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SF2471 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Member access to cooperative documents and meetings improvement provision and electronic voting and voting by mail for cooperative board directors requirement provision

Related bill: HF1213

AI Generated Summary

The bill, S.F. No. 2471, proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 308A.327, to enhance transparency and accessibility for members of electric cooperatives with over 50,000 members. The key provisions include:

  1. Open Board Meetings & Remote Participation:

    • Board meetings must be open to all members, with reasonable prior notice.
    • Meetings may be closed only for specific sensitive matters (e.g., personnel, litigation, proprietary business information).
    • Members must have the option to attend and participate remotely via the Internet.

  2. Member Access to Information:

    • The cooperative must maintain and provide access to key documents on its website, including bylaws, board meeting minutes, financial statements, and IRS Form 990.
    • Information on board meeting schedules, board contact details, and voting processes must be publicly available.

  3. Membership List Access:

    • Members can access a list of cooperative members under strict conditions, ensuring the request is in good faith and for legitimate purposes.
    • The use of the list for commercial purposes is prohibited.
    • Members may be required to sign an affidavit and may face penalties for misusing the list.

  4. Board Nominations & Elections:

    • Members can nominate candidates for the board via a petition signed by at least 40 members.
    • The cooperative must establish a secure voting system that allows members to vote by mail and online while maintaining ballot secrecy.

  5. Capital Credits Notification:

    • Electric cooperatives must notify members annually about their capital credit allocation.
    • Upon request, a cooperative must provide a member’s cumulative but unretired capital credit balance within 45 days.

This bill aims to improve transparency, increase member engagement, and modernize election processes within large electric cooperatives.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toEnergy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toJudiciary and Public Safety

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New subdivisions requiring electronic and mail voting.",
        "Added member access to certain cooperative documents online.",
        "New nomination process for board of directors."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends transparency and access requirements for electric cooperative board meetings under section 308A.327.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusted requirements for open meetings and member participation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "308A.327",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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