The first of these special sessions was convened on June 6 to consider the state budget, appropriations, and a tax bill.

The third special session of 1981 was convened from December 1, 1981, to January 18, 1982, to consider reducing appropriations.

The first of these special sessions was convened on March 30 to consider changes to the state's unemployment and workers' compensation laws.

The second was convened on July 9 to consider authorizing Albert Lea to spend federal revenue sharing funds, and to consider providing employment aid to the Iron Range from the Northeast Minnesota Economic Protection Fund.

The final special session of the 72nd Minnesota Legislature met from December 7, 1982, to December 10, 1982, and considered reductions in appropriations, reducing employer and increasing employee contributions to various retirement funds, adding two members to the investment advisory board, and so forth.