This bill proposes significant updates to local government policies in Minnesota, focusing on public data classification, reimbursement amounts, audit thresholds, and public notice requirements. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.43, subdivision 2, 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 property types from $5,000 to $10,000 under section 117.036, subdivision 2. The bill also introduces provisions for public water and sewer districts to install infrastructure in public road rights-of-way and modifies public notice publication requirements when a qualified newspaper is unavailable.

Moreover, the bill adjusts audit requirements for towns, increasing the revenue threshold for mandatory annual audits from $150,000 to $1,000,000, effective August 1, 2025. It allows cities under a standard plan of government to merge the clerk and treasurer positions into a single clerk-treasurer role, with audit requirements based on annual revenue. The governance structure of hospital districts is also modified, reducing board members from nine to twelve down to six, with changes allowed through bylaws. Additionally, cities and towns are required to provide landlords with access to the attorney general's landlord-tenant guide when issuing rental licenses. Many provisions are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, while some will be effective immediately upon enactment.

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