(ABC 6 News) – Rochester House Rep. Andy Smith is introducing a new hospital relocation bill.

The bill would give hospitals in the state 300 days to notify the public if they plan on closing or relocating. If a hospital misses that deadline, they could face massive fines.

“Making rural hospital closures more transparent so the public can know why those things are happening and if its for legitimate or not legitimate reasons, I think that’s really important as we see, especially labor wards are closing down across the state in rural areas, particularly.”

The bill comes following Mayo Clinic’s threats to leave the state if lawmakers passed a bill that would address nurse staffing shortages.

The bill also follows MercyOne’s decision to close their operation in Albert Lea.

The full bill can be read below.