House bill would force cities with ordinances online to also post proposed changes

Cities that post their ordinances online may also have to post proposed ordinances 10 days before meetings where they are to be considered for the first time.

The House passed HF1242, as amended, 87-44 Monday. It now goes to the Senate.

Rep. Chris Swedzinski

Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent), who sponsors the bill with Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca), called the bill “an effort to drive engagement in the local political process.”

The bill would also require cities that have electronic notification systems to send notices about proposed ordinances to anyone who has signed up to receive emails. Such cities would also be required to inform people renewing or applying for a new business license about the electronic notification procedure. Cities could provide more than the mandated notice.

Cities that do not have their ordinances online would be required to post notices 10 days in advance of a meeting where the city council plans to discuss a proposed ordinance for the first time in the same location as other public notices are posted.

“This would affect cities in the technology space they’re already in,” Swedzinski said.

Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) expressed concern about smaller cities meeting the 10-day notification requirement. Swedzinski said that is meant to match existing law on counties.

If a city fails to provide required notice, that would not invalidate the ordinance or amendment adopted.