HF 2104

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/25/2015 10:51am

A bill for an act
relating to metropolitan government; establishing a Blue Ribbon Commission to
study and make recommendations on metropolitan governance; appropriating
money.

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

Section 1. new text begin BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ON THE METROPOLITAN
COUNCIL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Blue Ribbon Commission on the Metropolitan Council
established. new text end

new text begin The Blue Ribbon Commission on the Metropolitan Council is established
to study the needs of the region and make recommendations to the legislature and the
governor on the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities that the Metropolitan
Council should have, the appropriate relationship the Metropolitan Council should have
with metropolitan area local governments, and the appropriate governance structure to
support and enhance those powers, duties, functions, and relationships.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Authority; duties. new text end

new text begin (a) Among any other topics that the commission
determines are useful for informing the commission's understanding and recommendations
for the Metropolitan Council's powers, duties, functions, and relationships, the commission
shall study:
new text end

new text begin (1) the history and development of regional government in the metropolitan area;
new text end

new text begin (2) goals of local and regional government, whether they are appropriate goals, and
obstacles to achieving those goals;
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new text begin (3) how to ensure adequate and appropriate accountability of the council to the
region and to the constituent local governments and residents of the region; and
new text end

new text begin (4) whether long-term regional planning is compatible with operation of major
regional systems.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commission shall conduct meetings and hearings to gather information
and analysis.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commission shall consult with all interested parties, including but not
limited to:
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new text begin (1) local elected officials and staff of metropolitan area cities, counties, and towns;
new text end

new text begin (2) the Metropolitan Council;
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new text begin (3) state agencies that coordinate planning or services with or issue permits to the
Metropolitan Council;
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new text begin (4) academics with expertise and interest in regional government models and
local-regional government relations;
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new text begin (5) former chairs of the Metropolitan Council; and
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new text begin (6) other former state or regional officials with experience with and interest in
regional government and local-regional relations.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commission shall report the results of its study to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the Metropolitan
Council and to the governor by March 15, 2016. The report may be in the form of
proposed legislation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Members. new text end

new text begin The commission shall consist of the following members:
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new text begin (1) three state representatives appointed by the speaker of the house, at least one
each from the majority and minority caucuses;
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new text begin (2) three state senators appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of
the Committee on Rules and Administration, at least one each from the majority and
minority caucuses;
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new text begin (3) seven public members, one from each of the metropolitan counties, who may be
but are not required to be local elected officials; three must be appointed by the senate
Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, three must
be appointed by the speaker of the house, and one must be appointed by the governor.
Appointments under this clause must be made as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section
15.0597. Appointing authorities are encouraged to consult with each other in making their
respective appointments in order to ensure that appointees have diverse interests in and
experience with local and regional government, and diverse relevant expertise.
new text end

new text begin Appointments must be made as soon as practicable after the effective date of this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Chairs. new text end

new text begin The legislative appointing authorities shall each designate a
legislative appointee to serve as cochair of the commission.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Meetings; staff. new text end

new text begin Meetings of the commission are subject to Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 13D. The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide
administrative support to the commission, including posting meeting notices on the
legislative Web site. Legislative staff, the Metropolitan Council, and state agencies shall
provide assistance when requested by the commission. The Legislative Coordinating
Commission may accept gifts, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 3.303, to support
the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Compensation; expenses. new text end

new text begin Legislative members of the commission may
be compensated as provided by the respective bodies of the legislature. Public members of
the commission shall not receive compensation, but must be reimbursed for expenses as
provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 15.0575, subdivision 3.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2016 is appropriated from the general
fund to the Legislative Coordinating Commission to pay the costs of the commission. This
appropriation is available until June 30, 2017.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The commission expires June 30, 2016.
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