MN SF993

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 14.57 to require agencies to submit contested cases to the Office of Administrative Hearings for disposition rather than deciding them internally.

Makes the administrative law judge's report or order the final decision in contested cases, removing the previous requirement for agency approval by order.

Preserves the option for parties to enter into written agreements to submit disputes to arbitration by an administrative law judge under sections 572.08 to 572.30.

Takes effect August 1, 2012, and applies only to contested cases initiated on or after that date.

Directs the revisor of statutes to present a bill to the legislature by January 15, 2013, containing conforming statutory changes needed to implement the contested case procedures.