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Bill

HF 4364

Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs established, reports required, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Hansen and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a new Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs to advise on policy, coordination, and funding for Minnesota’s relations with that region.

Author added Klevorn
#appropriations #governmentaloperations-state #internationalrelations
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Bill Summary · HF 4364

Summary of HF 4364 (2025-2026) – Minnesota

Title

Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs established, reports required, and money appropriated.

Purpose and intent

HF 4364 proposes the creation of a new state council—the Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs. The primary goal is to formalize state-level coordination and engagement with Central and Eastern European regions and communities, facilitate informed policymaking, and enhance Minnesota’s relationships with partners in that geographic area. The bill also contemplates required reporting and authorization of appropriations to support the council’s activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of a new council

    • Creates the Council on Central and Eastern European Affairs within the state government framework.
    • The council is tasked with advising on public policy, cultural exchange, economic development, trade relations, security interests, immigration matters, and other issues related to Central and Eastern Europe as defined by the bill.

  • Membership and governance (as provided in the bill text)

    • The bill designates who will compose the council (potential members typically include state agency representatives, legislators, and appointees with relevant expertise or ties to Central and Eastern Europe).
    • Roles and responsibilities of members may include developing recommendations, coordinating with other state bodies, and ensuring diverse regional perspectives.

  • Reporting requirements

    • The council is required to submit periodic reports to the legislature (the exact frequency and content specifications would be enumerated in the bill).
    • Reports are expected to cover policy recommendations, program evaluations, and progress on initiatives related to Central and Eastern Europe.

  • Funding and appropriations

    • The bill authorizes an appropriation to support the operations of the council, including staffing, research, outreach, and administrative costs.
    • Amounts, funding sources, and any conditions attached to the appropriation would be detailed in the fiscal provisions of the bill.

  • Coordination with existing agencies

    • The council is likely to collaborate with relevant state agencies (e.g., Departments of Justice, Economic Development, Education, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security or equivalents) and with external partners (universities, cultural organizations, and international affairs groups).

Who or what is affected

  • State government and agencies

    • Creation of a new governing body within state government, with responsibilities and reporting lines.
    • Potential reallocation of staff time or budgetary resources to support council activities.

  • Central and Eastern European communities and partners

    • Beneficiaries include communities and stakeholders with ties to Central and Eastern Europe, who may experience enhanced state engagement, cultural exchange opportunities, and economic or educational collaboration.

  • Legislature and policymakers

    • Access to new data, recommendations, and periodic reports to inform policy considerations related to international relations, immigration, trade, and cultural programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introductions and referrals

    • Introduced and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee for consideration (as of the action history).
    • The bill has sponsor support from multiple legislators (including co-sponsors Ginny Klevorn, Rick Hansen, Sydney Jordan).

  • Action history highlights

    • March 16, 2026: Introduction and first reading; referred to State Government Finance and Policy.
    • March 18, 2026: Author added Klevorn (indicating a sponsorship or author role update).

  • Next steps (typical process)

    • If advanced, the bill would proceed to committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Minnesota Legislature.
    • Upon passage, it would await formal approval by the other legislative chamber (as applicable) and the governor’s signature to become law.
    • Implementation would involve establishing the council, appointing members, and initiating the reporting framework and approved appropriations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific policy areas (economic development, immigration, cultural diplomacy, or education) or compare it to similar state-level international affairs councils.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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