The proposed bill mandates that counties and cities in Minnesota establish and maintain written policies and procedures that are accessible to the public. Specifically, it requires these local governments to create comprehensive operations manuals that detail their duties, services, licensing requirements, fees, and administrative procedures. These manuals must be available for public inspection at designated offices and may also be published online, with clear information on where hard copies can be found. Additionally, if the manuals contain information related to fees or assessments, they must include necessary forms, payment instructions, deadlines, and consequences for late payments.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any law enforcement procedures included in these manuals must receive approval from the chief law enforcement officer or, in their absence, from at least two other authorized law enforcement officers. It clarifies that the information in these manuals must comply with the Administrative Procedure Act, ensuring that sensitive or confidential information is not disclosed. The bill also provides definitions for key terms, such as "each duty or operation of the county or city" and "fee or assessment," to ensure clarity in its implementation.