This bill proposes the abolition of the Metropolitan Council and the transfer of its responsibilities to various state agencies, including the commissioners of administration and natural resources, as well as the Department of Transportation. Key provisions include the transfer of transportation and transit-related functions, the establishment of a Metropolitan Area Sanitary Sewer District, and the repeal of metropolitan land use planning provisions. The bill also modifies existing Minnesota statutes to remove references to the Metropolitan Council, thereby reallocating powers and responsibilities to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and other state entities. Notably, it updates the definition of "agency" to exclude the Metropolitan Council and allows for the release of municipal utility customer data to law enforcement while eliminating the Council's access to such data.

Additionally, the bill introduces significant changes to the governance of transit services, establishing a Metropolitan Area Transit Board to oversee transit-related financial matters and operations, effectively replacing the Metropolitan Council in this capacity. It outlines the board's authority to set tax levies and manage transit taxes, with a focus on enhancing collaboration among local governments and ensuring public input in transit planning. The bill also emphasizes the need for compliance with federal regulations in various areas, including wastewater management and environmental assessments, while streamlining processes and clarifying the roles of different governmental entities. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and local governance within Minnesota's metropolitan framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 4A.02, 6.80, 10.60, 10A.01, 13.685, 15.0597, 15.0599, 15B.11, 16A.88, 16C.073, 16C.285, 43A.346, 47.52, 65B.43, 85.016, 85.017, 85.53, 103B.155, 103B.231, 103B.235, 103B.255, 103G.293, 114C.25, 114D.30, 116M.15, 118A.07, 124D.892, 134.201, 145A.02, 216C.145, 216C.15, 216H.02, 240.06, 270.12, 275.065, 275.62, 275.70, 297A.70, 352.01, 352.03, 352.04, 352D.02, 353.64, 363A.44, 373.40, 383A.81, 383B.81, 398A.04, 414.02, 414.031, 462A.04, 462A.07, 462A.222, 462C.04, 462C.071, 465.82, 469.174, 469.351, 471.425, 471.9997, 473.121, 473.142, 473.1425, 473.143, 473.144, 473.145, 473.146, 473.8011, 473.910, 477A.011, 572A.02, 604B.04, 609.2231, 609.594, 609.6055, 403.30, 403.31, 403.36, 473F.02, 473F.08, 473F.13, 473.192, 473.602, 473.604, 473.608, 473.611, 473.638, 473.64, 473.655, 473.661, 473.618, 473.667, 473.621, 473H.04, 473H.06, 473H.08, 473H.02, 116P.17, 473.147, 473.301, 473.303, 473.313, 473.315, 473.325, 473.334, 473.341, 473.351, 13.46, 117.57, 160.165, 160.93, 161.088, 162.09, 162.145, 169.306, 169.781, 169.791, 169.792, 174.03, 174.04, 174.285, 174.30, 174.375, 174.90, 221.012, 221.022, 221.031, 237.162, 275.066, 297A.9915, 297A.992, 352.75, 473.1466, 473.166, 473.167, 473.168, 473.223, 473.375, 473.384, 473.388, 174.24, 473.385, 473.386, 473.387, 473.3875, 473.39, 473.391, 473.3925, 473.399, 473.3994, 473.3995, 473.3997, 473.405, 473.4051, 473.4056, 473.4057, 473.4065, 473.407, 473.4075, 473.4077, 473.408, 473.409, 473.41, 473.411, 473.412, 473.415, 473.416, 473.42, 473.436, 473.446, 473.4465, 473.448, 473.4485, 473.449, 473.502, 115.7411, 115A.151, 115A.471, 115A.52, 116.064, 116.16, 116.182, 116D.04, 116G.03, 116G.15, 116J.401, 446A.076, 473.149, 473.811, 473J.25, 3.971, 10.65, 268B.01, 363A.36, 174.265, 273.1398, 473.153, 473.831