SF2236

This bill proposes changes to the Minnesota state government’s administrative law system, primarily renaming the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) to the Court of Administrative Hearings (CAH). Key provisions include:

1. Renaming the OAH to CAH in all relevant statutes.
   
2. Clarifying the position of the Chief Administrative Law Judge
   
   • The Chief Judge will be appointed by the Governor, with Senate confirmation, for six-year terms.
     
   • The Chief Judge can appoint additional judges and delegate duties.
     
   • Procedures for filling vacancies or appointing temporary judges are outlined.
     
3. Providing a process for administrative case remands
   
   • Agencies can request a remand within 45 days of a hearing record closing.
     
   • Must specify reasons for the remand, particularly when additional fact-finding is needed.
     
   • The Chief Judge must accept the remand in certain cases (e.g., procedural errors, appeals, clerical errors).
     
4. Repealing two Minnesota statutes
   
   • 211B.06: This law previously made it a crime to disseminate false campaign or political material knowingly or with reckless disregard.
     
   • 211B.08: This law prohibited religious, charitable, or educational organizations from soliciting campaign contributions from candidates.
     

In summary, the bill reforms administrative law procedures, increases judicial oversight, and removes certain campaign-related restrictions.