MN SF2532

Reduces the voter approval threshold from 65 percent to a simple majority for municipalities to construct a new telephone exchange where one already exists.

Extends authority to own and operate telephone exchanges to counties in addition to municipalities.

Prohibits municipalities from financing telephone exchanges through general debt or taxpayer funds, except for revenues earned from exchange operations or pre-existing approved sales taxes.

Requires municipalities to prepare a feasibility study addressing establishment costs, five-year income projections with depreciation and maintenance plans, capital budgets, and consultant costs, with a public hearing at least 60 days before the referendum.

Prevents municipalities from discriminating in favor of their own telephone exchange by requiring equal terms for private operators regarding public rights-of-way access, and mandates 30-day permit application decisions with written explanations for denials.