1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to the open meeting law; providing for an increased award for costs, 
1.3 	disbursements, and attorney fees for violation of the open meeting law;amending 
1.4 	Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13D.06, subdivision 4.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13D.06, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subd. 4.Other remedies; requirements; limits. (a) In addition to other remedies, 
1.8 	the court may award reasonable costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees of up 
1.9 	to $13,000$25,000 to any party in an action under this chapter.
1.10 	(b) The court may award costs and attorney fees to a defendant only if the court finds 
1.11 	that the action under this chapter was frivolous and without merit.
1.12 	(c) A public body may pay any costs, disbursements, or attorney fees incurred by or 
1.13 	awarded against any of its members in an action under this chapter.
1.14 	(d) No monetary penalties or attorney fees may be awarded against a member of a 
1.15 	public body unless the court finds that there was a specific intent to violate this chapter.