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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 13, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toElections Finance and Government Operations

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expanded definition to include more entities within the metropolitan area."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "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."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the establishment of regional railroad authorities.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "398A.03",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the establishment of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified roles and responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.755",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Defines the term related to watershed management organizations.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates to include more entities under the definition."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103B.205",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Referencing the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified membership terms."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "97A.056",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
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      "removed": [
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      ],
      "summary": "Referencing the establishment of the Clean Water Council.",
      "modified": [
        "Refined roles and responsibilities of council members."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarified funding mechanisms."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the establishment of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority.",
      "modified": [
        "Refined operational guidelines."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473J.07",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the establishment of the Destination Medical Center Corporation.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified structure and governance."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "469.41",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors