HF 1579

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/14/2013 02:31pm

A bill for an act
relating to the legislature; requiring disclosure of certain contract and settlement
terms; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 3.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [3.097] DISPUTES INVOLVING CURRENT OR FORMER
EMPLOYEES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Settlement agreements. new text end

new text begin The complete terms of any agreement
settling any dispute arising out of an employment relationship with a legislative employee,
including a buyout agreement, are public data. The terms of an agreement that involves
the payment of more than $10,000 of public money must include all of the specific reasons
for the agreement.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Agreements to retain private counsel to defend a legislative entity. new text end

new text begin The
following terms of a contract or other agreement to retain private counsel to represent the
house of representatives, senate, or other entity within the legislative branch against a
legal claim, or in anticipation of a legal claim, by a current or former legislative employee
are public data: the hourly rate to be charged by the private counsel; arrangements for
payment of costs and expenses and anticipated amounts; fees incurred to date, whether
billed or not; and any other terms of the contract or agreement establishing a financial
obligation on the part of the legislative entity.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1 is effective the day following final enactment
and applies to agreements entered on or after that date. Subdivision 2 is effective the
day following final enactment and applies to contracts or agreements currently in effect
or entered on or after that date.
new text end