https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/Recent content in Chapter 216A — Railroad Passenger Service Provided on MinnesotaLawyer.comHugoen-ushttps://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.60/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.60/This law establishes that Minnesota needs a balanced transportation system, including rail passenger service. It authorizes the state to provide rail passenger services that Amtrak (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) does not include in its basic national system.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.61/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.61/This section defines terms used in the rail passenger service laws. ‘Corporation’ means Amtrak. ‘Governmental unit’ means a regional development commission, county, city, or town that may participate in rail service agreements.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.62/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.62/The commissioner of transportation and local governmental units can enter into agreements with Amtrak or railroads to provide passenger service. They can use state or local funds to support rail service and can negotiate the terms and conditions of the service.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.63/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/174.63/Before the state or a local government enters into a rail passenger service agreement, a public hearing must be held. Notice of the hearing must be published in advance. This gives the public a chance to comment on proposed rail service plans.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.01/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.01/This section establishes the Department of Commerce and the Public Utilities Commission as separate entities with distinct powers. The department handles administrative and regulatory functions, while the commission makes decisions on utility rates and services.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.02/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.02/This section defines key terms used in the public utilities regulation laws, including ‘commission’ (the Public Utilities Commission), ‘commissioner’ (the commissioner of commerce), and ‘department’ (the Department of Commerce).https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.03/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.03/The Public Utilities Commission is made up of five members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. No more than three members can belong to the same political party. The commission has authority to regulate public utilities in Minnesota.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.035/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.035/Members of the Public Utilities Commission must avoid conflicts of interest. They cannot have financial interests in regulated utilities or receive anything of value from them. Violating these conflict of interest rules can result in removal from the commission.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.036/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.036/After leaving the Public Utilities Commission, former members face employment restrictions. They cannot immediately go to work for a utility company they regulated. These cooling-off period restrictions help prevent the revolving door between regulators and industry. Civil penalties apply for violations.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.037/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.037/There are strict rules against ex parte communications with Public Utilities Commission members about pending cases. The commission must adopt a code of conduct governing communications. These rules ensure that all parties in utility proceedings have equal access to decision-makers.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.04/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.04/The Public Utilities Commission has an executive secretary and other employees to carry out its work. The executive secretary manages the commission’s daily operations and serves as the primary administrative officer. Employees are hired through the state’s civil service system.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.05/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.05/The Public Utilities Commission has broad powers to regulate utilities, including setting rates, establishing service standards, and conducting investigations. The commission can hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, require reports from utilities, and make rules governing utility operations.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.06/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.06/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.07/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.07/The commissioner of commerce has specific powers and duties related to energy regulation and utility oversight. The commissioner can investigate utility matters, provide expert testimony before the commission, and advocate for the public interest in utility proceedings.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.08/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.08/Rules that were in effect under the former Public Service Department continue to apply under the Department of Commerce and Public Utilities Commission. This ensures a smooth transition of regulatory authority without gaps in regulation.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.085/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.085/This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.09/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.09/The attorney general handles legal actions for the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Commerce. The attorney general can bring lawsuits, defend the agencies, and enforce utility regulations in court.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.095/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.095/The Department of Commerce and the Public Utilities Commission must cooperate and share information to carry out their respective duties effectively. This coordination ensures consistent regulation and avoids duplication of effort.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.10/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.10/This section has been renumbered to section 174.60 and is no longer located here.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.11/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.11/This section has been renumbered to section 174.61 and is no longer located here.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.12/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.12/This section has been renumbered to section 174.62 and is no longer located here.https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.13/Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000https://minnesotalawyer.com/statutes/chapter-216a/216a.13/This section has been renumbered to section 174.63 and is no longer located here.