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Bill

HF 476

Mille Lacs County; attorney general required to reimburse legal costs, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kresha and 2 co-sponsors

Mille Lacs County would be eligible to be reimbursed by the Minnesota Attorney General for certain legal costs, funded by a state appropriation.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 476

Summary of HF 476 (2025-2026) – Mille Lacs County; Attorney General Reimbursement of Legal Costs; Money Appropriated

Overview

HF 476 is a Minnesota bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session. The sponsors are Rep. Ron Kresha (chief), with Rep. Isaac Schultz and Rep. Bryan Lawrence listed as co-sponsors. The bill’s title indicates three core elements:
- Mille Lacs County
- Reimbursement of legal costs by the Minnesota Attorney General
- Related appropriation of funds

The action history shows the bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy on February 13, 2025. Details beyond the title and initial committee referral are not provided in the current record.

Purpose and intent

Based on the title and committee referral, the bill appears aimed at ensuring Mille Lacs County can recover certain legal costs from the state Attorney General’s office, with accompanying appropriations to fund those reimbursements. The bill’s intent would be to clarify and authorize state reimbursement of legal costs incurred by Mille Lacs County, potentially in specified litigation or legal proceedings, and to provide the necessary funds to support that reimbursement.

Key provisions (as implied by title; exact text not provided here)

While the full statutory language is not included in the provided information, the bill likely includes:
- A designation that Mille Lacs County is eligible to be reimbursed for specified legal costs by the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
- Conditions or criteria under which reimbursement is allowed (e.g., types of cases, dollar caps, or procedural requirements).
- An appropriation or authorization of funds to cover these reimbursements.
- Administrative or reporting requirements to ensure proper reimbursement and use of appropriated funds.
- Potential limitations, timelines, or appeal/process for disputes over claimed costs.

Who/what would be affected

  • Mille Lacs County: Directly affected as the recipient of reimbursements for legal costs.
  • Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: Responsible for reimbursing eligible costs to Mille Lacs County, subject to appropriation and statutory criteria.
  • State finances: The state would allocate or disburse funds to cover the reimbursement, impacting the state budget and appropriations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading occurred on February 13, 2025.
  • The bill was referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee, indicating it will undergo committee review, possible amendments, and potential floor vote.
  • No further action, amendments, or fiscal notes are provided in the current record. If advanced, it would likely follow standard legislative steps: committee hearings, potential subcommittee work, passage by one or both chambers, and eventual reconciliation and signature or veto by the governor.

Potential implications

  • Financial impact on state budget: Depending on the scope and amount reimbursed, the bill could entail new or increased appropriations.
  • Administrative procedures: The bill may require enhanced reporting and oversight to ensure proper use of funds and timely reimbursements.
  • Local-government context: If Mille Lacs County is the primary or sole beneficiary, there could be implications for county-level budgeting and financial planning related to litigation.

If you’d like, I can monitor for updates on HF 476 (2025-2026) and provide a more detailed summary after the bill’s text and fiscal note become available, including explicit provisions, dollar figures, and timelines.

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

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