This bill amends various sections of Minnesota Statutes to enable towns to adopt home rule charters, aligning their governance structures with those of cities. It introduces definitions for "town" and "home rule charter town," clarifying the distinction between the two. The bill establishes a framework for creating a charter commission, detailing the appointment of members, their terms, and meeting procedures, while requiring the commission to submit an annual report on its activities. Financial provisions are included, stating that commission members will not receive compensation but may hire personnel, and it sets limits on the expenses towns can incur for charter-related activities.

Furthermore, the bill allows town boards of supervisors to propose charter amendments and outlines the necessary public hearing and voter approval processes, mirroring those applicable to city councils. It ensures that towns organized under a home rule charter are recognized as legal successors to their previous statutory forms, preserving all rights, penalties, and properties. The bill also introduces provisions for the recall and removal of officers under home rule charters for both cities and towns, and it allows any city or town to revert to a statutory form of governance, detailing the transition process. Overall, the legislation aims to standardize governance for cities and towns in Minnesota, providing them with similar rights and processes under home rule charters.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 410.015, 410.04, 410.06, 410.11, 410.12, 410.15, 410.20, 410.24, 410.30, 410.33