Metropolitan Council; removal of members of the council for cause authorized, governor appointment of a vice-chair provided, council member salary and benefits specified, and annual reviews of the regional administrator by the council required.

HF 1317 amends Minnesota statutes governing the Metropolitan Council, affecting its 17 members serving in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. The bill establishes a formal process for removing council members for cause after notice and hearing, requires the governor to appoint a vice-chair from the 16 district members, sets a $40,000 annual salary starting January 2026 (with automatic increases tied to legislative pay), and mandates annual reviews of the regional administrator by the council. These changes specify council member compensation, clarify removal procedures, and define the vice-chair appointment process. The bill does not alter the council's policy-making authority or geographic boundaries.