HF 4319 Minnesota House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Public utilities commission procedures modified, Lake City port authority powers modified, and length of terms for appointees to the Red Wing Port Authority changed.

This bill modifies the powers of the Lake City Port Authority by explicitly prohibiting it from issuing debt, bonds, or exercising eminent domain while allowing it to request tax levies from the city. It also grants the city flexibility to name the port authority commission and clarifies that the city retains all related powers under state law. Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for Lake City to validate prior actions taken under a previous 2021 law by approving and filing the relevant legislation by January 1, 2027. These changes directly affect the City of Lake City and its ability to manage port and redevelopment authority functions.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction → 1st Engrossment · 5 edits · Mar 26, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was updated from its initial introduction to its first engrossment version, incorporating significant amendments to public utility commission procedures, port authority powers, and appointment term lengths. The changes reflect a shift from a narrow focus on Lake City to a broader scope including Red Wing and public utilities, while also adjusting the timeline for when these new rules take effect.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from solely addressing the City of Lake City to also include modifications to public utilities commission procedures and changes to the Red Wing Port Authority's appointment terms.

REQUIREMENT

The bill's title and summary were updated to reflect new provisions regarding public utilities commission procedures and Red Wing Port Authority appointments, in addition to the original Lake City port authority changes.

Detailed procedures for changing the number of public utilities commission members were added, including requirements for staggered terms, a 45-day waiting period for ordinances, and a referendum process if the commission size is reduced.

The term length for appointees to the Red Wing Port Authority was changed from three years to six years for terms beginning on or after January 1, 2011.

A validation provision was added allowing the City of Lake City to retroactively approve a 2021 law regarding port authority powers by a specific deadline.

TIMELINE

New effective dates were inserted for specific sections, clarifying when the public utilities commission changes and the Red Wing appointment term changes will become active.

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Full legislative history

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Key actions

Committee

Mar 26, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee report, to adopt as amended

lower

Mar 16, 2026

Introduced

Introduction and first reading, referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor