The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources directed staff to prepare statute language refining the commission’s conflict‑of‑interest rules and replacing the 2023 amendment that had expanded voting restrictions.

Representative Jordan moved that staff draft language consistent with option 2 — effectively repealing the 2023 voting prohibition and replacing it with a clear statutory bar on a member serving as a project manager for, or personally receiving funds from, any proposal being reviewed. The motion passed by roll call.

Staff earlier summarized a member survey showing disagreement about definitions (direct vs. indirect financial interest, treatment of per diem and unfunded collaborators) and confusion about the practical effect of the 2023 change, which prevents members with some qualifying conflicts from voting on the final recommendations package. Several citizen members said the 2023 change has limited participation by technically qualified members who contribute expertise but do not receive direct payment.

Commissioner Moore urged repeal of the 2023 provision, saying the rule disproportionately affects citizen members with professional expertise. Commissioner Reese and others supported keeping a strong, clear prohibition on direct payment or serving as project manager and adding guidance about management plans for members. Director Becca Nash said staff would prepare draft statutory language and also recommend internal procedural changes and model conflict‑management plans.

What happens next: staff will return with draft statute language and suggested policy/procedure edits for the commission to review at the next meeting. If the commission adopts language, it would be forwarded to the legislature for consideration.

Attribution: Representative Jordan moved the request; Director Becca Nash summarized the staff survey and options; Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Reese and others debated the merits of repeal versus clarification.