House approves measure allowing per diems for Hennepin County advisory board, commission members

All counties, except the state’s most populous, are permitted to set reasonable allowances for expenses or per diems for members of advisory boards or committees.

Sponsored by Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park), HF4221 would give Hennepin County that permission.

Passed 87-44 by the House Monday, it now goes to the Senate where Sen. Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) is the sponsor.

Supporters hope the change will encourage more people and a broader cross-section of the populace to participate.

Exemptions in other statutes allow Hennepin County to compensate some members, such as those serving on the library or human resources boards, and its capital budgeting task force.