HF 554 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Counties and cities required to have written procedures that are available to the public.

HF 554 requires Minnesota counties and cities to create and maintain written procedures for all local government operations, making them publicly accessible. The bill mandates that these documents - covering services, fees, licensing, and administrative processes - must be available at local offices or online, including specific details like payment deadlines, required forms, and late-payment consequences. It applies to all counties, home rule charter cities, and statutory cities, ensuring transparency for residents seeking information about local government actions. The law does not apply to property taxes under chapters 272-287 or information excluded from public access under Minnesota's Administrative Procedure Act.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 13, 2025 Last action Mar 5, 2025
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What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 2 edits · Mar 5, 2025
MINOR
The bill was updated from its initial introduction to its first engrossment, reflecting a revision in the legislative text. The most significant substantive change is a modification to the definition of excluded information, shifting the standard from general public availability under the Administrative Procedure Act to a specific classification of 'not public data' under a new statutory section. Additionally, a new exemption was added, clarifying that the bill's requirements do not apply to smaller cities and counties with populations below certain thresholds.
Scope change
The bill's applicability was narrowed by adding an exemption for home rule charters, statutory cities with 10,000 or fewer residents, and counties with fewer than 40,000 residents.
DEFINITION

The definition of excluded information was changed to rely on a specific 'not public data' classification rather than general public availability rules.

ELIGIBILITY

A new exemption was introduced stating that the bill's requirements do not apply to smaller municipalities and counties based on specific population thresholds.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report, to adopt as amended and re-refer to Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
lower
Feb 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Duane Quam
Duane Quam
RRepublican
MN
24A