MN SF1658

Allows any Minnesota town to prepare and adopt a home rule charter through a process initiated by district court order, voter petition (10% of registered voters), or town board resolution.

Establishes charter commissions of 7-15 members appointed by district court chief judges, with 6-year staggered terms; commissions may be discharged by 3/4 vote if charter is unnecessary or by referendum if 5% of voters petition for dissolution.

Charter commission members receive no compensation, but towns must pay reasonable costs for legal assistance, personnel, and printing, not to exceed $1,500 annually unless voters authorize additional funds at town meeting.

Requires charter to be published weekly for two weeks and adopted if 51% of votes support it; charter takes effect 30 days after election or as specified and must be filed with secretary of state and county recorder.

Provides methods for charter amendments through voter petition (5% of votes cast in last state general election), town board proposal with commission review, or town board ordinance requiring unanimous vote and subject to referendum if 5% of voters petition within 60 days.