Political subdivisions could be more clearly defined to allow for more consistency in the state auditor’s oversight role.
The House passed HF1309/SF1436* 132-0 on April 14. The bill awaits action by the governor. Senate approval was given on a 64-0 vote March 23.
Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center), who sponsors the bill with Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan), described it as a housekeeping bill brought to her by the state auditor to remove archaic language in state law.
“The purpose is to define a political subdivision consistently for the use in chapter six, which refers to local government, and to make the state auditor’s oversight role more consistent regarding all local units of government, including special districts,” Hilstrom said.
The bill defines political subdivision to mean “a county, home rule charter or statutory city, town, school district, metropolitan or regional agency, public corporation, political subdivision or special district.” It removes from the definition agencies audited by the legislative auditor such as the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission.