MN HF3553

Establishes a charter commission for Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne counties to develop a proposed charter or determine if current county government is adequate.

Joint legislative delegation nominates 21 candidates for charter commission appointment, with judges of the seventh judicial district (for Stearns and Benton) and tenth judicial district (for Sherburne) making final appointments.

Commission must deliver either a report confirming current government is adequate or a draft proposed charter to county commissioners by December 31, 2011.

Proposed charter shall be submitted to voters at the 2012 general election; adoption requires approval by a majority of voters in each respective county.

If voters approve the charter, it takes effect two years after the election, at which time former county officials must transfer all records, money, and public property to new charter-based government.