MN HF173

Creates the Minnesota Sunset Commission with 12 members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and legislative minority leaders; legislators are ineligible for membership.

Establishes sunset review process for state agencies and their advisory committees based on 13 criteria including efficiency, achievement of mission, overlap with other agencies, compliance with laws, and federal funding impacts.

Divides state agencies into six groups with staggered sunset dates between 2013 and 2023, requiring commission review and legislative continuation before expiration; groups include health, education, commerce, corrections, agriculture, and administration departments.

Requires commission to review bills proposing new state agencies to determine if functions could be administered by existing agencies, if regulation is least restrictive, and if adequate public input and conflict-of-interest protections are provided.

Appropriates $100,000 for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for Sunset Commission operations.