House OKs technical changes to Ramsey County human resources statutes

When the Legislature makes technical changes to statutes governing counties, it often leaves Ramsey County with antiquated language, according to Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-New Brighton).

Rep. Connie Bernardy

On Monday, the House passed HF1147/SF1135*, sponsored by Bernardy and Sen. Sandy Pappas (DFL-St. Paul), which would make technical changes to human resources-related language in the statutes governing Ramsey County. The bill, passed 132-0, would also repeal the county’s mandated retirement at age 70.

Passed 66-0 by the Senate April 6, the bill heads to Gov. Mark Dayton.

“Oftentimes when other governmental agencies and operations involving statutes for them get passed, Ramsey County statute isn’t cross-referenced and updated,” Bernardy said.

County officials previously stated the changes would help them fill positions more quickly.

Ramsey County is the only home rule charter county in Minnesota, and is one of five counties with its own chapter in state law.