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SF2562 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Definition modification of lobbyist and metropolitan government unit

Related bill: HF2284

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes modifications to Minnesota's campaign finance and lobbying regulations, including changes to the definitions of "lobbyist" and "metropolitan governmental unit," lobbying reporting requirements, and public officials' disclosure obligations.

Key provisions include:

  1. Expert Witness Definition: Establishes the term "Expert witness" as individuals providing testimony based on professional expertise.
  2. Lobbyist Definition Changes:
    • Expands the definition to include individuals who spend more than $3,000 annually attempting to influence policy.
    • Includes employees of businesses primarily engaged in government relations.
    • Requires lobbyists to report expert witnesses they engage to interact with public officials.
  3. Metropolitan Governmental Unit Revision: Expands the definition to include additional metro area government entities such as certain counties, cities, and commissions.
  4. Public Officials' Reporting Expansion:
    • Broadens the list of positions classified as "public officials," adding members of watershed districts, the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, and others.
    • Requires more local and metropolitan officials to file statements of economic interest.
  5. Lobbying Reporting Requirements:
    • Lobbyists must disclose more details on subjects of interest, political subdivisions or agencies lobbied, significant financial contributions to lobbying efforts, and expert witnesses utilized.
    • Reporting of gifts and benefits of $5 or more provided to public officials.
  6. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Expands the obligation of public officials and metropolitan/local officials to disclose potential financial conflicts before making policy decisions.
  7. Representation Disclosure Requirements:
    • Requires elected officials representing clients before regulatory boards with rulemaking authority to disclose their role.
    • Allows penalties for failing to disclose such representations.
  8. Statement of Economic Interest Filings:
    • Broadens officials who must file statements to include county commissioners, soil and water conservation district supervisors, and watershed district managers.
    • Requires faster filing upon assuming office or candidacy.

This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in governmental lobbying, financial disclosures, and conflict-of-interest regulations.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toElections
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A clarification on which entities are included based on population located in the metropolitan area."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the definition of 'metropolitan governmental unit' to include additional entities and clarifies population-related criteria.",
      "modified": [
        "The definition of metropolitan governmental unit, impacting various sections that refer to this term."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.121",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "A citation for the establishing regional rail authorities.",
      "modified": [
        "Inclusion in the definition of metropolitan governmental units."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "398A.03",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References the establishment of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.",
      "modified": [
        "Recognition as an entity under public official definitions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "473.755",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References entities involved in water management as part of public official definitions.",
      "modified": [
        "Definition expansion to include watershed management organizations."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "103B.205",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 13"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Relates to lobbyists needing to report gifts given to public officials.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on lobbyist reporting responsibilities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "10A.071",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Defines citizen members' involvement in the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council under public official definitions.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "97A.056",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Includes citizen members of the Clean Water Council as public officials.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "114D.30",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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