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SF2339 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Metropolitan Council governance modifications provision and Transportation Advisory Board elimination provision

Related bill: HF1329

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes significant changes to the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota. The key provisions include:

  1. Modification of Metropolitan Council Governance:

    • The Council will be composed of a chair and 44 members (increased from 17).
    • Members will be appointed by county boards, municipal committees, and the commissioner of transportation instead of by the governor.
    • The members will include:
      • One county commissioner from each of the seven metropolitan counties.
      • One local elected official or citizen representative from each Metropolitan Council district, selected by municipal committees.
      • Representatives for nonmotorized transportation, freight transportation, and public transit appointed by the commissioner of transportation.

  2. Appointment and Terms:

    • Council members will serve staggered four-year terms.
    • Terms are designed to ensure continuity of service.
    • Local elected officials serving on the council can continue holding their local office.

  3. Municipal Committees:

    • Each Metropolitan Council district will have a municipal committee consisting of representatives from cities and townships within the district.
    • These committees will appoint council members and meet quarterly to discuss regional issues.

  4. Redistricting:

    • The number of council districts increases from 16 to 33.
    • Redistricting will occur every ten years following the federal census.
    • Changes will take effect in 2027.

  5. Council Chair and Voting Rules:

    • The chair will be elected internally by council members rather than appointed by the governor.
    • The commissioner of transportation and appointees in transportation-related roles will have limited voting rights.
    • A quorum requires a majority of eligible voting members, and certain actions (e.g., tax levy approval) require a supermajority.

  6. Elimination of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB):

    • The bill removes this advisory board, which previously advised the Metropolitan Council on transportation planning and funding allocations.

  7. Transition Plan:

    • Current council members will remain in office until new appointments are made under the revised system.

This bill seeks to decentralize the appointment process of the Metropolitan Council, giving more control to local governments rather than the governor. It also expands the council's size and adjusts voting regulations to align with this new structure.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 09, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies the commission's role in monitoring appointments and making recommendations."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removes former appointment procedures."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill addresses the oversight of the Metropolitan Council appointments under section 3.8841, subdivision 9.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the entities to which the commission may provide recommendations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "3.8841",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 9"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Outlines new appointment procedures and structures for the Metropolitan Council."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Eliminates the previous appointment structures."
      ],
      "summary": "This section modifies the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council.",
      "modified": [
        "Alters the terms and conditions of service for council members."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.123",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Defines voting rights and responsibilities in the context of regional planning."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous subdivision meeting rules."
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments relate to the role of the council as a metropolitan planning organization under section 473.146.",
      "modified": [
        "Redefines voting requirements for adopting system plans."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.146",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 3, 4"
  }
]

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