The Minnesota House Bill HF554 (First Engrossment) requires counties and cities to maintain written policies and procedures that are accessible to the public. Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Requirement to Maintain Policies and Manuals

   • Counties and cities (except those with smaller populations) must maintain clear operating policies, procedures, forms, deadlines, and payment requirements for their operations.
     
   • These policies must be documented in an operations manual available for employee training, public inspection, and optionally published on a county or city website.
     

2. Availability of Payment Information

   • If the manual includes fee-related information, it must contain all necessary forms, instructions, payment deadlines, and consequences for late or nonpayment.
     

3. Law Enforcement Procedures

   • Law enforcement policies related to investigations must be included only with approval from the chief law enforcement officer or, if unavailable, two designated law enforcement officers with decision-making authority.
     

4. Exemption for Small Cities and Counties

   • The requirement does not apply to cities with populations of 10,000 or fewer or counties with populations under 40,000.
     

5. Public Data Restrictions

   • The information in the manuals must not include classified non-public data.
     

6. Definitions

   • "Duties or operations" include implementing laws, ordinances, regulations, service provisions, licensing, fees, administrative and financial operations, and other governmental functions.
     
   • "Fee or assessment" covers charges for services, licenses, permits, special assessments, and penalties but excludes general property taxes (except where specified).
     

The bill aims to improve transparency, standardize governmental processes, and ensure public access to essential procedural information at the local government level.