Bill > HF455

This bill expands the ability of towns in Minnesota to adopt home rule charters, similar to the existing process for cities. The bill introduces a comprehensive framework for towns to create their own local government structures, including detailed provisions for establishing a charter commission, conducting charter elections, and managing charter amendments. Key provisions include allowing towns to form a charter commission through a petition by voters, a resolution by town supervisors, or by judicial determination, with the commission comprising 7-15 registered voters appointed by the district court chief judge. The charter commission must meet annually and can be discharged under specific circumstances. The bill outlines the process for drafting and voting on a town charter, requiring a majority vote for adoption, and specifies rules for publishing election notices and ballot design. The legislation also provides mechanisms for amending charters, including through voter petitions or town board proposals, and ensures that a town adopting a home rule charter maintains its legal continuity, preserving existing rights, properties, and ongoing legal proceedings. The bill effectively gives towns more flexibility in designing their local governance while maintaining a structured, democratic process for charter development and modification.

Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0455&ssn=0&y=2025