HF1475 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Metropolitan Council abolished, duties transferred to commissioners of administration and natural resources, transportation and transit-related functions transferred to Department of Transportation, metropolitan area sanitary sewer district created, and money appropriated.
Related bill: SF1243
AI Generated Summary
This bill proposes the abolition of the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota and redistributes its responsibilities to various state agencies, including the Department of Administration and the Department of Natural Resources. Key provisions of the bill include:
Transfer of Responsibilities:
- Transit and transportation functions to the Department of Transportation.
- Oversight of the Metropolitan Airports Commission will end.
- Land use planning provisions will be repealed.
- The Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission will assume responsibilities for parks and open spaces.
- A metropolitan area sanitary sewer district will be created to manage wastewater services.
Financial and Legal Considerations:
- The bill ensures the continued payment of bonds and other debt obligations previously handled by the Metropolitan Council.
- Amendments are made to laws concerning public safety, transportation, fiscal disparities, and regional planning.
Repeals and Amendments:
- The bill repeals numerous sections of Minnesota Statutes related to the Metropolitan Council.
- Changes are made to state agency organization, development planning, and local government coordination.
Administrative Reorganization:
- The State Demographer will take over population estimation responsibilities.
- Regional transit, water management, and zoning functions will be coordinated by state departments rather than a centralized Metropolitan Council.
This bill aims to decentralize regional governance and integrate Metropolitan Council functions into existing state agencies.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
February 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
February 23, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Elections Finance and Government Operations |
February 25, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[ { "analysis": { "added": [ "Provision for expanding audit scope to include new government committees." ], "removed": [ "Previous audit restrictions for small municipal funds." ], "summary": "This section discusses amendments to audit functions under section 3.971.", "modified": [ "Adjustment in the audit reporting timeline." ] }, "citation": "3.971", "subdivision": "subdivision 6" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "New requirements for annual demographic reporting." ], "removed": [ "Elimination of redundant demographic categories." ], "summary": "Amendments made to the responsibilities of the state demographer as specified under section 4A.02.", "modified": [ "Demographic data collection methodology updated." ] }, "citation": "4A.02", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "New criteria for application dismissal included." ], "removed": [ "Previous oversight by non-state entities." ], "summary": "Modifications made to review process of local government unit applications under section 6.80.", "modified": [ "Adjustments in timeline for application processing." ] }, "citation": "6.80", "subdivision": "subdivision 3" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Inclusion of further public authorities under the 'political subdivision' term." ], "removed": [ "Outdated references to defunct entities." ], "summary": "Changes to definitions and scope of 'political subdivision' in section 10.60.", "modified": [ "Clarification of terminology for publication requirements." ] }, "citation": "10.60", "subdivision": "subdivision 1" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Updated roles under the 'public official' category." ], "removed": [ "Redundant positions no longer applicable." ], "summary": "Various amendments to definitions concerning public officials and political subdivisions under section 10A.01.", "modified": [ "Clarification of roles and responsibilities." ] }, "citation": "10A.01", "subdivision": "subdivisions 24, 31, 32, 35" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "New access provisions for certain demographic data." ], "removed": [ "Prior exemptions no longer permissible under some conditions." ], "summary": "Data management rules adjusted for specific entities under section 13.46.", "modified": [ "Revised data classification levels." ] }, "citation": "13.46", "subdivision": "subdivision 2" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Integration of new regional trails." ], "removed": [ "Outdated trail maintenance clauses." ], "summary": "Amendment to the Bicycle Trail Program under section 85.016.", "modified": [ "Coordination procedures updated with local bodies." ] }, "citation": "85.016", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Enhanced evaluation criteria for permits." ], "removed": [ "Redundant regulatory compliance lists." ], "summary": "Amendments to environmental permitting processes under section 116.064.", "modified": [ "Adjustment to permit processing times." ] }, "citation": "116.064", "subdivision": "subdivision 6" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "Provisions for new vehicle types." ], "removed": [ "Revoked outdated vehicle regulations." ], "summary": "Changes to vehicle operation rules on certain roadways under section 169.306.", "modified": [ "Updated traffic operation terms." ] }, "citation": "169.306", "subdivision": "" }, { "analysis": { "added": [ "New reporting requirements for municipal compliance." ], "removed": [ "Prior fiscal allocation methods." ], "summary": "Adjustments to fiscal disparity statutes under section 473F.02.", "modified": [ "Changes to disparity calculation methodologies outlined." ] }, "citation": "473F.02", "subdivision": "subdivisions 7, 8" } ]
Sponsors
- Rep. Max Rymer (R)
- Rep. Pam Altendorf (R)
- Rep. Patti Anderson (R)
- Rep. Jeff Backer (R)
- Rep. Ben Bakeberg (R)
- Rep. Ben Davis (R)
- Rep. Tom Dippel (R)
- Rep. Elliot Engen (R)
- Rep. Steve Gander (R)
- Rep. James Gordon (R)
- Rep. Drew Roach (R)
- Rep. Kristin Robbins (R)
- Rep. Isaac Schultz (R)
- Rep. Walter Hudson (R)
- Rep. Steven Jacob (R)
- Rep. Wayne Johnson (R)
- Rep. Jim Joy (R)
- Rep. Krista Knudsen (R)
- Rep. Tom Murphy (R)
- Rep. Harry Niska (R)
- Rep. Thomas Sexton (R)
- Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen (R)
- Rep. Nolan West (R)
- Rep. Mike Wiener (R)
- Rep. Keith Allen (R)
- Rep. Jim Nash (R)