MN HF2724

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 452.25 to allow municipal utilities to enter into joint ventures with federally recognized Indian tribes in addition to existing entities (municipal utilities, municipal power agencies, cooperative associations, and investor-owned utilities).

Expands the definition of entities that can participate in joint ventures to explicitly include federally recognized Indian tribes as partners in providing utility services.

Authorizes joint ventures to finance, own, acquire, construct, and operate utility facilities including generation, transmission, storage, and distribution facilities in cooperation with federally recognized Indian tribes.

Allows joint ventures to engage in wholesale utility services with federally recognized Indian tribes and permits these tribes to participate in joint administrative functions and utility service programs on the same basis as other joint venture participants.

Applies existing regulatory oversight and legal requirements to joint ventures involving Indian tribes, including Public Utilities Commission authority where investor-owned utilities are involved.