MN SF2179

Changes the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government to meet at least once per calendar year and requires the commission to submit recommendations to the Metropolitan Council and legislature by February 15 of each year on tax rates, debt, budget, and implementation.

Requires the Metropolitan Council to present a proposed budget to the legislature by December 20 rather than adopt a final budget, with the fiscal year starting July 1 instead of calendar year.

Prohibits the Metropolitan Council from adopting a final budget until the legislature enacts a law authorizing the budget; allows continued operation at previously authorized levels if no authorization law is enacted.

Requires the Metropolitan Council to present a proposed capital improvement program and budget to the legislature for legislative action rather than simply preparing and adopting it independently.

Establishes a transitional budget period by requiring a six-month budget for January 1 to June 30, 2014, and shifts to annual budgets starting July 1, 2014, with submission to the legislature by January 15, 2014.