MN HF1891

Requires municipalities to follow new procedures before imposing public utility license, permit, rights, or franchise fees that raise revenue beyond defrayment of increased municipal costs for up to a five-year period, effective for agreements entered or renewed on or after August 1, 2019.

Mandates municipalities publish notice at least weekly for two consecutive weeks in official publications and on websites, plus send to all affected ratepayers by mail or billing, explaining the fee, intended uses, likely impact on utility bills, and alternative revenue sources.

Requires municipalities to hold a public comment opportunity at their next regular meeting after publication and wait at least 90 days before imposing the fee unless a petition for referendum is filed.

Allows registered voters to petition for a referendum if signed by at least five percent of registered voters within 90 days of the public comment meeting; the fee may only proceed if a majority votes in favor at the next general election.

Applies retroactively to agreements entered before August 1, 2019 that remain in effect after August 1, 2024, requiring notice and referendum procedures by that date.