Omnibus State and Local Government policy bill

A bill for an act

relating to state government; prohibiting certain work by legislative members;

changing provisions for business filings, energy and water use in state facilities,

enterprise sustainability, grant management, fraud training, pharmacy benefit

manager selection, historic site management, lien notice, public television block

grant eligibility, and attorney general civil actions; modifying provisions for local

government elections, organization, investments, personnel structure, financing

of public projects, and nondisclosure agreements; dedicating Snow Professionals

Appreciation Month and Hmong American Heritage Week; designating the state

sled; extending the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity; requiring payment

transparency; defining terms; providing immunity for racing facilities; amending

Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 3.084, subdivision 2; 3.888, subdivision 7; 5.02;

5.08; 5.23, subdivision 1; 15.72, by adding a subdivision; 16B.32, subdivisions 1,

2, by adding subdivisions; 16B.372, subdivision 1; 16B.97, subdivisions 4, 5;

16B.98, subdivision 11; 16B.991, subdivision 1; 43A.231, subdivision 5; 118A.09,

subdivisions 2, 4, by adding a subdivision; 129D.13, subdivision 1; 138.669;

268.058, subdivision 1; 365.05; 365.50, subdivisions 1, 2; 367.03, subdivision 2;

367.12; 367.161; 379.01, subdivision 3; 383A.281, subdivision 13; 383A.283,

subdivisions 2, 3; 383A.284, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 383A.285, subdivisions 2,

3, 4, 5, 10; 383A.286, subdivisions 2, 3; 383A.288, subdivisions 5, 6; 383A.289,

subdivisions 1, 3; 383A.291, subdivision 1a; 383A.292, subdivisions 1, 2;

383A.294, subdivision 6; 383A.295, subdivisions 1, 2; 429.011, subdivision 2a;

429.021, subdivision 1; 444.075, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2025

Supplement, sections 13.43, subdivision 2; 15A.082, subdivision 3; proposing

coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 1; 10; 15; 43A; 358; 462; 471;

561; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 383A.298; 383A.301; 462.357,

subdivision 5.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

ARTICLE 1

STATE GOVERNMENT

Section 1.

new text begin

[1.1494] STATE SLED.

new text end

new text begin

The toboggan is the official sled of the state of Minnesota.

new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.084, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Prohibition.

(a) A sitting member of the legislature is prohibited from accepting

employment with or otherwise receiving compensation for services performed from:

(1) a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from lobbying, government

relations or government affairs services;

(2) a business whose primary source of revenue is derived from facilitating government

relations or government affairs services between two third parties; or

(3) any other business
new text begin
or public employer
new text end
that employs or contracts with lobbyists,

government relations or government affairs professionals, if the member's job duties include
deleted text begin

acting in that capacity or
deleted text end
new text begin
:
new text end

new text begin

(i) direct lobbying;

new text end

new text begin

(ii) government relations or government affairs while the legislature is in session; or

new text end

new text begin

(iii)
new text end
providing direct or indirect consulting
deleted text begin
,
deleted text end
new text begin
or
new text end
advice
deleted text begin
, or administrative support for that

work
deleted text end
new text begin
that helps the business or public employer deliver lobbying, government relations, or

government affairs services to clients
new text end
.

(b) This prohibition applies regardless of the location where the work of the business is

substantially conducted or its clients are located.

(c) The house of representatives and the senate must adopt rules to enforce this section.

new text begin

(d) For purposes of this section, "business" means any corporation, partnership,

proprietorship, firm, enterprise, franchise, association, organization, self-employed individual,

or any other legal entity which engages in either nonprofit or profit making activities.

new text end

new text begin

(e) For purposes of this section, "public employer" means a department, agency, or office

of a federal government, state government, or territory of the United States; the state or

federal judiciary; the United States Congress; a legislature of a state or territory; a local

government or political subdivision of any state or territory of the United States; or any

other public body.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective January 1, 2027.

new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 3.888, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Expiration.

The commission expires December 31,
deleted text begin
2028
deleted text end
new text begin
2035
new text end
.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 5.02, is amended to read:

5.02 ASSISTANTS.

The secretary of state shall appoint
deleted text begin
an assistant
deleted text end
new text begin
a deputy
new text end
secretary of state, who shall

perform all the duties of the office when the secretary is absent or disabled. The secretary

may also employ
deleted text begin
a chief clerk, a recording clerk, and a stenographer,
deleted text end
new text begin
and at pleasure dismiss

two additional deputies and an executive assistant
new text end
who, besides the duties indicated by their

titles, shall perform such services in connection with the office as the secretary or the assistant

may require.
new text begin
This section does not increase the complement of the secretary of state.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 5.08, is amended to read:

5.08 LEGISLATIVE MANUAL.

Subdivision 1.

Preparation.

The secretary of state shall prepare, compile, edit, and

distribute for use at each regular legislative session, a convenient manual, properly indexed,

and containing: The federal and state constitutions; the acts of Congress relating to the

organization of the territory and state; the rules of order and joint rules of the two houses,

and lists of their members, committees and employees; the names of all state officials,

whether elected or appointed, and of all persons holding office from this state under the

national government; the
deleted text begin
places
deleted text end
new text begin
municipalities
new text end
where the said several officials reside, and

the annual compensation of each; and statistical and other information of the kind heretofore

published in the legislative manuals.

Subd. 2.

Distribution.

deleted text begin
10,000
deleted text end
new text begin
5,000
new text end
copies of the legislative manual shall be printed

and distributed as follows:

(1) up to
deleted text begin
20
deleted text end
new text begin
5
new text end
copies shall be available to each member of the legislature on request;

(2)
deleted text begin
50
deleted text end
new text begin
12
new text end
copies to the State Historical Society;

(3)
deleted text begin
25
deleted text end
new text begin
2
new text end
copies to the state university;

(4)
deleted text begin
60
deleted text end
new text begin
30
new text end
copies to the state library;

(5)
deleted text begin
two copies
deleted text end
new text begin
one copy
new text end
each to the Library of Congress, the Minnesota veterans homes,

the universities, the high schools, academies, seminaries, and colleges of the state, and the

public libraries of the state;

(6) one copy each to other state institutions, the elective state officials, the appointed

heads of departments, the officers and employees of the legislature, the justices of the

supreme court, the judges of the court of appeals and the district court, the senators and

representatives in Congress from this state, and the county auditors, recorders, and attorneys;
new text begin

and
new text end

(7)
deleted text begin
one copy to each school, to be distributed through the superintendent of each school

district; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin

(8)
deleted text end
the remainder may be disposed of as the secretary of state deems best.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 5.23, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Failure to pay filing fee.

new text begin
(a)
new text end
If a person files an instrument authorized

to be filed with the secretary of state with a payment order or item that is rejected or

dishonored, the secretary of state
deleted text begin
is
deleted text end
new text begin
may take the actions
new text end
authorized
new text begin
under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin

(b) The secretary of state is authorized
new text end
to refuse the filing of further instruments submitted

by that person or on behalf of the business entity or notary on whose behalf the prior

instrument was filed or relating to the same assumed name or trademark filing.

new text begin

(c)

new text end

new text begin

If a person makes a filing related to a business entity with a payment order or item

that is rejected or dishonored, the secretary of state is authorized to terminate the business

entity and change the business entity's filing status to inactive.

new text end

new text begin

(d)
new text end
The secretary may
deleted text begin
also
deleted text end
pursue collection of the rejected or dishonored payment order

or item and recover the face amount of the payment order or item, any service fee, and any

additional collection costs incurred to collect the amount. If the payment order or item is

honored, or the delinquent amount is paid, the secretary of state must resume filing

instruments submitted by that person or on behalf of that business entity or notary or relating

to the same assumed name or trademark filing as of the date the payment order or item is

honored and an instrument is presented for filing.

new text begin

(e)
new text end
The secretary may impose restrictions on the manner of payment that will be accepted

for any future filings.

new text begin

(f)
new text end
This subdivision does not apply to financing statements filed under chapter 336 or

to an effective financing statement or lien notice filed under chapter 336A.

Sec. 7.

new text begin

[10.52] SNOW PROFESSIONALS APPRECIATION MONTH.

new text end

new text begin

The month of January of each year is designated as Snow Professionals Appreciation

Month in recognition of the state's desire to honor, recognize, and celebrate the contributions

of snow professionals. Minnesota has thousands of snow professionals who work tirelessly

in winter months to clear snow; keep streets, sidewalks, and recreational paths safe; plow

thousands of miles of roads; and manage ice with salt and sand application. Snow

professionals monitor winter weather and track storms to dispatch appropriate snow removal

crews and equipment. Professional snow services range from small residential shoveling

services to large commercial plowing and deicing for businesses. Snow removal services

represent a significant part of Minnesota's winter economy. The state declares that in order

to educate the public, the governor may promote and encourage the observance of Snow

Professionals Appreciation Month.

new text end

Sec. 8.

new text begin

[10.5801] HMONG AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK.

new text end

new text begin

(a) May 14 to May 23 each year is an official week of observance to commemorate the

state's valued Hmong American heritage. During the week of observance, all residents of

the state are urged to:

new text end

new text begin

(1) recognize and honor the history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people;

and

new text end

new text begin

(2) acknowledge the contributions of Hmong people to Minnesota.

new text end

new text begin

(b) Hmong American Heritage Week honors:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the history, heritage, and resilience of the Hmong people, including their longstanding

cultural traditions, their service and sacrifice alongside the United States during the Secret

War in Laos, and their journey as refugees to the United States and Minnesota; and

new text end

new text begin

(2) the significant contributions of Hmong Minnesotans in public service,

entrepreneurship, agriculture, education, the arts, and community life and in enriching the

cultural, civic, and economic fabric of the state.

new text end

new text begin

(c) The governor is encouraged to issue a proclamation recognizing Hmong American

Heritage Week and encouraging Minnesotans to observe Hmong American Heritage Week

through programs, ceremonies, educational activities, and community events honoring the

history, culture, traditions, and heritage of the Hmong people.

new text end

new text begin

(d) Schools, libraries, historical societies, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations,

community groups, local governments, and residents are encouraged to organize and lead

programs, ceremonies, educational initiatives, and community events that highlight the

history, culture, traditions, resilience, and contributions of the Hmong people.

new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 13.43, subdivision 2, is amended to

read:

Subd. 2.

Public data.

(a) Except for employees described in subdivision 5 and subject

to the limitations described in subdivision 5a, the following personnel data on current and

former employees, volunteers, and independent contractors of a government entity is public:

(1) name;
deleted text begin
employee identification number, which must not be the employee's Social

Security number;
deleted text end
actual gross salary; salary range; terms and conditions of employment

relationship; contract fees; actual gross pension; the value and nature of employer paid

fringe benefits; and the basis for and the amount of any added remuneration, including

expense reimbursement, in addition to salary;

(2) job title and bargaining unit; job description; education and training background;

and previous work experience;

(3) date of first and last employment;

(4) the existence and status of any complaints or charges against the employee, regardless

of whether the complaint or charge resulted in a disciplinary action;

(5) the final disposition of any disciplinary action together with the specific reasons for

the action and data documenting the basis of the action, excluding data that would identify

confidential sources who are employees of the public body;

(6) the complete terms of any agreement settling any dispute arising out of an employment

relationship, including a buyout agreement as defined in section
123B.143, subdivision 2
,

paragraph (a); except that the agreement must include specific reasons for the agreement if

it involves the payment of more than $10,000 of public money;

(7) work location; a work telephone number; badge number; work-related continuing

education; and honors and awards received; and

(8) payroll time sheets or other comparable data that are only used to account for

employee's work time for payroll purposes, except to the extent that release of time sheet

data would reveal the employee's reasons for the use of sick or other medical leave or other

not public data.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a final disposition occurs when the government

entity makes its final decision about the disciplinary action, regardless of the possibility of

any later proceedings or court proceedings. Final disposition includes a resignation by an

individual when the resignation occurs after the final decision of the government entity, or

arbitrator. In the case of arbitration proceedings arising under collective bargaining

agreements, a final disposition occurs at the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings, or

upon the failure of the employee to elect arbitration within the time provided by the collective

bargaining agreement. A disciplinary action does not become public data if an arbitrator

sustains a grievance and reverses all aspects of any disciplinary action.

(c) The government entity may display a photograph of a current or former employee

to a prospective witness as part of the government entity's investigation of any complaint

or charge against the employee.

(d) A complainant has access to a statement provided by the complainant to a government

entity in connection with a complaint or charge against an employee.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clause (5), and subject to paragraph (f), upon

completion of an investigation of a complaint or charge against a public official, or if a

public official resigns or is terminated from employment while the complaint or charge is

pending, all data relating to the complaint or charge are public, unless access to the data

would jeopardize an active investigation or reveal confidential sources. For purposes of this

paragraph, "public official" means:

(1) the head of a state agency and deputy and assistant state agency heads;

(2) members of boards or commissions required by law to be appointed by the governor

or other elective officers;

(3) members of the Metropolitan Council appointed by the governor under section

473.123, subdivision 3
;

(4) executive or administrative heads of departments, bureaus, divisions, or institutions

within state government; and

(5) the following employees:

(i) the chief administrative officer, or the individual acting in an equivalent position, in

all political subdivisions;

(ii) individuals required to be identified by a political subdivision pursuant to section

471.701
;

(iii) in a city or a county: managers; chiefs; heads or directors of departments, divisions,

bureaus, or boards; and any equivalent position;

(iv) in a school district: business managers; human resource directors; athletic directors

whose duties include at least 50 percent of their time spent in administration, personnel,

supervision, and evaluation; chief financial officers; directors; individuals defined as

superintendents and principals under Minnesota Rules, part
3512.0100
; and in a charter

school, individuals employed in comparable positions; and

(v) in the Metropolitan Council, a public corporation and political subdivision of the

state established under chapter 473: the chair of the Metropolitan Council appointed by the

governor; the regional administrator appointed as the principal administrative officer by the

Metropolitan Council under section
473.125
; the deputy regional administrator; the general

counsel appointed by the Metropolitan Council under section
473.123, subdivision 8
; the

executive heads of divisions, including the general managers and executive directors; the

executive head responsible for compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity provisions

of federal law; and the chief law enforcement officer of the Metropolitan Transit Police

appointed by the regional administrator under section
473.407, subdivision 4
.

(f) Data relating to a complaint or charge against an employee identified under paragraph

(e), clause (5), are public only if:

(1) the complaint or charge results in disciplinary action or the employee resigns or is

terminated from employment while the complaint or charge is pending; or

(2) potential legal claims arising out of the conduct that is the subject of the complaint

or charge are released as part of a settlement agreement.

This paragraph and paragraph (e) do not authorize the release of data that are made not

public under other law.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 15.72, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 1a.

new text end

new text begin

Payment information requests.

new text end

new text begin

(a) Upon written request from a contractor

or subcontractor of any tier that can provide documentation of participating in the public

improvement project, a public contracting agency must provide information regarding any

progress payment, retainage payment, final payment, or other payment made by the

contracting agency.

new text end

new text begin

(b) The information provided under paragraph (a) must include:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the amount of the payment;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the date the payment was made or approved; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) a copy of the payment application submitted by the contractor.

new text end

new text begin

For highway construction contracts, a copy of the estimate or voucher generated by the

public contracting agency meets this requirement.

new text end

new text begin

(c) The public contracting agency must provide the requested information within seven

calendar days of receipt of the request.

new text end

new text begin

(d) The public contracting agency must make available to subcontractors the contact

information for the public contracting agency for payment information under this section.

If the public contracting agency has a website, the agency must post the contact information

on the agency's public website for solicitations or bids or on another apparent location on

the agency's website. If a public contracting agency has an automated Internet-based system

to provide this information, the agency may request a requestor to use that system.

new text end

new text begin

(e) No cost or fees may be charged to the contractor or subcontractor providing

information required under this section.

new text end

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, section 15A.082, subdivision 3, is amended

to read:

Subd. 3.

Submission of recommendations and determination.

(a) By September 1 in

each even-numbered year, the Compensation Council shall submit to the speaker of the

house and the president of the senate salary recommendations for justices of the supreme

court, and judges of the court of appeals and district court. The recommended salaries take

effect on July 1 of the next year and July 1 of the subsequent even-numbered year, unless

the legislature by law provides otherwise. The salary recommendations take effect if an

appropriation of money to pay the recommended salaries is enacted after the

recommendations are submitted and before their effective date. Recommendations may be

expressly modified or rejected.

(b) By
deleted text begin
April
deleted text end
new text begin
May
new text end
1 in each odd-numbered year, the Compensation Council must prescribe

salaries for constitutional officers, and for the agency and metropolitan agency heads

identified in section
15A.0815
. The prescribed salary for each office must take effect July

1 of that year and July 1 of the subsequent even-numbered year and at whatever interval

the council determines thereafter, unless the legislature by law provides otherwise. An

appropriation by the legislature to fund the relevant office, branch, or agency of an amount

sufficient to pay the salaries prescribed by the council constitutes a prescription by law as

provided in the Minnesota Constitution, article V, sections 4 and 5.

(c) By
deleted text begin
April
deleted text end

new text begin
May
new text end
1 in each odd-numbered year, the Compensation Council must prescribe

daily compensation for voting members of the Direct Care and Treatment executive board.

The recommended daily compensation takes effect on July 1 of that year and July 1 of the

subsequent even-numbered year and at whatever interval the council recommends thereafter,

unless the legislature by law provides otherwise.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.32, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Alternative energy sources.

(a) If the incorporation of cost-effective

energy efficiency measures into the design, materials, and operations of a building or major

building renovation subject to section
16B.325
is not sufficient to meet Sustainable Building

2030 energy performance standards required under section
216B.241, subdivision 9
,

cost-effective renewable energy sources or solar thermal energy systems, or both, must be

deployed to achieve those standards.

(b) The commissioners of administration and commerce shall review compliance of

building designs and plans subject to this section with Sustainable Building 2030 performance

standards developed under section
216B.241, subdivision 9
, and shall make recommendations

to the legislature as necessary to ensure that those performance standards are met.

(c) For
deleted text begin
the
deleted text end
purposes of this section:

new text begin

(1) "benchmark" has the meaning given in section 216C.331, subdivision 1, paragraph

(c);

new text end

new text begin

(2) "energy" has the meaning given in section 216C.331, subdivision 1, paragraph (h);

new text end

new text begin

(3) "energy conservation" has the meaning given in section 216B.2402, subdivision 5,

and for energy sources identified in section 216C.331, subdivision 1, paragraph (h);

new text end

new text begin

(4) "energy conservation improvement" has the meaning given in section 216B.2402,

subdivision 6;

new text end

deleted text begin

(1)
deleted text end
new text begin
(5)
new text end
"energy efficiency" has the meaning given
new text begin
for energy
new text end
in section
216B.2402,

subdivision 7
;

deleted text begin

(2)
deleted text end
new text begin
(6)
new text end
"renewable energy" has the meaning given in section
216B.2422, subdivision 1
,

paragraph (c), and includes hydrogen generated from wind, solar, or hydroelectric;
deleted text begin
and
deleted text end

deleted text begin

(3)
deleted text end
new text begin
(7)
new text end
"solar thermal energy systems" has the meaning given to "qualifying solar thermal

project" in section
216B.2411, subdivision 2
, paragraph (e)
deleted text begin
.
deleted text end
new text begin
;
new text end

new text begin

(8) "water conservation" means an action that results in the net reduction of water

consumption;

new text end

new text begin

(9) "water conservation improvement" means a project or program that results in the

efficient use and conservation of water; and

new text end

new text begin

(10) "water efficiency" means measures or programs designed to use less water to

accomplish the same outcome, including reducing input or wastewater.

new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Energy
deleted text begin
conservation goals
deleted text end
new text begin
shared savings program
new text end
.

The commissioner of

administration in consultation with the commissioner of commerce, in cooperation with

one or more public utilities or comprehensive energy services providers, may conduct a

shared-savings program involving energy conservation expenditures on state-owned and

wholly state-leased buildings. The public utility or energy services provider shall contract

with appropriate state agencies to implement energy efficiency improvements in the selected

buildings. A contract must require the public utility or energy services provider to include

all energy efficiency improvements in selected buildings that are calculated to achieve a

cost payback within ten years. The contract must require that the public utility or energy

services provider be repaid solely from energy cost savings and only to the extent of energy

cost savings. Repayments must be interest-free. The goal of the program in this paragraph

is to demonstrate that through effective energy conservation the total energy consumption

per square foot of state-owned and wholly state-leased buildings could exceed existing

energy code by at least 30 percent.
deleted text begin
All agencies must report to the commissioner of

administration their monthly energy usage, building schedules, inventory of

energy-consuming equipment, and other information as needed by the commissioner to

manage and evaluate the program.
deleted text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.32, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 4.

new text end

new text begin

Energy and water data collection.

new text end

new text begin

An agency with the custodial control for

a facility must report the material energy and water consumption and cost data for the facility

to the commissioner on a basis determined by the commissioner.

new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.32, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 5.

new text end

new text begin

Energy and water goals; conservation improvement plans.

new text end

new text begin

An agency must

maintain energy and water benchmarks and goals, developed in partnership with the

commissioner, for buildings under the agency's custodial control. Each state agency must

maintain a plan to implement energy and water conservation improvements, the cost of

which can be recuperated within 15 years from the energy savings achieved by the

improvements, for each facility for which the agency has custodial control.

new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.372, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Enterprise sustainability.

The Office of Enterprise Sustainability is

established to assist all state agencies in making measurable progress toward improving the

sustainability of government operations by reducing the impact on the environment,

controlling unnecessary waste of natural resources and public funds, and spurring innovation.

The office shall create new tools and share best practices, assist state agencies to plan for

and implement improvements, and monitor progress toward achieving intended outcomes.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

(1) managing a sustainability metrics and reporting system, including
new text begin
setting

enterprise-wide goals, and publishing
new text end
a public dashboard that allows Minnesotans to track

progress and
new text begin
that
new text end
is updated annually;

(2) assisting agencies in developing and executing sustainability plans; and

(3) implementing the state building energy conservation improvement revolving loan

in
deleted text begin
Minnesota Statutes,
deleted text end
sections
16B.86
and
16B.87
.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.97, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Duties.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) create general grants management policies and procedures that are applicable to all

executive agencies. The commissioner may approve exceptions to these policies and

procedures
deleted text begin
for particular grant programs
deleted text end
. Exceptions shall expire or be renewed after five

years. Executive agencies shall retain management of individual grants programs;

(2) provide a central point of contact concerning statewide grants management policies

and procedures;

(3) serve as a resource to executive agencies in such areas as training, evaluation,

collaboration, and best practices in grants management;

(4) ensure grants management needs are considered in the development, upgrade, and

use of statewide administrative systems and leverage existing technology wherever possible;

(5) oversee and approve future professional and technical service contracts and other

information technology spending related to executive agency grants management systems

and activities;

(6) provide a central point of contact for comments about executive agencies violating

statewide grants governance policies and about fraud and waste in grants processes;

(7) forward received comments to the appropriate agency for further action, and may

follow up as necessary;

(8) provide a single listing of all available executive agency competitive grant

opportunities and resulting grant recipients;

(9) selectively review development and implementation of executive agency grants,

policies, and practices; and

(10) selectively review executive agency compliance with best practices.

(b) The commissioner may determine that it is cost-effective for agencies to develop

and use shared grants management technology systems. This system would be governed

under section
16E.01, subdivision 3
, paragraph (b).

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.97, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Data classification.

Data maintained by the commissioner that identify a person

providing comments to the commissioner under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clauses (6)

and (7), are private and nonpublic data
deleted text begin
but may be shared with the executive agency that is

the subject of the comments
deleted text end
.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.98, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Encumbrance exception.

Notwithstanding subdivision 5, paragraph (a),

clause
deleted text begin
(2)
deleted text end
new text begin
(3)
new text end
, or section
16C.05, subdivision 2
, paragraph (a), clause (3), agencies may

permit a specifically named, legislatively appropriated, noncompetitive grant recipient to

incur eligible expenses based on an agreed upon work plan and budget for up to 60 days

prior to an encumbrance being established in the accounting system.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.991, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Criminal conviction.

Each grant agreement subject to sections
16B.97

and
16B.98
must provide that the agreement will immediately be terminated if the recipient

is convicted of a criminal offense relating to a state grant agreement.
new text begin
"Recipient" includes

individuals, entities, and key personnel of entities, including board members, officers,

executives, employees, or agents with authority over or access to grant funds, and any

individual in a position of fiduciary responsibility related to the grant.
new text end

Sec. 21.

new text begin

[43A.205] TRAINING EMPLOYEES ON PREVENTING, RECOGNIZING,

AND REACTING TO FRAUD.

new text end

new text begin

The commissioner of management and budget must provide annual training to state

employees on preventing, recognizing, and reacting to suspected fraud or misuse of state

funds. The training must highlight the legal requirements of the employee to report fraud

and must require each employee to sign an acknowledgment that the employee has completed

the annual training, and that the employee is aware of the consequences for failing to report

fraud and to make a payment on a claim or demand in violation of section 609.455.

new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 43A.231, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Report; savings determination; process for selecting successor pharmacy

benefit manager.

(a) The commissioner of management and budget, with the assistance of

an actuarial consultant, shall compare the following: (1) actual, electronically adjudicated

prescription drug costs under the first two years of the contract that begins on January 1,

2023, with a pharmacy benefit manager that was selected by the reverse auction; and (2) a

projection of what prescription drug costs would have been for those same two years under

the pharmacy benefit manager contract in effect from 2018 to 2022, with appropriate

adjustment for any adopted formulary or beneficiary utilization changes. The projection

must use industry-recognized data sources. The commissioner of management and budget

shall report the results of the comparison to the legislative auditor and to the chairs and

ranking minority members of the committees in the senate and house of representatives

with jurisdiction over state government finance and policy by March 1, 2025.

(b) The commissioner of management and budget must require the actuarial consultant

to take appropriate measures to ensure that the consultant's work is not compromised by a

conflict of interest.

(c) By April 1, 2025, the legislative auditor shall provide a report to the commissioner

of management and budget and to the chairs and ranking minority members of the committees

in the senate and house of representatives with jurisdiction over state government finance

and policy. The legislative auditor's report must make a determination as to whether the

commissioner's report accurately performs the comparison required under paragraph (a).

(d) The technology platform vendor shall provide to the commissioner of management

and budget and to the legislative auditor the electronically adjudicated prescription drug

data and any other support or assistance required by the commissioner of management and

budget to prepare a report and for the legislative auditor to validate the accuracy of the

commissioner's results of the comparison, by deadlines established by the commissioner of

management and budget and the legislative auditor. Individual-identifying data received

from the technology platform vendor is private data on individuals, as defined by section

13.02, subdivision 12
.

(e) If the commissioner of management and budget determines that savings on

prescription drug costs were not achieved, based on the comparison required under paragraph

(a), with appropriate adjustment for any adopted formulary or beneficiary utilization changes,

the commissioner may forego the use of a reverse auction for procurement of a successor

pharmacy benefit manager contract. If the commissioner of management and budget

determines that savings have been achieved, the commissioner must select the successor

pharmacy benefit manager contract using the reverse auction process described in this

section. If the commissioner's comparison in paragraph (a) finds that savings are not achieved,

the commissioner's report under paragraph (a) must include the commissioner's findings

that support a determination that savings were not achieved, analysis of the factors that

caused a failure to achieve savings, and recommendations for how savings could be achieved

in the next contract with a pharmacy benefit manager.
new text begin
If the commissioner's comparison in

paragraph (a) is inconclusive, the commissioner may forego the use of a reverse auction for

procurement of a successor pharmacy benefit manager contract.
new text end

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 129D.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Distribution.

The commissioner shall distribute the money provided by

sections
129D.11
to
129D.13
. Annually the commissioner shall make block grants which

shall be distributed in equal amounts to public stations for operational costs. The

commissioner shall allocate money appropriated for the purposes of sections
129D.11
to

129D.13
in such a manner that each eligible public station receives a block grant. In addition,

the commissioner shall make matching grants to public stations. Matching grants shall be

used for operational costs and shall be allocated using the procedure developed for

distribution of state money under this section for grants made in fiscal year 1979. No station's

matching grant in any fiscal year shall exceed the amount of Minnesota-based contributions

received by that station in the previous fiscal year. Grants made pursuant to this subdivision

may only be given to those federally licensed stations that
deleted text begin
are
deleted text end
new text begin
were
new text end
certified as eligible for

community service grants through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
new text begin
in 2024
new text end
. Grant

funds not expended by a station during the first year of the biennium do not cancel and may

be carried over into the second fiscal year.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 138.669, is amended to read:

138.669 CONTRACTS FOR HISTORIC SITE MANAGEMENT.

The Minnesota Historical Society may contract
deleted text begin
with a county, municipality, or a county

or local historical society
deleted text end
for the management and operation of sites in the state historic site

network. Notwithstanding section
138.668
, the contract may provide for the retention of

admission fees received by the management unit and for grants-in-aid to the management

unit for use in the site's operation and maintenance.

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

new text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268.058, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Lien.

(a) Any amount due under this chapter or section
116L.20
, from

an applicant or an employer, becomes a lien upon all the property, within this state, both

real and personal, of the person liable, from the date of assessment. The term "date of

assessment" means the date the obligation was due.

(b) The lien is not enforceable against any purchaser, mortgagee, pledgee, holder of a

Uniform Commercial Code security interest, mechanic's lien, or judgment lien creditor,

until a notice of lien has been filed with the county recorder of the county where the property

is situated, or in the case of personal property belonging to a nonresident person in the Office

of the Secretary of State. When the notice of lien is filed with the county recorder, the fee

for filing and indexing is as provided in sections
272.483
and
272.484
.

(c) Notices of liens, lien renewals, and lien releases, in a form prescribed by the

commissioner, may be filed with the county recorder or the secretary of state by mail
deleted text begin
,
deleted text end
new text begin
or
new text end

personal delivery
deleted text begin
, or by electronic transmission into the computerized filing system of the

secretary of state. The secretary of state must, on any notice filed with that office, transmit

the notice electronically to the appropriate county recorder. The filing officer, whether the

county recorder or the secretary of state, must endorse and index a printout of the notice as

if the notice had been mailed or delivered
deleted text end
.

(d) County recorders and the secretary of state must enter information on lien notices,

renewals, and releases into the
deleted text begin
central database of the secretary of state
deleted text end
new text begin
respective databases

established for lien notices, renewal
new text end
new text begin
s, and releases
new text end
.
deleted text begin
For notices filed electronically with the

county recorders, the date and time of receipt of the notice and county recorder's file number,

and for notices filed electronically with the secretary of state, the secretary of state's recording

information, must be entered into the central database before the close of the working day

following the day of the original data entry by the commissioner.
deleted text end

(e) The lien imposed on personal property, even though properly filed, is not enforceable

against a purchaser of tangible personal property purchased at retail or personal property

listed as exempt in sections
550.37
,
550.38
, and
550.39
.

(f) A notice of lien filed has priority over any security interest arising under chapter 336,

article 9, that is perfected prior in time to the lien imposed by this subdivision, but only if:

(1) the perfected security interest secures property not in existence at the time the notice

of lien is filed; and

(2) the property comes into existence after the 45th calendar day following the day the

notice of lien is filed, or after the secured party has actual notice or knowledge of the lien

filing, whichever is earlier.

(g) The lien is enforceable from the time the lien arises and for ten years from the date

of filing the notice of lien. A notice of lien may be renewed before expiration for an additional

ten years.

(h) The lien is enforceable by levy under subdivision 2 or by judgment lien foreclosure

under chapter 550.

(i) The lien may be imposed upon property defined as homestead property in chapter

510 but may be enforced only upon the sale, transfer, or conveyance of the homestead

property.

(j) The commissioner may sell and assign to a third party the commissioner's right of

redemption in specific real property for liens filed under this subdivision. The assignee is

limited to the same rights of redemption as the commissioner, except that in a bankruptcy

proceeding, the assignee does not obtain the commissioner's priority. Any proceeds from

the sale of the right of redemption are credited to the contingent account.

Sec. 26.

new text begin

[561.015] RACING FACILITIES; IMMUNITY.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

Definitions.

new text end

new text begin

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have

the meanings given.

new text end

new text begin

(b) "Area of the racing facility" means within a three-mile radius of the perimeter of the

property or contiguous group of properties where a racing facility is located.

new text end

new text begin

(c) "Racing facility" means a designated area, facility, or track where competitive vehicle

and motorsport races are conducted, including the track, spectator areas, garages, and any

associated grounds, buildings, or appurtenances used to operate the races.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Immunity.

new text end

new text begin

A racing facility is immune from any action brought by a surrounding

property owner under any claim of nuisance if the racing facility was built before the

surrounding real property owner either purchased or built the real property in the area of

the racing facility.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 3.

new text end

new text begin

Substantial and material expansion.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 2 does not apply if the racing

facility makes a substantial and material expansion of operations that results in a significant

increase in the overall intensity of use of the facility, including but not limited to a

demonstrable increase in the number of racing event days beyond historical patterns of

operation existing at the time the person commencing an action acquired or improved the

person's property.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 4.

new text end

new text begin

Construction.

new text end

new text begin

Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt racing

facilities from compliance with state or federal environmental laws or health and safety

regulations.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 5.

new text end

new text begin

Preexisting operations; nuisance.

new text end

new text begin

Notwithstanding any other law, a nuisance

action may not be maintained against a lawful preexisting operation based on noise or other

impacts resulting from operations if the use was in existence prior to the claimant acquiring

or improving the affected property. This subdivision does not apply if the operation has

undergone a substantial and material expansion resulting in a significant increase in the

intensity of use relative to historical operations at the time the claimant acquired or improved

the property. Nothing in this subdivision exempts an operation from compliance with

applicable state or federal law.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to causes

of action commenced on or after that date.

new text end

Sec. 27.
new text begin
REVISOR INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin

The revisor of statutes shall change the section headnote of Minnesota Statutes 2024,

section 16B.32, to "ENERGY AND WATER USE."

new text end

ARTICLE 2

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Section 1.

new text begin

[15.1711] ATTORNEY GENERAL CIVIL LAW ENFORCEMENT

ACTIONS.

new text end

new text begin

When the attorney general institutes a civil law enforcement action on behalf of the state

pursuant to any authority granted by common law, the constitution of this state, or any

provision of law, the attorney general acts in the public interest of the state and not as the

legal representative or attorney of any department, agency, board, commission, or other

instrumentality of state government, including the executive, legislative, or judicial branches.

When the attorney general institutes a civil law enforcement action on behalf of the state,

the following apply:

new text end

new text begin

(1) unless expressly named as a party, other public officers, departments, agencies,

boards, commissions, or other instrumentalities of state government are not parties to the

civil law enforcement action brought by the attorney general on behalf of the state and are

not subject to party discovery in the action;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the records, documents, data, knowledge, and information of other state departments,

agencies, boards, commissions, or other instrumentalities of state government may only be

sought by the party adverse to the state in discovery through subpoenas issued to nonparties

pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure; and

new text end

new text begin

(3) the records, documents, data, knowledge, and information of other state departments,

agencies, boards, commissions, or other instrumentalities of state government are not in the

possession, custody, or control of the attorney general except for data collected and retained

by the attorney general in anticipation of the civil law enforcement action brought by the

attorney general on behalf of the state.

new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 16B.97, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Duties.

(a) The commissioner shall:

(1) create general grants management policies and procedures that are applicable to all

executive agencies. The commissioner may approve exceptions to these policies and

procedures for particular grant programs. Exceptions shall expire or be renewed after five

years. Executive agencies shall retain management of individual grants programs;

(2) provide a central point of contact concerning statewide grants management policies

and procedures;

(3) serve as a resource to executive agencies in such areas as training, evaluation,

collaboration, and best practices in grants management;

(4) ensure grants management needs are considered in the development, upgrade, and

use of statewide administrative systems and leverage existing technology wherever possible;

(5) oversee and approve future professional and technical service contracts and other

information technology spending related to executive agency grants management systems

and activities;

(6) provide a central point of contact for comments about executive agencies violating

statewide grants governance policies and about fraud and waste in grants processes;

(7) forward received comments to the appropriate agency for further action, and may

follow up as necessary;

(8) provide a single listing of all available executive agency competitive grant

opportunities and resulting grant recipients;

(9) selectively review development and implementation of executive agency grants,

policies, and practices;
deleted text begin
and
deleted text end

(10) selectively review executive agency compliance with best practices
deleted text begin
.
deleted text end
new text begin
; and
new text end

new text begin

(11) provide a standard template summary page for requests for proposals (RFP) that

represent key information about the grant opportunity in a clear and accessible format. The

template must include information regarding the purpose of the program, applicant eligibility,

funding availability and award structure, grant administration requirements, and the

application process. The summary page does not replace or supersede any specific

requirement in the full RFP.

new text end

(b) The commissioner may determine that it is cost-effective for agencies to develop

and use shared grants management technology systems. This system would be governed

under section
16E.01, subdivision 3
, paragraph (b).

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 118A.09, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Additional investment authority.

Qualifying governments may invest the

amount described in subdivision 3:

(1) in index mutual funds based in the United States and indexed to a broad market

United States equity index, on the condition that index mutual fund investments must be

made directly with the main sales office of the fund;
deleted text begin
or
deleted text end

(2)
new text begin
in shares of a company that:
new text end

new text begin

(i) is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission;

new text end

new text begin

(ii) concentrates in investment grade fixed income securities;

new text end

new text begin

(iii) holds, at the time of purchase, at least 80 percent of its investments in federally

insured or guaranteed securities, including by government sponsored entities; and

new text end

new text begin

(iv) has a mission, in part, to provide direct investment in local multifamily housing

development; or

new text end

new text begin

(3)
new text end
with the Minnesota State Board of Investment subject to such terms and minimum

amounts as may be adopted by the board.

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 118A.09, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

new text begin

Subd. 3a.

new text end

new text begin

Housing and redevelopment authorities; investment authority.

new text end

new text begin

A housing

and redevelopment authority created in a county or statutory or home rule charter city that

meets the criteria of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), may invest its funds in

investments that meet the criteria of subdivision 2, clause (2), subject to the limitations and

requirements for qualifying governments under subdivisions 3 and 4.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 118A.09, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Approval.

Before investing pursuant to this section, the governing body of the

qualifying government must adopt a resolution
new text begin
or investment policy
new text end
that includes the

following statements:

(1) the governing body understands that investments under subdivision 2 have a risk of

loss;

(2) the governing body understands the type of funds that are being invested and the

specific investment itself; and

(3) the governing body certifies that all funds designated for investment through the

State Board of Investment meet the requirements of this section and the policies and

procedures established by the State Board of Investment.

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

new text end

Sec. 6.

new text begin

[358.155] TOWN CLERK NOTARIZATION.

new text end

new text begin

It is not a violation of chapters 357, 358, and 359 for a town clerk to notarize, attest, or

authenticate a document pursuant to official duties.

new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 365.05, is amended to read:

365.05 DEED OF TOWN LAND; FORMALITIES; INTEREST GIVEN.

A deed conveying real estate owned by a town must be signed by the chair of the town

board in an official capacity and attested by the clerk.
deleted text begin
The deed, witnessed and acknowledged,

must give the grantee all of the town's interest in the real estate.
deleted text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 365.50, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

When, where.

The first town meeting in a new town must be held within
deleted text begin

20
deleted text end
new text begin
30
new text end
days after the
deleted text begin
town is organized
deleted text end
new text begin
certification of the election results of a ballot question

approving organization of the town
new text end
. The county board shall name the time and place of the

meeting. The county auditor shall see that ten days' posted notice of the meeting is given

in the town.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 365.50, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Meeting officers.

The voters present at the meeting shall choose one of their

number as moderator, two others as judges of election, and one as clerk
new text begin
for the purpose of

the meeting
new text end
. Each of these meeting officers shall take and sign the oath required of a judge

of a general election. The oath may be administered to the judges by the moderator and to

the moderator by one of the judges. The meeting officers shall then run the meeting.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 367.03, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

New towns.

When a new town is organized and
deleted text begin
supervisors
deleted text end
new text begin
township officers
new text end

are elected at
deleted text begin
a
deleted text end
new text begin
the first
new text end
town meeting prior to the annual town election, they shall serve

only until the next annual town election. At that election three supervisors shall be elected,

one for three years, one for two years, and one for one year, so that the term of one shall

expire each year.
new text begin
At that election, a clerk and a treasurer shall also be elected. The clerk

shall serve until the next annual town election held in an even-numbered year, and the

treasurer shall serve until the next annual town election held in an odd-numbered year.
new text end
The

number of years for which each is elected shall be indicated on the ballot.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 367.12, is amended to read:

367.12 DEPUTY CLERK.

Each town clerk may appoint a deputy, for whose acts the clerk shall be responsible,

and who, in the clerk's absence or disability, shall perform the clerk's duties. If a town clerk

has not appointed a deputy, the town treasurer shall perform the duties of the clerk relating

to receiving candidate filings when the clerk is absent.
new text begin
When the office of the clerk becomes

vacant, a deputy appointed under this section may continue in office as acting clerk until

the vacancy in the office of the clerk is filled.
new text end

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 367.161, is amended to read:

367.161 DEPUTY TREASURER.

Each town treasurer may appoint a deputy not currently serving as an elected official of

the town for whose acts the treasurer is responsible, and who, in case of the treasurer's

absence or disability, shall perform the treasurer's duties.
new text begin
When the office of the treasurer

becomes vacant, a deputy appointed under this section may continue in office as acting

treasurer until the vacancy in the office of the treasurer is filled.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 379.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

deleted text begin
Organizational
deleted text end
new text begin
First town
new text end
meeting.

If the result of an election held under this

section is in the affirmative, the county shall arrange for the holding of the first
deleted text begin
organizational
deleted text end
new text begin

town
new text end
meeting not more than 30 days after the election in the township to be organized.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.281, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13.

County personnel system.

"County personnel system" means all employees

in the departments or agencies of county government or joint city and county agencies which

receive their funding in whole or in part from the county board, including employees of
new text begin
the

following, but excluding other employees not subject to a county personnel system because

of state law
new text end
:

deleted text begin

(a)
deleted text end
new text begin
(1)
new text end
elected officials;

deleted text begin

(b)
deleted text end
new text begin
(2)
new text end
the Saint Paul-Ramsey Medical Center Commission; and

deleted text begin

(c)
deleted text end
new text begin
(3)
new text end
the
deleted text begin
court administrator of district court;
deleted text end
new text begin
Examiner of Titles.
new text end

deleted text begin

but not including:

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(1) district court judges;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(2) court reporters, law clerks, referees employed by the district court, and the Second

Judicial District administrator's office;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(3) court commissioners;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(4) the public defender;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(5) employees of the Examiner of Titles, Agricultural Extension Service, Humane Society,

Historical Society, and Soil and Water Conservation District; and

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(6) other employees not subject to a county personnel system because of state law.

deleted text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.283, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

deleted text begin
Director
deleted text end
new text begin
Chief human resources officer
new text end
.

The
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
chief human resources

officer
new text end
shall be appointed by the Ramsey County
deleted text begin
executive director
deleted text end
new text begin
county manager
new text end
, on

the basis of merit and fitness as a result of a competitive examination, subject to the approval

of the county board. The
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
chief human resources officer
new text end
shall be in the
deleted text begin
classified
deleted text end
new text begin

unclassified
new text end
service
deleted text begin
and shall report directly to and be supervised by the Ramsey County

executive director
deleted text end
.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.283, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Responsibilities.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall provide

personnel management services and assistance to all county departments, enforce any

personnel rules and regulations adopted by the county board, and carry out the responsibilities

set forth in sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.284, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Rulemaking.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall prepare

rules to implement the provisions of sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
. The rules shall be

effective upon approval by the county board. Prior to approval, the county board shall hold

a public hearing on the proposed rules after giving notice to county departments, employees,

affected labor organizations, and the public. The rules approved by the county board shall

have the force and effect of law. The rules may be amended or repealed in the same manner

as originally adopted.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.284, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Collective bargaining.

The
deleted text begin
executive director
deleted text end
new text begin
county manager
new text end
or the
deleted text begin
director's
deleted text end
new text begin

county manager's
new text end
designee shall be the chief labor negotiator for the county. The
deleted text begin
executive

director
deleted text end
new text begin
county manager
new text end
may, as necessary and at discretion, include department heads of

affected departments in the labor negotiation process. The
deleted text begin
executive director
deleted text end
new text begin
county manager
new text end

shall recommend to the county board for its final approval all collective bargaining

agreements. To the extent they are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the

compensation, term, and conditions of employment for all employees represented by an

exclusive representative certified pursuant to chapter 179A shall be governed by the collective

bargaining agreement executed by the county board and the parties and it shall supersede

any rule or administrative procedure adopted pursuant to sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
,

unless a provision of the agreement is found to violate other state or federal law.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.284, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

deleted text begin
Payroll voucher certification
deleted text end
new text begin
Payrolls approved
new text end
.

The
deleted text begin
director of
deleted text end
new text begin
chief
new text end
human

resources
new text begin
officer
new text end
or the
deleted text begin
director's
deleted text end
new text begin
officer's
new text end
authorized agent shall be responsible for
deleted text begin

certification of the payroll vouchers that the
deleted text end
new text begin
payment of salary or compensation of
new text end
persons
deleted text begin

named in them have been
deleted text end
appointed and employed in accordance with the provisions of

sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
and the rules under sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
.
deleted text begin
No

Ramsey County disbursing or auditing
deleted text end
new text begin
The chief human resources
new text end
officer
new text begin
or the officer's

authorized agent
new text end
shall
deleted text begin
make or approve or take part in making or approving payment for

personal service to
deleted text end
new text begin
not certify a payroll item for
new text end
a person holding a position in county service

unless the
deleted text begin
payroll voucher or account for the amount bears the certification of the director

or the authorized agent
deleted text end
new text begin
person has been appointed and employed in accordance with the

provisions of sections 383A.281 to 383A.301 and the rules authorized under sections

383A.281 to 383A.301
new text end
.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.284, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Evaluation; report.

The county board shall establish performance indicators

and annually monitor the performance of the personnel management system in the county.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall periodically review and evaluate current

and future staff needs of all county departments, job classes and descriptions, training and

development, and internal and market comparability of all classification and salary schedules

and report to the county board on these and other personnel management areas, as requested.

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.284, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Review appointments.

Prior to each new appointment to the county personnel

system, the
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall certify that the person has been

appointed in accordance with sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
and applicable rules and

regulations.

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.285, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Classification plan.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall maintain,

revise, and administer a classification and salary plan.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.285, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Classification of positions.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall

place each position in the classified service in an appropriate class in the classification plan

or in a new class to be created, if appropriate. If a class is unique to a department, the
new text begin
chief
new text end

human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall consult the head of that department before classifying

the unique positions.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.285, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Appeal from classification or reclassification.

An appointing authority or an

employee affected by a classification or reclassification of a position may protest the action

in writing to the human resources director. The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall

review the classification or reclassification and may change the decision. Neither the

appointing authority nor the employee shall have any further right to appeal a decision

regarding a classification or reclassification to the Personnel Review Board.

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.285, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Study; implementation.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall

complete a reclassification study within 60 days after receiving a reclassification request.

The appointing authority shall implement the personnel changes required by the

reclassification decision in a timely manner and qualifications for reclassified positions

shall be reasonably commensurate with the requirements of the position.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.285, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Unclassifying positions.

An employee in the classified service with permanent

tenure, who is an incumbent of a position which becomes unclassified and is not appointed

to or is removed from the unclassified position, shall be transferred by the
new text begin
chief
new text end
human

resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
to a classified position within the same department comparable

to the unclassified position. If a comparable position is unavailable, the person shall be

transferred by the
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
chief human resources officer
new text end
to a classified position comparable

to that held immediately prior to being appointed to the position which was unclassified. If

the employee held an unclassified position with the same agency before being appointed to

the classified position that is unclassified, the person shall be transferred by the
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin

chief human resources officer
new text end
to a classified position comparable to the classified position

next in rank below the position that is unclassified. The employee's salary shall not be less

than it was in the position which was unclassified, but it may be frozen until it is

commensurate with the class and grade of the position to which the employee was transferred.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.286, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Unclassified positions.

The following positions shall be in the unclassified

service:

deleted text begin

(a)
deleted text end
new text begin
(1)
new text end
positions held by elected officials or persons appointed to fill an elected office;

deleted text begin

(b)
deleted text end
new text begin
(2)
new text end
one assistant for each elected official;

deleted text begin

(c)
deleted text end
new text begin
(3)
new text end
the director or principal administrative officer of a department of county

government or agency created by law
deleted text begin
, except that the affirmative action officer, human

resources director, internal auditor, and director of budgeting and accounting shall be

positions in the classified service
deleted text end
;

deleted text begin

(d) doctors, residents, and student nurses employed by the county or county agency;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(e)
deleted text end
new text begin
(4)
new text end
members of a board or commission appointed by the county, or the county and

the city, and acting in an advisory capacity;

deleted text begin

(f)
deleted text end
new text begin
(5)
new text end
weed inspectors
deleted text begin
, election judges, or election clerks
deleted text end
;

deleted text begin

(g) special police officers or special deputy sheriffs serving without pay;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(h) judges, court administrators, court reporters, receivers, referees, the examiner or

assistant examiners of titles, public defenders, arbiters, jurors, court administrator of district

court, or persons appointed by the district court to make or conduct a special inquiry of a

judicial or temporary character;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(i)
deleted text end
new text begin
(6)
new text end
all positions in the Second Judicial District administrator's office;

deleted text begin

(j)
deleted text end
new text begin
(7)
new text end
the
deleted text begin
executive director
deleted text end
new text begin
county manager
new text end
and eight principal assistants;

deleted text begin

(k) the chief executive officer of the medical center and seven principal assistants;

deleted text end

deleted text begin

(l) interns, student workers, law clerks, or
deleted text end
new text begin
(8)
new text end
other employees employed for a limited

duration as determined by the county board;

deleted text begin

(m)
deleted text end
new text begin
(9)
new text end
positions designated by the county board as unclassified pursuant to subdivision

3;

deleted text begin

(n)
deleted text end
new text begin
(10)
new text end
the sheriff, the sheriff's chief deputy, three principal assistants, and a personal

secretary; and

deleted text begin

(o)
deleted text end
new text begin
(11)
new text end
the county attorney, the county attorney's first assistant, one principal assistant,

and a personal secretary.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.286, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Unclassified positions authorized by county board.

new text begin
(a)
new text end
The county board

may designate additional positions in the unclassified service if the following criteria are

met:

deleted text begin

(a)
deleted text end
new text begin
(1)
new text end
designation of the position is not contrary to the provisions of other law relating

specifically to that department;

deleted text begin

(b)
deleted text end
new text begin
(2)
new text end
the person occupying the position of supervisor or a department assistant would

report directly to the department head and would be designated as part of the department

head's management team; and

deleted text begin

(c)
deleted text end
new text begin
(3)
new text end
the duties of the position involve significant discretion and substantial involvement

in the development, interpretation, and implementation of department policy.

new text begin

(b)
new text end
The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall certify whether the designation is

consistent or inconsistent with the standards and criteria in this section. The county board

may appeal certification decisions to the Personnel Review Board.

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.288, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Waiver of competitive examinations.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin

officer
new text end
shall establish a procedure and a definition of the criteria for the selection and referral

of qualified applicants to fill positions in routine service classifications involving unskilled

tasks. Applicants to fill vacancies in the classifications shall be exempt from ranking and

certification. The
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
chief human resources officer
new text end
shall refer all qualified applicants

to the appointing authority having vacancies in the appropriate classifications.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.288, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Classified managerial positions.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end

shall establish criteria for the designation of positions in the classified service as managerial

positions where the duties involve significant discretion and substantial involvement in the

development, interpretation, and implementation of departmental and county policy. The
new text begin

chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall designate those classified positions that meet

these criteria in consultation with interested parties, including bargaining units certified

pursuant to chapter 179A representing Ramsey County employees. Classified positions, so

designated, shall be exempt from the examination and certification requirements of this

section, and the provisions of section
383A.289
, and shall be filled by means of an open

application and screening process.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.289, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

General.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall prepare eligible

lists as provided in this section.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.289, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Term of eligibility.

The term of eligibility of eligibles on lists shall be

determined by the
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.291, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a.

Under county rules.

Upon request of the appointing authority, the
new text begin
chief
new text end
human

resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall certify eligibles in accordance with rules adopted under

section
383A.284, subdivision 1
.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.292, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Temporary appointments.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end

may authorize the appointing authority to make a temporary appointment of not more than

six months in any 12-month period. When practicable, the human resources director may

certify any qualified eligible from an eligible list for the temporary appointment, but may

authorize the appointment of any person deemed qualified by the appointing authority.

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.292, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Provisional appointments.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
may

authorize the appointing authority to make a provisional appointment for a position for

which there is no eligible list for a period of time determined by the human resources director

not to exceed six months.

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.294, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Production of documents.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
may

make a written request to an employee to produce relevant documents or to a person to

appear for the purpose of giving relevant oral statements or testimony relating to a

disciplinary action of an employee. An employee who is the subject of a disciplinary action

may make a written request to the
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
for the production

of relevant documents or for the appearance of a person to give relevant oral statements or

testimony relating to the disciplinary action. The request for the appearance of a person

may be to appear and testify at a hearing of the Personnel Review Board or to appear at a

specified place to give an oral statement prior to a hearing of the Personnel Review Board.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
, or the employee upon receipt of a request for

production of relevant documents, shall furnish the requesting party the documents within

ten days of receipt of the written request. A person to whom a request for an appearance

has been made shall appear at the time and place designated in the request. If a party to

whom a request for relevant documents has been made fails to furnish the documents to the

requesting party within ten days of receipt of the request, the requesting party may make

an application to the district court for a determination that the refusal to produce the

documents was unreasonable. If a person to whom a request for appearance has been made

fails to appear at the time and place designated in the request, the party making the request

for appearance may make an application to the district court for a determination that the

failure to appear was unreasonable. If the district court determines that a failure to produce

requested documents or to appear was unreasonable, it may assess costs not exceeding $100

to the requesting party against the refusing party or person.

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.295, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Benefits.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall have the

authority to set hours of employment, sick leave, vacation leave, leave of absence without

pay, health insurance, life insurance, and other fringe benefits for employees in the classified

and unclassified service subject to the approval of the county board and in accordance with

the law.

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 383A.295, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Layoffs.

The
new text begin
chief
new text end
human resources
deleted text begin
director
deleted text end
new text begin
officer
new text end
shall adopt rules and

regulations providing for the layoff and reemployment of employees on the basis of the

employee's seniority.

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 429.011, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Municipality; certain counties.

"Municipality" also includes the following:

(1) a county in the case of construction, reconstruction, or improvement of a county

state-aid highway;

(2) a county in the case of construction, reconstruction, or improvement of a county

highway as defined in section
160.02
including curbs and gutters and storm sewers;

(3) a county exercising its powers and duties under section
444.075, subdivision 1
;

(4) a county for expenses not paid for under section
403.113, subdivision 3
, paragraph

(b), clause (3);

(5) a county in the case of the abatement of nuisances;
deleted text begin
and
deleted text end

(6) a county operating an energy improvements financing program under section

216C.436
or
216C.437
new text begin
; and
new text end

new text begin

(7) a county in the case of construction, reconstruction, extension, or maintenance of

thermal energy networks as defined in section 216B.2427, subdivision 1, paragraph (s)
new text end
.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 429.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Improvements authorized.

The council of a municipality shall have

power to make the following improvements:

(1) To acquire, open, and widen any street, and to improve the same by constructing,

reconstructing, and maintaining sidewalks, pavement, gutters, curbs, and vehicle parking

strips of any material, or by grading, graveling, oiling, or otherwise improving the same,

including the beautification thereof and including storm sewers or other street drainage and

connections from sewer, water, or similar mains to curb lines.

(2) To acquire, develop, construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain storm and sanitary

sewers and systems, including outlets, holding areas and ponds, treatment plants, pumps,

lift stations, service connections, and other appurtenances of a sewer system, within and

without the corporate limits.

(3) To construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain steam heating mains.

(4) To install, replace, extend, and maintain street lights and street lighting systems and

special lighting systems.

(5) To acquire, improve, construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain water works systems,

including mains, valves, hydrants, service connections, wells, pumps, reservoirs, tanks,

treatment plants, and other appurtenances of a water works system, within and without the

corporate limits.

(6) To acquire, improve and equip parks, open space areas, playgrounds, and recreational

facilities within or without the corporate limits.

(7) To plant trees on streets and provide for their trimming, care, and removal.

(8) To abate nuisances and to drain swamps, marshes, and ponds on public or private

property and to fill the same.

(9) To construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain dikes and other flood control works.

(10) To construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain retaining walls and area walls.

(11) To acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, alter, extend, operate, maintain, and

promote a pedestrian skyway system. Such improvement may be made upon a petition

pursuant to section
429.031, subdivision 3
.

(12) To acquire, construct, reconstruct, extend, operate, maintain, and promote

underground pedestrian concourses.

(13) To acquire, construct, improve, alter, extend, operate, maintain, and promote public

malls, plazas or courtyards.

(14) To construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain district heating systems.

(15) To construct, reconstruct, alter, extend, operate, maintain, and promote fire protection

systems in existing buildings, but only upon a petition pursuant to section
429.031,

subdivision 3
.

(16) To acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve, alter, extend, and maintain highway

sound barriers.

(17) To improve, construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain gas and electric distribution

facilities owned by a municipal gas or electric utility.

(18) To purchase, install, and maintain signs, posts, and other markers for addressing

related to the operation of enhanced 911 telephone service.

(19) To improve, construct, extend, and maintain facilities for Internet access and other

communications purposes, provided that the municipality must:

(i) not discriminate in favor of the municipality's own communications facilities by

granting the municipality more favorable or less burdensome terms and conditions than a

nonmunicipal service provider with respect to: (A) access and use of public rights-of-way;

(B) access and use of municipally owned or controlled conduit, towers, and utility poles;

and (C) permitting fees charged to access municipally owned and managed facilities;

(ii) maintain separation between the municipality's role as a regulator over firms that

offer services in competition with the services offered by the municipality over the

municipality's communications service facilities, and the municipality's role as a competitive

provider of services over the municipality's communications service facilities; and

(iii) not share inside information between employees or contractors responsible for

executing the municipality's role as a regulator over firms that offer communications services

in competition with the communication services offered by the municipality, and employees

or contractors responsible for executing the municipality's role as a competitive

communications services provider.

(20) To assess affected property owners for all or a portion of the costs agreed to with

an electric utility, telecommunications carrier, or cable system operator to bury or alter a

new or existing distribution system within the public right-of-way that exceeds the utility's

design and construction standards, or those set by law, tariff, or franchise, but only upon

petition under section
429.031, subdivision 3
.

(21) To assess affected property owners for repayment of voluntary energy improvement

financings under section
216C.436, subdivision 7
, or
216C.437, subdivision 28
.

(22) To construct, reconstruct, alter, extend, operate, maintain, and promote energy

improvement projects in existing buildings, provided that:

(i) a petition for the improvement is made by a property owner under section
429.031
,

subdivision 3;

(ii) the municipality funds and administers the energy improvement project;

(iii) project funds are only used for the installation of improvements to heating,

ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and building envelope and for the installation

of renewable energy systems;

(iv) each property owner petitioning for the improvement receives notice that free or

low-cost energy improvements may be available under federal, state, or utility programs;

(v) for energy improvement projects on residential property, only residential property

having five or more units may obtain financing for projects under this clause; and

(vi) prior to financing an energy improvement project or imposing an assessment for a

project, written notice is provided to the mortgage lender of any mortgage encumbering or

otherwise secured by the property proposed to be improved.

new text begin

(23) To construct, reconstruct, extend, and maintain thermal energy networks as defined

in section 216B.2427, subdivision 1, paragraph (s).

new text end

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 444.075, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

new text begin
(a)
new text end
The definitions in this subdivision apply
deleted text begin
in
deleted text end
new text begin
to
new text end
this section.

deleted text begin

(a)
deleted text end

new text begin
(b)
new text end
"Municipality" means a home rule charter or statutory city or a town.

deleted text begin

(b)
deleted text end

new text begin
(c)
new text end
"Governing body" means the town board with respect to towns.

deleted text begin

(c)
deleted text end

new text begin
(d)
new text end
"Waterworks" means waterworks systems, including mains, valves, hydrants,

service connections, wells, pumps, reservoirs, tanks, treatment plants,
new text begin
thermal energy

networks as defined in section 216B.2427, subdivision 1, paragraph (s),
new text end
and other

appurtenances of a waterworks system.

deleted text begin

(d)
deleted text end

new text begin
(e)
new text end
"Sanitary sewer" means sanitary sewer systems, including sewage treatment

works, disposal systems, and other facilities for disposing of sewage, industrial waste, or

other wastes.

deleted text begin

(e)
deleted text end

new text begin
(f)
new text end
"Storm sewer" means storm sewer systems, including mains, holding areas and

ponds, and other appurtenances and related facilities for the collection and disposal of

stormwater.

deleted text begin

(f)
deleted text end

new text begin
(g)
new text end
"Facilities" means and includes waterworks, sanitary sewer and storm sewer

systems, or any portion or portions thereof.

Sec. 42.

new text begin

[462.3599] DATA CENTERS.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

Findings and purpose.

new text end

new text begin

The legislature finds that nondisclosure

agreements which prevent the public from receiving sufficient information about data center

projects of significant scope and impact on local communities prior to their approval

constitute a detriment to government transparency. It is therefore in the public interest that

such contracts are limited as to not impair public participation in land use decisions.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Applicability.

new text end

new text begin

This section applies to nondisclosure agreements entered into

on or after January 1, 2021.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 3.

new text end

new text begin

Definitions.

new text end

new text begin

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the

meanings given.

new text end

new text begin

(b) "Data center" means a facility composed of one or more buildings that has a primary

purpose of providing for the storage, management, or processing of digital data.

new text end

new text begin

(c) "End user" means the owner or operator of a constructed data center.

new text end

new text begin

(d) "Municipality" means a county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town.

new text end

new text begin

(e) "Security guard" has the meaning given in section 326.32, subdivision 13.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 4.

new text end

new text begin

Public hearings required.

new text end

new text begin

A municipality must hold at least two public hearings

prior to the approval of a rezoning petition or an application for a conditional use or special

use permit made for the construction of a data center.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 5.

new text end

new text begin

Disclosures required.

new text end

new text begin

(a) At least one public hearing under subdivision 4 must

be solely for the purpose of informing the public of the petition or application. The

municipality must disclose the following information at least 48 hours before the public

hearing:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the name of the petitioner or applicant;

new text end

new text begin

(2) the name of the anticipated end user of the proposed data center;

new text end

new text begin

(3) the location and size of the proposed data center; and

new text end

new text begin

(4) the estimated scope of utilities necessary for operation of the proposed data center,

including but not limited to fuel lines, sewer, stormwater, and electricity.

new text end

new text begin

(b) Forty-eight hours before any public meeting held to vote on approval of a petition

or application, the municipality must disclose the information required under paragraph (a).

new text end

new text begin

(c) A municipality may make the disclosures required under this subdivision by posting

the information on the municipality's website or by making the same information available

for inspection at a reasonable time and place.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 6.

new text end

new text begin

Effect of private agreements.

new text end

new text begin

The disclosure requirements under subdivision

5 apply notwithstanding any nondisclosure agreement or other contract signed by a

municipality or an agent of a municipality.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective August 1, 2026.

new text end

Sec. 43.

new text begin

[471.3435] NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

Definition.

new text end

new text begin

For purposes of this section, "municipality" means a county,

home rule charter or statutory city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment

authority, economic development authority, port authority, or any other political subdivision

of the state with authority to enter into a contract for the use of real property, and includes

any person acting in their capacity as an employee, elected official, appointed official, or

other representative of a municipality.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Applicability.

new text end

new text begin

This section does not apply to:

new text end

new text begin

(1) municipal power agencies established under and exercising the powers authorized

by sections 453.51 to 453.62;

new text end

new text begin

(2) a city when it is exercising the powers provided in section 453.58; or

new text end

new text begin

(3) municipal power agencies formed under the laws of a state other than Minnesota.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 3.

new text end

new text begin

Nondisclosure agreements restricted.

new text end

new text begin

(a) Except as required by state or federal

law, a municipality must not enter into a nondisclosure agreement or other contract with a

private person restricting the municipality from disclosing information to members of the

public about:

new text end

new text begin

(1) the development of land;

new text end

new text begin

(2) an economic development project or program on the agenda of a regular, special, or

emergency meeting of the governing body of the municipality; or

new text end

new text begin

(3) a project or program financed in whole or in part with the municipality's tax revenues,

financial obligations, or taxing powers, including proposed tax increment financing districts,

economic development abatements, and municipal bonds or other debt obligations.

new text end

new text begin

(b) Any agreement or contract, or term of an agreement or contract, that violates paragraph

(a) is void and unenforceable.

new text end

new text begin

(c) If a contract contains a provision that is void and unenforceable under paragraph (b),

the provision must be severed from the other provisions of the contract to the extent that

the provision is void and unenforceable. The fact that the provision is void and unenforceable

does not affect the other provisions of the contract.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective the day following final enactment and

applies to agreements entered into, renewed, or extended on or after that date.

new text end

Sec. 44.

new text begin

[471.372] NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS.

new text end

new text begin

Subdivision 1.

new text end

new text begin

Definitions.

new text end

new text begin

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have

the meanings given.

new text end

new text begin

(b) "Data center" has the meaning given in section 216B.02, subdivision 11.

new text end

new text begin

(c) "Local government official" means a member of a city council, mayor, county

commissioner, town supervisor, and any other elected official established by a home rule

charter, or any employee of a city, county, or town.

new text end

new text begin

Subd. 2.

new text end

new text begin

Nondisclosure agreements restricted.

new text end

new text begin

(a) A local government official must

not enter into a nondisclosure agreement or other contract restricting public disclosure of

information about a potential data center development within the boundaries of the political

subdivision.

new text end

new text begin

(b) Any agreement or contract, or term of an agreement or contract, that violates paragraph

(a) is void and unenforceable.

new text end

new text begin

(c) When a contract contains a provision that is void and unenforceable under paragraph

(b), that provision must be severed from the other provisions of the contract to the extent

that it is void and unenforceable. The fact that the provision is void and unenforceable does

not affect the other provisions of the contract.

new text end

new text begin

(d) If a local government official enters a contract or agreement that violates paragraph

(a), the local government official must publicly disclose the contract or agreement.

new text end

new text begin

EFFECTIVE DATE.

new text end

new text begin

This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to agreements

entered into on or after that date.

new text end

Sec. 45.
new text begin
REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin

(a)

new text end

new text begin

Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 383A.298; and 383A.301,

new text end

new text begin

are repealed effective

the day after the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and the county's chief clerical

officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

new text end

new text begin

(b)

new text end

new text begin

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 462.357, subdivision 5,

new text end

new text begin

is repealed effective the

day following final enactment.

new text end

Sec. 46.
new text begin
EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin

Sections 12 to 36 are effective the day after the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners

and the county's chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021,

subdivisions 2 and 3.

new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S4555-2

383A.298 TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.

All employees of the Civil Service Department shall be transferred to the Human Resources Department. All members of the Civil Service Commission shall be members of the Personnel Review Board and serve until their current term expires and a successor is appointed.

383A.301 STATUS OF PRESENT EMPLOYEES.

Each person holding a position with the county of Ramsey who has acquired permanent tenure or who was serving a probationary period on the effective date of sections
383A.281
to
383A.301
retains the position, seniority date, and accrued benefits.

462.357 OFFICIAL CONTROLS: ZONING ORDINANCE.

Subd. 5.

Amendment; certain cities of the first class.

The provisions of this subdivision apply to the adoption or amendment of any portion of a zoning ordinance which changes all or part of the existing classification of a zoning district from residential to either commercial or industrial of a property located in a city of the first class, except a city of the first class in which a different process is provided through the operation of the city's home rule charter. In a city to which this subdivision applies, amendments to a zoning ordinance shall be made in conformance with this section but only after there shall have been filed in the office of the city clerk a written consent of the owners of two-thirds of the several descriptions of real estate situate within 100 feet of the total contiguous descriptions of real estate held by the same owner or any party purchasing any such contiguous property within one year preceding the request, and after the affirmative vote in favor thereof by a majority of the members of the governing body of any such city. The governing body of such city may, by a two-thirds vote of its members, after hearing, adopt a new zoning ordinance without such written consent whenever the planning commission or planning board of such city shall have made a survey of the whole area of the city or of an area of not less than 40 acres, within which the new ordinance or the amendments or alterations of the existing ordinance would take effect when adopted, and shall have considered whether the number of descriptions of real estate affected by such changes and alterations renders the obtaining of such written consent impractical, and such planning commission or planning board shall report in writing as to whether in its opinion the proposals of the governing body in any case are reasonably related to the overall needs of the community, to existing land use, or to a plan for future land use, and shall have conducted a public hearing on such proposed ordinance, changes or alterations, of which hearing published notice shall have been given in a daily newspaper of general circulation at least once each week for three successive weeks prior to such hearing, which notice shall state the time, place and purpose of such hearing, and shall have reported to the governing body of the city its findings and recommendations in writing.