Minnesota § 237.19 - MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 237.19 — MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 237.19. MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
(a) Any municipality shall have the right to own and operate a telephone exchange within its own borders, subject to the provisions of this chapter. It may construct such plant, or purchase an existing plant by agreement with the owner, or where it cannot agree with the owner on price, it may acquire an existing plant by condemnation.
(b) A municipality that owns and operates a telephone exchange may enter into a joint venture as a partner or shareholder with a telecommunications organization to provide telecommunications services within its service area.
(c) A municipality may acquire an existing plant through condemnation only if:
(1) a provider of telephone service ceases to offer telephone service and no other provider offering telephone service is available; and
(2) absent a condemnation process under this section, public safety would be negatively impacted or 911 service would become unreliable, as determined by the commission.
(d) A municipality is prohibited from using the municipality's condemnation authority under this section to intervene in the transfer or sale of a telecommunications service provider's assets.
(e) A condemnation process undertaken under this section must apply to all customers within the existing telephone exchange.
History:
(5302) 1915 c 152 s 16; 1991 c 79 s 1; 2024 c 114 art 4 s 2
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 237.19
What does Minnesota Statutes § 237.19 cover?
Section 237.19 ("MUNICIPAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 237.19?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 237.19" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 237.19 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.