House tweaks measure for posting ordinance changes online

The House renewed its approval Thursday for a measure that would require cities that post ordinances online to post proposed ordinance changes using that method.

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Swedzinski (R-Ghent) and Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca), the House repassed HF1242*/SF1224, as amended by the Senate, 90-43. The bill now goes to Gov. Mark Dayton.

Under the bill, cities with electronic notification systems would be required to send notices about proposed ordinance changes by that method.

Swedzinski outlined three Senate amendments, which he said addressed concerns of city officials.

Cities would not have to follow the bill’s mandates in the case of an interim ordinance; the notice would be required 10 days before the proposed ordinance change is “scheduled for a final vote” rather than 10 days before it is “first discussed;” and the title would be “Notice of Proposed Ordinances.” The Senate struck the words “to Businesses” from the end of the bill’s title.