This bill proposes significant updates to local government policies in Minnesota, focusing on transparency, efficiency, and governance structures. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.43, to classify members of the Metropolitan Council as public officials, making their complaint data public after investigations. Additionally, it raises the reimbursement cap for property appraisals for two-family residential properties from $1,500 to $3,000 and for other properties from $5,000 to $10,000 under section 117.036. The bill also introduces provisions for public water and sewer districts to install infrastructure in public road rights-of-way and modifies public notice publishing requirements when qualified newspapers are unavailable. Furthermore, it increases the audit threshold for towns from $150,000 to $1,000,000 in annual revenue, effective August 1, 2025.

Moreover, the bill allows cities under a standard plan of government to merge the clerk and treasurer positions into a single clerk-treasurer role, with audit requirements adjusted based on annual revenue. It mandates that cities and towns provide landlords with access to the attorney general's landlord-tenant guide during rental license processes. The governance of hospital districts is also revised, reducing board members from nine to twelve down to six and allowing changes in membership through bylaws. Many provisions are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, while some will be effective immediately upon enactment. The bill also repeals outdated statutes related to board appointments and historical work funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 473.173, 473.254, 473.351, 473H.08
1st Engrossment: 13.43, 117.036, 222.37, 331A.10, 367.36, 383C.035, 412.02, 412.341, 412.591, 477A.017
2nd Engrossment: 13.43, 117.036, 222.37, 331A.10, 367.36, 383C.035, 412.02, 412.341, 412.591, 477A.017