SF1243

This bill proposes to abolish the Metropolitan Council and transfer its duties to various state agencies. Key provisions include:

• Dissolution of the Metropolitan Council: The responsibilities of the council, such as administrative and natural resource duties, will be transferred to the commissioners of administration and natural resources, while transportation and transit-related functions will be moved to the Department of Transportation.
• Debt and Fiscal Restructuring: The bill ensures that financial obligations, including bonds and other debts, will continue to be paid.
• Repeal of Land Use Planning Provisions: The Metropolitan Council’s oversight of land use planning, tax fiscal disparity laws, and public safety radio communication laws will end.
• Creation of New Entities: The bill proposes establishing a Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and a metropolitan area sanitary sewer district to assume some former responsibilities of the council.
• Transfer of Metropolitan Airports Commission Oversight: The Metropolitan Council’s authority over the Metropolitan Airports Commission will be removed.
• Amendments to Numerous Statutory Provisions: Adjustments will be made across multiple state laws to reflect these structural changes.

Overall, this bill seeks to dismantle the Metropolitan Council and redistribute its powers and responsibilities to other state government entities, while maintaining continuity in services and financial obligations.