Dblas, I hope you won't mind, but if I might correct some minor points.
Anyone as you have said, can write anything they want.
HOWEVER, once a sponsor takes it on, the Department of Legislative Services writes the bill. I have, in my former role as Leg Director for a state agency, had bills written by our Assistant Attorney General and then had bills completely re-written by DLS (one bill went from a page or two to more 60 but it was essentially the same bill).
Also, sometimes, a legislator will drop a bill just to drive a discussion of the issue. Any legislator can add their name to the bill at the committee hearing. It isn't always a "show" for their base. I know you know that, but others may or may not. And sometimes a bill is a strategy to drive negotiations on a bad bill. Lots of reasons why a legislator may drop a bill they know isn't going anywhere. You'll recall one legislator we know, who did this occasionally because he wanted MSP to come in with data...and when they didn't he successfully used this argument to make bills that were flying through as written a little less awful.
I never mind an assist from you.
Thanks Doll.