs, develops in-service training programs, works with higher education to develop specialized courses and obtains criminal conviction data on persons seeking a license.
Pharmacy, Board of The board enforces rules dealing with drug distribution by drug manufacturers, wholesalers, pharmacies, physicians, dentists, and other practitioners. The board issues all licenses dealing with pharmacists and pharmacies.
Physical Therapy, Board of The Board of Physical Therapy serves to ensure that Minnesota citizens receive appropriate physical therapy services from competent physical therapists. Public protection is accomplished through licensing and disciplining of physical therapists.
Pipeline Safety The mission of the Office of Pipeline Safety is to ensure the safe operations and maintenance of natural gas and hazardous liquid pipeline systems and facilities in Minnesota through inspections, enforcement, education, and investigation of incidents/accidents.
Podiatric Medicine, Board of The board establishes standards for the practice of podiatry, now more properly called podiatric medicine. Functions of the board include licensing doctors of podiatric medicine (DPM), issuing temporary permits to practice under supervision, processing complaints against licensees, and registering podiatric professional corporations.
Pollution Control Agency Responsible for administering environmental permitting, compliance/enforcement, remediation and outreach programs to help Minnesota protect its environment.
Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board The board reviews applications for private detective/investigator and protective agent (security) The Board determines whether statutory requirements have been met and subsequently renders a decision to grant or deny licensing. The Board also reissues licenses and addresses complaints.
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board The board ensures that all Minnesota students have high quality educators in their schools, and ensures equitable education practices through high licensure standards, quality educator preparation programs, and stakeholder engagement.
Psychology, Board of The Board of Psychology was created to protect the public. It accomplishes that goal by enforcing rules and laws for licensing psychologists and psychological practitioners, and by regulating their professional conduct.
Public Defense, Board of The Board of Public Defense is a state agency that supervises the public defender system in Minnesota. By statute, the board is a part of the Judicial Branch of government, but it is not subject to the administrative control of the Supreme Court.
Public Employees Retirement Association Provides retirement benefits for public employees of county and local governments. PERA provides no services to the public.
Public Safety, Department of Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Liquor Control, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement, Crime Victim Services, Driver and Vehicle Services, Emergency Management, Emergency Communication Networks, State Fire Marshal, Pipeline Safety, State Highway Patrol, Statewide Radio Board, Capitol Security and Traffic Safety.
Public Utilities Commission The (PUC) regulates three service industries in Minnesota, electricity, natural gas, and telephone. It is the commission's responsibility to ensure that vendors of these services provide safe, adequate, and reliable service at fair, reasonable rates.
R Back To Top
Racing Commission The Minnesota Racing Commission was created to regulate horse racing and card club operation in order to ensure that it is conducted in the public interest.
House Research Department House Research provides nonpartisan, neutral research and legal services to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Renewable Energy Minnesota Renewable Energy serves as a gateway to all of the valuable information on a renewable energy spread throughout state government.
Revenue, Department of Revenue manages the states revenue system. Functions include the administration of 28 different taxes, interprets and enforces the tax laws, provides taxpayers both individuals and businesses with forms, processes tax returns/payments, and auditing.
Revisor of Statutes The Office of the Revisor of Statutes is a legislative office that provides services to members of both houses of the legislature as well as all constitutional offices and all state agencies and departments.
S Back To Top
Safety Council The Minnesota Safety Council is a semi-state agency, providing safety and health training services to state agencies and the citizens of Minnesota through a variety of programs. Its mission is to make Minnesota a safer place to live.
Science Museum of Minnesota Turn on the science: realizing the potential of policy makers, educators, and individuals to achieve full civic and economic participation in the world.
Secretary of State The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is a constitutional office in the executive branch of state government.
Sentencing Guidelines Commission The commission is an ongoing policy making body created to develop and maintain a model for rational and consistent sentencing standards to reduce disparity in sentencing practices throughout the state.
Social Work, Board of The purpose of the Board and of licensure is to promote public protection by enacting and enforcing licensure and practice standards for social workers.
State Auditor, Office of The Minnesota State Auditor is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of the U.S. State of Minnesota. The State Auditor is charged with overseeing nearly $40 billion spent annually by local governments in Minnesota. The State Auditor does this by performing audits of local government financial statements and by reviewing documents, data, reports and complaints reported to the Office. The financial information collected is analyzed and serves as the basis of statutory reports issued by the Office of the State Auditor. The State Auditor is elected and serves a four-year term.
State Designer Selection Board The State Designer Selection Board (SDSB) selects the primary designer on building construction or remodeling projects as requested by state agencies (except CAAPB), the University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities on all projects with an estimated cost greater than $2,000,000.00 or planning projects with estimated fees greater than $200,000.00. Selection for Primary Designer is based on qualifications.
State Patrol The mission of the Minnesota State Patrol is to: protect and serve all people in the state through assistance, education, and enforcement; provide support to allied agencies; and provide for the safe, efficient movement of traffic on Minnesota's roadways.
State Rehabilitation Council Review, analyze, and advise regarding Vocational Rehabilitation's performance in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation.
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind gives advice and recommendation to SSB about its products and services.
State Retirement System, Minnesota Administers separate retirement programs for state employees, unclassified employees, legislators, elective officers, judges and state patrol employees.
Supreme Court The Minnesota Supreme Court is, in effect, the final arbitrator of the constitutional rights of the people of the state of Minnesota. Supreme Court decisions often serve as precedent for future cases.
Surplus Services Surplus Services assists state agencies in the transfer, donation, and other environmentally-responsible disposal of assets and other personal property no longer needed for state use, through a variety of venues.
T Back To Top
Tax Court The Minnesota Tax Court is a specialized, executive branch court specifically established by the Minnesota Legislature to hear only tax related cases.
Teachers Retirement Association A public pension fund providing retirement, disability and death benefits to Minnesota college faculty, public school teachers, administrators, retirees, their families and beneficiaries.

Tourism Explore Minnesota Tourism: Travel Information on Minnesota Travel information on Minnesota, including lodging, attractions, events, free brochures and more.
Transportation, Department of Provides a balanced transportation system. Responsible areas include aeronautics, highways, motor carriers, ports, public transit, railroads and pipelines.
U Back To Top
University of Minnesota University of Minnesota's mission of education, research, and public engagement; our academic scope; and our statewide presence are marks of distinction and position us well to address the critical problems of this new century.
V Back To Top
Veterans Affairs, Department of Assists Minnesota's Veterans and their dependents to obtain the benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Minnesota. The Department also manages the state's five Veterans Homes and the State Veterans Cemetery.
Veterinary Medicine, Board of The board is the licensing agency for practitioners of veterinary medicine in the state of Minnesota. The board establishes educational and examination requirements and investigates complaints.
W Back To Top
Water and Soil Resources, Board of The mission of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources is to assist local governments and others to manage and conserve irreplaceable water and soil resources under their stewardship, with an emphasis on private lands. BWSR accomplishes this mission by providing financial, technical, and administrative assistance.
Weights and Measures The Department of Commerce Weights and Measures Division checks the accuracy of all commercial weight and measuring equipment in the state as well as the quality of gasoline and other fuel products.
Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals The WCCA was created as an independent agency of the executive branch of state government by Chapter 175A of the Minnesota Statutes. The court consists of five judges appointed to six-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The Governor designates one of the five as the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge is responsible for the administration of the court.
Z Back To Top
Zoological Garden Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.
back to top