This bill proposes several technical and policy changes to the Administrative Procedure Act and the Office of Administrative Hearings in Minnesota. It introduces new definitions and provisions for "administrative courts," which include the Office of Administrative Hearings, Tax Court, and Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals. Key amendments establish confidentiality for notes and memoranda prepared by judges or employees of these courts and clarify the handling of health-related documents as private data. The bill also mandates electronic filing of documents with the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Office of the Revisor of Statutes, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency. Additionally, it outlines the appointment and responsibilities of the chief administrative law judge, modifies the salary structure for administrative law judges, and requires agencies to provide electronic notice of rule changes.

Moreover, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes to create clearer timelines and procedures for addressing complaints related to election law violations. It specifies that evidentiary hearings must occur within ten days of a complaint being assigned to a panel of three administrative law judges, with additional timelines based on the proximity to upcoming elections. The panel is also required to resolve complaints within three business days if a probable cause hearing is necessary, or within 14 days after the hearing record closes otherwise. Notably, the bill repeals Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 211B.06, which pertains to false political and campaign material, removing legal provisions that classify certain false political communications as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors, thereby potentially altering accountability for false political advertising in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 211B.06, 14.48, 14.62, 15A.083, 14.05, 14.08, 14.16, 14.26, 14.386, 14.388, 14.3895, 211B.33, 211B.34, 211B.35
1st Engrossment: 211B.06, 14.48, 14.62, 15A.083, 14.05, 14.08, 14.16, 14.26, 14.386, 14.388, 14.3895, 211B.33, 211B.34, 211B.35