HF1475

This bill seeks to abolish the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota and transfer its duties to other state agencies, primarily the commissioners of administration and natural resources. Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Elimination of the Metropolitan Council – The council's responsibilities, particularly relating to transportation, transit, parks, open spaces, and wastewater management, will be reassigned to various state agencies.

2. Reallocation of Functions – Transportation and transit-related responsibilities will be transferred to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, while other functions will be assigned to appropriate state agencies.

3. Modification of Laws – Other related laws, including provisions on public safety communication, fiscal disparities, and regional planning, will be amended accordingly.

4. Debt and Financial Responsibilities – Bonds and other financial commitments previously managed by the Metropolitan Council will be administered by county auditors.

5. Repeal of Existing Statutes – The bill repeals multiple sections of Minnesota Statutes that reference or grant authority to the Metropolitan Council.

6. Creation of New Entities – The bill establishes the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and a metropolitan area sanitary sewer district to assume some of the council’s former responsibilities.

7. Administrative Transition – The state demographer and other agencies will take over certain planning and data management functions previously overseen by the council.

In summary, the bill dismantles the Metropolitan Council, redistributes its responsibilities among state entities, and makes necessary legal adjustments to facilitate this transition.