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HF2188 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Public Utilities Commission administrative action definition modified.

Related bill: SF1472

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 2188), authored by Representative Kraft, seeks to amend the definition of "administrative action" under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 10A.01, subdivision 2, particularly in relation to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

Key Provisions:

  1. The existing statute defines "administrative action" as actions taken by an executive branch board, commission, or agency to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule under chapter 14.
  2. Current law excludes rule application or administration from "administrative action," except in cases related to rate setting, power plant and powerline siting, and the granting of certificates of need under section 216B.243.
  3. Proposed Change:
    • This bill expands the definition of "administrative action" to expressly include any power or duty exercised by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under statute or adopted rule.

Impact:

  • Campaign Finance Implications: Expanding the definition to include all PUC decisions may affect lobbying disclosures, as administrative actions are subject to campaign finance and lobbying regulations.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The change clarifies that PUC decisions (beyond just rate setting or power facility approvals) are considered administrative actions, potentially enhancing transparency and accountability.

This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections Finance and Government Operations for further review.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 11, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the inclusion of power plant and powerline siting, and certificate of need granting as administrative actions."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill redefines what constitutes an administrative action related to the Public Utilities Commission by excluding certain activities unless they are related to rate setting, power plant siting, or powerline siting, as outlined in section 216B.243.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands the definition of administrative action in relation to the Public Utilities Commission."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.243",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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