HF 4904

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 04/02/2024 01:16pm

A bill for an act
relating to local government; authorizing statutory cities to create wards for the
election of city council members; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, section
412.02, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 412.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Council increased or reduced.

The council may by ordinance adopted at least
60 days before the next regular city election submit to the voters of the city the question of
whether the city council should be increased or reduced to seven or five members. The
ordinance shall include a schedule of elections and terms new text begin and ward boundary changes, if
applicable, new text end to accomplish the change. The proposal shall be voted on at the next city general
election and, if approved by a majority of those voting on the question, go into effect in
accordance with the schedule new text begin and ward boundary changes, if applicable new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 412.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Wards. new text end

new text begin A city may by ordinance provide for the election of city council
members by ward. The ordinance must designate the boundaries of the wards. The ordinance
must also state whether the city will otherwise operate as a statutory standard plan city or
statutory optional plan city, subject to voter approval as may be required under this chapter.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end