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HF2284 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Definitions of lobbyist and metropolitan governmental unit modified, expert witness lobbying reporting requirements modified, and additional individuals required to file statements of economic interest.

Related bill: SF2562

AI Generated Summary

This bill, H.F. No. 2284, modifies campaign finance and lobbying regulations in Minnesota. Key provisions of the bill include:

  1. Expanded Definitions:

    • Expert witness: Defined as an individual providing testimony or reports based on specialized education, training, or experience.
    • Lobbyist: Expands the criteria to include individuals earning over $3,000 or working for businesses focused on government relations.
    • Metropolitan governmental unit: Expands to include cities with populations over 50,000 in the seven-county metropolitan area.

  2. Lobbying Reporting Changes:

    • Lobbyists must report specific subjects of interest, political subdivisions influenced, and expert witnesses used.
    • Disclosure of state agencies influenced and rulemaking issues.
    • Requires lobbyists to report gifts above $5 given to public officials.

  3. Economic Interest Filing Requirements:

    • Expands the list of public officials required to file statements of economic interest to include county commissioners, metropolitan agency members, and others.
    • Adds elected local officials in cities over 50,000 in the metro area to the filing requirement.
    • Sets deadlines for candidates and newly appointed officials to file disclosures.

  4. Conflict of Interest and Ethics Provisions:

    • Strengthens disclosure requirements for public officials facing potential financial conflicts.
    • Requires public officials representing clients before government agencies to disclose their representation within 14 days.

  5. Enhanced Penalties for Non-Compliance:

    • Introduces late filing fees and civil penalties for failing to disclose required information on time.
    • Officials who fail to disclose representation of clients during government hearings may face fines up to $1,000.

In summary, H.F. No. 2284 enhances transparency and accountability in lobbying and campaign finance by expanding definitions, increasing reporting requirements, and strengthening enforcement measures for non-compliance.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
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        "Expanded definition to include more entities within the metropolitan area."
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      "removed": [
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      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of 'metropolitan governmental unit' under section 473.121.",
      "modified": [
        "Updated population criteria for cities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Included in the definition of metropolitan governmental unit."
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    "citation": "398A.03",
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      "summary": "References the establishment of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified roles and responsibilities."
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    "citation": "473.755",
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    "analysis": {
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      "summary": "Defines the term related to watershed management organizations.",
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    "citation": "103B.205",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
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      "summary": "Referencing the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established.",
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        "Clarified membership terms."
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    "citation": "97A.056",
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      "summary": "Referencing the establishment of the Clean Water Council.",
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    "citation": "114D.30",
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    "analysis": {
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        "Clarified funding mechanisms."
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      "summary": "References the establishment of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.",
      "modified": [
        "Refined operational guidelines."
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    },
    "citation": "473J.07",
    "subdivision": ""
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      "summary": "References the establishment of the Destination Medical Center Corporation.",
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    "citation": "469.41",
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]

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