He represented the old districts 18 and 27, which changed somewhat through redistricting in 1972, and included all or portions of Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Nobles and Watonwan counties in the southwestern part of the state.
[1] While in the Senate, Olson served on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Welfare, Local Government, Education, Rules and Administration, Taxes and Tax Laws, and Veterans' Affairs committees.
He was also a member of the Natural Resources and Agriculture Subcommittee for Environmental Protection, of the Education subcommittees for Post-Secondary and Higher Education Planning and Coordination, for Special Education in State Institutions, and for Special Programs, and of the Taxes and Tax Laws Subcommittee for Sales and Property Tax.
While in office, his special legislative concerns included agriculture, education, and the environment.
[1] Born in the town of Madelia, Olson grew up and lived in St. James, attending St. James High School, from which he graduated in 1955, and Mankato State College in Mankato.