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HF1329 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Metropolitan Council appointment process and member qualifications modified.

Related bill: SF2339

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes changes to the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota. Key provisions include:

  1. Modification of Appointment Process:

    • The Metropolitan Council will consist of 44 members:
      • One county commissioner from each of the seven metropolitan counties (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington).
      • A local elected official or citizen representative from each Metropolitan Council district, appointed by a municipal committee (or city council if entirely within one city).
      • Representatives for non-motorized transportation, freight transportation, and public transit, appointed by the Commissioner of Transportation.
      • The Commissioner of Transportation (or a designee) as a voting member.
      • A chair, elected by council members (instead of appointed by the Governor).

  2. Changes to Appointment & Term Structure:

    • The Governor no longer directly appoints council members; instead, municipal committees and county boards will handle appointments.
    • The council members representing municipal districts serve staggered four-year terms.
    • County-appointed members also serve staggered four-year terms.
    • Appointed council members can be recalled by their appointing body.
    • The council's jurisdiction is limited to the seven-county metropolitan area, even if the legal definition of the "metropolitan area" changes.

  3. Increase in Districts & Redistricting:

    • The number of council districts is set to increase from 16 to 33 in 2027.
    • The legislature will redraw district boundaries after each federal census, ensuring equal population per district.

  4. Elimination of the Transportation Advisory Board:

    • The bill eliminates this board, shifting transportation-related representation to specific council appointees.

  5. Voting & Governance Adjustments:

    • New quorum and voting requirements:
      • A majority is required for most decisions.
      • 60% approval required for adopting tax levies and approving system-wide plans.
    • Council members must regularly meet with local elected officials from their district.

  6. Transition Plan:

    • Current Metropolitan Council members remain in office until new members are appointed under this revised structure.

Overall, the bill decentralizes control of the Metropolitan Council, reducing the Governor's influence by distributing appointment powers to local officials and municipal committees, while also increasing representation and accountability through expanded council districts.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
February 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Recommendations process before Senate advice and consent."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the powers and duties of the commission in relation to Metropolitan Council appointments under section 3.8841, subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies role of the commission in monitoring appointments."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.8841",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New method of district representation and appointment process."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous configuration of council membership."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill restructures the Metropolitan Council appointments and jurisdiction under section 473.123.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated membership terms and appointment procedures."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.123",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies voting rights in relation to the Metropolitan Council's role as a metropolitan planning organization under section 473.146.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies voting rights for members appointed by the commissioner of transportation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.146",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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