The bill, H.F. No. 1636, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to modify local regulations concerning plant pest control. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 18G.13, subdivision 7.

Key Provisions:

1. Local Authority Over Plant Pest Control

   • City councils, county boards, and town boards can adopt ordinances to prevent and control plant pests and diseases.
   • These local regulations may allow officers to:
     • Inspect public and private places for plant pests.
     • Order the removal of diseased trees to prevent disease spread.
     • Require owners to treat or destroy infested plants.
     • Charge property owners for these actions, with the expense becoming a property lien.

2. New Requirements for Entering Private Property

   • If the ordinance permits inspections of private places, officers must:
     • Obtain prior approval before entering.
     • Attempt to speak in person with an owner, tenant, or manager.
     • Show proper credentials when interacting with the property owner or manager.

3. Notification and Equity Considerations

   • If a local ordinance requires property owners to remove or treat pests at their own expense, it must include safeguards:
     • An annual pest control plan addressing potential racial inequities.
     • Notifications in multiple languages spoken by affected residents.
     • At least 180 days' notice before the government takes action at the owner’s expense.
     • Upon request, an itemized cost breakdown for any work performed, including disclosure of the bidding or proposal process used.

Purpose:

The bill seeks to increase transparency, ensure fairness, and address potential inequitable racial impacts in plant pest control enforcement. It also strengthens property rights protections by requiring prior approval before government officials inspect private places.

Would you like a more specific analysis of any part?