This bill introduces several technical and policy changes to the Administrative Procedure Act and the Office of Administrative Hearings in Minnesota. It establishes new definitions for "administrative courts," which include the Office of Administrative Hearings, Tax Court, and Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals, and mandates that all notes and memoranda from judges or employees of these courts be kept confidential. The bill also requires agencies to file documents electronically with the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Office of the Revisor of Statutes, aiming to enhance administrative efficiency. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the chief administrative law judge, including the authority to appoint a deputy chief judge and compensation judges, and modifies the salary structure for administrative law judges.

In terms of election law, the bill sets forth procedures for handling complaints related to violations, requiring the chief administrative law judge to schedule an evidentiary hearing if probable cause is found. It specifies strict timelines for these hearings and the resolution of complaints, with provisions for extensions under certain circumstances. Notably, the bill repeals section 211B.06, which dealt with false political and campaign material, thereby removing penalties associated with such offenses. This repeal represents a significant shift in the legal landscape governing political advertising and campaign communications in Minnesota, while the overall changes aim to modernize administrative law procedures and improve the efficiency and transparency of the administrative hearing process.

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