MN HF2623

State agencies in Minnesota's executive branch are prohibited from commencing litigation against other state agencies in state or federal court.

Disputes between state agencies must first be resolved through alternative dispute resolution agreements or mediation via the Bureau of Mediation Services.

If mediation fails, unresolved disputes are submitted to a special review panel consisting of seven members appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, and the Supreme Court.

The special review panel conducts hearings, adopts dispute resolution procedures, and issues binding decisions; panel decisions may be appealed under administrative review procedures with the attorney general representing the panel.

State agencies involved in disputes must split mediation and panel costs equally unless they agree otherwise, with each agency paying its own legal counsel expenses from its own appropriation.