This 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 operating manuals that detail their duties, operations, forms, deadlines, and payment requirements. 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 include payment-related information, they must provide all necessary forms and instructions, as well as details on due dates 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 related to the duties and operations of local governments, as well as what constitutes a fee or assessment.