Journal of the House - 111th Day - Saturday, May 20, 2006

The bill was repassed, as amended by Conference, and its title agreed to.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER

The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on S. F. No. 3199:

Smith, Meslow and Mahoney.

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The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on H. F. No. 3451:

Anderson, B.; Hornstein and Charron.

CALENDAR FOR THE DAY

S. F. No. 2743 was reported to the House.

Westrom moved to amend S. F. No. 2743 as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert the following language of H. F. No. 3110, the first engrossment:

"Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b. Audio ballot reader. "Audio ballot reader" means an audio representation of a ballot that can be used with other assistive voting technology to permit a voter to mark votes on a nonelectronic ballot ~~or to securely transmit a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Ballot. "Ballot" includes paper ballots, ballot cards, and the paper ballot marked by an electronic marking device~~, and an electronic record of each vote cast by a voter at an election and securely transmitted electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

Subd. 7a. Electronic ballot display. "Electronic ballot display" means a graphic representation of a ballot on a computer monitor or screen on which a voter may make vote choices for candidates and questions for the purpose of marking a nonelectronic ballot ~~or securely transmitting an electronic ballot to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 7b, is amended to read:

Subd. 7b. Electronic ballot marker. "Electronic ballot marker" means equipment that is part of an electronic voting system that uses an electronic ballot display or audio ballot reader to:

~~(1)~~ mark a nonelectronic ballot with votes selected by a voter~~; or~~

~~(2) securely transmit a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Electronic voting system. "Electronic voting system" means a system in which the voter records votes by means of marking ~~or transmitting~~ a ballot, so that votes may be counted by automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place where the ballot is cast or at a counting center.

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An electronic voting system includes automatic tabulating equipment; nonelectronic ballot markers; electronic ballot markers, including electronic ballot display, audio ballot reader, and devices by which the voter will register the voter's voting intent; software used to program automatic tabulators and layout ballots; computer programs used to accumulate precinct results; ballots; secrecy folders; system documentation; and system testing results.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.61, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Alternation. The provisions of the election laws requiring the alternation of names of candidates must be observed as far as practicable by changing the order of the names on an electronic voting system in the various precincts so that each name appears on the machines or marking devices used in a municipality substantially an equal number of times in the first, last, and in each intermediate place in the list or group in which they belong. However, the arrangement of candidates' names must be the same on all voting systems used in the same precinct. If the number of names to be alternated exceeds the number of precincts, the election official responsible for providing the ballots, in accordance with subdivision 1, shall determine by lot the alternation of names.

If an electronic ballot marker is used with a paper ballot that is not an optical scan ballot card, the manner of alternation of candidate names on the paper ballot must be as prescribed for optical scan ballots in this subdivision. If a machine is used to securely transmit a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place, the manner of alternation of candidate names on the transmitting machine must be as prescribed for optical scan ballots in this subdivision.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.80, is amended to read:

206.80 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS.

(a) An electronic voting system may not be employed unless it:

(1) permits every voter to vote in secret;

(2) permits every voter to vote for all candidates and questions for whom or upon which the voter is legally entitled to vote;

(3) provides for write-in voting when authorized;

(4) automatically rejects, except as provided in section 206.84 with respect to write-in votes, all votes for an office or question when the number of votes cast on it exceeds the number which the voter is entitled to cast;

(5) permits a voter at a primary election to select secretly the party for which the voter wishes to vote;

(6) automatically rejects all votes cast in a primary election by a voter when the voter votes for candidates of more than one party; and

(7) provides every voter an opportunity to verify votes recorded on the permanent paper ballot ~~or paper record~~, either visually or using assistive voting technology, and to change votes or correct any error before the voter's ballot is cast and counted, produces an individual, discrete, permanent, paper ballot ~~or paper record of the ballot~~ cast by the voter, and preserves the paper ballot ~~or paper record~~ as an official record available for use in any recount.

(b) An electronic voting system purchased on or after June 4, 2005, may not be employed unless it:

(1) accepts and tabulates, in the polling place or at a counting center, a marked optical scan ballot; or

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(2) creates a marked optical scan ballot that can be tabulated in the polling place or at a counting center by automatic tabulating equipment certified for use in this state~~; or~~

~~(3) securely transmits a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place while creating an individual, discrete, permanent paper record of each vote on the ballot~~.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.805, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Contracts required. (a) The secretary of state, with the assistance of the commissioner of administration, shall establish one or more state voting systems contracts. The contracts should, if practical, include provisions for maintenance of the equipment purchased. The voting systems contracts must address precinct-based optical scan voting equipment, and ballot marking equipment for persons with disabilities and other voters~~, and assistive voting machines that combine voting methods used for persons with disabilities with precinct-based optical scan voting machines~~. The contracts must give the state a perpetual license to use and modify the software. The contracts must include provisions to escrow the software source code, as provided in subdivision 2. Bids for voting systems and related election services must be solicited from each vendor selling or leasing voting systems that have been certified for use by the secretary of state. The contracts must be renewed from time to time.

(b) The secretary of state shall appoint an advisory committee, including representatives of the state chief information officer, county auditors, municipal clerks who have had operational experience with the use of electronic voting systems, and members of the disabilities community to advise the secretary of state in reviewing and evaluating the merits of proposals submitted from voting equipment vendors for the state contracts.

(c) Counties and municipalities may purchase or lease voting systems and obtain related election services from the state contracts.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.83, is amended to read:

206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.

Within 14 days before election day, the official in charge of elections shall have the voting system tested to ascertain that the system will correctly mark ~~or securely transmit to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~ ballots using all methods supported by the system, including through assistive technology, and count the votes cast for all candidates and on all questions. Public notice of the time and place of the test must be given at least two days in advance by publication once in official newspapers. The test must be observed by at least two election judges, who are not of the same major political party, and must be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, the press, and the public. The test must be conducted by (1) processing a preaudited group of ballots punched or marked to record a predetermined number of valid votes for each candidate and on each question, and must include for each office one or more ballot cards which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law in order to test the ability of the voting system tabulator and electronic ballot marker to reject those votes; and (2) processing an additional test deck of ballots marked using the electronic ballot marker for the precinct, including ballots marked ~~or ballots securely transmitted electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~ using the electronic ballot display, audio ballot reader, and any assistive voting technology used with the electronic ballot marker. If any error is detected, the cause must be ascertained and corrected and an errorless count must be made before the voting system may be used in the election. After the completion of the test, the programs used and ballot cards must be sealed, retained, and disposed of as provided for paper ballots.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.90, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Duties of election officials. The official in charge of elections in each municipality where an optical scan voting system is used shall have the electronic ballot marker that examines and marks votes on ballot cards ~~or the machine that securely transmits a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~ and the automatic tabulating equipment that examines and counts votes as ballot cards are deposited into ballot boxes put in order, set, adjusted, and made ready for voting when delivered to the election precincts.

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Sec. 11. [206.91] VOTING MACHINES OPTIONS WORKING GROUP.

(a) A working group is hereby established to investigate and recommend to the legislature requirements for additional options for voting equipment that complies with the requirements of section 301 of the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252, to provide private and independent voting for individuals with disabilities.

The working group must be cochaired by representatives of the Minnesota Disability Law Center and Citizens for Election Integrity - Minnesota.

(b) The working group must convene its first meeting by June 2006 and must report to the legislature by February 15, 2007.

(1) the disability community;

(2) the secretary of state;

(3) county and local election officials;

(4) major and minor political parties;

(5)(i) one member of the senate majority caucus and one member of the senate minority caucus appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and

(ii) one member of the house majority caucus and one member of the house minority caucus appointed by the speaker;

(6) nonpartisan organizations;

(7) at least one individual with computer security expertise and knowledge of elections; and

(8) members of the public, other than vendors of election equipment, selected by consensus of the other members, including representatives of language and other minorities.

(d) Members of the working group will be selected by:

(1) a representative of the Office of the Secretary of State;

(2) a representative of the county election officials;

(3) the cochairs; and

(4) two legislators representing each party.

Sec. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Sections 1 to 11 are effective the day following final enactment."

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Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to elections; setting the criteria for voting systems to be used in elections; establishing a voting machines options working group; amending Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 206.56, subdivisions 1b, 3, 7a, 7b, 8; 206.61, subdivision 5; 206.80; 206.805, subdivision 1; 206.83; 206.90, subdivision 8; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 206."

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Hilty; Slawik; Westrom; Ellison; Seifert; Bernardy; Johnson, J.; Kelliher; Emmer and Sertich moved to amend S. F. No. 2743, as amended, as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. [5B.01] FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

The legislature finds that individuals attempting to escape from actual or threatened domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking frequently establish new addresses in order to prevent their assailants or probable assailants from finding them. The purpose of this chapter is to enable state and local agencies to respond to requests for data without disclosing the location of a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; to enable interagency cooperation with the secretary of state in providing address confidentiality for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and to enable program participants to use an address designated by the secretary of state as a substitute mailing address for all purposes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 2. [5B.02] DEFINITIONS.

(a) For purposes of this chapter and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section have the meanings given them.

(b) "Address" means a residential street address, school address, or work address of an individual, as specified on the individual's application to be a program participant under this chapter.

(c) "Applicant" means an adult, a parent or guardian acting on behalf of an eligible minor, or a guardian acting on behalf of an incapacitated person, as defined in section 524.5-102.

(d) "Domestic violence" means an act as defined in section 518B.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), and includes a threat of such acts committed against an individual in a domestic situation, regardless of whether these acts or threats have been reported to law enforcement officers.

(e) "Eligible person" means an adult, a minor, or an incapacitated person, as defined in section 524.5-102 for whom there is good reason to believe (i) that the eligible person is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or (ii) that the eligible person fears for his or her safety or the safety of persons on whose behalf the application is made.

(f) "Program participant" means an individual certified as a program participant under section 5B.03.

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(g) "Stalking" means acts criminalized under section 609.749 and includes a threat of such acts committed against an individual, regardless of whether these acts or threats have been reported to law enforcement officers.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 3. [5B.03] ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Application. The secretary of state shall certify an eligible person as a program participant when the secretary receives an application that must contain:

(1) the name of the eligible person;

(2) a statement by the applicant that the applicant has good reason to believe (i) that the eligible person listed on the application is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, (ii) that the eligible person fears for the person's safety or the safety of persons on whose behalf the application is made, and (iii) that the eligible person is not applying for certification as a program participant in order to avoid prosecution for a crime;

(3) a designation of the secretary of state as agent for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receipt of mail;

(4) the mailing address where the eligible person can be contacted by the secretary of state, and the phone number or numbers where the applicant or eligible person can be called by the secretary of state;

(5) the physical address or addresses of the eligible person, disclosure of which will increase the risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;

(6) a statement whether the eligible person would like information on becoming an ongoing absentee ballot recipient pursuant to section 5B.06; and

(7) the signature of the applicant, an indicator of the applicant's authority to act on behalf of the eligible person, if appropriate, the name and signature of any individual or representative of any person who assisted in the preparation of the application, and the date on which the application was signed.

Subd. 2. Filing. Applications must be filed with the secretary of state and are subject to the provisions of section 5.15.

Subd. 3. Certification. Upon filing a completed application, the secretary of state shall certify the eligible person as a program participant. Program participants shall be certified for four years following the date of filing unless the certification is cancelled, withdrawn or invalidated before that date. The secretary of state shall by rule establish a renewal procedure.

Subd. 4. Changes in information. Program participants or applicants must inform the secretary of state of any changes in the information submitted on the application.

Subd. 5. Designated address. The secretary of state must designate a mailing address to which all mail for program participants is to be sent.

Subd. 6. Attaining age of majority. An individual who became a program participant as a minor assumes responsibility for changes in information and renewal when the individual reaches age 18.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

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Sec. 4. [5B.04] CERTIFICATION CANCELLATION.

(a) If the program participant obtains a legal change of identity, the participant loses certification as a program participant.

(b) The secretary of state may cancel a program participant's certification if there is a change in the mailing address, unless the program participant or the person who signed as the applicant on behalf of an eligible person provides the secretary of state with at least two days' prior notice in writing of the change of address.

(c) The secretary of state may cancel certification of a program participant if mail forwarded by the secretary to the program participant's address is returned as nondeliverable.

(d) The secretary of state shall cancel certification of a program participant who applies using false information.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 5. [5B.05] USE OF DESIGNATED ADDRESS.

(a) When a program participant presents the address designated by the secretary of state to any person, that address must be accepted as the address of the program participant.

(b) A program participant may use the address designated by the secretary of state as the program participant's work address.

(c) The Office of the Secretary of State shall forward all mail sent to the designated address to the proper program participants.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 6. [5B.06] VOTING BY PROGRAM PARTICIPANT; USE OF DESIGNATED ADDRESS BY COUNTY AUDITOR.

A program participant who is otherwise eligible to vote may register with the secretary of state as an ongoing absentee voter. The secretary of state shall determine the precinct in which the residential address of the program participant is located and shall request from and receive from the county auditor or other election official the ballot for that precinct and shall forward the absentee ballot to the program participant with the other materials for absentee balloting as required by Minnesota law. The program participant shall complete the ballot and return it to the secretary of state, who shall review the ballot in the manner provided by section 203B.24. If the ballot and ballot materials comply with the requirements of that section, the ballot must be certified by the secretary of state as the ballot of a program participant, and must be forwarded to the appropriate electoral jurisdiction for tabulation along with all other ballots. The name and address of a program participant must not be listed in the statewide voter registration system.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 7. [5B.07] DATA CLASSIFICATION.

All data related to applicants, eligible persons and program participants is private data as defined by section 13.02, subdivision 12. A consent for release of information from an applicant,, eligible person, or program participant is not effective.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

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Sec. 8. [5B.08] ADOPTION OF RULES.

Enactment of this section satisfies the requirements of section 14.388, subdivision 1 for the enactment of rules to facilitate the administration of this chapter by state and local agencies.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10.60, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Prohibitions. (a) A Web site or publication must not include pictures or other materials that tend to attribute the Web site or publication to an individual or group of individuals instead of to a public office, state agency, or political subdivision. A publication must not include the words "with the compliments of" or contain letters of personal greeting that promote an elected or appointed official of a state agency or political subdivision.

(b) A Web site, other than a Web site maintained by a public library or the election-related Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state or the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, may not contain a link to a Weblog or site maintained by a candidate, a political committee, a political party or party unit, a principal campaign committee, or a state committee. Terms used in this paragraph have the meanings given them in chapter 10A, except that "candidate" also includes a candidate for an elected office of a political subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10.60, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Permitted material. (a) Material specified in this subdivision may be included on a Web site or in a publication, but only if the material complies with subdivision 2. This subdivision is not a comprehensive list of material that may be contained on a Web site or in a publication, if the material complies with subdivision 2.

(b) A Web site or publication may include biographical information about an elected or appointed official, a single official photograph of the official, and photographs of the official performing functions related to the office. There is no limitation on photographs, Webcasts, archives of Webcasts, and audio or video files that facilitate access to information or services or inform the public about the duties and obligations of the office or that are intended to promote trade or tourism. A state Web site or publication may include photographs or information involving civic or charitable work done by the governor's spouse, provided that these activities relate to the functions of the governor's office.

(c) A Web site or publication may include press releases, proposals, policy positions, and other information directly related to the legal functions, duties, and jurisdiction of a public official or organization.

(d) The election-related Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state shall provide links to:

(1) the campaign Web site of any candidate for legislative, constitutional, judicial, or federal office who requests or whose campaign committee requests such a link and provides in writing a valid URL address to the office of the secretary of state; and

(2) the Web site of any individual or group advocating for or against or providing neutral information with respect to any ballot question, where the individual or group requests such a link and provides in writing a valid Web site address and valid e-mail address to the office of the secretary of state.

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These links must be provided on the election-related Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state from the opening of filing for the office in question until the business day following the day on which the State Canvassing Board has declared the results of the state general election, or November 30 of the year in which the election has taken place, whichever date is earlier. The link must be activated on the election-related Web site maintained by the office of the secretary of state within two business days of receipt of the request from a qualified candidate or committee.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 10A.01, subdivision 26, is amended to read:

Subd. 26. Noncampaign disbursement. "Noncampaign disbursement" means a purchase or payment of money or anything of value made, or an advance of credit incurred, or a donation in kind received, by a principal campaign committee for any of the following purposes:

(1) payment for accounting and legal services;

(2) return of a contribution to the source;

(3) repayment of a loan made to the principal campaign committee by that committee;

(4) return of a public subsidy;

(5) payment for food, beverages, entertainment, and facility rental for a fund-raising event;

(6) services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer in the executive branch, including the costs of preparing and distributing a suggestion or idea solicitation to constituents, performed from the beginning of the term of office to adjournment sine die of the legislature in the election year for the office held, and half the cost of services for a constituent by a member of the legislature or a constitutional officer in the executive branch performed from adjournment sine die to 60 days after adjournment sine die;

(7) payment for food and beverages consumed by a candidate or volunteers while they are engaged in campaign activities;

(8) payment for food or a beverage consumed while attending a reception or meeting directly related to legislative duties;

(9) payment of expenses incurred by elected or appointed leaders of a legislative caucus in carrying out their leadership responsibilities;

(10) payment by a principal campaign committee of the candidate's expenses for serving in public office, other than for personal uses;

(11) costs of child care for the candidate's children when campaigning;

(12) fees paid to attend a campaign school;

(13) costs of a postelection party during the election year when a candidate's name will no longer appear on a ballot or the general election is concluded, whichever occurs first;

(14) interest on loans paid by a principal campaign committee on outstanding loans;

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(15) filing fees;

(16) post-general election thank-you notes or advertisements in the news media;

(17) the cost of campaign material purchased to replace defective campaign material, if the defective material is destroyed without being used;

(18) contributions to a party unit;

(19) payments for funeral gifts or memorials; ~~and~~

(20) the cost of a magnet less than six inches in diameter containing legislator contact information and distributed to constituents; and

(21) other purchases or payments specified in board rules or advisory opinions as being for any purpose other than to influence the nomination or election of a candidate or to promote or defeat a ballot question.

The board must determine whether an activity involves a noncampaign disbursement within the meaning of this subdivision.

A noncampaign disbursement is considered to be made in the year in which the candidate made the purchase of goods or services or incurred an obligation to pay for goods or services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. [13.805] ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY DATA CODED ELSEWHERE.

Subdivision 1. Scope. The section referred to in subdivision 2 is codified outside this chapter. This section classifies address confidentiality program data as other than public.

Subd. 2. Address confidentiality program. Data maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State regarding the address confidentiality program are governed by section 5B.07.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective September 1, 2007.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Prior to election day. At any time except during the 20 days immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any individual who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register to vote in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a voter registration application as described in section 201.071, subdivision 1, and submitting it in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's Office. A registration that is received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any election shall be accepted. An improperly addressed or delivered registration application shall be forwarded within two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the county where the voter maintains residence. A state or local agency or an individual that accepts completed voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed applications to the secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within ten days after the applications are dated by the voter.

For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Election day registration. (a) An individual who is eligible to vote may register on election day by appearing in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the individual maintains residence, by completing a registration application, making an oath in the form prescribed by the secretary of state and providing proof of residence. An individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:

(1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant to section 171.07;

(2) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper identification;

(3) presenting one of the following:

(i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under section 135A.17 and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of the secretary of state; or

(ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the precinct together with a picture identification card; or

(4) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or who is an employee employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching for a resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote in the precinct may sign up to 15 proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form must include a statement that the voter is registered to vote in the precinct, personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct, and is making the statement on oath. The form must include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone number, and address.

The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9939, must be attached to the voter registration application and the information on the oath must be recorded on the records of both the voter registering on election day and the voter who is vouching for the person's residence, and entered into the statewide voter registration system by the county auditor when the voter registration application is entered into that system.

(b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.

(c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 256E.33, subdivision 1; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under section 144.50, subdivision 6; a nursing home as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision 5; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services establishment as defined in section 144D.01, subdivision 4; a veterans home operated by the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as defined in section 245A.02, subdivision 14; a residential facility for persons with a developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section 252.28; group residential housing as defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 3; a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4; or a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living accommodations for the homeless.

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(d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of registering by:

(1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or

(2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B.

(e) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 202A.155, is amended to read:

202A.155 INTERPRETER SERVICES; CAUCUS MATERIALS.

A communicatively impaired individual who needs interpreter services at a precinct caucus shall so notify the major political party whose caucus the individual plans to attend. ~~Written~~ Notice must be given by ~~certified~~ letter or electronic mail to the ~~county or legislative district committee~~ state office of the major political party ~~at least 30 days~~ before the precinct caucus date. The major political party~~, not later than 14 days before the precinct caucus date,~~ shall promptly attempt to secure the services of one or more interpreters if available and shall assume responsibility for the cost of the services if provided. The state central committee of the major political party shall determine the process for reimbursing interpreters.

A visually impaired individual may notify the county or legislative district committee of the major political party whose precinct caucus the individual plans to attend, that the individual requires caucus materials in audio tape, Braille, or large type format. Upon receiving the request, the county or legislative district committee shall provide all official written caucus materials as soon as they are available, so that the visually impaired individual may have them converted to audio tape, Braille, or large print format prior to the precinct caucus.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 203B.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Unable to go to polling place. (a) Any eligible voter who reasonably expects to be unable to go to the polling place on election day in the precinct where the individual maintains residence because of absence from the precinct,; illness, including isolation or quarantine under sections 144.419 to 144.4196 or United States Code, title 42, sections 264 to 272; disability,; religious discipline,; observance of a religious holiday,; or service as an election judge in another precinct may vote by absentee ballot as provided in sections 203B.04 to 203B.15.

(b) If the governor has declared an emergency and filed the declaration with the secretary of state under section 12.31, and the declaration states that the emergency has made it difficult for voters to go to the polling place on election day, any voter in a precinct covered by the declaration may vote by absentee ballot as provided in sections 203B.04 to 203B.15.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 203B.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Delivery of ballots. (a) If an application for absentee ballots is accepted at a time when absentee ballots are not yet available for distribution, the county auditor, or municipal clerk accepting the application shall file it and as soon as absentee ballots are available for distribution shall mail them to the address specified in the application. If an application for absentee ballots is accepted when absentee ballots are available for distribution, the county auditor or municipal clerk accepting the application shall promptly:

~~(a)~~ (1) Mail the ballots to the voter whose signature appears on the application if the application is submitted by mail and does not request commercial shipping under clause (2);

(2) ship the ballots to the voter using a commercial shipper requested by the voter at the voter's expense;

~~(b)~~ (3) Deliver the absentee ballots directly to the voter if the application is submitted in person; or

~~(c)~~ (4) Deliver the absentee ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope to an agent who has been designated to bring the ballots to a voter who is a patient in a health care facility, as provided in section 203B.11, subdivision 4, a participant in a residential program for adults licensed under section 245A.02, subdivision 14, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4.

(b) If an application does not indicate the election for which absentee ballots are sought, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall mail or deliver only the ballots for the next election occurring after receipt of the application. Only one set of ballots may be mailed, shipped, or delivered to an applicant for any election, except as provided in section 203B.13, subdivision 2, or when a replacement ballot has been requested by the voter for a ballot that has been spoiled or lost in transit.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 203B.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Agent delivery of ballots. During the four days preceding an election and until 2:00 p.m. on election day, an eligible voter who is a patient of a health care facility, a participant in a residential program for adults licensed under section 245A.02, subdivision 14, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in section 611A.37, subdivision 4, may designate an agent to deliver the ballots to the voter from the county auditor or municipal clerk. A candidate at the election may not be designated as an agent. The voted ballots must be returned to the county auditor or municipal clerk no later than 3:00 p.m. on election day. The voter must complete an affidavit requesting the auditor or clerk to provide the agent with the ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope. The affidavit must include a statement from the voter stating that the ballots were delivered to the voter by the agent in the sealed transmittal envelope. An agent may deliver ballots to no more than three persons in any election. The secretary of state shall provide samples of the affidavit and transmission envelope for use by the county auditors.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 204B.40, is amended to read:

204B.40 BALLOTS; ELECTION RECORDS AND OTHER MATERIALS; DISPOSITION; INSPECTION OF BALLOTS.

The county auditors, municipal clerks, and school district clerks shall retain all election materials returned to them after any election for at least 22 months from the date of that election. All election materials involved in a contested election must be retained for 22 months or until the contest has been finally determined, whichever is later. Abstracts filed by canvassing boards shall be retained permanently by any officer with whom those abstracts are filed. Election materials no longer required to be retained pursuant to this section shall be disposed of in accordance with sections 138.163 to 138.21. Sealed envelopes containing voted ballots must be retained unopened, except as provided in this section, in a secure location. The county auditor, municipal clerk, or school district clerk shall not permit any voted ballots to be tampered with or defaced.

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After the time for filing a notice of contest for an election has passed, the secretary of state may, for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating election procedures: (1) open the sealed ballot envelopes and inspect the ballots for that election maintained by the county auditors, municipal clerks, or school district clerks ~~for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating election procedures.~~; (2) inspect the polling place rosters and completed voter registration applications; or (3) examine other forms required in the Minnesota election laws for use in the polling place. No inspected ballot or document may be marked or identified in any manner. After inspection, all ballots must be returned to the ballot envelope and the ballot envelope must be securely resealed. Any other election materials inspected or examined must be secured or resealed. No polling place roster may be inspected until the voting history for that precinct has been posted. No voter registration application may be inspected until the information on it has been entered into the statewide registration system.

Sec. 20. [204C.035] DECEPTIVE PRACTICES IN ELECTIONS.

Subdivision 1. Criminal penalty. No person shall knowingly deceive another person regarding the time, place, or manner of conducting an election or the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for an election, with the intent to prevent the individual from voting in the election. A violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

Subd. 2. Reporting false election information. Any person may report to the county auditor or municipal clerk an act of deception regarding the time, place, or manner of conducting an election or the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for an election. The election official to whom the report was made shall provide accurate information to the person who reported the incorrect information in a timely manner, and may provide information about the act of deception and accurate information to mass media outlets in any affected area. The county attorney may subsequently proceed under subdivision 1.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 204C.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Prohibited challenges. Challengers and the political parties that appointed them must not compile lists of voters to challenge on the basis of mail sent by a political party that was returned as undeliverable or if receipt by the intended recipient was not acknowledged in the case of registered mail. This subdivision applies to any local, state, or national affiliate of a political party that has appointed challengers, as well as any subcontractors, vendors, or other individuals acting as agents on behalf of a political party.

A violation of this subdivision is a gross misdemeanor.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 204C.10, is amended to read:

204C.10 PERMANENT REGISTRATION; VERIFICATION OF REGISTRATION.

(a) An individual seeking to vote shall sign a polling place roster which states that the individual is at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, has resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the election, maintains residence at the address shown, is not under a guardianship in which the court order revokes the individual's right to vote, has not been found by a court of law to be legally incompetent to vote or ~~convicted of a felony without having civil rights restored~~ has the right to vote because, if the individual was convicted of a felony, the felony sentence has expired or been completed or the individual has been discharged from the sentence, is registered and has not already voted in the election. The roster must also state: "I understand that deliberately providing false information is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $10,000, or both."

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(b) A judge may, before the applicant signs the roster, confirm the applicant's name, address, and date of birth.

(c) After the applicant signs the roster, the judge shall give the applicant a voter's receipt. The voter shall deliver the voter's receipt to the judge in charge of ballots as proof of the voter's right to vote, and thereupon the judge shall hand to the voter the ballot. The voters' receipts must be maintained during the time for notice of filing an election contest.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 204C.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. ~~Interpreters;~~ Physical assistance in marking ballots. A voter who claims a need for assistance because of inability to read English or physical inability to mark a ballot may obtain the aid of two election judges who are members of different major political parties. The election judges shall mark the ballots as directed by the voter and in as secret a manner as circumstances permit. If the voter is deaf or cannot speak English or understand it when it is spoken, the election judges may select two individuals who are members of different major political parties to ~~act as interpreters~~ provide assistance. The ~~interpreters~~ individuals shall assist the ~~individual~~ voter in marking the ballots. A voter in need of assistance may alternatively obtain the assistance of any individual the voter chooses. Only the following persons may not provide assistance to a voter: the voter's employer, an agent of the voter's employer, an officer or agent of the voter's union, or a candidate for election. The person who assists the voter shall, unaccompanied by an election judge, retire with that voter to a booth and mark the ballot as directed by the voter. No person who assists another voter as provided in the preceding sentence shall mark the ballots of more than three voters at one election. Before the ballots are deposited, the voter may show them privately to an election judge to ascertain that they are marked as the voter directed. An election judge or other individual assisting a voter shall not in any manner request, persuade, induce, or attempt to persuade or induce the voter to vote for any particular political party or candidate. The election judges or other individuals who assist the voter shall not reveal to anyone the name of any candidate for whom the voter has voted or anything that took place while assisting the voter.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 7b, is amended to read:

Subd. 7b. Electronic ballot marker. "Electronic ballot marker" means equipment that is part of an electronic voting system that uses an electronic ballot display or audio ballot reader to:

~~(1)~~ mark a nonelectronic ballot with votes selected by a voter~~; or~~

~~(2) securely transmit a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.56, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.61, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.80, is amended to read:

206.80 ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS.

(a) An electronic voting system may not be employed unless it:

(1) permits every voter to vote in secret;

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(2) permits every voter to vote for all candidates and questions for whom or upon which the voter is legally entitled to vote;

(3) provides for write-in voting when authorized;

(5) permits a voter at a primary election to select secretly the party for which the voter wishes to vote;

(6) automatically rejects all votes cast in a primary election by a voter when the voter votes for candidates of more than one party; and

(b) An electronic voting system purchased on or after June 4, 2005, may not be employed unless it:

(1) accepts and tabulates, in the polling place or at a counting center, a marked optical scan ballot; or

(2) creates a marked optical scan ballot that can be tabulated in the polling place or at a counting center by automatic tabulating equipment certified for use in this state~~; or~~

~~(3) securely transmits a ballot electronically to automatic tabulating equipment in the polling place while creating an individual, discrete, permanent paper record of each vote on the ballot~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.805, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

(c) Counties and municipalities may purchase or lease voting systems and obtain related election services from the state contracts. All counties and municipalities are members of the cooperative purchasing venture of the Department of Administration for the purpose of this section. For the purpose of township elections, counties must

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aggregate orders under contracts negotiated under this section for products and services and may apportion the costs of those products and services proportionally among the townships receiving the products and services. The county is not liable for the timely or accurate delivery of those products or services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Plan. (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the municipal clerk in a municipality where an electronic voting system is used and the county auditor of a county in which an electronic voting system is used in more than one municipality and the county auditor of a county in which a counting center serving more than one municipality is located shall prepare a plan which indicates acquisition of sufficient facilities, computer time, and professional services and which describes the proposed manner of complying with section 206.80. The plan must be signed, notarized, and submitted to the secretary of state more than 60 days before the first election at which the municipality uses an electronic voting system. Prior to July 1 of each subsequent general election year, the clerk or auditor shall submit to the secretary of state notification of any changes to the plan on file with the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall review each plan for its sufficiency and may request technical assistance from the Department of Administration or other agency which may be operating as the central computer authority. The secretary of state shall notify each reporting authority of the sufficiency or insufficiency of its plan within 20 days of receipt of the plan. The attorney general, upon request of the secretary of state, may seek a district court order requiring an election official to fulfill duties imposed by this subdivision or by rules promulgated pursuant to this section.

(b) Systems implemented by counties and municipalities in calendar year 2006 are exempt from paragraph (a) and section 206.58, subdivision 4, if:

(1) the municipality has fewer than 10,000 residents; and

(2) a valid county plan was filed by the county auditor of the county in which the municipality is located.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.83, is amended to read:

206.83 TESTING OF VOTING SYSTEMS.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 34. [206.89] POSTELECTION REVIEW OF VOTING SYSTEMS.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section "post election review official" means the election administration official who is responsible for the conduct of elections in a precinct selected for review under this section.

Subd. 2. Selection for review; notice. At the canvass of the state primary, the county canvassing board in each county must set the date, time, and place for the postelection review of the state general election to be held under this section.

At the canvass of the state general election, the county canvassing boards must select the precincts to be reviewed. The county canvassing board of a county with fewer than 50,000 registered voters must select at least two precincts for postelection review. The county canvassing board of a county with between 50,000 and 100,000 registered voters must select at least three precincts for review. The county canvassing board of a county with over 100,000 registered voters must select at least four precincts. The precincts must be selected by lot at a public meeting. At least one precinct selected in each county must have had more than 150 votes cast at the general election.

The county auditor must notify the secretary of state of the precincts that have been chosen for review and the time and place the postelection review for that county will be conducted, as soon as the decisions are made. The secretary of state must post this information on the office Web site.

Subd. 3. Scope and conduct of review. The county canvassing board shall appoint the post election review official as defined in subdivision 1. The post election review must be conducted of the votes cast for President or governor; United States Senator; and United States Representative. The post election review official may conduct postelection review of the votes cast for additional offices.

The postelection review must be conducted in public at the location where the voted ballots have been securely stored after the state general election or at another location chosen by the county canvassing board. The post election review official for each precinct selected must conduct the postelection review and may be assisted by election judges designated by the post election review official for this purpose. The party balance requirement of section 204B.19 applies to election judges designated for the review. The postelection review must consist of a manual count of the ballots used in the precincts selected and must be performed in the manner provided by section 204C.21. The postelection review must be conducted in the manner provided for recounts under section 204C.361 to the extent practicable. The review must be completed no later than two days before the meeting of the state canvassing board to certify the results of the state general election.

Subd. 4. Standard of acceptable performance by voting system. A comparison of the results compiled by the voting system with the postelection review described in this section must show that the results of the electronic voting system differed by no more than one-half of one percent from the manual count of the offices reviewed. Valid votes that have been marked by the voter outside the vote targets or using a manual marking device that cannot be read by the voting system must not be included in making the determination whether the voting system has met the standard of acceptable performance for any precinct.

Subd. 5. Additional review. (a) If the postelection review reveals a difference greater than one-half of one percent, the post election review official must, within two days, conduct an additional review of at least three precincts in the same jurisdiction where the discrepancy was discovered. If all precincts in that jurisdiction have been reviewed, the county auditor must immediately publicly select by lot at least three additional precincts for review. The post election review official must complete the additional review within two days after the precincts are selected and report the results immediately to the county auditor. If the second review also indicates a difference in the vote totals compiled by the voting system that is greater than one-half of one percent from the result indicated by the postelection review, the county auditor must conduct a review of the ballots from all the remaining precincts in the county. This review must be completed no later than six weeks after the state general election.

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(b) If the results from the countywide reviews from one or more counties comprising in the aggregate more than ten percent of the total number of persons voting in the election clearly indicate that an error in vote counting has occurred, the post election review official must conduct a manual recount of all the ballots in the district for the affected office. The recount must be completed and the results reported to the appropriate canvassing board no later than ten weeks after the state general election.

Subd. 6. Report of results. Upon completion of the postelection review, the post election review official must immediately report the results to the county auditor. The county auditor must then immediately submit the results of the postelection review electronically or in writing to the secretary of state not later than two days before the State Canvassing Board meets to canvass the state general election. The secretary of state shall report the results of the postelection review at the meeting of the State Canvassing Board to canvass the state general election.

Subd. 7. Update of vote totals. If the postelection review under this section results in a change in the number of votes counted for any candidate, the revised vote totals must be incorporated in the official result from those precincts.

Subd. 8. Effect on voting systems. If a voting system is found to have failed to record votes accurately and in the manner provided by the Minnesota election law, the voting system must not be used at another election until it has been examined and recertified by the secretary of state. If the voting system failure is attributable to either its design or to actions of the vendor, the vendor must forfeit the vendor bond required by section 206.57 and the performance bond required by section 206.66.

Subd. 9. Costs of review. The costs of the postelection review required by this section must be allocated as follows:

(1) the governing body responsible for each precinct selected for review must pay the costs incurred for the review conducted under subdivision 2 or 5, paragraph (a);

(2) the vendor of the voting system must pay any costs incurred by the secretary of state to examine and recertify the voting system; and

(3) the secretary of state must reimburse local units of government for the costs of any recount required under subdivision 5, paragraph (b).

Subd. 10. Time for filing election contest. The appropriate canvass is not completed and the time for notice of a contest of election does not begin to run until all reviews under this section have been completed.

Sec. 35. [206.895] SECRETARY OF STATE MONITOR.

The secretary of state must monitor and evaluate election procedures in precincts subject to the audit provided for in section 206.89 in at least four precincts in each congressional district. The precincts must be chosen by lot by the State Canvassing Board at its meeting to canvass the state general election.

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 206.90, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

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in order, set, adjusted, and made ready for voting when delivered to the election precincts. Whenever a ballot card created by an electronic ballot marker certified by the secretary of state is rejected by an optical scan voting system, two election judges who are members of different major political parties shall transcribe the votes on the ballot rejected by the optical scan voting system pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 206.86, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 37. [206.91] VOTING MACHINES OPTIONS WORKING GROUP.

The working group must be cochaired by representatives of the Minnesota Disability Law Center and Citizens for Election Integrity - Minnesota.

(b) The working group must convene its first meeting by June 30, 2006, and must report to the legislature by February 15, 2007.

(1) the disability community;

(2) the secretary of state;

(3) county and local election officials;

(4) major and minor political parties;

(5)(i) one member of the senate majority caucus and one member of the senate minority caucus appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and

(ii) one member of the house majority caucus and one member of the house minority caucus appointed by the speaker;

(6) nonpartisan organizations;

(7) at least one individual with computer security expertise and knowledge of elections; and

(8) members of the public, other than vendors of election equipment, selected by consensus of the other members, including representatives of language and other minorities.

(d) Members of the working group will be selected by:

(1) a representative of the Office of the Secretary of State;

(2) a representative of the county election officials;

(3) the cochairs; and

(4) two legislators representing each party.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Information required. The report to be filed by a candidate or committee must include:

(1) the name of the candidate or ballot question;

(2) the name and address of the person responsible for filing the report;

(3) the total amount of receipts and expenditures for the period from the last previous report to five days before the current report is due;

(4) the amount, date, and purpose for each expenditure; and

(5) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed, of any individual or committee that during the year has made one or more contributions that in the aggregate are equal to or greater than ~~$500~~ $100, and the amount and date of each contribution.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2007.

Sec. 39. ELECTIONS RULES.

(a) The rules adopted by the Office of the Secretary of State on August 9, 2004, pursuant to the authority granted in Laws 2004, chapter 293, article 1, section 39, are made permanent as if they had been adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections 14.05 to 14.28, with only the following express exceptions:

(b) The secretary of state shall amend the rules pursuant to the good cause provision in section 14.88, subdivision 1, clause (3), as follows:

(1) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, parts 8200.1100, 8200.1200, subparts 1a and 1b, 8200.1700, 8200.3700, and 8200.9310, subpart 4 so that effective August 10, 2006, these rules are identical to the language contained in them on August 8, 2004.

(2) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 1, effective August 10, 2006, to add a new clause (4) to paragraph A that adds a tribal identification card as provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (1).

(3) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, effective August 10, 2006, to:

(i) add a new clause (5) to paragraph A that adds a tribal identification card as provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (2); and

(ii) add cellular telephone to the list in paragraph B.

(4) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8200.9115, subpart 1, effective August 10, 2006, so that the certification at the top of each page of the polling place roster includes the statement that the individual is not under a guardianship of the person in which the court order revokes the individual's right to vote; and that the individual has the right to vote because, if convicted of a felony, the individual's felony sentence has expired (been completed) or the individual has been discharged from the individual's sentence.

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(5) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8210.0100, subpart 2, effective August 10, 2006, so that the form of the affidavit of eligibility includes certification by the individual that the individual is not under a guardianship of the person in which the court order revokes the individual's right to vote, and that the individual has the right to vote because, if convicted of a felony, the individual's felony sentence has expired (been completed) or the individual has been discharged from the individual's sentence.

(6) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8210.0500, subpart 2, effective August 10, 2006, to:

(i) add a tribal identification card as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (1) to the list in Step 3, item a;

(ii) add cellular telephone to the list in Step 3, item b, subitem (i);

(iii) add a tribal identification card as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), clause (2), to the list in Step 3, item b, subitem (ii);

(iv) repeal Step 3, item f; and

(v) add a new Step to be numbered Step 10 and placed between the current Step 9 and Step 10 that directs the voter, if the voter has been provided with an additional envelope to conceal the signature, identification, and other information, to place the white ballot return envelope into the additional envelope; and directs the voter, if the voter has been provided a white ballot envelope with an additional flap that when sealed, conceals the signature, identification, and other information, to make sure that the flap is properly in place to conceal that information.

(7) The secretary of state shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 8200.5100, subpart 2, item B, to add cellular telephone to the list in that item.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 40. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 204C.50, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, and 6, and Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 204C.50, subdivisions 1 and 2, are repealed."

Amend the title accordingly

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

S. F. No. 2743, A bill for an act relating to elections; setting the criteria for voting systems to be used in elections; establishing a voting machines options working group; providing appointments; amending Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 206.56, subdivisions 1b, 3, 7a, 7b, 8; 206.61, subdivision 5; 206.80; 206.805, subdivision 1; 206.83; 206.90, subdivision 8.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended, and placed upon its final passage.

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The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 129 yeas and 3 nays as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was passed and its title agreed to.

S. F. No. 3480 was reported to the House.

Wilkin moved to amend S. F. No. 3480 as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert the following language of H. F. No. 3760, the first engrossment:

"Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 45.22, is amended to read:

45.22 LICENSE EDUCATION APPROVAL.

(a) License education courses must be approved in advance by the commissioner. Each sponsor who offers a license education course must ~~have at least one coordinator, approved by the commissioner,~~ be approved by the commissioner. Each approved sponsor must have at least one coordinator who meets the criteria specified in Minnesota Rules, chapter 2809, and who is responsible for supervising the educational program and assuring compliance with all laws and rules. "Sponsor" means any person or entity offering approved education.

~~(b) For coordinators with an initial approval date before August 1, 2005, approval will expire on December 31, 2005.~~ For courses with an initial approval date on or before December 31, 2000, approval will expire on April 30, 2006. For courses with an initial approval date after January 1, 2001, but before August 1, 2005, approval will expire on April 30, 2007.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 45.23, is amended to read:

45.23 LICENSE EDUCATION FEES.

The following fees must be paid to the commissioner:

(1) initial course approval, $10 for each hour or fraction of one hour of education course approval sought. Initial course approval expires on the last day of the 24th month after the course is approved;

(2) renewal of course approval, $10 per course. Renewal of course approval expires on the last day of the 24th month after the course is renewed;

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(3) initial ~~coordinator~~ sponsor approval, $100. ~~Initial coordinator approval expires on the last day of the 24th month after the coordinator is approved;~~ Initial sponsor approval issued under this section is valid for a period not to exceed 24 months and expires on January 31 of the renewal year assigned by the commissioner. Active sponsors who have at least one approved coordinator as of the effective date of this section are deemed to be approved sponsors and are not required to submit an initial application for sponsor approval; and

(4) renewal of ~~coordinator~~ sponsor approval, $10. ~~Renewal of coordinator approval expires on the last day of the 24th month after the coordinator is renewed.~~ Each renewal of sponsor approval is valid for a period of 24 months. Active sponsors who have at least one approved coordinator as of the effective date of this section will have an expiration date of January 31, 2008.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 59B.01, is amended to read:

59B.01 SCOPE AND PURPOSE.

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to create a legal framework within which service contracts may be sold in this state.

(b) The following are exempt from this chapter:

(1) warranties;

(2) maintenance agreements;

(3) warranties, service contracts, or maintenance agreements offered by public utilities, as defined in section 216B.02, subdivision 4, or an entity or operating unit owned by or under common control with a public utility;

(4) service contracts sold or offered for sale to persons other than consumers;

(5) service contracts on tangible property where the tangible property for which the service contract is sold has a purchase price of $250 or less, exclusive of sales tax;

(6) motor vehicle service contracts as defined in section 65B.29, subdivision 1, paragraph (1);

(7) service contracts for home security equipment installed by a licensed technology systems contractor; ~~and~~

(8) motor club membership contracts that typically provide roadside assistance services to motorists stranded for reasons that include, but are not limited to, mechanical breakdown or adverse road conditions; and

(9) home warranties not subject to chapter 327A, 515, 515A, or 515B.

(c) Except for the agreements covered by paragraph (b), clause (9), the types of agreements referred to in paragraph (b) are not subject to chapters 60A to 79A, except as otherwise specifically provided by law.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 60C.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Scope. This chapter applies to all kinds of direct insurance, except:

(1) life;

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(2) annuity;

(3) title;

(4) accident and sickness;

(5) credit;

(6) vendor's single interest or collateral protection or any similar insurance protecting the interests of a creditor arising out of a creditor debtor transaction;

(7) mortgage guaranty;

(8) financial guaranty or other forms of insurance offering protection against investment risks;

(9) ocean marine;

(10) a transaction or combination of transactions between a person, including affiliates of the person, and an insurer, including affiliates of the insurer, that involves the transfer of investment or credit risk unaccompanied by transfer of insurance risk; or

(11) insurance provided by or guaranteed by government~~; or~~.

(12) insurance of warranties or service contracts, including insurance that provides for the repair, replacement, or services of goods or property, or indemnification for repair, replacement or service, for the operation or structural failure of the goods or property due to a defect in materials, workmanship or normal wear and tear, or provides reimbursement for the liability insured by the user of agreement or service contracts that provide these benefits.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 61A.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Disapproval. (a) The commissioner shall, within 60 days after the filing of any form, disapprove the form:

(1) if the benefits provided are unreasonable in relation to the premium charged;

(2) if the safety and soundness of the company would be threatened by the offering of an excess rate of interest on the policy or contract;

(3) if it contains a provision or provisions which are unlawful, unfair, inequitable, misleading, or encourages misrepresentation of the policy; or

(4) if the form, or its provisions, is otherwise not in the public interest. It shall be unlawful for the company to issue any policy in the form so disapproved. If the commissioner does not within 60 days after the filing of any form, disapprove or otherwise object, the form shall be deemed approved.

(b) When an insurer or the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association fails to respond to an objection or inquiry within 60 days, the filing is automatically disapproved. A resubmission is required if action by the Department of Commerce is subsequently requested. An additional filing fee is required for the resubmission.

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(c) For purposes of paragraph (a), clause (2), an excess rate of interest is a rate of interest exceeding the rate of interest determined by subtracting three percentage points from Moody's corporate bond yield average as most recently available.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 61A.092, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Continuation of coverage. Every group insurance policy issued or renewed within this state after August 1, 1987, providing coverage for life insurance benefits shall contain a provision that permits covered employees who are voluntarily or involuntarily terminated or laid off from their employment, if the policy remains in force for any active employee of the employer, to elect to continue the coverage for themselves and their dependents. If the policy includes other benefits, the election provided by this section extends to those other benefits.

An employee is considered to be laid off from employment if there is a reduction in hours to the point where the employee is no longer eligible for coverage under the group life insurance policy. Termination does not include discharge for gross misconduct.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 61A.092, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Notice of options. Upon termination of or layoff from employment of a covered employee, the employer shall inform the employee of:

(1) the employee's right to elect to continue the coverage;

(2) the amount the employee must pay monthly to the employer to retain the coverage;

(3) the manner in which and the office of the employer to which the payment to the employer must be made; and

(4) the time by which the payments to the employer must be made to retain coverage.

The employee has 60 days within which to elect coverage. The 60-day period shall begin to run on the date coverage would otherwise terminate or on the date upon which notice of the right to coverage is received, whichever is later.

If the covered employee or covered dependent dies during the 60-day election period and before the covered employee makes an election to continue or reject continuation, then the covered employee will be considered to have elected continuation of coverage. The ~~estate of~~ beneficiary previously selected by the former employee or covered dependent would then be entitled to a death benefit equal to the amount of insurance that could have been continued less any unpaid premium owing as of the date of death.

Notice must be in writing and sent by first class mail to the employee's last known address which the employee has provided to the employer.

A notice in substantially the following form is sufficient: "As a terminated or laid off employee, the law authorizes you to maintain your group insurance benefits, in an amount equal to the amount of insurance in effect on the date you terminated or were laid off from employment, for a period of up to 18 months. To do so, you must notify your former employer within 60 days of your receipt of this notice that you intend to retain this coverage and must make a monthly payment of $............ at ............. by the ............. of each month."

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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Standards for disapproval. (a) The commissioner shall, within 60 days after the filing of any form or rate, disapprove the form or rate:

(1) if the benefits provided are not reasonable in relation to the premium charged;

(2) if it contains a provision or provisions which are unjust, unfair, inequitable, misleading, deceptive or encourage misrepresentation of the health plan form, or otherwise does not comply with this chapter, chapter 62L, or chapter 72A;

(3) if the proposed premium rate is excessive or not adequate; or

(4) the actuarial reasons and data submitted do not justify the rate.

The party proposing a rate has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it does not violate this subdivision.

In determining the reasonableness of a rate, the commissioner shall also review all administrative contracts, service contracts, and other agreements to determine the reasonableness of the cost of the contracts or agreement and effect of the contracts on the rate. If the commissioner determines that a contract or agreement is not reasonable, the commissioner shall disapprove any rate that reflects any unreasonable cost arising out of the contract or agreement. The commissioner may require any information that the commissioner deems necessary to determine the reasonableness of the cost.

For the purposes of this subdivision, the commissioner shall establish by rule a schedule of minimum anticipated loss ratios which shall be based on (i) the type or types of coverage provided, (ii) whether the policy is for group or individual coverage, and (iii) the size of the group for group policies. Except for individual policies of disability or income protection insurance, the minimum anticipated loss ratio shall not be less than 50 percent after the first year that a policy is in force. All applicants for a policy shall be informed in writing at the time of application of the anticipated loss ratio of the policy. "Anticipated loss ratio" means the ratio at the time of filing, at the time of notice of withdrawal under subdivision 4a, or at the time of subsequent rate revision of the present value of all expected future benefits, excluding dividends, to the present value of all expected future premiums.

If the commissioner notifies a health carrier that has filed any form or rate that it does not comply with this chapter, chapter 62L, or chapter 72A, it shall be unlawful for the health carrier to issue or use the form or rate. In the notice the commissioner shall specify the reasons for disapproval and state that a hearing will be granted within 20 days after request in writing by the health carrier.

The 60-day period within which the commissioner is to approve or disapprove the form or rate does not begin to run until a complete filing of all data and materials required by statute or requested by the commissioner has been submitted.

However, if the supporting data is not filed within 30 days after a request by the commissioner, the rate is not effective and is presumed to be an excessive rate.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.095, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Applicability. (a) No health plan shall be offered, sold, or issued to a resident of this state, or to cover a resident of this state, unless the health plan complies with subdivision 2.

(b) Health plans providing benefits under health care programs administered by the commissioner of human services are not subject to the limits described in subdivision 2 but are subject to the right of subrogation provisions under section 256B.37 and the lien provisions under section 256.015; 256B.042; 256D.03, subdivision 8; or 256L.03, subdivision 6.

For purposes of this section, "health plan" includes coverage that is excluded under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clauses (4), (7), and (10).

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Continuation of coverage. Every group insurance policy, group subscriber contract, and health care plan included within the provisions of section 62A.16, except policies, contracts, or health care plans covering employees of an agency of the federal government, shall contain a provision which permits every covered employee who is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated or laid off from employment and every covered dependent of the covered employee, if the policy, contract, or health care plan remains in force for active employees of the employer, to elect to continue the coverage ~~for the employee and dependents~~.

An employee shall be considered to be laid off from employment if there is a reduction in hours to the point where the employee is no longer eligible under the policy, contract, or health care plan. Termination shall not include discharge for gross misconduct.

Upon request by the terminated or laid off employee or any covered dependent, a health carrier must provide the instructions necessary to enable the employee or dependent to elect and receive continuation of coverage through the insurer in place of the former employer.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Responsibility of employee. Every covered employee or dependent electing to continue coverage shall pay the former employer, on a monthly basis, the cost of the continued coverage. The policy, contract, or plan must require the group policyholder or contract holder to, upon request, provide the employee or dependent with written verification from the insurer of the cost of this coverage promptly at the time of eligibility for this coverage and at any time during the continuation period. If the policy, contract, or health care plan is administered by a trust, every covered employee or dependent electing to continue coverage shall pay the trust the cost of continued coverage according to the eligibility rules established by the trust. In no event shall the amount of premium charged exceed 102 percent of the cost to the plan for such period of coverage for similarly situated employees with respect to whom neither termination nor layoff has occurred, without regard to whether such cost is paid by the employer or employee. The employee and every covered dependent shall be eligible to continue the coverage until the employee becomes covered under another group health plan, or for a period of 18 months after the termination of or lay off from employment, whichever is shorter. If the employee becomes covered under another group policy, contract, or health plan that does not include dependent coverage, every covered dependent remains eligible to continue coverage with the former employer subject to the conditions specified in this subdivision. If the employee or any covered dependent becomes covered under another group policy, contract, or health plan and the new group policy, contract, or health plan contains any preexisting condition limitations, the employee or dependent may, subject to the 18-month maximum continuation limit, continue coverage with the former employer until the preexisting condition limitations have been satisfied. The new policy, contract, or health plan is primary except as to the preexisting condition. In the case of a newborn child who is a dependent of the employee, the new policy, contract, or health plan is primary upon the date of birth of the child, regardless of which policy, contract, or health plan coverage is deemed primary for the mother of the child.

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Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.17, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Notice of options. Upon the termination of or lay off from employment of an eligible employee, the employer shall inform the employee within ten days after termination or lay off of:

(a) the right to elect to continue the coverage;

(b) the amount the employee must pay monthly to the employer or health carrier to retain the coverage;

(c) the manner in which and the office of the employer or health carrier to which the payment to the employer or health carrier must be made; and

(d) the time by which the payments to the employer or health carrier must be made to retain coverage.

If the policy, contract, or health care plan is administered by a trust, the employer is relieved of the obligation imposed by clauses (a) to (d). The trust shall inform the employee of the information required by clauses (a) to (d).

The employee shall have 60 days within which to elect coverage. The 60-day period shall begin to run on the date plan coverage would otherwise terminate or on the date upon which notice of the right to coverage is received, whichever is later.

Notice must be in writing and sent by first class mail to the employee's last known address which the employee has provided the employer or trust.

A notice in substantially the following form shall be sufficient: "As a terminated or laid off employee, the law authorizes you to maintain your group medical insurance for a period of up to 18 months. To do so you must notify your former employer or health carrier within 60 days of your receipt of this notice that you intend to retain this coverage and must make a monthly payment of $.......... to ........... at .......... by the ............... of each month."

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.27, is amended to read:

62A.27 COVERAGE OF ADOPTED CHILDREN.

(a) A health plan that provides coverage to a Minnesota resident must cover adopted children of the insured, subscriber, participant, or enrollee on the same basis as other dependents. Consequently, the plan shall not contain any provision concerning preexisting condition limitations, insurability, eligibility, or health underwriting approval concerning children placed for adoption with the participant.

(b) The coverage required by this section is effective from the date of placement for adoption. For purposes of this section, placement for adoption means the assumption and retention by a person of a legal obligation for total or partial support of a child in anticipation of adoption of the child. The child's placement with a person terminates upon the termination of the legal obligation for total or partial support.

(1) coverage offered by community integrated service networks;

(2) coverage that is designed solely to provide dental or vision care; and

(3) any plan under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United States Code, title 29, sections 1001 to 1461.

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(d) No policy or contract covered by this section may require notification to a health carrier as a condition for this dependent coverage. However, if the policy or contract mandates an additional premium for each dependent, the health carrier is entitled to all premiums that would have been collected had the health carrier been aware of the additional dependent. The health carrier may withhold payment of any health benefits for the new dependent until it has been compensated with the applicable premium which would have been owed if the health carrier had been informed of the additional dependent immediately.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.3093, is amended to read:

62A.3093 COVERAGE FOR DIABETES.

A health plan, including a plan providing the coverage specified in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (10), must provide coverage for: (1) all physician prescribed medically appropriate and necessary equipment and supplies used in the management and treatment of diabetes not otherwise covered for that person under Medicare or Medicare Part D; and (2) diabetes outpatient self-management training and education, including medical nutrition therapy, that is provided by a certified, registered, or licensed health care professional working in a program consistent with the national standards of diabetes self-management education as established by the American Diabetes Association. Coverage must include persons with gestational, type I or type II diabetes. Coverage required under this section is subject to the same deductible or coinsurance provisions applicable to the plan's hospital, medical expense, medical equipment, or prescription drug benefits. A health carrier may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to this requirement.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. [62A.3161] MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN WITH 50 PERCENT COVERAGE.

The Medicare supplement plan with 50 percent coverage must have a level of coverage that will provide:

(1) 100 percent of Medicare Part A hospitalization coinsurance plus coverage for 365 days after Medicare benefits end;

(2) coverage for 50 percent of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible amount per benefit period until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(3) coverage for 50 percent of the coinsurance amount for each day used from the 21st through the 100th day in a Medicare benefit period for posthospital skilled nursing care eligible under Medicare Part A until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(4) coverage for 50 percent of cost sharing for all Medicare Part A eligible expenses and respite care until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(5) coverage for 50 percent, under Medicare Part A or B, of the reasonable cost of the first three pints of blood, or equivalent quantities of packed red blood cells, as defined under federal regulations, unless replaced according to federal regulations, until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(6) except for coverage provided in this clause, coverage for 50 percent of the cost sharing otherwise applicable under Medicare Part B, after the policyholder pays the Medicare Part B deductible, until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

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(7) coverage of 100 percent of the cost sharing for Medicare Part B preventive services and diagnostic procedures for cancer screening described in section 62A.30 after the policyholder pays the Medicare Part B deductible; and

(8) coverage of 100 percent of all cost sharing under Medicare Parts A and B for the balance of the calendar year after the individual has reached the out-of-pocket limitation on annual expenditures under Medicare Parts A and B of $4,000 in 2006, indexed each year by the appropriate inflation adjustment by the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Sec. 16. [62A.3162] MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN WITH 75 PERCENT COVERAGE.

The basic Medicare supplement plan with 75 percent coverage must have a level of coverage that will provide:

(1) 100 percent of Medicare Part A hospitalization coinsurance plus coverage for 365 days after Medicare benefits end;

(2) coverage for 75 percent of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible amount per benefit period until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(3) coverage for 75 percent of the coinsurance amount for each day used from the 21st through the 100th day in a Medicare benefit period for posthospital skilled nursing care eligible under Medicare Part A until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(4) coverage for 75 percent of cost sharing for all Medicare Part A eligible expenses and respite care until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(5) coverage for 75 percent, under Medicare Part A or B, of the reasonable cost of the first three pints of blood, or equivalent quantities of packed red blood cells, as defined under federal regulations, unless replaced according to federal regulations until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(6) except for coverage provided in this clause, coverage for 75 percent of the cost sharing otherwise applicable under Medicare Part B after the policyholder pays the Medicare Part B deductible until the out-of-pocket limitation is met as described in clause (8);

(8) coverage of 100 percent of all cost sharing under Medicare Parts A and B for the balance of the calendar year after the individual has reached the out-of-pocket limitation on annual expenditures under Medicare Parts A and B of $2,000 in 2006, indexed each year by the appropriate inflation adjustment by the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62C.14, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

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required if action by the Department of Commerce is subsequently requested. An additional filing fee is required for the resubmission. The commissioner also may by regulation exempt from filing those subscriber contracts issued to a group of not less than 300 subscribers, or to other groups upon such reasonable conditions and restrictions as the commissioner may require.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62C.14, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Filing or disapproval. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 9, all forms received by the commissioner shall be deemed filed 60 days after received unless disapproved by order transmitted to the corporation stating that the form used in a specified respect is contrary to law, contains a provision or provisions which are unfair, inequitable, misleading, inconsistent or ambiguous, or is in part illegible. It shall be unlawful to issue or use a document disapproved by the commissioner. When an insurer, service plan corporation, or the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association fails to respond to an objection or inquiry within 60 days, the filing is automatically disapproved. A resubmission is required if action by the Department of Commerce is subsequently requested. An additional filing fee is required for the resubmission.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62E.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Duties of writing carrier. The writing carrier shall perform all administrative and claims payment functions required by this section. The writing carrier shall provide these services for a period of ~~three~~ five years, unless a request to terminate is approved by the commissioner. The commissioner shall approve or deny a request to terminate within 90 days of its receipt. A failure to make a final decision on a request to terminate within the specified period shall be deemed to be an approval. Six months prior to the expiration of each ~~three-year~~ five-year period, the association shall invite submissions of policy forms from members of the association, including the writing carrier. The association shall follow the provisions of subdivision 2 in selecting a writing carrier for the subsequent ~~three-year~~ five-year period.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62E.14, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Terminated employees. An employee who is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated or laid off from employment and unable to exercise the option to continue coverage under section 62A.17, and who is a Minnesota resident and who is otherwise eligible, may enroll in the comprehensive health insurance plan, by submitting an application that is received by the writing carrier no later than 90 days after termination or layoff, with a waiver of the preexisting condition limitation set forth in subdivision 3 ~~and a waiver of the evidence of rejection set forth in subdivision 1, paragraph (c)~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62L.02, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 24. Qualifying coverage. "Qualifying coverage" means health benefits or health coverage provided under:

(1) a health benefit plan, as defined in this section, but without regard to whether it is issued to a small employer and including blanket accident and sickness insurance, other than accident-only coverage, as defined in section 62A.11;

(2) part A or part B of Medicare;

(3) medical assistance under chapter 256B;

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(4) general assistance medical care under chapter 256D;

(5) MCHA;

(6) a self-insured health plan;

(7) the MinnesotaCare program established under section 256L.02;

(8) a plan provided under section 43A.316, 43A.317, or 471.617;

(9) the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) or other coverage provided under United States Code, title 10, chapter 55;

(10) coverage provided by a health care network cooperative under chapter 62R;

(11) a medical care program of the Indian Health Service or of a tribal organization;

(12) the federal Employees Health Benefits Plan, or other coverage provided under United States Code, title 5, chapter 89;

(13) a health benefit plan under section 5(e) of the Peace Corps Act, codified as United States Code, title 22, section 2504(e);

(14) a health plan; or

(15) a plan similar to any of the above plans provided in this state or in another state as determined by the commissioner.;

(16) any plan established or maintained by a state, the United States government, or a foreign country, or any political subdivision of a state, the United States government, or a foreign country that provides health coverage to individuals who are enrolled in the plan; or

(17) the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62M.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Jurisdiction. Sections 62M.01 to 62M.16 apply to any insurance company licensed under chapter 60A to offer, sell, or issue a policy of accident and sickness insurance as defined in section 62A.01; a health service plan licensed under chapter 62C; a health maintenance organization licensed under chapter 62D; the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association created under chapter 62E; a community integrated service network licensed under chapter 62N; an accountable provider network operating under chapter 62T; a fraternal benefit society operating under chapter 64B; a joint self-insurance employee health plan operating under chapter 62H; a multiple employer welfare arrangement, as defined in section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United States Code, title 29, section 1103, as amended; a third party administrator licensed under section 60A.23, subdivision 8, that provides utilization review services for the administration of benefits under a health benefit plan as defined in section 62M.02; or any entity performing utilization review on behalf of a business entity in this state pursuant to a health benefit plan covering a Minnesota resident.

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Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62M.09, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Annual report. A utilization review organization shall file an annual report with the annual financial statement it submits to the commissioner of commerce that includes:

(1) per 1,000 ~~claims~~ utilization reviews, the number and rate of ~~claims denied~~ determinations not to certify based on medical necessity for each procedure or service; and

(2) the number and rate of denials overturned on appeal.

A utilization review organization that is not a licensed health carrier must submit the annual report required by this subdivision on April 1 of each year.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62Q.75, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Claims filing. Unless otherwise provided ~~by contract,~~ by section 16A.124, subdivision 4a, or by federal law, or unless the contract provides for a shorter time period, the health care providers and facilities specified in subdivision 2 must submit their charges to a health plan company or third-party administrator within six months from the date of service or the date the health care provider knew or was informed of the correct name and address of the responsible health plan company or third-party administrator, whichever is later. A health care provider or facility that does not make an initial submission of charges within the six-month period shall not be reimbursed for the charge and may not collect the charge from the recipient of the service or any other payer. The six-month submission requirement may be extended to 12 months in cases where a health care provider or facility specified in subdivision 2 has determined and can substantiate that it has experienced a significant disruption to normal operations that materially affects the ability to conduct business in a normal manner and to submit claims on a timely basis. This subdivision also applies to all health care providers and facilities that submit charges to workers' compensation payers for treatment of a workers' compensation injury compensable under chapter 176, or to reparation obligors for treatment of an injury compensable under chapter 65B.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 65B.49, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a. Rental vehicles. (a) Every plan of reparation security insuring a natural person as named insured, covering private passenger vehicles as defined under section 65B.001, subdivision 3, and pickup trucks and vans as defined under section 168.011 must provide that all of the obligation for damage and loss of use to a rented private passenger vehicle, including pickup trucks and vans as defined under section 168.011, and rented trucks with a registered gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less would be covered by the property damage liability portion of the plan. This subdivision does not apply to plans of reparation security covering only motor vehicles registered under section 168.10, subdivision 1a, 1b, 1c, or 1d, or recreational equipment as defined under section 168.011. The obligation of the plan must not be contingent on fault or negligence. In all cases where the plan's property damage liability coverage is less than $35,000, the coverage available under the subdivision must be $35,000. Other than as described in this paragraph or in paragraph (j), nothing in this section amends or alters the provisions of the plan of reparation security as to primacy of the coverages in this section.

(b) A vehicle is rented for purposes of this subdivision:

(1) if the rate for the use of the vehicle is determined on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis; or

(2) during the time that a vehicle is loaned as a replacement for a vehicle being serviced or repaired regardless of whether the customer is charged a fee for the use of the vehicle.

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A vehicle is not rented for the purposes of this subdivision if the rate for the vehicle's use is determined on a period longer than one month or if the term of the rental agreement is longer than one month. A vehicle is not rented for purposes of this subdivision if the rental agreement has a purchase or buyout option or otherwise functions as a substitute for purchase of the vehicle.

(c) The policy or certificate issued by the plan must inform the insured of the application of the plan to private passenger rental vehicles, including pickup trucks and vans as defined under section 168.011, and that the insured may not need to purchase additional coverage from the rental company.

(d) Where an insured has two or more vehicles covered by a plan or plans of reparation security containing the rented motor vehicle coverage required under paragraph (a), the insured may select the plan the insured wishes to collect from and that plan is entitled to a pro rata contribution from the other plan or plans based upon the property damage limits of liability. If the person renting the motor vehicle is also covered by the person's employer's insurance policy or the employer's automobile self-insurance plan, the reparation obligor under the employer's policy or self-insurance plan has primary responsibility to pay claims arising from use of the rented vehicle.

(e) A notice advising the insured of rental vehicle coverage must be given by the reparation obligor to each current insured with the first renewal notice after January 1, 1989. The notice must be approved by the commissioner of commerce. The commissioner may specify the form of the notice.

(f) When a motor vehicle is rented in this state, there must be attached to the rental contract a separate form containing a written notice in at least 10-point bold type, if printed, or in capital letters, if typewritten, which states:

Under Minnesota law, a personal automobile insurance policy issued in Minnesota must cover the rental of this motor vehicle against damage to the vehicle and against loss of use of the vehicle. Therefore, purchase of any collision damage waiver or similar insurance affected in this rental contract is not necessary if your policy was issued in Minnesota.

No collision damage waiver or other insurance offered as part of or in conjunction with a rental of a motor vehicle may be sold unless the person renting the vehicle provides a written acknowledgment that the above consumer protection notice has been read and understood.

(g) When damage to a rented vehicle is covered by a plan of reparation security as provided under paragraph (a), the rental contract must state that payment by the reparation obligor within the time limits of section 72A.201 is acceptable, and prior payment by the renter is not required.

(h) Compensation for the loss of use of a damaged rented motor vehicle is limited to a period no longer than 14 days.

(i)(1) For purposes of this paragraph, "rented motor vehicle" means a rented vehicle described in paragraph (a), using the definition of "rented" provided in paragraph (b).

(2) Notwithstanding section 169.09, subdivision 5a, an owner of a rented motor vehicle is not vicariously liable for legal damages resulting from the operation of the rented motor vehicle in an amount greater than $100,000 because of bodily injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, $300,000 because of injury to two or more persons in any one accident, and $50,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident, if the owner of the rented motor vehicle has in effect, at the time of the accident, a policy of insurance or self-insurance, as provided in section 65B.48, subdivision 3, covering losses up to at least the amounts set forth in this paragraph. Nothing in this paragraph alters or affects the obligations of an owner of a

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rented motor vehicle to comply with the requirements of compulsory insurance through a policy of insurance as provided in section 65B.48, subdivision 2, or through self-insurance as provided in section 65B.48, subdivision 3; or with the obligations arising from section 72A.125 for products sold in conjunction with the rental of a motor vehicle. Nothing in this paragraph alters or affects liability, other than vicarious liability, of an owner of a rented motor vehicle.

~~(3)~~ (2) The dollar amounts stated in this paragraph shall be adjusted for inflation based upon the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers, known as the CPI-U, published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The dollar amounts stated in this paragraph are based upon the value of that index for July 1995, which is the reference base index for purposes of this paragraph. The dollar amounts in this paragraph shall change effective January 1 of each odd-numbered year based upon the percentage difference between the index for July of the preceding year and the reference base index, calculated to the nearest whole percentage point. The commissioner shall announce and publish, on or before September 30 of the preceding year, the changes in the dollar amounts required by this paragraph to take effect on January 1 of each odd-numbered year. The commissioner shall use the most recent revision of the July index available as of September 1. Changes in the dollar amounts must be in increments of $5,000, and no change shall be made in a dollar amount until the change in the index requires at least a $5,000 change. If the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics changes the base year upon which the CPI-U is based, the commissioner shall make the calculations necessary to convert from the old base year to the new base year. If the CPI-U is discontinued, the commissioner shall use the available index that is most similar to the CPI-U.

(j) The plan of reparation security covering the owner of a rented motor vehicle is excess of any residual liability coverage insuring an operator of a rented motor vehicle if the vehicle is loaned as a replacement for a vehicle being serviced or repaired, regardless of whether a fee is charged for use of the vehicle, provided that the vehicle so loaned is owned by the service or repair business.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 70A.07, is amended to read:

70A.07 RATES AND FORMS OPEN TO INSPECTION.

All rates, supplementary rate information, and forms furnished to the commissioner under this chapter shall, ~~as soon as the commissioner's review has been completed~~ within ten days of their effective date, be open to public inspection at any reasonable time.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 72A.201, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Standards for automobile insurance claims handling, settlement offers, and agreements. In addition to the acts specified in subdivisions 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9, the following acts by an insurer, adjuster, or a self-insured or self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:

(1) if an automobile insurance policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of an automobile total loss on the basis of actual cash value or replacement with like kind and quality and the insured is not an automobile dealer, failing to offer one of the following methods of settlement:

(a) comparable and available replacement automobile, with all applicable taxes, license fees, at least pro rata for the unexpired term of the replaced automobile's license, and other fees incident to the transfer or evidence of ownership of the automobile paid, at no cost to the insured other than the deductible amount as provided in the policy;

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(b) a cash settlement based upon the actual cost of purchase of a comparable automobile, including all applicable taxes, license fees, at least pro rata for the unexpired term of the replaced automobile's license, and other fees incident to transfer of evidence of ownership, less the deductible amount as provided in the policy. The costs must be determined by:

(i) the cost of a comparable automobile, adjusted for mileage, condition, and options, in the local market area of the insured, if such an automobile is available in that area; or

(ii) one of two or more quotations obtained from two or more qualified sources located within the local market area when a comparable automobile is not available in the local market area. The insured shall be provided the information contained in all quotations prior to settlement; or

(iii) any settlement or offer of settlement which deviates from the procedure above must be documented and justified in detail. The basis for the settlement or offer of settlement must be explained to the insured;

(2) if an automobile insurance policy provides for the adjustment and settlement of an automobile partial loss on the basis of repair or replacement with like kind and quality and the insured is not an automobile dealer, failing to offer one of the following methods of settlement:

(a) to assume all costs, including reasonable towing costs, for the satisfactory repair of the motor vehicle. Satisfactory repair includes repair of both obvious and hidden damage as caused by the claim incident. This assumption of cost may be reduced by applicable policy provision; or

(b) to offer a cash settlement sufficient to pay for satisfactory repair of the vehicle. Satisfactory repair includes repair of obvious and hidden damage caused by the claim incident, and includes reasonable towing costs;

(3) regardless of whether the loss was total or partial, in the event that a damaged vehicle of an insured cannot be safely driven, failing to exercise the right to inspect automobile damage prior to repair within five business days following receipt of notification of claim. In other cases the inspection must be made in 15 days;

(4) regardless of whether the loss was total or partial, requiring unreasonable travel of a claimant or insured to inspect a replacement automobile, to obtain a repair estimate, to allow an insurer to inspect a repair estimate, to allow an insurer to inspect repairs made pursuant to policy requirements, or to have the automobile repaired;

(5) regardless of whether the loss was total or partial, if loss of use coverage exists under the insurance policy, failing to notify an insured at the time of the insurer's acknowledgment of claim, or sooner if inquiry is made, of the fact of the coverage, including the policy terms and conditions affecting the coverage and the manner in which the insured can apply for this coverage;

(6) regardless of whether the loss was total or partial, failing to include the insured's deductible in the insurer's demands under its subrogation rights. Subrogation recovery must be shared at least on a proportionate basis with the insured, unless the deductible amount has been otherwise recovered by the insured, except that when an insurer is recovering directly from an uninsured third party by means of installments, the insured must receive the full deductible share as soon as that amount is collected and before any part of the total recovery is applied to any other use. No deduction for expenses may be made from the deductible recovery unless an attorney is retained to collect the recovery, in which case deduction may be made only for a pro rata share of the cost of retaining the attorney. An insured is not bound by any settlement of its insurer's subrogation claim with respect to the deductible amount, unless the insured receives, as a result of the subrogation settlement, the full amount of the deductible. Recovery by the insurer and receipt by the insured of less than all of the insured's deductible amount does not affect the insured's rights to recover any unreimbursed portion of the deductible from parties liable for the loss;

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(7) requiring as a condition of payment of a claim that repairs to any damaged vehicle must be made by a particular contractor or repair shop or that parts, other than window glass, must be replaced with parts other than original equipment parts or engaging in any act or practice of intimidation, coercion, threat, incentive, or inducement for or against an insured to use a particular contractor or repair shop. Consumer benefits included within preferred vendor programs must not be considered an incentive or inducement. At the time a claim is reported, the insurer must provide the following advisory to the insured or claimant:

"~~Minnesota law gives~~ You have the right to choose a repair shop to fix your vehicle. Your policy will cover the reasonable costs of repairing your vehicle to its pre-accident condition no matter where you have repairs made. Have you selected a repair shop or would you like a referral?"

After an insured has indicated that the insured has selected a repair shop, the insurer must cease all efforts to influence the insured's or claimant's choice of repair shop;

(8) where liability is reasonably clear, failing to inform the claimant in an automobile property damage liability claim that the claimant may have a claim for loss of use of the vehicle;

(9) failing to make a good faith assignment of comparative negligence percentages in ascertaining the issue of liability;

(10) failing to pay any interest required by statute on overdue payment for an automobile personal injury protection claim;

(11) if an automobile insurance policy contains either or both of the time limitation provisions as permitted by section 65B.55, subdivisions 1 and 2, failing to notify the insured in writing of those limitations at least 60 days prior to the expiration of that time limitation;

(12) if an insurer chooses to have an insured examined as permitted by section 65B.56, subdivision 1, failing to notify the insured of all of the insured's rights and obligations under that statute, including the right to request, in writing, and to receive a copy of the report of the examination;

(13) failing to provide, to an insured who has submitted a claim for benefits described in section 65B.44, a complete copy of the insurer's claim file on the insured, excluding internal company memoranda, all materials that relate to any insurance fraud investigation, materials that constitute attorney work-product or that qualify for the attorney-client privilege, and medical reviews that are subject to section 145.64, within ten business days of receiving a written request from the insured. The insurer may charge the insured a reasonable copying fee. This clause supersedes any inconsistent provisions of sections 72A.49 to 72A.505;

(14) if an automobile policy provides for the adjustment or settlement of an automobile loss due to damaged window glass, failing to provide payment to the insured's chosen vendor based on a competitive price that is fair and reasonable within the local industry at large.

Where facts establish that a different rate in a specific geographic area actually served by the vendor is required by that market, that geographic area must be considered. This clause does not prohibit an insurer from recommending a vendor to the insured or from agreeing with a vendor to perform work at an agreed-upon price, provided, however, that before recommending a vendor, the insurer shall offer its insured the opportunity to choose the vendor. If the insurer recommends a vendor, the insurer must also provide the following advisory:

"Minnesota law gives you the right to go to any glass vendor you choose, and prohibits me from pressuring you to choose a particular vendor.";

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(15) requiring that the repair or replacement of motor vehicle glass and related products and services be made in a particular place or shop or by a particular entity, or by otherwise limiting the ability of the insured to select the place, shop, or entity to repair or replace the motor vehicle glass and related products and services; or

(16) engaging in any act or practice of intimidation, coercion, threat, incentive, or inducement for or against an insured to use a particular company or location to provide the motor vehicle glass repair or replacement services or products. For purposes of this section, a warranty shall not be considered an inducement or incentive.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 72C.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Readability compliance; filing and approval. No insurer shall make, issue, amend, or renew any policy or contract after the dates specified in section 72C.11 for the applicable type of policy unless the contract is in compliance with the requirements of sections 72C.06 to 72C.09 and unless the contract is filed with the commissioner for approval. The contract shall be deemed approved 90 60 days after filing unless disapproved by the commissioner within the ~~90-day~~ 60-day period. When an insurer, service plan corporation, or the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association fails to respond to an objection or inquiry within 60 days, the filing is automatically disapproved. A resubmission is required if action by the Department of Commerce is subsequently requested. An additional filing fee is required for the resubmission. The commissioner shall not unreasonably withhold approval. Any disapproval shall be delivered to the insurer in writing, stating the grounds therefor. Any policy filed with the commissioner shall be accompanied by a Flesch scale readability analysis and test score and by the insurer's certification that the policy or contract is in its judgment readable based on the factors specified in sections 72C.06 to 72C.08.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Assigned risk plan. "Assigned risk plan" means:

(1) the method to provide workers' compensation coverage to employers unable to obtain coverage through licensed workers' compensation companies; and

(2) the procedures established by the commissioner to implement that method of providing coverage including administration of all assigned risk losses and reserves.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1b. Employer. "Employer" has the meaning given in section 176.011, subdivision 10.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.251, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. General duties of commissioner. (a)(1) The commissioner shall have all the usual powers and authorities necessary for the discharge of the commissioner's duties under this section and may contract with individuals in discharge of those duties. The commissioner shall audit the reserves established (a) for individual cases arising under policies and contracts of coverage issued under subdivision 4 and (b) for the total book of business issued under subdivision 4. If the commissioner determines on the basis of an audit that there is an excess surplus in the assigned risk plan, the commissioner must notify the commissioner of finance who shall transfer assets of the plan equal to the excess surplus to the budget reserve account in the general fund.

(2) The commissioner shall monitor the operations of section 79.252 and this section and shall periodically make recommendations to the governor and legislature when appropriate, for improvement in the operation of those sections.

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(3) All insurers and self-insurance administrators issuing policies or contracts under subdivision 4 shall pay to the commissioner a .25 percent assessment on premiums for policies and contracts of coverage issued under subdivision 4 for the purpose of defraying the costs of performing the duties under clauses (1) and (2). Proceeds of the assessment shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.

(4) The assigned risk plan shall not be deemed a state agency.

(5) The commissioner shall monitor and have jurisdiction over all reserves maintained for assigned risk plan losses.

(b) As used in this subdivision, "excess surplus" means the amount of assigned risk plan assets in excess of the amount needed to pay all current liabilities of the plan, including, but not limited to:

(1) administrative expenses;

(2) benefit claims; and

(3) if the assigned risk plan is dissolved under subdivision 8, the amounts that would be due insurers who have paid assessments to the plan.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.251, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Assigned risk rating plan. (a) Employers insured through the assigned risk plan are subject to paragraphs (b) and (c).

(b) Classifications must be assigned according to a uniform classification system approved by the commissioner.

(c) Rates must be modified according to an experience rating plan approved by the commissioner. Any experience rating plan is subject to Minnesota Rules, parts 2700.2800 and 2700.2900.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.252, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 2a. Minimum qualifications. Any employer that (1) is required to carry workers' compensation insurance pursuant to chapter 176 and (2) has a current written notice of refusal to insure pursuant to subdivision 2, is entitled to coverage upon making written application to the assigned risk plan, and paying the applicable premium.

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.252, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Disqualifying factors. An employer may be denied or terminated from coverage through the assigned risk plan if the employer:

(1) applies for coverage for only a portion of the employer's statutory liability under chapter 176, excluding wrap-up policies;

(2) has an outstanding debt due and owing to the assigned risk plan at the time of renewal arising from a prior policy;

(3) persistently refuses to permit completion of an adequate payroll audit;

(4) repeatedly submits misleading or erroneous payroll information; or

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(5) flagrantly disregards safety or loss control recommendations. Cancellation for nonpayment of premium may be initiated by the service contractor upon 60 days' written notice to the employer pursuant to section 176.185, subdivision 1.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79.252, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3b. Occupational disease exposure. An employer having a significant occupational disease exposure, as determined by the commissioner, to be entitled to coverage shall have physical examinations made:

(a) of employees who have not been examined within one year of the date of application for assignment;

(b) of new employees before hiring; and

(c) of terminated employees. Upon request, the findings and reports of doctors making examinations, together with x-rays and other original exhibits, must be furnished to the assigned risk plan or the Department of Labor and Industry.

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 79A.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Minimum deposit. The minimum deposit is 110 percent of the private self-insurer's estimated future liability. The deposit may be used to secure payment of all administrative and legal costs, and unpaid assessments required by section 79A.12, subdivision 2, relating to or arising from its or other employers' self-insuring. As used in this section, "private self-insurer" includes both current and former members of the self-insurers' security fund; and "private self-insurers' estimated future liability" means the private self-insurers' total of estimated future liability as determined by an Associate or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society every year for group member private self-insurers and, for a nongroup member private self-insurer's authority to self-insure, every year for the first five years. After the first five years, the nongroup member's total shall be as determined by an Associate or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society at least every two years, and each such actuarial study shall include a projection of future losses during the period until the next scheduled actuarial study, less payments anticipated to be made during that time.

All data and information furnished by a private self-insurer to an Associate or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society for purposes of determining private self-insurers' estimated future liability must be certified by an officer of the private self-insurer to be true and correct with respect to payroll and paid losses, and must be certified, upon information and belief, to be true and correct with respect to reserves. The certification must be made by sworn affidavit. In addition to any other remedies provided by law, the certification of false data or information pursuant to this subdivision may result in a fine imposed by the commissioner of commerce on the private self-insurer up to the amount of $5,000, and termination of the private self-insurers' authority to self-insure. The determination of private self-insurers' estimated future liability by an Associate or Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society shall be conducted in accordance with standards and principles for establishing loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by the Actuarial Standards Board, an affiliate of the American Academy of Actuaries. The commissioner may reject an actuarial report that does not meet the standards and principles of the Actuarial Standards Board, and may further disqualify the actuary who prepared the report from submitting any future actuarial reports pursuant to this chapter. Within 30 days after the actuary has been served by the commissioner with a notice of disqualification, an actuary who is aggrieved by the disqualification may request a hearing to be conducted in accordance with chapter 14. Based on a review of the actuarial report, the commissioner of commerce may require an increase in the minimum security deposit in an amount the commissioner considers sufficient.

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actuary has the right to receive and review data and information of the self-insurer necessary for the actuary to complete its review or study. A copy of this report must be filed with the commissioner and a copy must be furnished to the self-insurer.

Estimated future liability is determined by first taking the total amount of the self-insured's future liability of workers' compensation claims and then deducting the total amount which is estimated to be returned to the self-insurer from any specific excess insurance coverage, aggregate excess insurance coverage, and any supplementary benefits or second injury benefits which are estimated to be reimbursed by the special compensation fund. However, in the determination of estimated future liability, the actuary for the self-insurer shall not take a credit for any excess insurance or reinsurance which is provided by a captive insurance company which is wholly owned by the self-insurer. Supplementary benefits or second injury benefits will not be reimbursed by the special compensation fund unless the special compensation fund assessment pursuant to section 176.129 is paid and the reports required thereunder are filed with the special compensation fund. In the case of surety bonds, bonds shall secure administrative and legal costs in addition to the liability for payment of compensation reflected on the face of the bond. In no event shall the security be less than the last retention limit selected by the self-insurer with the Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, provided that the commissioner may allow former members to post less than the Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association retention level if that amount is adequate to secure payment of the self-insurers' estimated future liability, as defined in this subdivision, including payment of claims, administrative and legal costs, and unpaid assessments required by section 79A.12, subdivision 2. The posting or depositing of security pursuant to this section shall release all previously posted or deposited security from any obligations under the posting or depositing and any surety bond so released shall be returned to the surety. Any other security shall be returned to the depositor or the person posting the bond.

As a condition for the granting or renewing of a certificate to self-insure, the commissioner may require a private self-insurer to furnish any additional security the commissioner considers sufficient to insure payment of all claims under chapter 176.

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79A.23, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Operational audit. (a) The commissioner~~, prior to authorizing surplus distribution of a commercial self-insurance group's first fund year or no later than after the third anniversary of the group's authority to self-insure,~~ may conduct an operational audit of the commercial self-insurance group's claim handling and reserve practices as well as its underwriting procedures to determine if they adhere to the group's business plan and sound business practices. The commissioner may select outside consultants to assist in conducting the audit. After completion of the audit, the commissioner shall either renew or revoke the commercial self-insurance group's authority to self-insure. The commissioner may also order any changes deemed necessary in the claims handling, reserving practices, or underwriting procedures of the group.

(b) The cost of the operational audit shall be borne by the commercial self-insurance group.

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 79A.32, is amended to read:

79A.32 REPORTING TO ~~MINNESOTA WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURERS' ASSOCIATION~~ LICENSED DATA SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS.

~~Subdivision 1.~~ ~~Required activity.~~ ~~Each self-insurer shall perform the following activities:~~

(1) maintain membership in and report loss experience data to the Minnesota Workers' Compensation Insurers Association, or a licensed data service organization, in accordance with the statistical plan and rules of the organization as approved by the commissioner;

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(2) establish a plan for merit rating which shall be consistently applied to all insureds, provided that members of a data service organization may use merit rating plans developed by that data service organization;

~~(3) provide an annual report to the commissioner containing the information and prepared in the form required by the commissioner; and~~

~~(4) keep a record of the losses paid by the self-insurers and premiums for the group self-insurers.~~

Subd. 2. Permitted activity. ~~In addition to any other activities not prohibited by this chapter, self-insurers may~~ Through data service organizations licensed under chapter 79, self-insurers may:

(1) ~~through licensed data service organizations,~~ individually, or with self-insurers commonly owned, managed, or controlled, conduct research and collect statistics to investigate, identify, and classify information relating to causes or prevention of losses; and

(2) ~~develop and use classification plans and rates based upon any reasonable factors; and~~ at the request of a private self-insurer or self-insurer group, submit and collect data, including payroll and loss data; and perform calculations, including calculations of experience modifications of individual self-insured employers.

~~(3) develop rules for the assignment of risks to classifications.~~

~~Subd. 3.~~ ~~Delayed reporting.~~ ~~Private self-insurers established under sections 79A.01 to 79A.18 prior to August 1, 1995, need not begin filing the reports required under subdivision 1 until January 1, 1998.~~

Sec. 39. REPEALER.

Minnesota Rules, parts 2781.0100; 2781.0200; 2781.0300; 2781.0400; 2781.0500; and 2781.0600, are repealed."

Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to commerce; regulating licensee education; regulating certain insurance forms and rates, coverages, filings and reportings, utilization reviews, and claims; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 60C.02, subdivision 1; 61A.02, subdivision 3; 61A.092, subdivisions 1, 3; 62A.02, subdivision 3; 62A.095, subdivision 1; 62A.17, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 62A.27; 62A.3093; 62C.14, subdivisions 9, 10; 62E.13, subdivision 3; 62E.14, subdivision 5; 62L.02, subdivision 24; 62M.01, subdivision 2; 62M.09, subdivision 9; 70A.07; 72C.10, subdivision 1; 79.01, by adding subdivisions; 79.251, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 79.252, by adding subdivisions; 79A.23, subdivision 3; 79A.32; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 45.22; 45.23; 59B.01; 62Q.75, subdivision 3; 65B.49, subdivision 5a; 72A.201, subdivision 6; 79A.04, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 62A; repealing Minnesota Rules, parts 2781.0100; 2781.0200; 2781.0300; 2781.0400; 2781.0500; 2781.0600."

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Wilkin moved to amend S. F. No. 3480, as amended, as follows:

Page 2, delete section 3

Page 3, delete section 4

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Page 7, delete sections 10 and 11

Page 10, delete section 14 and insert:

"Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.3093, is amended to read:

62A.3093 COVERAGE FOR DIABETES.

Subdivision 1. Required coverage. A health plan, including a plan providing the coverage specified in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (10), must provide coverage for: (1) all physician prescribed medically appropriate and necessary equipment and supplies used in the management and treatment of diabetes; and (2) diabetes outpatient self-management training and education, including medical nutrition therapy, that is provided by a certified, registered, or licensed health care professional working in a program consistent with the national standards of diabetes self-management education as established by the American Diabetes Association. Coverage must include persons with gestational, type I or type II diabetes. Coverage required under this section is subject to the same deductible or coinsurance provisions applicable to the plan's hospital, medical expense, medical equipment, or prescription drug benefits. A health carrier may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to this requirement.

Subd. 2. Medicare Part D exception. A health plan providing the coverage specified in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (10), is not subject to the requirements of subdivision 1, clause (1), with respect to equipment and supplies covered under the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug program, whether or not the covered person is enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan.

This subdivision does not apply to a health plan providing the coverage specified in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clause (10), that was in effect on December 31, 2005, if the covered person remains enrolled in the plan and does not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactive to January 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62A.316, is amended to read:

62A.316 BASIC MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN; COVERAGE.

(a) The basic Medicare supplement plan must have a level of coverage that will provide:

(1) coverage for all of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital coinsurance amounts, and 100 percent of all Medicare part A eligible expenses for hospitalization not covered by Medicare, after satisfying the Medicare Part A deductible;

(2) coverage for the daily co-payment amount of Medicare Part A eligible expenses for the calendar year incurred for skilled nursing facility care;

(3) coverage for the coinsurance amount, or in the case of outpatient department services paid under a prospective payment system, the co-payment amount, of Medicare eligible expenses under Medicare Part B regardless of hospital confinement, subject to the Medicare Part B deductible amount;

(4) 80 percent of the hospital and medical expenses and supplies incurred during travel outside the United States as a result of a medical emergency;

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(5) coverage for the reasonable cost of the first three pints of blood, or equivalent quantities of packed red blood cells as defined under federal regulations under Medicare Parts A and B, unless replaced in accordance with federal regulations;

(6) 100 percent of the cost of immunizations not otherwise covered under Part D of the Medicare program and routine screening procedures for cancer screening including mammograms and pap smears; and

(7) 80 percent of coverage for all physician prescribed medically appropriate and necessary equipment and supplies used in the management and treatment of diabetes not otherwise covered under Part D of the Medicare program. Coverage must include persons with gestational, type I, or type II diabetes. Coverage under this clause is subject to section 62A.3093, subdivision 2.

(b) Only the following optional benefit riders may be added to this plan:

(1) coverage for all of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible amount;

(2) a minimum of 80 percent of eligible medical expenses and supplies not covered by Medicare Part B, not to exceed any charge limitation established by the Medicare program or state law;

(3) coverage for all of the Medicare Part B annual deductible;

(4) coverage for at least 50 percent, or the equivalent of 50 percent, of usual and customary prescription drug expenses. An outpatient prescription drug benefit must not be included for sale or issuance in a Medicare policy or certificate issued on or after January 1, 2006;

(5) preventive medical care benefit coverage for the following preventative health services not covered by Medicare:

(i) an annual clinical preventive medical history and physical examination that may include tests and services from clause (ii) and patient education to address preventive health care measures;

(ii) preventive screening tests or preventive services, the selection and frequency of which is determined to be medically appropriate by the attending physician.

Reimbursement shall be for the actual charges up to 100 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for each service, as if Medicare were to cover the service as identified in American Medical Association current procedural terminology (AMA CPT) codes, to a maximum of $120 annually under this benefit. This benefit shall not include payment for a procedure covered by Medicare;

(6) coverage for services to provide short-term at-home assistance with activities of daily living for those recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery:

(i) For purposes of this benefit, the following definitions apply:

(A) "activities of daily living" include, but are not limited to, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, transferring, eating, ambulating, assistance with drugs that are normally self-administered, and changing bandages or other dressings;

(B) "care provider" means a duly qualified or licensed home health aide/homemaker, personal care aid, or nurse provided through a licensed home health care agency or referred by a licensed referral agency or licensed nurses registry;

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(C) "home" means a place used by the insured as a place of residence, provided that the place would qualify as a residence for home health care services covered by Medicare. A hospital or skilled nursing facility shall not be considered the insured's place of residence;

(D) "at-home recovery visit" means the period of a visit required to provide at-home recovery care, without limit on the duration of the visit, except each consecutive four hours in a 24-hour period of services provided by a care provider is one visit;

(ii) Coverage requirements and limitations:

(A) at-home recovery services provided must be primarily services that assist in activities of daily living;

(B) the insured's attending physician must certify that the specific type and frequency of at-home recovery services are necessary because of a condition for which a home care plan of treatment was approved by Medicare;

(I) no more than the number and type of at-home recovery visits certified as necessary by the insured's attending physician. The total number of at-home recovery visits shall not exceed the number of Medicare-approved home care visits under a Medicare-approved home care plan of treatment;

(II) the actual charges for each visit up to a maximum reimbursement of $40 per visit;

(III) $1,600 per calendar year;

(IV) seven visits in any one week;

(V) care furnished on a visiting basis in the insured's home;

(VI) services provided by a care provider as defined in this section;

(VII) at-home recovery visits while the insured is covered under the policy or certificate and not otherwise excluded;

(VIII) at-home recovery visits received during the period the insured is receiving Medicare-approved home care services or no more than eight weeks after the service date of the last Medicare-approved home health care visit;

(iii) Coverage is excluded for:

(A) home care visits paid for by Medicare or other government programs; and

(B) care provided by family members, unpaid volunteers, or providers who are not care providers;

(7) coverage for at least 50 percent, or the equivalent of 50 percent, of usual and customary prescription drug expenses to a maximum of $1,200 paid by the issuer annually under this benefit. An issuer of Medicare supplement insurance policies that elects to offer this benefit rider shall also make available coverage that contains the rider specified in clause (4). An outpatient prescription drug benefit must not be included for sale or issuance in a Medicare policy or certificate issued on or after January 1, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactive to January 1, 2006."

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Page 26, line 11, delete "self-insurers'" and insert "self-insurer's"

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

Amend the title accordingly

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Wilkin and Huntley moved to amend S. F. No. 3480, as amended, as follows:

Page 1, after the enacting clause insert:

"ARTICLE 1

GENERAL INSURANCE PROVISIONS"

Page 28 after line 17, insert:

"ARTICLE 2

HEALTH INSURANCE CHANGES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Individual policy rates file and use; minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee. (a) Notwithstanding subdivisions 2, 3, 4a, 5a, and 6, individual premium rates may be used upon filing with the department of an individual policy form if the filing is accompanied by the individual policy form filing and a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee. Insurers may use the filing procedure specified in this subdivision only if the affected individual policy forms disclose the benefit of a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee. Insurers may amend individual policy forms to provide for a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee. If an insurer elects to use the filing procedure in this subdivision for an individual policy rate, the insurer shall not use a filing of premium rates that does not provide a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee for that individual policy rate.

(b) The minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee must be in writing and must contain at least the following:

(1) an actuarial memorandum specifying the expected loss ratio that complies with the standards as set forth in this subdivision;

(2) a statement certifying that all rates, fees, dues, and other charges are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory;

(3) detailed experience information concerning the policy forms;

(4) a step-by-step description of the process used to develop the minimum lifetime loss ratio, including demonstration with supporting data;

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(5) guarantee of specific minimum lifetime loss ratio that must be greater than or equal to the minimum loss ratio that applies to the health carrier under section 62A.021, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (f), or (g), for policies issued to individuals or for certificates issued to members of an association that does not offer coverage to small employers, taking into consideration adjustments for duration;

(6) a guarantee that the actual Minnesota loss ratio for the calendar year in which the new rates take effect, and for each year thereafter until new rates are filed, will meet or exceed the minimum lifetime loss ratio standards referred to in clause (5), adjusted for duration;

(7) a guarantee that the actual Minnesota lifetime loss ratio shall meet or exceed the minimum lifetime loss ratio standards referred to in clause (5); and

(8) if the annual earned premium volume in Minnesota under the particular policy form is less than $2,500,000, the minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee must be based partially on the Minnesota earned premium and other credible factors as specified by the commissioner.

(c) The actual Minnesota minimum loss ratio results for each year at issue must be independently audited at the insurer's expense, and the audit report must be filed with the commissioner not later than 120 days after the end of the year at issue.

(d) The insurer shall refund premiums in the amount necessary to bring the actual loss ratio up to the guaranteed minimum lifetime loss ratio. For the purpose of this paragraph, loss ratio and guaranteed minimum lifetime loss ratio are the expected aggregate loss ratio of all approved individual policy forms that provide for a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee.

(e) A Minnesota policyholder affected by the guaranteed minimum lifetime loss ratio shall receive a portion of the premium refund relative to the premium paid by the policyholder. The refund must be made to all Minnesota policyholders insured under the applicable policy form during the year at issue if the refund would equal $10 or more per policy. The refund must include statutory interest from July 1 of the year at issue until the date of payment. Payment must be made not later than 180 days after the end of the year at issue.

(f) Premium refunds of less than $10 per insured must be credited to the policyholder's account.

(g) Subdivisions 2 and 3 do not apply if premium rates are filed with the department and accompanied by a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee that meets the requirements of this subdivision. Such filings are deemed approved. When determining a loss ratio for the purposes of a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee, the insurer shall divide the total of the claims incurred, plus preferred provider organization expenses, case management, and utilization review expenses, plus reinsurance premiums less reinsurance recoveries by the premiums earned less state and local taxes less other assessments. The insurer shall identify any assessment allocated.

(h) The policy form filing of an insurer using the filing procedure with a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee must disclose to the enrollee, member, or subscriber an explanation of the minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee, and the actual loss ratio, and any adjustments for duration.

(i) The insurer who elects to use the filing procedure with a minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee shall notify all policyholders of the refund calculation, the result of the refund calculation, the percentage of premium on an aggregate basis to be refunded, if any, any amount of the refund attributed to the payment of interests, and an explanation of amounts less than $10.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Loss ratio standards. (a) Notwithstanding section 62A.02, subdivision 3, relating to loss ratios, and except as otherwise authorized by section 62A.02, subdivision 3a, for individual policies or certificates, health care policies or certificates shall not be delivered or issued for delivery to an individual or to a small employer as defined in section 62L.02, unless the policies or certificates can be expected, as estimated for the entire period for which rates are computed to provide coverage, to return to Minnesota policyholders and certificate holders in the form of aggregate benefits not including anticipated refunds or credits, provided under the policies or certificates, (1) at least 75 percent of the aggregate amount of premiums earned in the case of policies issued in the small employer market, as defined in section 62L.02, subdivision 27, calculated on an aggregate basis; and (2) at least 65 percent of the aggregate amount of premiums earned in the case of each policy form or certificate form issued in the individual market; calculated on the basis of incurred claims experience or incurred health care expenses where coverage is provided by a health maintenance organization on a service rather than reimbursement basis and earned premiums for the period and according to accepted actuarial principles and practices. Assessments by the reinsurance association created in chapter 62L and all types of taxes, surcharges, or assessments created by Laws 1992, chapter 549, or created on or after April 23, 1992, are included in the calculation of incurred claims experience or incurred health care expenses. The applicable percentage for policies and certificates issued in the small employer market, as defined in section 62L.02, increases by one percentage point on July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 1994, until an 82 percent loss ratio is reached on July 1, 2000. The applicable percentage for policy forms and certificate forms issued in the individual market increases by one percentage point on July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 1994, until a 72 percent loss ratio is reached on July 1, 2000. A health carrier that enters a market after July 1, 1993, does not start at the beginning of the phase-in schedule and must instead comply with the loss ratio requirements applicable to other health carriers in that market for each time period. Premiums earned and claims incurred in markets other than the small employer and individual markets are not relevant for purposes of this section.

(b) All filings of rates and rating schedules shall demonstrate that actual expected claims in relation to premiums comply with the requirements of this section when combined with actual experience to date. Filings of rate revisions shall also demonstrate that the anticipated loss ratio over the entire future period for which the revised rates are computed to provide coverage can be expected to meet the appropriate loss ratio standards, and aggregate loss ratio from inception of the policy form or certificate form shall equal or exceed the appropriate loss ratio standards.

(c) A health carrier that issues health care policies and certificates to individuals or to small employers, as defined in section 62L.02, in this state shall file annually its rates, rating schedule, and supporting documentation including ratios of incurred losses to earned premiums by policy form or certificate form duration for approval by the commissioner according to the filing requirements and procedures prescribed by the commissioner. The supporting documentation shall also demonstrate in accordance with actuarial standards of practice using reasonable assumptions that the appropriate loss ratio standards can be expected to be met over the entire period for which rates are computed. The demonstration shall exclude active life reserves. If the data submitted does not confirm that the health carrier has satisfied the loss ratio requirements of this section, the commissioner shall notify the health carrier in writing of the deficiency. The health carrier shall have 30 days from the date of the commissioner's notice to file amended rates that comply with this section. If the health carrier fails to file amended rates within the prescribed time, the commissioner shall order that the health carrier's filed rates for the nonconforming policy form or certificate form be reduced to an amount that would have resulted in a loss ratio that complied with this section had it been in effect for the reporting period of the supplement. The health carrier's failure to file amended rates within the specified time or the issuance of the commissioner's order amending the rates does not preclude the health carrier from filing an amendment of its rates at a later time. The commissioner shall annually make the submitted data available to the public at a cost not to exceed the cost of copying. The data must be compiled in a form useful for consumers who wish to compare premium charges and loss ratios.

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(d) Each sale of a policy or certificate that does not comply with the loss ratio requirements of this section is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance and is subject to the penalties in sections 72A.17 to 72A.32.

(e)(1) For purposes of this section, health care policies issued as a result of solicitations of individuals through the mail or mass media advertising, including both print and broadcast advertising, shall be treated as individual policies.

(2) For purposes of this section, (i) "health care policy" or "health care certificate" is a health plan as defined in section 62A.011; and (ii) "health carrier" has the meaning given in section 62A.011 and includes all health carriers delivering or issuing for delivery health care policies or certificates in this state or offering these policies or certificates to residents of this state.

(f) The loss ratio phase-in as described in paragraph (a) does not apply to individual policies and small employer policies issued by a health plan company that is assessed less than three percent of the total annual amount assessed by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. These policies must meet a 68 percent loss ratio for individual policies, a 71 percent loss ratio for small employer policies with fewer than ten employees, and a 75 percent loss ratio for all other small employer policies.

(g) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (f), the loss ratio shall be 60 percent for a health plan as defined in section 62A.011, offered by an insurance company licensed under chapter 60A that is assessed less than ten percent of the total annual amount assessed by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. For purposes of the percentage calculation of the association's assessments, an insurance company's assessments include those of its affiliates.

(h) The commissioners of commerce and health shall each annually issue a public report listing, by health plan company, the actual loss ratios experienced in the individual and small employer markets in this state by the health plan companies that the commissioners respectively regulate. The commissioners shall coordinate release of these reports so as to release them as a joint report or as separate reports issued the same day. The report or reports shall be released no later than June 1 for loss ratios experienced for the preceding calendar year. Health plan companies shall provide to the commissioners any information requested by the commissioners for purposes of this paragraph.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.65, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Premium rate restrictions. No individual health plan may be offered, sold, issued, or renewed to a Minnesota resident unless the premium rate charged is determined in accordance with the following requirements:

(a) Premium rates must be no more than 25 percent above and no more than 25 percent below the index rate charged to individuals for the same or similar coverage, adjusted pro rata for rating periods of less than one year. The premium variations permitted by this paragraph must be based only upon health status, claims experience, and occupation. For purposes of this paragraph, health status includes refraining from tobacco use or other actuarially valid lifestyle factors associated with good health, provided that the lifestyle factor and its effect upon premium rates have been determined by the commissioner to be actuarially valid and have been approved by the commissioner. Variations permitted under this paragraph must not be based upon age or applied differently at different ages. This paragraph does not prohibit use of a constant percentage adjustment for factors permitted to be used under this paragraph.

(b) Premium rates may vary based upon the ages of covered persons only as provided in this paragraph. In addition to the variation permitted under paragraph (a), each health carrier may use an additional premium variation based upon age of up to plus or minus 50 percent of the index rate.

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(c) A health carrier may request approval by the commissioner to establish ~~no more than three~~ separate geographic regions determined by the health carrier and to establish separate index rates for each such region, provided that the index rates do not vary between any two regions by more than 20 percent. Health carriers that do not do business in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area may request approval for no more than two geographic regions, and clauses (2) and (3) do not apply to approval of requests made by those health carriers. The commissioner ~~may~~ shall grant approval if the following conditions are met:

(1) the geographic regions must be applied uniformly by the health carrier;

~~(2) one geographic region must be based on the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area;~~

~~(3) for each geographic region that is rural, the index rate for that region must not exceed the index rate for the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area; and~~

(2) each geographic region must be composed of no fewer than seven counties that create a contiguous region; and

~~(4)~~ (3) the health carrier provides actuarial justification acceptable to the commissioner for the proposed geographic variations in index rates, establishing that the variations are based upon differences in the cost to the health carrier of providing coverage.

(d) Health carriers may use rate cells and must file with the commissioner the rate cells they use. Rate cells must be based upon the number of adults or children covered under the policy and may reflect the availability of Medicare coverage. The rates for different rate cells must not in any way reflect generalized differences in expected costs between principal insureds and their spouses.

(e) In developing its index rates and premiums for a health plan, a health carrier shall take into account only the following factors:

(1) actuarially valid differences in rating factors permitted under paragraphs (a) and (b); and

(2) actuarially valid geographic variations if approved by the commissioner as provided in paragraph (c).

(f) All premium variations must be justified in initial rate filings and upon request of the commissioner in rate revision filings. All rate variations are subject to approval by the commissioner.

(g) The loss ratio must comply with the section 62A.021 requirements for individual health plans.

(h) The rates must not be approved, unless the commissioner has determined that the rates are reasonable. In determining reasonableness, the commissioner shall consider the growth rates applied under section 62J.04, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), to the calendar year or years that the proposed premium rate would be in effect, actuarially valid changes in risks associated with the enrollee populations, and actuarially valid changes as a result of statutory changes in Laws 1992, chapter 549.

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used in connection with the policy form will satisfy the guarantee. The guarantee must guarantee refunds of any excess premiums to policyholders charged premiums that exceed those permitted under subdivision 2, 3, 4, or 5. An insurer that complies with this paragraph in connection with a policy form is exempt from the requirement of prior approval by the commissioner under paragraphs (c), (f), and (h).

EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments to paragraph (c) of this section are effective January 1, 2007, and apply to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 4. [62Q.80] COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CARE COVERAGE PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Scope. (a) A community-based health care initiative may develop and operate a community-based health care coverage program that offers to eligible individuals and their dependents the option of purchasing through their employer health care coverage on a fixed prepaid basis without meeting the requirements of chapter 60A, 62A, 62C, 62D, 62Q, or 62T, or any other law or rule that applies to entities licensed under these chapters.

(b) The initiative shall establish health outcomes to be achieved through the program and performance measurements in order to determine whether these outcomes have been met. The outcomes must include, but are not limited to:

(1) a reduction in uncompensated care provided by providers participating in the community-based health network;

(2) an increase in the delivery of preventive health care services; and

(3) health improvement for enrollees with chronic health conditions through the management of these conditions.

In establishing performance measurements, the initiative shall use measures that are consistent with measures published by nonprofit Minnesota or national organizations that produce and disseminate health care quality measures.

(c) Any program established under this section shall not constitute a financial liability for the state, in that any financial risk involved in the operation or termination of the program shall be borne by the community-based initiative and the participating health care providers.

Subd. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(a) "Community-based" means located in or primarily relating to the community of geographically contiguous political subdivisions, as determined by the board of a community-based health initiative that is served by the community-based health care coverage program.

(b) "Community-based health care coverage program" or "program" means a program administered by a community-based health initiative that provides health care services through provider members of a community-based health network or combination of networks to eligible individuals and their dependents who are enrolled in the program.

(c) "Community-based health initiative" means a nonprofit corporation that is governed by a board that has at least 80 percent of its members residing in the community and includes representatives of the participating network providers and employers.

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(d) "Community-based health network" means a contract-based network of health care providers organized by the community-based health initiative to provide or support the delivery of health care services to enrollees of the community-based health care coverage program on a risk-sharing or nonrisk-sharing basis.

(e) "Dependent" means an eligible employee's spouse or unmarried child who is under the age of 19 years.

Subd. 3. Approval. (a) Prior to the operation of a community-based health care coverage program, a community-based health initiative shall submit to the commissioner of health for approval the community-based health care coverage program developed by the initiative. The commissioner shall only approve a program that has been awarded a community access program grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The commissioner shall ensure that the program meets the federal grant requirements and any requirements described in this section and is actuarially sound based on a review of appropriate records and methods utilized by the community-based health initiative in establishing premium rates for the community-based health care coverage program.

(b) Prior to approval, the commissioner shall also ensure that:

(1) the benefits offered comply with subdivision 8 and that there are adequate numbers of health care providers participating in the community-based health network to deliver the benefits offered under the program;

(2) the activities of the program are limited to activities that are exempt under this section or otherwise from regulation by the commissioner of commerce;

(3) the complaint resolution process meets the requirements of subdivision 10; and

(4) the data privacy policies and procedures comply with state and federal law.

Subd. 4. Establishment. (a) The initiative shall establish and operate upon approval by the commissioner of health a community-based health care coverage program. The operational structure established by the initiative shall include, but is not limited to:

(1) establishing a process for enrolling eligible individuals and their dependents;

(2) collecting and coordinating premiums from enrollees and employers of enrollees;

(3) providing payment to participating providers;

(4) establishing a benefit set according to subdivision 8 and establishing premium rates and cost-sharing requirements;

(5) creating incentives to encourage primary care and wellness services; and

(6) initiating disease management services, as appropriate.

(b) The payments collected under paragraph (a), clause (2), may be used to capture available federal funds.

Subd. 5. Qualifying employees. To be eligible for the community-based health care coverage program, an individual must:

(1) reside in or work within the designated community-based geographic area served by the program;

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(2) be employed by a qualifying employer or be an employee's dependent;

(3) not be enrolled in or have currently available health coverage; and

(4) not be enrolled in medical assistance, general assistance medical care, MinnesotaCare, or Medicare.

Subd. 6. Qualifying employers. (a) To qualify for participation in the community-based health care coverage program, an employer must:

(1) employ at least one but no more than 50 employees at the time of initial enrollment in the program;

(2) pay its employees a median wage of $12.50 per hour or less; and

(3) not have offered employer-subsidized health coverage to its employees for at least 12 months prior to the initial enrollment in the program. For purposes of this section, "employer-subsidized health coverage" means health care coverage for which the employer pays at least 50 percent of the cost of coverage for the employee.

(b) To participate in the program, a qualifying employer agrees to:

(1) offer health care coverage through the program to all eligible employees and their dependents regardless of health status;

(2) participate in the program for an initial term of at least one year;

(3) pay a percentage of the premium established by the initiative for the employee; and

(4) provide the initiative with any employee information deemed necessary by the initiative to determine eligibility and premium payments.

Subd. 7. Participating providers. Any health care provider participating in the community-based health network must accept as payment in full the payment rate established by the initiative and may not charge to or collect from an enrollee any amount in access of this amount for any service covered under the program.

Subd. 8. Coverage. (a) The initiative shall establish the health care benefits offered through the community-based health care coverage program. The benefits established shall include, at a minimum:

(1) child health supervision services up to age 18, as defined under section 62A.047; and

(2) preventive services, including:

(i) health education and wellness services;

(ii) health supervision, evaluation, and follow-up;

(iii) immunizations; and

(iv) early disease detection.

(b) Coverage of health care services offered by the program may be limited to participating health care providers or health networks. All services covered under the program must be services that are offered within the scope of practice of the participating health care providers.

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(c) The initiative may establish cost-sharing requirements. Any co-payment or deductible provisions established may not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, economic status, or length of enrollment in the program.

(d) If the initiative amends or alters the benefits offered through the program from the initial offering, the initiative must notify the commissioner of health and all enrollees of the benefit change.

Subd. 9. Enrollee information. (a) The initiative must provide an individual or family who enrolls in the program a clear and concise written statement that includes the following information:

(1) health care services that are provided under the program;

(2) any exclusions or limitations on the health care services offered, including any cost-sharing arrangements or prior authorization requirements;

(3) a list of where the health care services can be obtained and that all health care services must be provided by or through a participating health care provider or community-based health network;

(4) a description of the program's complaint resolution process, including how to submit a complaint; how to file a complaint with the commissioner of health; and how to obtain an external review of any adverse decisions as provided under subdivision 10;

(5) the conditions under which the program or coverage under the program may be canceled or terminated; and

(6) a precise statement specifying that this program is not an insurance product and, as such, is exempt from state regulation of insurance products.

(b) The commissioner of health must approve a copy of the written statement prior to the operation of the program.

Subd. 10. Complaint resolution process. (a) The initiative must establish a complaint resolution process. The process must make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints and to inform complainants in writing of the initiative's decision within 60 days of receiving the complaint. Any decision that is adverse to the enrollee shall include a description of the right to an external review as provided in paragraph (c) and how to exercise this right.

(b) The initiative must report any complaint that is not resolved within 60 days to the commissioner of health.

(c) The initiative must include in the complaint resolution process the ability of an enrollee to pursue the external review process provided under section 62Q.73 with any decision rendered under this external review process binding on the initiative.

Subd. 11. Data privacy. The initiative shall establish data privacy policies and procedures for the program that comply with state and federal data privacy laws.

Subd. 12. Limitations on enrollment. (a) The initiative may limit enrollment in the program. If enrollment is limited, a waiting list must be established.

(b) The initiative shall not restrict or deny enrollment in the program except for nonpayment of premiums, fraud or misrepresentation, or as otherwise permitted under this section.

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(c) The initiative may require a certain percentage of participation from eligible employees of a qualifying employer before coverage can be offered through the program.

Subd. 13. Report. (a) The initiative shall submit quarterly status reports to the commissioner of health on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, with the first report due January 15, 2007. The status report shall include:

(1) the financial status of the program, including the premium rates, cost per member per month, claims paid out, premiums received, and administrative expenses;

(2) a description of the health care benefits offered and the services utilized;

(3) the number of employers participating, the number of employees and dependents covered under the program, and the number of health care providers participating;

(4) a description of the health outcomes to be achieved by the program and a status report on the performance measurements to be used and collected; and

(5) any other information requested by the commissioner of health or commerce or the legislature.

(b) The initiative shall contract with an independent entity to conduct an evaluation of the program to be submitted to the commissioners of health and commerce and the legislature by January 15, 2009. The evaluation shall include:

(1) an analysis of the health outcomes established by the initiative and the performance measurements to determine whether the outcomes are being achieved;

(2) an analysis of the financial status of the program, including the claims to premiums loss ratio and utilization and cost experience;

(3) the demographics of the enrollees, including their age, gender, family income, and the number of dependents;

(4) the number of employers and employees who have been denied access to the program and the basis for the denial;

(5) specific analysis on enrollees who have aggregate medical claims totaling over $5,000 per year, including data on the enrollee's main diagnosis and whether all the medical claims were covered by the program;

(6) number of enrollees referred to state public assistance programs;

(7) a comparison of employer-subsidized health coverage provided in a comparable geographic area to the designated community-based geographic area served by the program, including, to the extent available:

(i) the difference in the number of employers with 50 or fewer employees offering employer-subsidized health coverage;

(ii) the difference in uncompensated care being provided in each area; and

(iii) a comparison of health care outcomes and measurements established by the initiative; and

(8) any other information requested by the commissioner of health or commerce.

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Subd. 14. Sunset. This section expires December 31, 2011.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62J.052, is amended to read:

62J.052 PROVIDER COST DISCLOSURE.

Subdivision 1. Health care providers. (a) Each health care provider, as defined by section 62J.03, subdivision 8, except hospitals and outpatient surgical centers subject to the requirements of section 62J.823, shall provide the following information:

(1) the average allowable payment from private third-party payers for the 20 50 services or procedures most commonly performed;

(2) the average payment rates for those services and procedures for medical assistance;

(3) the average charge for those services and procedures for individuals who have no applicable private or public coverage; and

(4) the average charge for those services and procedures, including all patients.

(b) This information shall be updated annually and be readily available at no cost to the public on site.

Subd. 2. Pharmacies. (a) Each pharmacy, as defined in section 151.01, subdivision 2, shall provide the following information to a patient upon request:

(1) the pharmacy's own usual and customary price for a prescription drug;

(2) a record, including all transactions on record with the pharmacy both past and present, of all co-payments and other cost-sharing paid to the pharmacy by the patient for up to two years; and

(3) the total amount of all co-payments and other cost-sharing paid to the pharmacy by the patient over the previous two years.

(b) The information required under paragraph (a) must be readily available at no cost to the patient.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective October 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62J.81, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Required disclosure of estimated payment. (a) A health care provider, as defined in section 62J.03, subdivision 8, or the provider's designee as agreed to by that designee, shall, at the request of a consumer, provide that consumer with a good faith estimate of the reimbursement the provider expects to receive from the health plan company in which the consumer is enrolled. Health plan companies must allow contracted providers, or their designee, to release this information. A good faith estimate must also be made available at the request of a consumer who is not enrolled in a health plan company. Payment information provided by a provider, or by the provider's designee as agreed to by that designee, to a patient pursuant to this subdivision does not constitute a legally binding estimate of the cost of services.

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requested by the enrollee, the health plan company shall also provide to the enrollee a good faith estimate of the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost for the health care service. An estimate provided to an enrollee under this paragraph is not a legally binding estimate of the reimbursement or out-of-pocket cost.

EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraph (a) is effective the day following final enactment. Paragraph (b) is effective January 1, 2007.

Sec. 7. [62J.823] HOSPITAL PRICING TRANSPARENCY.

Subdivision 1. Short title. This section may be cited as the Hospital Pricing Transparency Act.

Subd. 2. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "estimate" means the actual price expected to be billed to the individual or to the individual's health plan company based on the specific diagnostic related group code or specific procedure code or codes, reflecting any known discounts the individual would receive.

Subd. 3. Applicability and scope. Any hospital, as defined in section 144.696, subdivision 3, and outpatient surgical center, as defined in section 144.696, subdivision 4, shall provide a written estimate of the cost of a specific service or stay upon the request of a patient, doctor, or the patient's representative. The request must include:

(1) the health coverage status of the patient, including the specific health plan or other health coverage under which the patient is enrolled, if any; and

(2) at least one of the following:

(i) the specific diagnostic related group code;

(ii) the name of the procedure or procedures to be performed;

(iii) the type of treatment to be received; or

(iv) any other information that will allow the hospital or outpatient surgical center to determine the specific diagnostic related group or procedure code or codes.

Subd. 4. Estimate. (a) An estimate provided by the hospital or outpatient surgical center must contain:

(1) the method used to calculate the estimate;

(2) the specific diagnostic related group or procedure code or codes used to calculate the estimate, and a description of the diagnostic related group or procedure code or codes that is reasonably understandable to a patient; and

(3) a statement indicating that the estimate, while accurate, may not reflect the actual billed charges and that the final bill may be higher or lower depending on the patient's specific circumstances.

(b) The estimate may be provided in any method that meets the needs of the patient and the hospital or outpatient surgical center, including electronically; however, a paper copy must be provided if specifically requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective October 1, 2006.

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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62L.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Minimum participation and contribution. (a) A small employer that has at least 75 percent of its eligible employees who have not waived coverage participating in a health benefit plan and that contributes at least 50 percent toward the cost of coverage of each eligible employee must be guaranteed coverage on a guaranteed issue basis from any health carrier participating in the small employer market. The participation level of eligible employees must be determined at the initial offering of coverage and at the renewal date of coverage. A health carrier must not increase the participation requirements applicable to a small employer at any time after the small employer has been accepted for coverage. For the purposes of this subdivision, waiver of coverage includes only waivers due to: (1) coverage under another group health plan; (2) coverage under Medicare Parts A and B; (3) coverage under MCHA permitted under section 62E.141; or (4) coverage under medical assistance under chapter 256B or general assistance medical care under chapter 256D.

(b) If a small employer does not satisfy the contribution or participation requirements under this subdivision, a health carrier may voluntarily issue or renew individual health plans, or a health benefit plan which must fully comply with this chapter. A health carrier that provides a health benefit plan to a small employer that does not meet the contribution or participation requirements of this subdivision must maintain this information in its files for audit by the commissioner. A health carrier may not offer an individual health plan, purchased through an arrangement between the employer and the health carrier, to any employee unless the health carrier also offers the individual health plan, on a guaranteed issue basis, to all other employees of the same employer. An arrangement permitted under section 62L.12, subdivision 2, paragraph (k), is not an arrangement between the employer and the health carrier for purposes of this paragraph.

(c) Nothing in this section obligates a health carrier to issue coverage to a small employer that currently offers coverage through a health benefit plan from another health carrier, unless the new coverage will replace the existing coverage and not serve as one of two or more health benefit plans offered by the employer. This paragraph does not apply if the small employer will meet the required participation level with respect to the new coverage.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62L.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Geographic premium variations. A health carrier may request approval by the commissioner to establish ~~no more than three~~ separate geographic regions determined by the health carrier and to establish separate index rates for each such region, provided that the index rates do not vary between any two regions by more than 20 percent. Health carriers that do not do business in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area may request approval for no more than two geographic regions, and clauses (2) and (3) do not apply to approval of requests made by those health carriers. A health carrier may also request approval to establish one or more additional geographic regions and one or more separate index rates for premiums for employees working and residing outside of Minnesota. The commissioner ~~may~~ shall grant approval if the following conditions are met:

(1) the geographic regions must be applied uniformly by the health carrier;

~~(2) one geographic region must be based on the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area;~~

~~(3) if one geographic region is rural, the index rate for the rural region must not exceed the index rate for the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area;~~

(2) each geographic region must be composed of no fewer than seven counties that create a contiguous region; and

~~Journal of the House - 111th Day - Saturday, May 20, 2006 - Top of Page 8091~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2007, and applies to policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62L.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exceptions. (a) A health carrier may sell, issue, or renew individual conversion policies to eligible employees otherwise eligible for conversion coverage under section 62D.104 as a result of leaving a health maintenance organization's service area.

(b) A health carrier may sell, issue, or renew individual conversion policies to eligible employees otherwise eligible for conversion coverage as a result of the expiration of any continuation of group coverage required under sections 62A.146, 62A.17, 62A.21, 62C.142, 62D.101, and 62D.105.

(d) A health carrier may sell, issue, or renew individual continuation policies to eligible employees as required.

(e) A health carrier may sell, issue, or renew individual health plans if the coverage is appropriate due to an unexpired preexisting condition limitation or exclusion applicable to the person under the employer's group health plan or due to the person's need for health care services not covered under the employer's group health plan.

(f) A health carrier may sell, issue, or renew an individual health plan, if the individual has elected to buy the individual health plan not as part of a general plan to substitute individual health plans for a group health plan nor as a result of any violation of subdivision 3 or 4.

(g) Nothing in this subdivision relieves a health carrier of any obligation to provide continuation or conversion coverage otherwise required under federal or state law.

(h) Nothing in this chapter restricts the offer, sale, issuance, or renewal of coverage issued as a supplement to Medicare under sections 62A.31 to 62A.44, or policies or contracts that supplement Medicare issued by health maintenance organizations, or those contracts governed by sections 1833, 1851 to 1859, 1860D, or 1876 of the federal Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, section 1395 et seq., as amended.

(i) Nothing in this chapter restricts the offer, sale, issuance, or renewal of individual health plans necessary to comply with a court order.

(j) A health carrier may offer, issue, sell, or renew an individual health plan to persons eligible for an employer group health plan, if the individual health plan is a high deductible health plan for use in connection with an existing health savings account, in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, section 223. In that situation, the same or a different health carrier may offer, issue, sell, or renew a group health plan to cover the other eligible employees in the group.

Journal of the House - 111th Day - Saturday, May 20, 2006 - Top of Page 8092

contributing to the premiums or facilitating the administration of the individual health plan if the employer does not contribute to the premium and merely collects the premiums from an employee's wages or salary through payroll deductions and submits payment for the premiums of one or more employees in a lump sum to the health carrier. Except for coverage under section 62A.65, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), or 62E.16, at the request of an employee, the health carrier may bill the employer for the premiums payable by the employee, provided that the employer is not liable for payment except from payroll deductions for that purpose. If an employer is submitting payments under this paragraph, the health carrier shall provide a cancellation notice directly to the primary insured at least ten days prior to termination of coverage for nonpayment of premium. Individual coverage under this paragraph may be offered only if the small employer has not provided coverage under section 62L.03 to the employees within the past 12 months.

The employer must provide a written and signed statement to the health carrier that the employer is not contributing directly or indirectly to the employee's premiums. The health carrier may rely on the employer's statement and is not required to guarantee-issue individual health plans to the employer's other current or future employees.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123A.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Educational programs and services. (a) The board of directors of each SC shall submit annually a plan to the members. The plan shall identify the programs and services which are suggested for implementation by the SC during the following year and shall contain components of long-range planning determined by the SC. These programs and services may include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

(1) administrative services;

(2) curriculum development;

(3) data processing;

(4) distance learning and other telecommunication services;

(5) evaluation and research;

(6) staff development;

(7) media and technology centers;

(8) publication and dissemination of materials;

(9) pupil personnel services;

(10) planning;

(11) secondary, postsecondary, community, adult, and adult vocational education;

(12) teaching and learning services, including services for students with special talents and special needs;

(13) employee personnel services;

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(14) vocational rehabilitation;

(15) health, diagnostic, and child development services and centers;

(16) leadership or direction in early childhood and family education;

(17) community services;

(18) shared time programs;

(19) fiscal services and risk management programs, including health insurance programs providing reinsurance or stop loss coverage;

(20) technology planning, training, and support services;

(21) health and safety services;

(22) student academic challenges; and

(23) cooperative purchasing services.

An SC is subject to regulation and oversight by the commissioner of commerce under the insurance laws of this state when operating a health reinsurance program pursuant to clause (19) providing reinsurance or stop loss coverage.

(b) A group health, dental, or long-term disability coverage program provided by one or more service cooperatives may provide coverage to nursing homes licensed under chapter 144A and to boarding care homes licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56 and certified for participation in the medical assistance program located in this state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123A.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 12. Health coverage pool comparison shopping. (a) Service cooperative must permit school districts and other political subdivisions participating in a service cooperative health coverage pool to solicit bids and other information from competing sources of health coverage at any time other than within five months prior to the end of a master agreement.

(b) A service cooperative must not impose a fine or other penalty against an enrolled entity for soliciting a bid or other information during the allowed period. The service cooperative may prohibit the entity from participating in service cooperative coverage for a period of up to one year, if the entity leaves the service cooperative pool and obtains other health coverage.

(c) A service cooperative must provide each enrolled entity with the entity's monthly claims data. This paragraph applies notwithstanding section 13.203.

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Sec. 13. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 4, article 7, section 59, is amended to read:

Sec. 59. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE.

The commissioner shall report to the legislature by December 15, 2006, on the redesign of case management services. In preparing the report, the commissioner shall consult with representatives for consumers, consumer advocates, counties, labor organizations representing county social service workers, and service providers. The report shall include draft legislation for case management changes that will:

(1) streamline administration;

(2) improve consumer access to case management services;

(3) address the use of a comprehensive universal assessment protocol for persons seeking community supports;

(4) establish case management performance measures;

(5) provide for consumer choice of the case management service vendor; and

(6) provide a method of payment for case management services that is cost-effective and best supports the draft legislation in clauses (1) to (5)."

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

Amend the title accordingly

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Rukavina moved to amend S. F. No. 3480, as amended, as follows:

Page 15, after line 27, insert:

"Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 65B.44, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a. Disability and income loss benefits election; senior citizens. A plan of reparation security issued to or renewed with a person who has attained the age of 65 60 years, or who is retired and receiving a pension, must provide disability and income loss benefits under section 65B.44, subdivision 3, unless the insured elects not to have this coverage. An election by the insured not to have this coverage remains in effect until revoked by the insured. The reparation obligor shall notify a person of the person's rights under this section at the time of the sale or the first renewal of the policy after the insured has attained the age of 65 60 years, or after the insurer has been notified that the insured is retired and receiving a pension, and at least annually after that. The rate for any plan for which coverage has been excluded or reduced pursuant to this section must be reduced accordingly. This section does apply to self-insurance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to plans of reparation security issued or renewed on or after that date."

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

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Abeler moved to amend S. F. No. 3480, as amended, as follows:

Page 15, delete section 24

Renumber sections in sequence

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Abeler moved to amend S. F. No. 3480, as amended, as follows:

Page 32, after line 27, insert:

"Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62D.095, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Deductibles. ~~(a)~~ A health maintenance contract issued by a health maintenance organization ~~that is assessed less than three percent of the total annual amount assessed by the Minnesota comprehensive health association~~ may impose deductibles not to exceed ~~$3,000~~ $4,000 per person, per year and ~~$6,000~~ $8,000 per family, per year. ~~For purposes of the percentage calculation, a health maintenance organization's assessments include those of its affiliates.~~

~~(b) All other health maintenance contracts may impose deductibles not to exceed $2,250 per person, per year and $4,500 per family, per year.~~

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62D.095, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Annual out-of-pocket maximums. ~~(a)~~ A health maintenance contract issued by a health maintenance organization ~~that is assessed less than three percent of the total annual amount assessed by the Minnesota comprehensive health association~~ must include a limitation not to exceed ~~$4,500~~ $5,000 per person and ~~$7,500~~ $10,000 per family on total annual out-of-pocket enrollee cost-sharing expenses. ~~For purposes of the percentage calculation, a health maintenance organization's assessments include those of its affiliates.~~

~~(b) All other health maintenance contracts must include a limitation not to exceed $3,000 per person and $6,000 per family on total annual out-of-pocket enrollee cost-sharing expenses.~~"

Page 36, after line 4, insert:

"Sec. 25. [62J.83] REDUCED PAYMENT AMOUNTS PERMITTED.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 148 or any other provision of law to the contrary, a health care provider may provide care to a patient at a discounted payment amount, including care provided for free.

(b) This section does not apply in a situation in which the discounted payment amount is not permitted under federal law.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment."

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Page 37, after line 23, insert:

"Sec. 29. [62M.071] PRIOR AUTHORIZATION.

Health plan companies, in cooperation with health care providers, shall review prior authorization procedures administered by utilization review organizations and health plan companies to ensure the cost-effective use of prior authorization and minimization of provider, clinic, and central office administrative burden.

Sec. 30. [62M.072] USE OF EVIDENCE-BASED STANDARDS.

If no independently developed evidence-based standards exist for a particular treatment, testing, or imaging procedure, then an insurer or utilization review organization shall not deny coverage of the treatment, testing, or imaging based solely on the grounds that the treatment, testing, or imaging does not meet an evidence-based standard. This section does not prohibit an insurer or utilization review organization from denying coverage for services that are investigational, experimental, or not medically necessary.

Sec. 31. [62Q.645] DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION; ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AND COVERAGE OPTIONS.

(a) The commissioner may use reports submitted by health plan companies, service cooperatives, and the public employee insurance program created in section 43A.316 to compile entity specific administrative efficiency reports; may make these reports available on state agency Web sites, including minnesotahealthinfo.com; and may include information on:

(1) number of covered lives;

(2) covered services;

(3) geographic availability;

(4) whom to contact to obtain current premium rates;

(5) administrative costs, using the definition of administrative costs developed under section 62J.38;

(6) Internet links to information on the health plan, if available; and

(7) any other information about the health plan identified by the commissioner as being useful for employers, consumers, providers, and others in evaluating health plan options.

(b) This section does not apply to a health plan company unless its annual Minnesota premiums exceed $50,000,000 based on the most recent assessment base of the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association. For purposes of this determination, the premiums of a health plan company include those of its affiliates."

Page 73, after line 3, insert:

"Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123A.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

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(1) administrative services;

(2) curriculum development;

(3) data processing;

(4) distance learning and other telecommunication services;

(5) evaluation and research;

(6) staff development;

(7) media and technology centers;

(8) publication and dissemination of materials;

(9) pupil personnel services;

(10) planning;

(11) secondary, postsecondary, community, adult, and adult vocational education;

(12) teaching and learning services, including services for students with special talents and special needs;

(13) employee personnel services;

(14) vocational rehabilitation;

(15) health, diagnostic, and child development services and centers;

(16) leadership or direction in early childhood and family education;

(17) community services;

(18) shared time programs;

(19) fiscal services and risk management programs;

(20) technology planning, training, and support services;

(21) health and safety services;

(22) student academic challenges; and

(23) cooperative purchasing services.

(b) A group health, dental, or long-term disability coverage program provided by one or more service cooperatives:

(1) must rebid contracts for insurance and third-party administration at least every four years. The contracts may be regional or statewide in the discretion of the SC; and

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(2) may determine premiums for its health, dental, or long-term disability coverage individually for specific employers or may determine them on a pooled or other basis established by the SC.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment."

Page 80, after line 8, insert:

"Sec. 72. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE REPORT.

(a) The commissioner of commerce shall provide to the legislature annually a brief written report on the status of the market for medical malpractice insurance in Minnesota. The report must summarize, interpret, explain, and analyze information on that subject available to the commissioner, through annual statements filed by insurance companies, information obtained under paragraph (c), and other sources.

(b) The annual report must consider, to the extent possible, using definitions developed by the commissioner, Minnesota-specific data on market shares; premiums received; amounts paid to settle claims that were not litigated, claims that were settled after litigation began, and claims that were litigated to court judgment; amounts spent on processing, investigation, litigation, and otherwise handling claims; other sales and administrative costs; and the loss ratios of the insurers.

(c) Each insurance company that provides medical malpractice insurance in this state shall, no later than June 1 each year, file with the commissioner of commerce, on a form prescribed by the commissioner and using definitions developed by the commissioner, the Minnesota-specific data referenced in paragraph (b), other than market share, for the previous calendar year for that insurance company, shown separately for various categories of coverages including, if possible, hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, physicians who provide emergency medical care, obstetrician gynecologists, and ambulance services. An insurance company need not comply with this paragraph if its direct premium written in the state for the previous calendar year is less than $2,000,000."

Page 80, after line 13, insert:

"(c) Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62Q.251, is repealed."

Page 80, line 14, delete "is" and insert ", paragraphs (a) and (b), are" and before the period, insert "and paragraph (c) is effective the day following final enactment"

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

Amend the title accordingly

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

Lesch offered an amendment to S. F. No. 3480, as amended.

POINT OF ORDER

Wilkin raised a point of order pursuant to rule 3.21 that the Lesch amendment was not in order. Speaker pro tempore Davids ruled the point of order well taken and the Lesch amendment out of order.

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S. F. No. 3480, A bill for an act relating to commerce; regulating license education; regulating certain insurers, insurance forms and rates, coverages, purchases, filings, utilization reviews, and claims; enacting an interstate insurance product regulation compact and providing for its administration; regulating the Minnesota uniform health care identification card; requiring certain reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 61A.02, subdivision 3; 61A.092, subdivision 3; 62A.02, subdivision 3; 62A.095, subdivision 1; 62A.17, subdivisions 1, 2; 62A.27; 62A.3093; 62C.14, subdivisions 9, 10; 62E.13, subdivision 3; 62E.14, subdivision 5; 62J.60, subdivisions 2, 3; 62L.02, subdivision 24; 62M.01, subdivision 2; 62M.09, subdivision 9; 62S.05, by adding a subdivision; 62S.08, subdivision 3; 62S.081, subdivision 4; 62S.10, subdivision 2; 62S.13, by adding a subdivision; 62S.14, subdivision 2; 62S.15; 62S.20, subdivision 1; 62S.24, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, by adding subdivisions; 62S.25, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; 62S.26; 62S.265, subdivision 1; 62S.266, subdivision 2; 62S.29, subdivision 1; 62S.30; 70A.07; 72C.10, subdivision 1; 79.01, by adding subdivisions; 79.251, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 79.252, by adding subdivisions; 79A.23, subdivision 3; 79A.32; 123A.21, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 45.22; 45.23; 62A.316; 65B.49, subdivision 5a; 72A.201, subdivision 6; 79A.04, subdivision 2; 256B.0571; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 43A; 61A; 62A; 62Q; 62S; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 256B.0571, subdivisions 2, 5, 11; Minnesota Rules, parts 2781.0100; 2781.0200; 2781.0300; 2781.0400; 2781.0500; 2781.0600.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended, and placed upon its final passage.

The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 131 yeas and 1 nay as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

H. F. No. 2656 was reported to the House.

Smith and Murphy moved to amend H. F. No. 2656 as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"ARTICLE 1

GENERAL CRIMINAL AND SENTENCING PROVISIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.10, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Procedures in cases where state intends to seek an aggravated departure. (a) When the prosecutor provides reasonable notice under subdivision 4, the district court shall allow the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury of 12 members the factors in support of the state's request for an aggravated departure from the Sentencing Guidelines or the state's request for an aggravated sentence under any sentencing enhancement statute or the state's request for a mandatory minimum under section 609.11 as provided in paragraph (b) or (c).

(b) The district court shall allow a unitary trial and final argument to a jury regarding both evidence in support of the elements of the offense and evidence in support of aggravating factors when the evidence in support of the aggravating factors:

(1) would be admissible as part of the trial on the elements of the offense; or

(2) would not result in unfair prejudice to the defendant.

The existence of each aggravating factor shall be determined by use of a special verdict form.

Upon the request of the prosecutor, the court shall allow bifurcated argument and jury deliberations.

(c) The district court shall bifurcate the proceedings, or impanel a resentencing jury, to allow for the production of evidence, argument, and deliberations on the existence of factors in support of an aggravated departure after the return of a guilty verdict when the evidence in support of an aggravated departure:

(1) includes evidence that is otherwise inadmissible at a trial on the elements of the offense; and

(2) would result in unfair prejudice to the defendant.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to sentencing hearings, resentencing hearings, and sentencing departures sought on or after that date.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.10, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Defendants to present evidence and argument. In either a unitary or bifurcated trial under subdivision 5, a defendant shall be allowed to present evidence and argument to the jury or factfinder regarding whether facts exist that would justify an aggravated ~~durational~~ departure or an aggravated sentence under any sentencing enhancement statute or a mandatory minimum sentence under section 609.11. A defendant is not allowed to present evidence or argument to the jury or factfinder regarding facts in support of a mitigated departure during the trial, but may present evidence and argument in support of a mitigated departure to the judge as factfinder during a sentencing hearing.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to sentencing hearings, resentencing hearings, and sentencing departures sought on or after that date.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.10, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Waiver of jury determination. The defendant may waive the right to a jury determination of whether facts exist that would justify an aggravated sentence. Upon receipt of a waiver of a jury trial on this issue, the district court shall determine beyond a reasonable doubt whether the factors in support of the state's motion for aggravated departure or an aggravated sentence under any sentencing enhancement statute or a mandatory minimum sentence under section 609.11 exist.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to sentencing hearings, resentencing hearings, and sentencing departures sought on or after that date.

Sec. 4. [340A.706] ALCOHOL WITHOUT LIQUID DEVICES PROHIBITED.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, an "alcohol without liquid device" is a device, machine, apparatus, or appliance that mixes an alcoholic beverage with pure or diluted oxygen to produce an alcohol vapor that may be inhaled by an individual. An "alcohol without liquid device" does not include an inhaler, nebulizer, atomizer, or other device that is designed and intended specifically for medical purposes to dispense prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Subd. 2. Prohibition. Except as provided in subdivision 3, it is unlawful for any person or business establishment to possess, purchase, sell, offer to sell, or use an alcohol without liquid device.

Subd. 3. Research exemption. This section does not apply to a hospital that operates primarily for the purpose of conducting scientific research, a state institution conducting bona fide research, a private college or university conducting bona fide research, or a pharmaceutical company or biotechnology company conducting bona fide research.

Subd. 4. Penalty. Except as provided in subdivision 3, it is unlawful for any person or business establishment to utilize a nebulizer, inhaler, or atomizer or other device as described in subdivision 1, for the purposes of inhaling alcoholic beverages.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to violations committed on or after that date.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.155, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

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(b) "Person" means any natural person, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, however organized.

(1) operates a place of refuge where abused, neglected, unwanted, impounded, abandoned, orphaned, or displaced wildlife are provided care for their lifetime;

(2) does not conduct any commercial activity with respect to any animal of which the organization is an owner; and

(3) does not buy, sell, trade, auction, lease, loan, or breed any animal of which the organization is an owner, except as an integral part of the species survival plan of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

(d) "Possess" means to own, care for, have custody of, or control.

(e) "Regulated animal" means:

(1) all members of the Felidae family including, but not limited to, lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, and servals, but not including domestic cats or cats recognized as a domestic breed, registered as a domestic breed, and shown as a domestic breed by a national or international multibreed cat registry association;

(2) bears; and

(3) all nonhuman primates, including, but not limited to, lemurs, monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, marmosets, lorises, and tamarins.

Regulated animal includes any hybrid or cross between an animal listed in clause (1), (2), or (3) and a domestic animal and offspring from all subsequent generations of those crosses or hybrids.

(f) "Local animal control authority" means an agency of the state, county, municipality, or other governmental subdivision of the state that is responsible for animal control operations in its jurisdiction.

(g) "Bodily harm," "substantial bodily harm," and "great bodily harm" have the meanings given them in section 609.02.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.155, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Requirements. (a) A person who possesses a regulated animal must maintain health and ownership records on each animal and must maintain the records for the life of the animal. If possession of the regulated animal is transferred to another person, a copy of the health and ownership records must accompany the animal.

(b) A person who possesses a regulated animal must maintain an ongoing program of veterinary care which includes a veterinary visit to the premises at least annually.

(c) A person who possesses a regulated animal must notify the local animal control authority in writing within ten days of a change in address or location where the regulated animal is kept. The notification of change in address or location form must be prepared by the Minnesota Animal Control Association and approved by the Board of Animal Health.

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(d) A person with a United States Department of Agriculture license for regulated animals shall forward a copy of the United States Department of Agriculture inspection report to the local animal control authority within 30 days of receipt of the inspection report.

(e) A person who possesses a regulated animal shall prominently display a sign on the structure where the animal is housed indicating that a dangerous regulated animal is on the premises.

(f) A person who possesses a regulated animal must notify, as soon as practicable, local law enforcement officials of any escape of a regulated animal. The person who possesses the regulated animal is liable for any costs incurred by any person, city, county, or state agency resulting from the escape of a regulated animal unless the escape is due to a criminal act by another person or a natural event.

(g) A person who possesses a regulated animal must maintain a written recovery plan in the event of the escape of a regulated animal. The person must maintain live traps, or other equipment necessary to assist in the recovery of the regulated animal.

(h) ~~If requested by the local animal control authority,~~ A person may not move a regulated animal from its location unless the person notifies the local animal control authority prior to moving the animal. The notification must include the date and the location where the animal is to be moved. This paragraph does not apply to a regulated animal transported to a licensed veterinarian.

(i) If a person who possesses a regulated animal can no longer care for the animal, the person shall take steps to find long-term placement for the regulated animal.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.155, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Seizure. (a) The local animal control authority, upon issuance of a notice of inspection, must be granted access at reasonable times to sites where the local animal control authority has reason to believe a violation of this chapter is occurring or has occurred.

(b) If a person who possesses a regulated animal is not in compliance with the requirements of this section, the local animal control authority shall take possession of the animal for custody and care, provided that the procedures in this subdivision are followed.

(c) Upon request of a person possessing a regulated animal, the local animal control authority may allow the animal to remain in the physical custody of the owner for 30 days, during which time the owner shall take all necessary actions to come in compliance with this section. During the 30-day period, the local animal control authority may inspect, at any reasonable time, the premises where the animal is kept.

(d) If a person who possesses a regulated animal is not in compliance with this section following the 30-day period described in paragraph (c), the local animal control authority shall seize the animal and place it in a holding facility that is appropriate for the species for up to ten days.

(e) The authority taking custody of an animal under this section shall provide a notice of the seizure by delivering or mailing it to the owner, by posting a copy of it at the place where the animal is taken into custody, or by delivering it to a person residing on the property. The notice must include:

(1) a description of the animal seized; the authority for and purpose of the seizure; the time, place, and circumstances under which the animal was seized; and a contact person and telephone number;

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(2) a statement that a person from whom a regulated animal was seized may post security to prevent disposition of the animal and may request a hearing concerning the seizure and that failure to do so within five business days of the date of the notice will result in disposition of the animal;

(3) a statement that actual costs of the care, keeping, and disposal of the regulated animal are the responsibility of the person from whom the animal was seized, except to the extent that a court or hearing officer finds that the seizure or impoundment was not substantially justified by law; and

(4) a form that can be used by a person from whom a regulated animal was seized for requesting a hearing under this subdivision.

~~(e)~~ (f) If a person from whom the regulated animal was seized makes a request within five business days of the seizure, a hearing must be held within five business days of the request to determine the validity of the seizure and disposition of the animal. The judge or hearing officer may authorize the return of the animal to the person from whom the animal was seized if the judge or hearing officer finds:

(1) that the person can and will provide the care required by law for the regulated animal; and

(2) the regulated animal is physically fit.

~~(f)~~ (g) If a judge or hearing officer orders a permanent disposition of the regulated animal, the local animal control authority may take steps to find long-term placement for the animal with a wildlife sanctuary, persons authorized by the Department of Natural Resources, or an appropriate United States Department of Agriculture licensed facility.

~~(g)~~ (h) A person from whom a regulated animal is seized is liable for all actual costs of care, keeping, and disposal of the animal, except to the extent that a court or hearing officer finds that the seizure was not substantially justified by law. The costs must be paid in full or a mutually satisfactory arrangement for payment must be made between the local animal control authority and the person claiming an interest in the animal before return of the animal to the person.

~~(h)~~ (i) A person from whom a regulated animal has been seized under this subdivision may prevent disposition of the animal by posting security in the amount sufficient to provide for the actual costs of care and keeping of the animal. The security must be posted within five business days of the seizure, inclusive of the day of the seizure.

~~(i)~~ (j) If circumstances exist threatening the life of a person or the life of any animal, local law enforcement or the local animal control authority ~~shall~~ may seize a regulated animal without an opportunity for hearing or court order, or destroy the animal.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.155, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9a. Confinement and control. A person violates this subdivision who possesses a regulated animal and negligently fails to control the animal or keep it properly confined and as a result the animal causes bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm to another person.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.155, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Penalty. (a) A person who knowingly violates subdivision 2, 3, paragraph (b) or (c), or 4 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person who knowingly violates subdivision 3, paragraph (a), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(c) A person who violates subdivision 9a, resulting in bodily harm is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.

(d) A person who violates subdivision 9a, resulting in substantial bodily harm is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(e) A person who violates subdivision 9a, resulting in great bodily harm or death is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both, unless a greater penalty is provided elsewhere.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 518B.01, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14. Violation of an order for protection. (a) A person who violates an order for protection issued by a judge or referee is subject to the penalties provided in paragraphs (b) to (d).

(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), whenever an order for protection is granted by a judge or referee or pursuant to a similar law of another state, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, or United States territories, and the respondent or person to be restrained knows of the existence of the order, violation of the order for protection is a misdemeanor. Upon a misdemeanor conviction under this paragraph, the defendant must be sentenced to a minimum of three days imprisonment and must be ordered to participate in counseling or other appropriate programs selected by the court. If the court stays imposition or execution of the jail sentence and the defendant refuses or fails to comply with the court's treatment order, the court must impose and execute the stayed jail sentence. A violation of an order for protection shall also constitute contempt of court and be subject to the penalties provided in chapter 588.

(c) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who knowingly violates this subdivision ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence for that offense~~ or adjudication of delinquency. Upon a gross misdemeanor conviction under this paragraph, the defendant must be sentenced to a minimum of ten days imprisonment and must be ordered to participate in counseling or other appropriate programs selected by the court. Notwithstanding section 609.135, the court must impose and execute the minimum sentence provided in this paragraph for gross misdemeanor convictions.

(d) A person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person knowingly violates this subdivision:

(1) ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of the first of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence for that offense~~ or adjudications of delinquency; or

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(2) while possessing a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6.

Upon a felony conviction under this paragraph in which the court stays imposition or execution of sentence, the court shall impose at least a 30-day period of incarceration as a condition of probation. The court also shall order that the defendant participate in counseling or other appropriate programs selected by the court. Notwithstanding section 609.135, the court must impose and execute the minimum sentence provided in this paragraph for felony convictions.

(e) A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated an order granted pursuant to this section or a similar law of another state, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, or United States territories restraining the person or excluding the person from the residence or the petitioner's place of employment, even if the violation of the order did not take place in the presence of the peace officer, if the existence of the order can be verified by the officer. The probable cause required under this paragraph includes probable cause that the person knows of the existence of the order. If the order has not been served, the officer shall immediately serve the order whenever reasonably safe and possible to do so. An order for purposes of this subdivision, includes the short form order described in subdivision 8a. When the order is first served upon the person at a location at which, under the terms of the order, the person's presence constitutes a violation, the person shall not be arrested for violation of the order without first being given a reasonable opportunity to leave the location in the presence of the peace officer. A person arrested under this paragraph shall be held in custody for at least 36 hours, excluding the day of arrest, Sundays, and holidays, unless the person is released earlier by a judge or judicial officer. A peace officer acting in good faith and exercising due care in making an arrest pursuant to this paragraph is immune from civil liability that might result from the officer's actions.

(f) If the court finds that the respondent has violated an order for protection and that there is reason to believe that the respondent will commit a further violation of the provisions of the order restraining the respondent from committing acts of domestic abuse or excluding the respondent from the petitioner's residence, the court may require the respondent to acknowledge an obligation to comply with the order on the record. The court may require a bond sufficient to deter the respondent from committing further violations of the order for protection, considering the financial resources of the respondent, and not to exceed $10,000. If the respondent refuses to comply with an order to acknowledge the obligation or post a bond under this paragraph, the court shall commit the respondent to the county jail during the term of the order for protection or until the respondent complies with the order under this paragraph. The warrant must state the cause of commitment, with the sum and time for which any bond is required. If an order is issued under this paragraph, the court may order the costs of the contempt action, or any part of them, to be paid by the respondent. An order under this paragraph is appealable.

(g) Upon the filing of an affidavit by the petitioner, any peace officer, or an interested party designated by the court, alleging that the respondent has violated any order for protection granted pursuant to this section or a similar law of another state, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, or United States territories, the court may issue an order to the respondent, requiring the respondent to appear and show cause within 14 days why the respondent should not be found in contempt of court and punished therefor. The hearing may be held by the court in any county in which the petitioner or respondent temporarily or permanently resides at the time of the alleged violation, or in the county in which the alleged violation occurred, if the petitioner and respondent do not reside in this state. The court also shall refer the violation of the order for protection to the appropriate prosecuting authority for possible prosecution under paragraph (b), (c), or (d).

(h) If it is alleged that the respondent has violated an order for protection issued under subdivision 6 or a similar law of another state, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, or United States territories, and the court finds that the order has expired between the time of the alleged violation and the court's hearing on the violation, the court may grant a new order for protection under subdivision 6 based solely on the respondent's alleged violation of the prior order, to be effective until the hearing on the alleged violation of the prior order. If the

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court finds that the respondent has violated the prior order, the relief granted in the new order for protection shall be extended for a fixed period, not to exceed one year, except when the court determines a longer fixed period is appropriate.

(i) The admittance into petitioner's dwelling of an abusing party excluded from the dwelling under an order for protection is not a violation by the petitioner of the order for protection.

A peace officer is not liable under section 609.43, clause (1), for a failure to perform a duty required by paragraph (e).

(j) When a person is convicted under paragraph (b) or (c) of violating an order for protection and the court determines that the person used a firearm in any way during commission of the violation, the court may order that the person is prohibited from possessing any type of firearm for any period longer than three years or for the remainder of the person's life. A person who violates this paragraph is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. At the time of the conviction, the court shall inform the defendant whether and for how long the defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and that it is a gross misdemeanor to violate this paragraph. The failure of the court to provide this information to a defendant does not affect the applicability of the firearm possession prohibition or the gross misdemeanor penalty to that defendant.

(k) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (j), when a person is convicted under paragraph (b) or (c) of violating an order for protection, the court shall inform the defendant that the defendant is prohibited from possessing a pistol for three years from the date of conviction and that it is a gross misdemeanor offense to violate this prohibition. The failure of the court to provide this information to a defendant does not affect the applicability of the pistol possession prohibition or the gross misdemeanor penalty to that defendant.

(l) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (j), a person is not entitled to possess a pistol if the person has been convicted under paragraph (b) or (c) after August 1, 1996, of violating an order for protection, unless three years have elapsed from the date of conviction and, during that time, the person has not been convicted of any other violation of this section. Property rights may not be abated but access may be restricted by the courts. A person who possesses a pistol in violation of this paragraph is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(m) If the court determines that a person convicted under paragraph (b) or (c) of violating an order for protection owns or possesses a firearm and used it in any way during the commission of the violation, it shall order that the firearm be summarily forfeited under section 609.5316, subdivision 3.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 518B.01, subdivision 22, is amended to read:

Subd. 22. Domestic abuse no contact order. (a) A domestic abuse no contact order is an order issued by a court against a defendant in a criminal proceeding for:

(1) domestic abuse;

(2) harassment or stalking charged under section 609.749 and committed against a family or household member;

(3) violation of an order for protection charged under subdivision 14; or

(4) violation of a prior domestic abuse no contact order charged under this subdivision.

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It includes pretrial orders before final disposition of the case and probationary orders after sentencing.

(b) A person who knows of the existence of a domestic abuse no contact order issued against the person and violates the order is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who knowingly violates this subdivision within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction or adjudication of delinquency.

(d) A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated a domestic abuse no contact order, even if the violation of the order did not take place in the presence of the peace officer, if the existence of the order can be verified by the officer. The person shall be held in custody for at least 36 hours, excluding the day of arrest, Sundays, and holidays, unless the person is released earlier by a judge or judicial officer. A peace officer acting in good faith and exercising due care in making an arrest pursuant to this paragraph is immune from civil liability that might result from the officer's actions.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.02, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16. Qualified domestic violence-related offense. "Qualified domestic violence-related offense" includes the following offenses: sections 518B.01, subdivision 14 (violation of domestic abuse order for protection); 518B.01, subdivision 22 (violation of domestic abuse no contact order); 609.221 (first-degree assault); 609.222 (second-degree assault); 609.223 (third-degree assault); 609.2231 (fourth-degree assault); 609.224 (fifth-degree assault); 609.2242 (domestic assault); 609.2247 (domestic assault by strangulation); 609.342 (first-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.343 (second-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.344 (third-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.345 (fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct); 609.377 (malicious punishment of a child); 609.713 (terroristic threats); 609.748, subdivision 6 (violation of harassment restraining order); ~~and~~ 609.749 (harassment/stalking); and 609.78, subdivision 2 (interference with an emergency call); and similar laws of other states, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and United States territories.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.11, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Prosecutor shall establish. Whenever reasonable grounds exist to believe that the defendant or an accomplice used a firearm or other dangerous weapon or had in possession a firearm, at the time of commission of an offense listed in subdivision 9, the prosecutor shall, at the time of trial or at the plea of guilty, present on the record all evidence tending to establish that fact unless it is otherwise admitted on the record. The question of whether the defendant or an accomplice, at the time of commission of an offense listed in subdivision 9, used a firearm or other dangerous weapon or had in possession a firearm shall be determined by the ~~court on the record~~ factfinder at the time of a verdict or finding of guilt at trial or the entry of a plea of guilty based upon the record of the trial or the plea of guilty. The ~~court~~ factfinder shall also determine ~~on the record at the time of sentencing~~ whether the defendant has been convicted of a second or subsequent offense in which the defendant or an accomplice, at the time of commission of an offense listed in subdivision 9, used a firearm or other dangerous weapon or had in possession a firearm.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.153, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Application. This section applies to the following misdemeanor-level crimes: sections 152.093 (manufacture or delivery of drug paraphernalia prohibited); 152.095 (advertisement of drug paraphernalia prohibited); 609.324 (prostitution); 609.3243 (loitering with intent to participate in prostitution); 609.546 (motor vehicle tampering); 609.595 (damage to property); and 609.66 (dangerous weapons); misdemeanor-level violations of section 609.605 (trespass); and violations of local ordinances prohibiting the unlawful sale or possession of controlled substances.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006 and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.2231, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Public employees with mandated duties. A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who:

(1) assaults an agricultural inspector, occupational safety and health investigator, child protection worker, public health nurse, animal control officer, or probation or parole officer while the employee is engaged in the performance of a duty mandated by law, court order, or ordinance;

(2) knows that the victim is a public employee engaged in the performance of the official public duties of the office; and

(3) inflicts demonstrable bodily harm.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.224, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Gross misdemeanor. (a) Whoever violates the provisions of subdivision 1 against the same victim ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction or adjudication of delinquency ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense,~~ is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(b) Whoever violates the provisions of subdivision 1 within ~~two~~ three years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction or adjudication of delinquency is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(c) A caregiver, as defined in section 609.232, who is an individual and who violates the provisions of subdivision 1 against a vulnerable adult, as defined in section 609.232, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.224, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Felony. (a) Whoever violates the provisions of subdivision 1 against the same victim ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of the first of any combination of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions or adjudications of delinquency ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense~~ is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

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(b) Whoever violates the provisions of subdivision 1 within three years of the first of any combination of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions or adjudications of delinquency is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.2242, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Gross misdemeanor. Whoever violates subdivision 1 ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction or adjudication of delinquency against a family or household member as defined in section 518B.01, subdivision 2, ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense~~ is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.2242, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Felony. Whoever violates the provisions of this section or section 609.224, subdivision 1, ~~against the same victim during the time period between~~ within ten years of the first of any combination of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions or adjudications of delinquency ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense~~ is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.282, is amended to read:

609.282 LABOR TRAFFICKING.

Subdivision 1. Individuals under age 18. Whoever knowingly engages in the labor trafficking of an individual who is under the age of 18 is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $40,000, or both.

Subd. 2. Other offenses. Whoever knowingly engages in the labor trafficking of another is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 15 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $30,000, or both.

Subd. 3. Consent or age of victim not a defense. In a prosecution under this section the consent or age of the victim is not a defense.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.283, is amended to read:

609.283 UNLAWFUL CONDUCT WITH RESPECT TO DOCUMENTS IN FURTHERANCE OF LABOR OR SEX TRAFFICKING.

Subdivision 1. Crime defined. Unless the person's conduct constitutes a violation of section 609.282, a person who knowingly destroys, conceals, removes, confiscates, or possesses any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document, of another person:

(1) in the course of a violation of section 609.282 or 609.322;

(2) with intent to violate section 609.282 or 609.322; or

(3) to prevent or restrict or to attempt to prevent or restrict, without lawful authority, a person's liberty to move or travel, in order to maintain the labor or services of that person, when the person is or has been a victim of a violation of section 609.282 or 609.322;

is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2.

Subd. 2. Penalties. A person who violates subdivision 1 may be sentenced as follows:

(1) if the crime involves a victim under the age of 18, to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of $20,000, or both; or

(2) in other cases, to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

Subd. 3. Consent or age of victim not a defense. In a prosecution under this section the consent or age of the victim is not a defense.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.3455, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Mandatory sentence for certain engrained offenders. (a) A court shall commit a person to the commissioner of corrections for a period of time that is not less than double the presumptive sentence under the sentencing guidelines and not more than the statutory maximum, or if the statutory maximum is less than double the presumptive sentence, for a period of time that is equal to the statutory maximum, if:

(1) the court is imposing an executed sentence on a person convicted of committing or attempting to commit a violation of section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3453;

(2) the factfinder determines that the offender is a danger to public safety; and

(3) the factfinder determines that the offender's criminal sexual behavior is so engrained that the risk of reoffending is great without intensive psychotherapeutic intervention or other long-term treatment or supervision extending beyond the presumptive term of imprisonment and supervised release.

(b) The factfinder shall base its determination that the offender is a danger to public safety on any of the following factors:

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(1) the crime involved an aggravating factor that would justify a durational departure from the presumptive sentence under the sentencing guidelines;

(2) the offender previously committed or attempted to commit a predatory crime or a violation of section 609.224 or 609.2242, including:

(i) an offense committed as a juvenile that would have been a predatory crime or a violation of section 609.224 or 609.2242 if committed by an adult; or

(ii) a violation or attempted violation of a similar law of any other state or the United States; or

(3) the offender planned or prepared for the crime prior to its commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.3455, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Mandatory life sentence; repeat offenders. (a) Notwithstanding the statutory maximum penalty otherwise applicable to the offense, the court shall sentence a person to imprisonment for life if the person is convicted of violating section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3453 and:

(1) the person has two previous sex offense convictions;

(2) the person has a previous sex offense conviction and:

(i) the factfinder determines that the present offense involved an aggravating factor that would provide grounds for an upward durational departure under the sentencing guidelines other than the aggravating factor applicable to repeat criminal sexual conduct convictions;

(ii) the person received an upward durational departure from the sentencing guidelines for the previous sex offense conviction; or

(iii) the person was sentenced under this section or section 609.108 for the previous sex offense conviction; or

(3) the person has two prior sex offense convictions, and the factfinder determines that the prior convictions and present offense involved at least three separate victims, and:

(ii) the person received an upward durational departure from the sentencing guidelines for one of the prior sex offense convictions; or

(iii) the person was sentenced under this section or section 609.108 for one of the prior sex offense convictions.

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(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a court may not sentence a person to imprisonment for life for a violation of section 609.345, unless the person's previous or prior sex offense convictions that are being used as the basis for the sentence are for violations of section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, or 609.3453, or any similar statute of the United States, this state, or any other state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.485, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Acts prohibited. Whoever does any of the following may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4:

(1) escapes while held pursuant to a lawful arrest, in lawful custody on a charge or conviction of a crime, or while held in lawful custody on an allegation or adjudication of a delinquent act;

(2) transfers to another, who is in lawful custody on a charge or conviction of a crime, or introduces into an institution in which the latter is confined, anything usable in making such escape, with intent that it shall be so used;

(3) having another in lawful custody on a charge or conviction of a crime, intentionally permits the other to escape;

(4) escapes while in a facility designated under section 253B.18, subdivision 1, pursuant to a court commitment order after a finding of not guilty by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency of a crime against the person, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 4a. Notwithstanding section 609.17, no person may be charged with or convicted of an attempt to commit a violation of this clause;

(5) escapes while in or under the supervision of a facility designated under section 253B.18, subdivision 1, pursuant to a court hold or commitment order under section 253B.185 or Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 526.10; or

(6) escapes while on pass status or provisional discharge according to section 253B.18.

For purposes of clause (1), "escapes while held in lawful custody" includes absconding from electronic monitoring or absconding after removing an electronic monitoring device from the person's body.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.485, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Sentence. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 3a, whoever violates this section may be sentenced as follows:

(1) if the person who escapes is in lawful custody for a felony, to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both;

(2) if the person who escapes is in lawful custody after a finding of not guilty by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency of a crime against the person, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 4a, ~~or pursuant to a court commitment order under section 253B.185 or Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 526.10,~~ to imprisonment for not more than one year and one day or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both;

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(3) if the person who escapes is in lawful custody for a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor, or if the person who escapes is in lawful custody on an allegation or adjudication of a delinquent act, to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both; or

(4) if the person who escapes is under civil commitment under ~~sections~~ section 253B.18 ~~and 253B.185~~, to imprisonment for not more than one year and one day or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.; or

(5) if the person who escapes is under a court hold, civil commitment, or supervision under section 253B.185 or Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 526.10, to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

(b) If the escape was a violation of subdivision 2, clause (1), (2), or (3), and was effected by violence or threat of violence against a person, the sentence may be increased to not more than twice those permitted in paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (3).

(c) Unless a concurrent term is specified by the court, a sentence under this section shall be consecutive to any sentence previously imposed or which may be imposed for any crime or offense for which the person was in custody when the person escaped.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), if a person who was committed to the commissioner of corrections under section 260B.198 escapes from the custody of the commissioner while 18 years of age, the person's sentence under this section shall commence on the person's 19th birthday or on the person's date of discharge by the commissioner of corrections, whichever occurs first. However, if the person described in this clause is convicted under this section after becoming 19 years old and after having been discharged by the commissioner, the person's sentence shall commence upon imposition by the sentencing court.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), if a person who is in lawful custody on an allegation or adjudication of a delinquent act while 18 years of age escapes from a local juvenile correctional facility, the person's sentence under this section begins on the person's 19th birthday or on the person's date of discharge from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, whichever occurs first. However, if the person described in this paragraph is convicted after becoming 19 years old and after discharge from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, the person's sentence begins upon imposition by the sentencing court.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), any person who escapes or absconds from electronic monitoring or removes an electric monitoring device from the person's body is guilty of a crime and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to a payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both. A person in lawful custody for a violation of section 609.185, 609.19, 609.195, 609.20, 609.205, 609.21, 609.221, 609.222, 609.223, 609.2231, 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3451 who escapes or absconds from electronic monitoring or removes an electronic monitoring device while under sentence may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to a payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.495, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Venue. An offense committed under subdivision 1 or 3 may be prosecuted in:

(1) the county where the aiding or obstructing behavior occurred; or

(2) the county where the underlying criminal act occurred.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 31. [609.632] COUNTERFEITING OF CURRENCY.

Subdivision 1. Manufacturing; printing. Whoever, with the intent to defraud, falsely makes, alters, prints, scans, images, or copies any United States postal money order, United States currency, Federal Reserve note, or other obligation or security of the United States so that it purports to be genuine or has different terms or provisions than that of the United States Postal Service or United States Treasury is guilty of counterfeiting and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 2. Means for false reproduction. Whoever, with intent to defraud, makes, engraves, possesses, or transfers a plate or instrument, computer, printer, camera, software, paper, cloth, fabric, ink, or other material for the false reproduction of any United States postal money order, United States currency, Federal Reserve note, or other obligation or security of the United States is guilty of counterfeiting and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 3. Uttering or possessing. Whoever, with intent to defraud, utters or possesses with intent to utter any counterfeit United States postal money order, United States currency, Federal Reserve note, or other obligation or security of the United States, having reason to know that the money order, currency, note, or obligation or security is forged, counterfeited, falsely made, altered, or printed, is guilty of offering counterfeited currency and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 4. Penalty. (a) A person who is convicted of violating subdivision 1 or 2 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $100,000, or both.

(b) A person who is convicted of violating subdivision 3 may be sentenced as follows:

(1) to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $100,000, or both, if the counterfeited item is used to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services having a value of more than $35,000, or the aggregate face value of the counterfeited item is more than $35,000;

(2) to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both, if the counterfeited item is used to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services having a value of more than $5,000, or the aggregate face value of the counterfeited item is more than $5,000;

(3) to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if:

(i) the counterfeited item is used to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services having a value of more than $1,000 or the aggregate face value of the counterfeited item is more than $1,000; or

(ii) the counterfeited item is used to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services having a value of no more than $1,000, or the aggregate face value of the counterfeited item is no more than $1,000, and the person has been convicted within the preceding five years for an offense under this section, section 609.24; 609.245; 609.52; 609.53; 609.582, subdivision 1, 2, or 3; 609.625; 609.63; or 609.821, or a statute from another state or the United States in conformity with any of those sections, and the person received a felony or gross misdemeanor sentence for the offense, or a sentence that was stayed under section 609.135 if the offense to which a plea was entered would allow the imposition of a felony or gross misdemeanor sentence; or

(4) to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both, if the counterfeited item is used to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services having a value of no more than $1,000, or the aggregate face value of the counterfeited item is no more than $1,000.

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Subd. 5. Aggregation; venue. In any prosecution under this section, the value of the counterfeited United States postal money orders, United States currency, Federal Reserve notes, or other obligations or securities of the United States, offered by the defendant in violation of this section within any six-month period may be aggregated and the defendant charged accordingly in applying the provisions of this section. When two or more offenses are committed by the same person in two or more counties, the accused may be prosecuted in any county in which one of the counterfeited items was forged, offered, or possessed, for all of the offenses aggregated under this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.748, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Violation of restraining order. (a) A person who violates a restraining order issued under this section is subject to the penalties provided in paragraphs (b) to (d).

(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (c) and (d), when a temporary restraining order or a restraining order is granted under this section and the respondent knows of the order, violation of the order is a misdemeanor.

(c) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who knowingly violates the order ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction ~~and the end of the five years following discharge from sentence for that offense~~ or adjudication of delinquency.

(2) because of the victim's or another's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability as defined in section 363A.03, age, or national origin;

(3) by falsely impersonating another;

(4) while possessing a dangerous weapon;

(5) with an intent to influence or otherwise tamper with a juror or a judicial proceeding or with intent to retaliate against a judicial officer, as defined in section 609.415, or a prosecutor, defense attorney, or officer of the court, because of that person's performance of official duties in connection with a judicial proceeding; or

(6) against a victim under the age of 18, if the respondent is more than 36 months older than the victim.

(e) A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated an order issued under subdivision 4 or 5 if the existence of the order can be verified by the officer.

(f) A violation of a temporary restraining order or restraining order shall also constitute contempt of court.

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(g) Upon the filing of an affidavit by the petitioner, any peace officer, or an interested party designated by the court, alleging that the respondent has violated an order issued under subdivision 4 or 5, the court may issue an order to the respondent requiring the respondent to appear within 14 days and show cause why the respondent should not be held in contempt of court. The court also shall refer the violation of the order to the appropriate prosecuting authority for possible prosecution under paragraph (b), (c), or (d).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.749, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Second or subsequent violations; felony. (a) A person is guilty of a felony who violates any provision of subdivision 2 ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of a previous qualified domestic violence-related offense conviction or adjudication of delinquency ~~and the end of the ten years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense~~, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

(b) A person is guilty of a felony who violates any provision of subdivision 2 ~~during the time period between~~ within ten years of the first of two or more previous qualified domestic violence-related offense convictions or adjudications of delinquency ~~and the end of ten years following discharge from sentence or disposition for that offense~~, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.87, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Applicability. For purposes of sections 609.87 to ~~609.89,~~ 609.891 and ~~section 609.891~~ 609.8912 to 609.8913, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.87, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Computer security system. "Computer security system" means a software program or computer device that:

~~(1)~~ is intended to protect the confidentiality and secrecy of data and information stored in or accessible through the computer system~~; and~~

(2) displays a conspicuous warning to a user that the user is entering a secure system or requires a person seeking access to knowingly respond by use of an authorized code to the program or device in order to gain access.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.87, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 13. Encryption. "Encryption" means any protective or disruptive measure, including but not limited to, cryptography, enciphering, or encoding that:

(1) causes or makes any data, information, image, program, signal, or sound unintelligible or unusable; or

(2) prevents, impedes, delays, or disrupts access to any data, information, image, program, signal, or sound.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.87, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 14. Personal data. "Personal data" means any computer property or computer program which contains records of the employment, salary, credit, or other financial or personal information relating to another person.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.891, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Crime. A person is guilty of unauthorized computer access if the person intentionally and without ~~authority~~ authorization attempts to or does penetrate a computer security system.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.891, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Gross misdemeanor. (a) A person who violates subdivision 1 in a manner that creates a risk to public health and safety is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(b) A person who violates subdivision 1 in a manner that compromises the security of data that are protected under section 609.52, subdivision 2, clause (8), or are not public data as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 8a, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).

(c) A person who violates subdivision 1 and gains access to personal data is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).

(d) A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent misdemeanor violation of subdivision 1 within five years is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 40. [609.8912] CRIMINAL USE OF ENCRYPTION.

Subdivision 1. Crime. Whoever intentionally uses or attempts to use encryption to do any of the following is guilty of criminal use of encryption and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2:

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(1) to commit, further, or facilitate conduct constituting a crime;

(2) to conceal the commission of any crime;

(3) to conceal or protect the identity of a person who has committed any crime; or

(4) to prevent, impede, delay, or disrupt the normal operation or use of another's computer, computer program, or computer system.

Subd. 2. Penalties. (a) A person who violates subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if:

(1) the crime referenced in subdivision 1, clause (1), (2), or (3), is a felony; or

(2) the person has two or more prior convictions for an offense under this section, section 609.88, 609.89, 609.891, or 609.8913, or similar laws of other states, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and United States territories.

(b) A person who violates subdivision 1, under circumstances not described in paragraph (a), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 41. [609.8913] FACILITATING ACCESS TO A COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEM.

A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person knows or has reason to know that by facilitating access to a computer security system the person is aiding another who intends to commit a crime and in fact commits a crime. For purposes of this section, "facilitating access" includes the intentional disclosure of a computer password, identifying code, personal information number, or other confidential information about a computer security system which provides a person with the means or opportunity for the commission of a crime.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 617.246, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 7. Conditional release term. Notwithstanding the statutory maximum sentence otherwise applicable to the offense or any provision of the sentencing guidelines, when a court commits a person to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for violating this section, the court shall provide that after the person has completed the sentence imposed, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for five years, minus the time the offender served on supervised release. If the person has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, 609.3453, or 617.247, or any similar statute of the United States, this state, or any state, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for ten years, minus the time the offender served on supervised release. The terms of conditional release are governed by section 609.3455, subdivision 8.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

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Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 617.247, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 9. Conditional release term. Notwithstanding the statutory maximum sentence otherwise applicable to the offense or any provision of the sentencing guidelines, when a court commits a person to the custody of the commissioner of corrections for violating this section, the court shall provide that after the person has completed the sentence imposed, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for five years, minus the time the offender served on supervised release. If the person has previously been convicted of a violation of this section, section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, 609.3453, or 617.246, or any similar statute of the United States, this state, or any state, the commissioner shall place the person on conditional release for ten years, minus the time the offender served on supervised release. The terms of conditional release are governed by section 609.3455, subdivision 8.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 626.77, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Definition. As used in this section, "federal law enforcement officer" means an officer or employee whether employed inside or outside the state of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshal Service, the Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, ~~or the Immigration and Naturalization Service,~~ the Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Postal Inspection Service, or their successor agencies, who is responsible for the prevention or detection of crimes or for the enforcement of the United States Code and who is authorized to arrest, with or without a warrant, any individual for a violation of the United States Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 45. Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 16, section 3, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to sentencing hearings, resentencing hearings, and sentencing departures sought on or after that date. ~~This section expires February 1, 2007.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 46. Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 16, section 4, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to sentencing hearings, resentencing hearings, and sentencing departures sought on or after that date. ~~This section expires February 1, 2007.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 47. Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 16, section 5, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 48. Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 16, section 6, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 49. COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES COMMITTEE.

Subdivision 1. Establishment; duties. A collateral consequences committee is established to study collateral consequences of adult convictions and juvenile adjudications. The committee shall identify the uses of collateral consequences of convictions and adjudications and recommend any proposed changes to the legislature on collateral consequences.

Subd. 2. Resources. The Department of Corrections shall provide technical assistance to the committee on request, with the assistance of the commissioner of public safety and the Sentencing Guidelines Commission.

Subd. 3. Membership. The committee consists of:

(1) one representative from each of the following groups:

(i) crime victim advocates, appointed by the commissioner of public safety;

(ii) county attorneys, appointed by the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;

(iii) city attorneys, appointed by the League of Minnesota Cities;

(iv) district court judges, appointed by the Judicial Council;

(v) private criminal defense attorneys, appointed by the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers;

(vi) probation officers, appointed by the Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers; and

(vii) the state public defender or a designee; and

(2) the commissioner of public safety, or a designee, who shall chair the group.

Subd. 4. Report and recommendations. The committee shall present the legislature with its report and recommendations no later than January 15, 2007. The report must be presented to the chairs of the senate Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee and the house Public Safety and Finance Committee.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 50. SENTENCING GUIDELINES MODIFICATIONS.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the modifications related to sex offenses proposed by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission and described in the January 2006 Report to the Legislature, pages 31 to 45, are adopted and take effect on August 1, 2006.

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(b) The proposed rankings of Minnesota Statutes, sections 609.344, subdivision 1, clauses (h), (i), and (l); and 609.345, subdivision 1, clauses (h), (i), and (l), are rejected and do not take effect.

(1) Minnesota Statutes, section 609.344, subdivision 1, clauses (h), (i), and (l), at severity level C;

(2) Minnesota Statutes, section 609.344, subdivision 1, clause (a), at severity level D;

(3) Minnesota Statutes, section 609.345, subdivision 1, clauses (h), (i), and (l), at severity level E; and

(4) Minnesota Statutes, section 609.345, subdivision 1, clause (a), at severity level F.

(d) If the commission decides to make the changes requested in paragraph (c), it shall ensure that the changes are effective on August 1, 2006, and publish an updated version of the sentencing guidelines that include the changes by that date.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 51. REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.

When appropriate, the revisor of statutes shall replace statutory references to Minnesota Statutes, section 609.108, with references to section 609.3455, subdivision 3a.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 52. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 609.108, subdivision 5; and 609.109, subdivisions 1 and 3, and Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 609.108, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7; and 609.109, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, and 6, are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

ARTICLE 2

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, DWI, AND TRAFFIC SAFETY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.13, is amended to read:

169.13 RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING.

Subdivision 1. Reckless driving. (a) Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and such reckless driving is a misdemeanor.

(b) A person shall not race any vehicle upon any street or highway of this state. Any person who willfully compares or contests relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles is guilty of racing, which constitutes reckless driving, whether or not the speed contested or compared is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law.

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Subd. 2. Careless driving. Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 3. Application. (a) The provisions of this section apply, but are not limited in application, to any person who drives any vehicle in the manner prohibited by this section:

(1) upon the ice of any lake, stream, or river, including but not limited to the ice of any boundary water; or

(2) in a parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public though not as a matter of right, and a driveway connecting ~~such a~~ the parking lot with a street or highway.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator;

(2) the emergency operation of any vehicle when avoiding imminent danger; or

(3) any raceway, racing facility, or other public event sanctioned by the appropriate governmental authority.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, for violations committed on or after that date.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Driving while impaired crime. It is a crime for any person to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any motor vehicle within this state or on any boundary water of this state:

(1) when the person is under the influence of alcohol;

(2) when the person is under the influence of a controlled substance;

(3) when the person is knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance that affects the nervous system, brain, or muscles of the person so as to substantially impair the person's ability to drive or operate the motor vehicle;

(4) when the person is under the influence of a combination of any two or more of the elements named in clauses (1), (2), and (3);

(5) when the person's alcohol concentration at the time, or as measured within two hours of the time, of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the motor vehicle is 0.08 or more;

(6) when the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and the person's alcohol concentration at the time, or as measured within two hours of the time, of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the commercial motor vehicle is 0.04 or more; or

(7) when the person's body contains any amount of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II, or its metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Degree described. A person who violates section 169A.20 (driving while impaired) is guilty of first-degree driving while impaired if the person:

(1) commits the violation within ten years of the first of three or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents; or

(2) has previously been convicted of a felony under this section; or

(3) has previously been convicted of a felony under section 609.21, subdivision 1, clause (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6); subdivision 2, clause (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6); subdivision 2a, clause (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6); subdivision 3, clause (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6); or subdivision 4, clause (2), (3), (4), (5), or (6).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Mandatory consecutive sentences. (a) The court shall impose consecutive sentences when it sentences a person for:

(1) violations of section 169A.20 (driving while impaired) arising out of separate courses of conduct;

(2) a violation of section 169A.20 when the person, at the time of sentencing, is on probation for, or serving, an executed sentence for a violation of section 169A.20 or Minnesota Statutes 1998, section 169.121 (driver under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or 169.129 (aggravated DWI-related violations; penalty), and the prior sentence involved a separate course of conduct; or

(3) a violation of section 169A.20 and another offense arising out of a single course of conduct that is listed in subdivision 2, paragraph (e), when the person has five or more qualified prior impaired driving incidents within the past ten years.

(b) The requirement for consecutive sentencing in paragraph (a) does not apply if the person is being sentenced to an executed prison term for a violation of section 169A.20 (driving while impaired) under circumstances described in section 169A.24 (first-degree driving while impaired).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Alcohol concentration evidence. Upon the trial of any prosecution arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by any person arrested for violating section 169A.20 (driving while impaired) or 169A.31 (alcohol-related school bus or Head Start bus driving), the court may admit evidence of the presence or amount of alcohol in the person's blood, breath, or urine as shown by an analysis of those items. In addition, in a prosecution for a violation of section 169A.20, the court may admit evidence of the presence or amount in the person's blood, breath, or urine, as shown by an analysis of those items, of:

(1) a controlled ~~substances~~ substance or its metabolite; or

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(2) a hazardous ~~substances in the person's blood, breath, or urine as shown by an analysis of those items~~ substance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.51, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Implied consent; conditions; election of test. (a) Any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle within this state or on any boundary water of this state consents, subject to the provisions of sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 (implied consent law), and section 169A.20 (driving while impaired), to a chemical test of that person's blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol, a controlled ~~substances~~ substance or its metabolite, or a hazardous ~~substances~~ substance. The test must be administered at the direction of a peace officer.

(b) The test may be required of a person when an officer has probable cause to believe the person was driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle in violation of section 169A.20 (driving while impaired), and one of the following conditions exist:

(1) the person has been lawfully placed under arrest for violation of section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it;

(2) the person has been involved in a motor vehicle accident or collision resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death;

(3) the person has refused to take the screening test provided for by section 169A.41 (preliminary screening test); or

(4) the screening test was administered and indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.

(c) The test may also be required of a person when an officer has probable cause to believe the person was driving, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle with the presence of any alcohol.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.51, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Implied consent advisory. At the time a test is requested, the person must be informed:

(1) that Minnesota law requires the person to take a test:

(i) to determine if the person is under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or hazardous substances;

(ii) to determine the presence of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II or metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols; and

(iii) if the motor vehicle was a commercial motor vehicle, to determine the presence of alcohol;

(2) that refusal to take a test is a crime;

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(3) if the peace officer has probable cause to believe the person has violated the criminal vehicular homicide and injury laws, that a test will be taken with or without the person's consent; and

(4) that the person has the right to consult with an attorney, but that this right is limited to the extent that it cannot unreasonably delay administration of the test.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.51, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Requirement of urine or blood test. Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a blood or urine test may be required even after a breath test has been administered if there is probable cause to believe that:

(1) there is impairment by a controlled substance or a hazardous substance that is not subject to testing by a breath test; or

(2) a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II or its metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols, is present in the person's body.

Action may be taken against a person who refuses to take a blood test under this subdivision only if a urine test was offered and action may be taken against a person who refuses to take a urine test only if a blood test was offered.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.51, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Requirements for conducting tests; liability. (a) Only a physician, medical technician, emergency medical technician-paramedic, registered nurse, medical technologist, medical laboratory technician, or laboratory assistant acting at the request of a peace officer may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol, a controlled ~~substances~~ substance or its metabolite, or a hazardous ~~substances~~ substance. This limitation does not apply to the taking of a breath or urine sample.

(b) The person tested has the right to have someone of the person's own choosing administer a chemical test or tests in addition to any administered at the direction of a peace officer; provided, that the additional test sample on behalf of the person is obtained at the place where the person is in custody, after the test administered at the direction of a peace officer, and at no expense to the state. The failure or inability to obtain an additional test or tests by a person does not preclude the admission in evidence of the test taken at the direction of a peace officer unless the additional test was prevented or denied by the peace officer.

(c) The physician, medical technician, emergency medical technician-paramedic, medical technologist, medical laboratory technician, laboratory assistant, or registered nurse drawing blood at the request of a peace officer for the purpose of determining the concentration of alcohol, a controlled ~~substances~~ substance or its metabolite, or a hazardous ~~substances~~ substance is in no manner liable in any civil or criminal action except for negligence in drawing the blood. The person administering a breath test must be fully trained in the administration of breath tests pursuant to training given by the commissioner of public safety.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.52, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Reporting test failure. (a) If a person submits to a test, the results of that test must be reported to the commissioner and to the authority having responsibility for prosecution of impaired driving offenses for the jurisdiction in which the acts occurred, if the test results indicate:

(1) an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more;

(2) an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, if the person was driving, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation; or

(3) the presence of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II or its metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols.

(b) If a person submits to a test and the test results indicate the presence of a hazardous substance, the results of that test must be reported to the authority having responsibility for prosecution of impaired driving offenses for the jurisdiction in which the acts occurred.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 169A.52, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Test failure; license revocation. (a) Upon certification by the peace officer that there existed probable cause to believe the person had been driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle in violation of section 169A.20 (driving while impaired) and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or the presence of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II or its metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols, then the commissioner shall revoke the person's license or permit to drive, or nonresident operating privilege:

(1) for a period of 90 days;

(2) if the person is under the age of 21 years, for a period of six months;

(3) for a person with a qualified prior impaired driving incident within the past ten years, for a period of 180 days; or

(4) if the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of 0.20 or more, for twice the applicable period in clauses (1) to (3).

(b) On certification by the peace officer that there existed probable cause to believe the person had been driving, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle with any presence of alcohol and that the person submitted to a test and the test results indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, the commissioner shall disqualify the person from operating a commercial motor vehicle under section 171.165 (commercial driver's license disqualification).

(c) If the test is of a person's blood or urine by a laboratory operated by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or authorized by the bureau to conduct the analysis of a blood or urine sample, the laboratory may directly certify to the commissioner the test results, and the peace officer shall certify to the commissioner that there existed probable

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cause to believe the person had been driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle in violation of section 169A.20 and that the person submitted to a test. Upon receipt of both certifications, the commissioner shall undertake the license actions described in paragraphs (a) and (b).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 169A.53, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Judicial hearing; issues, order, appeal. (a) A judicial review hearing under this section must be before a district judge in any county in the judicial district where the alleged offense occurred. The hearing is to the court and may be conducted at the same time and in the same manner as hearings upon pretrial motions in the criminal prosecution under section 169A.20 (driving while impaired), if any. The hearing must be recorded. The commissioner shall appear and be represented by the attorney general or through the prosecuting authority for the jurisdiction involved. The hearing must be held at the earliest practicable date, and in any event no later than 60 days following the filing of the petition for review. The judicial district administrator shall establish procedures to ensure efficient compliance with this subdivision. To accomplish this, the administrator may, whenever possible, consolidate and transfer review hearings among the locations within the judicial district where terms of district court are held.

(b) The scope of the hearing is limited to the issues in clauses (1) to (10):

(1) Did the peace officer have probable cause to believe the person was driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle in violation of section 169A.20 (driving while impaired)?

(2) Was the person lawfully placed under arrest for violation of section 169A.20?

(3) Was the person involved in a motor vehicle accident or collision resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death?

(4) Did the person refuse to take a screening test provided for by section 169A.41 (preliminary screening test)?

(5) If the screening test was administered, did the test indicate an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more?

(6) At the time of the request for the test, did the peace officer inform the person of the person's rights and the consequences of taking or refusing the test as required by section 169A.51, subdivision 2?

(7) Did the person refuse to permit the test?

(8) If a test was taken by a person driving, operating, or in physical control of a motor vehicle, did the test results indicate at the time of testing:

(i) an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more; or

(ii) the presence of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II or its metabolite, other than marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols?

(9) If a test was taken by a person driving, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle, did the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more at the time of testing?

(10) Was the testing method used valid and reliable and were the test results accurately evaluated?

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(c) It is an affirmative defense for the petitioner to prove that, at the time of the refusal, the petitioner's refusal to permit the test was based upon reasonable grounds.

(d) Certified or otherwise authenticated copies of laboratory or medical personnel reports, records, documents, licenses, and certificates are admissible as substantive evidence.

(e) The court shall order that the revocation or disqualification be either rescinded or sustained and forward the order to the commissioner. The court shall file its order within 14 days following the hearing. If the revocation or disqualification is sustained, the court shall also forward the person's driver's license or permit to the commissioner for further action by the commissioner if the license or permit is not already in the commissioner's possession.

(f) Any party aggrieved by the decision of the reviewing court may appeal the decision as provided in the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(g) The civil hearing under this section shall not give rise to an estoppel on any issues arising from the same set of circumstances in any criminal prosecution.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.60, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Plate impoundment violation; impoundment order. (a) The commissioner shall issue a registration plate impoundment order when:

(1) a person's driver's license or driving privileges are revoked for a plate impoundment violation; or

(2) a person is arrested for or charged with a plate impoundment violation described in subdivision 1, paragraph ~~(c)~~ (d), clause (5).

(b) The order must require the impoundment of the registration plates of the motor vehicle involved in the plate impoundment violation and all motor vehicles owned by, registered, or leased in the name of the violator, including motor vehicles registered jointly or leased in the name of the violator and another. The commissioner shall not issue an impoundment order for the registration plates of a rental vehicle, as defined in section 168.041, subdivision 10, or a vehicle registered in another state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.60, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Peace officer as agent for notice of impoundment. On behalf of the commissioner, a peace officer issuing a notice of intent to revoke and of revocation for a plate impoundment violation shall also serve a notice of intent to impound and an order of impoundment. On behalf of the commissioner, a peace officer who is arresting a person for or charging a person with a plate impoundment violation described in subdivision 1, paragraph ~~(c)~~ (d), clause (5), shall also serve a notice of intent to impound and an order of impoundment. If the vehicle involved in the plate impoundment violation is accessible to the officer at the time the impoundment order is issued, the officer shall seize the registration plates subject to the impoundment order. The officer shall destroy all plates seized or impounded under this section. The officer shall send to the commissioner copies of the notice of intent to impound and the order of impoundment and a notice that registration plates impounded and seized under this section have been destroyed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving incidents occurring on or after that date.

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Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 171.05, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b. Instruction permit use by person under age 18. (a) This subdivision applies to persons who have applied for and received an instruction permit under subdivision 2.

(b) The permit holder may, with the permit in possession, operate a motor vehicle, but must be accompanied by and be under the supervision of a certified driver education instructor, the permit holder's parent or guardian, or another licensed driver age 21 or older. The supervisor must occupy the seat beside the permit holder.

(c) The permit holder may operate a motor vehicle only when every occupant under the age of 18 has a seat belt or child passenger restraint system properly fastened. A person who violates this paragraph is subject to a fine of $25. A peace officer may not issue a citation for a violation of this paragraph unless the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor vehicle for a moving violation as defined in section 171.04, subdivision 1. The commissioner shall not record a violation of this paragraph on a person's driving record.

(d) The permit holder may not operate a vehicle while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular or wireless telephone, whether handheld or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion. The permit holder may assert as an affirmative defense that the violation was made for the sole purpose of obtaining emergency assistance to prevent a crime about to be committed, or in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety was in danger. Violation of this paragraph is a petty misdemeanor subject to section 169.89, subdivision 2.

(e) The permit holder must maintain a driving record free of convictions for moving violations, as defined in section 171.04, subdivision 1, and free of convictions for violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53. If the permit holder drives a motor vehicle in violation of the law, the commissioner shall suspend, cancel, or revoke the permit in accordance with the statutory section violated.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2006, and applies to violations committed on and after that date.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 171.055, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Use of provisional license. (a) A provisional license holder may operate a motor vehicle only when every occupant under the age of 18 has a seat belt or child passenger restraint system properly fastened. A person who violates this paragraph is subject to a fine of $25. A peace officer may not issue a citation for a violation of this paragraph unless the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor vehicle for a moving violation as defined in section 171.04. The commissioner shall not record a violation of this paragraph on a person's driving record.

(b) A provisional license holder may not operate a vehicle while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular or wireless telephone, whether handheld or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion. The provisional license holder may assert as an affirmative defense that the violation was made for the sole purpose of obtaining emergency assistance to prevent a crime about to be committed, or in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety was in danger. Violation of this paragraph is a petty misdemeanor subject to section 169.89, subdivision 2.

(c) If the holder of a provisional license during the period of provisional licensing incurs (1) a conviction for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (2) a conviction for a crash-related moving violation, or (3) more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related, the person may not be issued a driver's license until 12 consecutive months have expired since the date of the conviction or until the person reaches the age of 18 years, whichever occurs first.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective June 1, 2006, and applies to violations committed on and after that date.

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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 171.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Offenses. (a) The commissioner may suspend the license of a driver without preliminary hearing upon a showing by department records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee:

(1) has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction;

(2) has been convicted by a court for violating a provision of chapter 169 or an ordinance regulating traffic, other than a conviction for a petty misdemeanor, and department records show that the violation contributed in causing an accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another, or serious property damage;

(3) is an habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle;

(4) is an habitual violator of the traffic laws;

(5) is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle as determined in a judicial proceeding;

(6) has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of the license;

(7) has committed an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would be grounds for suspension;

(8) has committed a violation of section 169.444, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), within five years of a prior conviction under that section;

(9) has committed a violation of section 171.22, except that the commissioner may not suspend a person's driver's license based solely on the fact that the person possessed a fictitious or fraudulently altered Minnesota identification card;

(10) has failed to appear in court as provided in section 169.92, subdivision 4;

(11) has failed to report a medical condition that, if reported, would have resulted in cancellation of driving privileges;

(12) has been found to have committed an offense under section 169A.33; or

(13) has paid or attempted to pay a fee required under this chapter for a license or permit by means of a dishonored check issued to the state or a driver's license agent, which must be continued until the registrar determines or is informed by the agent that the dishonored check has been paid in full.

However, an action taken by the commissioner under clause (2) or (5) must conform to the recommendation of the court when made in connection with the prosecution of the licensee.

(b) The commissioner may not suspend the driver's license of an individual under paragraph (a) who was convicted of a violation of section 171.24, subdivision 1, whose license was under suspension at the time solely because of the individual's failure to appear in court or failure to pay a fine.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 253B.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Chemically dependent person. "Chemically dependent person" means any person (a) determined as being incapable of self-management or management of personal affairs by reason of the habitual and excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances; and (b) whose recent conduct as a result of habitual and excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to self or others as demonstrated by (i) a recent attempt or threat to physically harm self or others, (ii) evidence of recent serious physical problems, or (iii) a failure to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. "Chemically dependent person" also means a pregnant woman who has engaged during the pregnancy in habitual or excessive use, for a nonmedical purpose, of any of the following controlled substances or their derivatives: opium, cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, methamphetamine, or amphetamine.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 19. REMEDIATION OF HARM CAUSED BY MISDEMEANOR CONVICTIONS FOR MINORS DRIVING WITH MOBILE PHONES.

Subdivision 1. Remediation by commissioner. For infractions that occurred between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, the commissioner of public safety shall expunge from a licensee's driving record a misdemeanor conviction for violating Minnesota Statutes, section 171.05, subdivision 2b, paragraph (d), or 171.055, subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The commissioner is not obligated to expunge petty misdemeanor violations of the statutes referenced in this subdivision.

Subd. 2. Remediation by courts. (a) A court in which a person was convicted for a misdemeanor violation of Minnesota Statutes, section 171.05, subdivision 2b, paragraph (d), or 171.055, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), that occurred between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, must vacate the conviction, on its own motion, without cost to the person convicted, and must immediately notify the person that the conviction has been vacated. A court shall not vacate petty misdemeanor violations of the statutes referenced in this subdivision.

(b) The commissioner of finance, in consultation with the state court administrator, shall develop and implement a procedure to refund defendants for any fine in excess of $300 for a conviction vacated under paragraph (a), without requiring that the defendant request a refund. The procedure may require recovery of portions of the fines that have been allocated by law to local governmental units.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 20. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169A.41, subdivision 4, is repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to impaired driving violations that occur on or after that date.

ARTICLE 3

PUBLIC SAFETY POLICY

Section 1. [4.055] GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE EMPLOYEES AND GOVERNOR APPOINTEE BACKGROUND CHECKS.

The governor's office may request a check of:

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(1) systems accessible through the criminal justice data communications network, including, but not limited to, criminal history, predatory offender registration, warrants, and driver license record information from the Department of Public Safety;

(2) the statewide supervision system maintained by the Department of Corrections; and

(3) national criminal history information maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

on candidates for positions within the governor's residence or appointment by the governor. The candidate shall provide the governor's office with a written authorization to conduct the check of these systems. For a check of the national criminal history information, the request must also include a set of fingerprints which shall be sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The bureau has the authority to exchange the fingerprints with the FBI to facilitate the national background check. The superintendent may recover fees associated with the background checks from the governor's office.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.82, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 29. Juvenile offender photographs. Notwithstanding section 260B.171, chapter 609A, or other law to the contrary, photographs or electronically produced images of children adjudicated delinquent under chapter 260B shall not be expunged from law enforcement records or databases.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.87, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Name and index service; data classification. (a) For purposes of this section, "name and event index service" means the data held by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension that link data about an individual that are stored in one or more databases maintained in criminal justice agencies, as defined in section 299C.46, subdivision 2, and in the judiciary.

(b) Data collected, created, or maintained by the name and event index service are classified as private data, pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12, and become confidential data, pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 3, when the data links private or public data about a specific individual to any confidential data about that individual. The data in the name and event index service revert to the private data classification when no confidential data about a specific individual are maintained in the databases. The classification of data in the name and event index service does not change the classification of the data held in the databases linked by the service.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 144.7401, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8. Peace officer; applicability. An individual licensed as a peace officer under section 626.84, subdivision 1, is considered an emergency medical services person for purposes of sections 144.7401 to 144.7415 regardless of whether the officer is engaged in performing emergency services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 155A.07, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd 2a. Licensing; felons. The board shall adopt rules to establish a uniform process and criteria by which an applicant who has been convicted of a felony shall be considered for licensing.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 181.973, is amended to read:

181.973 ~~EMPLOYEE~~ PUBLIC SAFETY PEER COUNSELING AND DEBRIEFING.

A person engaged in a public safety peer counseling or a public safety peer debriefing shall not, without the permission of the person being debriefed or counseled, be allowed to disclose any information or opinion which the peer group member or peer counselor has acquired during the ~~debriefing~~ process. However, this does not prohibit a peer counselor from disclosing information the peer counselor reasonably believes indicates that the person may be a danger to self or others, if the information is used only for the purpose of eliminating the danger to the person or others. Any information or opinion disclosed in violation of this paragraph is not admissible as evidence in any personnel or occupational licensing matter involving the person being debriefed or counseled.

For purposes of this ~~paragraph~~ section, "public safety peer counseling or debriefing" means a group process oriented debriefing session, or one-to-one contact with a peer counselor, held for peace officers, firefighters, medical emergency persons, dispatchers, or other persons involved with public safety emergency services, that is established by any agency providing public safety emergency services and is designed to help a person who has suffered an occupation-related ~~traumatic event~~ trauma, illness, or stress begin the process of healing and effectively dealing with ~~posttraumatic stress~~ the person's problems or the use of the peer counselor for direction with referrals to better service these occupation-related issues. A "peer counselor" means someone so designated by that agency.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 243.166, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

Subd. 1b. Registration required. (a) A person shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was charged with or petitioned for a felony violation of or attempt to violate, or aiding, abetting, or conspiracy to commit, any of the following, and convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for that offense or another offense arising out of the same set of circumstances:

(i) murder under section 609.185, clause (2);

(ii) kidnapping under section 609.25;

(iii) criminal sexual conduct under section 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 609.345; 609.3451, subdivision 3; or 609.3453; or

(iv) indecent exposure under section 617.23, subdivision 3;

(2) the person was charged with or petitioned for a violation of, or attempt to violate, or aiding, abetting, or conspiracy to commit false imprisonment in violation of section 609.255, subdivision 2; soliciting a minor to engage in prostitution in violation of section 609.322 or 609.324; soliciting a minor to engage in sexual conduct in violation of section 609.352; using a minor in a sexual performance in violation of section 617.246; or possessing pornographic work involving a minor in violation of section 617.247, and convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for that offense or another offense arising out of the same set of circumstances;

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(3) the person was sentenced as a patterned sex offender under section 609.108; or

(4) the person was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for, including pursuant to a court martial, violating a law of the United States, including the Uniform Code of Military Justice, similar to the offenses described in clause (1), (2), or (3).

(b) A person also shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent in another state for an offense that would be a violation of a law described in paragraph (a) if committed in this state;

(2) the person enters this state to reside, work, or attend school, or enters this state and remains for 14 days or longer; and

(3) ten years have not elapsed since the person was released from confinement or, if the person was not confined, since the person was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for the offense that triggers registration, unless the person is subject to a longer registration period under the laws of another state in which the person has been convicted or adjudicated, or is subject to lifetime registration~~, in which case~~.

If a person described in this paragraph is subject to a longer registration period in another state or is subject to lifetime registration, the person shall register for ~~life~~ that time period regardless of when the person was released from confinement, convicted, or adjudicated delinquent.

(c) A person also shall register under this section if the person was committed pursuant to a court commitment order under section 253B.185 or Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 526.10, or a similar law of another state or the United States, regardless of whether the person was convicted of any offense.

(d) A person also shall register under this section if:

(1) the person was charged with or petitioned for a felony violation or attempt to violate any of the offenses listed in paragraph (a), clause (1), or a similar law of another state or the United States, or the person was charged with or petitioned for a violation of any of the offenses listed in paragraph (a), clause (2), or a similar law of another state or the United States;

(2) the person was found not guilty by reason of mental illness or mental deficiency after a trial for that offense, or found guilty but mentally ill after a trial for that offense, in states with a guilty but mentally ill verdict; and

(3) the person was committed pursuant to a court commitment order under section 253B.18 or a similar law of another state or the United States.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to offenders residing in Minnesota on or after that date.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 243.166, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Contents of registration. (a) The registration provided to the corrections agent or law enforcement authority, must consist of a statement in writing signed by the person, giving information required by the bureau, a fingerprint card, and photograph of the person taken at the time of the person's release from incarceration or, if the person was not incarcerated, at the time the person initially registered under this section. The registration information also must include a written consent form signed by the person allowing a treatment facility or residential housing unit or shelter to release information to a law enforcement officer about the person's admission to, or residence in, a treatment facility or residential housing unit or shelter. Registration information on adults and juveniles may be maintained together notwithstanding section 260B.171, subdivision 3.

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(b) For persons required to register under subdivision 1b, paragraph (c), following commitment pursuant to a court commitment under section 253B.185 or a similar law of another state or the United States, in addition to other information required by this section, the registration provided to the corrections agent or law enforcement authority must include the person's offense history and documentation of treatment received during the person's commitment. This documentation is limited to a statement of how far the person progressed in treatment during commitment.

(c) Within three days of receipt, the corrections agent or law enforcement authority shall forward the registration information to the bureau. The bureau shall ascertain whether the person has registered with the law enforcement authority in the area of the person's primary address, if any, or if the person lacks a primary address, where the person is staying, as required by subdivision 3a. If the person has not registered with the law enforcement authority, the bureau shall send one copy to that authority.

(d) The corrections agent or law enforcement authority may require that a person required to register under this section appear before the agent or authority to be photographed. The agent or authority shall forward the photograph to the bureau.

(1) Except as provided in clause (2), the agent or authority shall require a person required to register under this section who is classified as a level III offender under section 244.052 to appear before the agent or authority at least every six months to be photographed.

(2) The requirements of this paragraph shall not apply during any period where the person to be photographed is: (i) committed to the commissioner of corrections and incarcerated, (ii) incarcerated in a regional jail or county jail, or (iii) committed to the commissioner of human services and receiving treatment in a secure treatment facility.

(e) During the period a person is required to register under this section, the following provisions apply:

(1) Except for persons registering under subdivision 3a, the bureau shall mail a verification form to the person's last reported primary address. This verification form must provide notice to the offender that, if the offender does not return the verification form as required, information about the offender may be made available to the public through electronic, computerized, or other accessible means. For persons who are registered under subdivision 3a, the bureau shall mail an annual verification form to the law enforcement authority where the offender most recently reported. The authority shall provide the verification form to the person at the next weekly meeting and ensure that the person completes and signs the form and returns it to the bureau.

(2) The person shall mail the signed verification form back to the bureau within ten days after receipt of the form, stating on the form the current and last address of the person's residence and the other information required under subdivision 4a.

(3) In addition to the requirements listed in this section, a person who is assigned to risk level II or III under section 244.052, and who is no longer under correctional supervision for a registration offense, or a failure to register offense, but who resides, works, or attends school in Minnesota, shall have an annual in-person contact with a law enforcement authority as provided in this section. If the person resides in Minnesota, the annual in-person contact shall be with the law enforcement authority that has jurisdiction over the person's primary address or, if the person has no address, the location where the person is staying. If the person does not reside in Minnesota but works or attends school in this state, the person shall have an annual in-person contact with the law enforcement authority or authorities with jurisdiction over the person's school or workplace. During the month of the person's birth date, the person shall report to the authority to verify the accuracy of the registration information and to be photographed. Within three days of this contact, the authority shall enter information as required by the bureau into the predatory offender registration database and submit an updated photograph of the person to the bureau's predatory offender registration unit.

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(4) If the person fails to mail the completed and signed verification form to the bureau within ten days after receipt of the form, or if the person fails to report to the law enforcement authority during the month of the person's birth date, the person is in violation of this section.

(5) For any person who fails to mail the completed and signed verification form to the bureau within ten days after receipt of the form and who has been determined to be a risk level III offender under section 244.052, the bureau shall immediately investigate and notify local law enforcement authorities to investigate the person's location and to ensure compliance with this section. The bureau also shall immediately give notice of the person's violation of this section to the law enforcement authority having jurisdiction over the person's last registered address or addresses.

For persons required to register under subdivision 1b, paragraph (c), following commitment pursuant to a court commitment under section 253B.185 or a similar law of another state or the United States, the bureau shall comply with clause (1) at least four times each year. For persons who, under section 244.052, are assigned to risk level III and who are no longer under correctional supervision for a registration offense or a failure to register offense, the bureau shall comply with clause (1) at least two times each year. For all other persons required to register under this section, the bureau shall comply with clause (1) each year within 30 days of the anniversary date of the person's initial registration.

(f) When sending out a verification form, the bureau shall determine whether the person to whom the verification form is being sent has signed a written consent form as provided for in paragraph (a). If the person has not signed such a consent form, the bureau shall send a written consent form to the person along with the verification form. A person who receives this written consent form shall sign and return it to the bureau at the same time as the verification form.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 243.166, subdivision 4b, is amended to read:

Subd. 4b. Health care facility; notice of status. (a) For the purposes of this subdivision, "health care facility" means a facility licensed by:

(1) the commissioner of health as a hospital, boarding care home or supervised living facility under sections 144.50 to 144.58, or a nursing home under chapter 144A; or

(2) the commissioner of human services as a residential facility under chapter 245A to provide adult foster care, adult mental health treatment, chemical dependency treatment to adults, or residential services to persons with developmental disabilities.

(b) ~~Upon admittance~~ Prior to admission to a health care facility, a person required to register under this section shall disclose to:

(1) the health care facility employee processing the admission the person's status as a registered predatory offender under this section; and

(2) the person's corrections agent, or if the person does not have an assigned corrections agent, the law enforcement authority with whom the person is currently required to register, that inpatient admission ~~has occurred~~ will occur.

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(c) A law enforcement authority or corrections agent who receives notice under paragraph (b) or who knows that a person required to register under this section is planning to be admitted and receive, or has been admitted and is receiving health care at a health care facility shall notify the administrator of the facility and deliver a fact sheet to the administrator containing the following information: (1) name and physical description of the offender; (2) the offender's conviction history, including the dates of conviction; (3) the risk level classification assigned to the offender under section 244.052, if any; and (4) the profile of likely victims.

(d) Except for a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, if a health care facility ~~that~~ receives ~~notice under this subdivision that a predatory offender has been admitted to the facility~~ a fact sheet under paragraph (c) that includes a risk level classification for the offender, and if the facility admits the offender, the facility shall ~~notify other~~ distribute the fact sheet to all residents at the facility ~~of this fact~~. If the facility determines that ~~notice~~ distribution to a resident is not appropriate given the resident's medical, emotional, or mental status, the facility shall ~~notify~~ distribute the fact sheet to the patient's next of kin or emergency contact.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 243.166, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Registration period. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 609.165, subdivision 1, and except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), a person required to register under this section shall continue to comply with this section until ten years have elapsed since the person initially registered in connection with the offense, or until the probation, supervised release, or conditional release period expires, whichever occurs later. For a person required to register under this section who is committed under section 253B.18 or 253B.185, the ten-year registration period does not include the period of commitment.

(b) If a person required to register under this section fails to provide the person's primary address as required by subdivision 3, paragraph (b), fails to comply with the requirements of subdivision 3a, fails to provide information as required by subdivision 4a, or fails to return the verification form referenced in subdivision 4 within ten days, the commissioner of public safety may require the person to continue to register for an additional period of five years. This five-year period is added to the end of the offender's registration period.

(c) If a person required to register under this section is subsequently incarcerated following a conviction for a new offense or following a revocation of probation, supervised release, or conditional release for any offense, the person shall continue to register until ten years have elapsed since the person was last released from incarceration or until the person's probation, supervised release, or conditional release period expires, whichever occurs later.

(d) A person shall continue to comply with this section for the life of that person:

(1) if the person is convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for any offense for which registration is required under subdivision 1b, or any offense from another state or any federal offense similar to the offenses described in subdivision 1b, and the person has a prior conviction or adjudication for an offense for which registration was or would have been required under subdivision 1b, or an offense from another state or a federal offense similar to an offense described in subdivision 1b;

(2) if the person is required to register based upon a conviction or delinquency adjudication for an offense under section 609.185, clause (2), or a similar statute from another state or the United States;

(3) if the person is required to register based upon a conviction for an offense under section 609.342, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (h); 609.343, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), or (h); 609.344, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (c), or (g); or 609.345, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), (c), or (g); or a statute from another state or the United States similar to the offenses described in this clause; or

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(4) if the person is required to register under subdivision 1b, paragraph (c), following commitment pursuant to a court commitment under section 253B.185 or a similar law of another state or the United States.

(e) A person described in subdivision 1b, paragraph (b), who is required to register under the laws of a state in which the person has been previously convicted or adjudicated delinquent, shall register under this section for the time period required by the state of conviction or adjudication unless a longer time period is required elsewhere in this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to offenders residing in Minnesota on or after that date.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.052, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Law enforcement agency; disclosure of information to public. (a) The law enforcement agency in the area where the predatory offender resides, expects to reside, is employed, or is regularly found, shall disclose to the public any information regarding the offender contained in the report forwarded to the agency under subdivision 3, paragraph (f), that is relevant and necessary to protect the public and to counteract the offender's dangerousness, consistent with the guidelines in paragraph (b). The extent of the information disclosed and the community to whom disclosure is made must relate to the level of danger posed by the offender, to the offender's pattern of offending behavior, and to the need of community members for information to enhance their individual and collective safety.

(b) The law enforcement agency shall employ the following guidelines in determining the scope of disclosure made under this subdivision:

(1) if the offender is assigned to risk level I, the agency may maintain information regarding the offender within the agency and may disclose it to other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the agency may disclose the information to any victims of or witnesses to the offense committed by the offender. The agency shall disclose the information to victims of the offense committed by the offender who have requested disclosure and to adult members of the offender's immediate household;

(2) if the offender is assigned to risk level II, the agency also may disclose the information to agencies and groups that the offender is likely to encounter for the purpose of securing those institutions and protecting individuals in their care while they are on or near the premises of the institution. These agencies and groups include the staff members of public and private educational institutions, day care establishments, and establishments and organizations that primarily serve individuals likely to be victimized by the offender. The agency also may disclose the information to individuals the agency believes are likely to be victimized by the offender. The agency's belief shall be based on the offender's pattern of offending or victim preference as documented in the information provided by the department of corrections or human services;

(3) if the offender is assigned to risk level III, the agency shall disclose the information to the persons and entities described in clauses (1) and (2) and to other members of the community whom the offender is likely to encounter, unless the law enforcement agency determines that public safety would be compromised by the disclosure or that a more limited disclosure is necessary to protect the identity of the victim.

Notwithstanding the assignment of a predatory offender to risk level II or III, a law enforcement agency may not make the disclosures permitted or required by clause (2) or (3), if: the offender is placed or resides in a residential facility. However, if an offender is placed or resides in a residential facility, the offender and the head of the facility shall designate the offender's likely residence upon release from the facility and the head of the facility shall notify the commissioner of corrections or the commissioner of human services of the offender's likely residence at least 14 days before the offender's scheduled release date. The commissioner shall give this information to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the offender's likely residence. The head of the residential facility also

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shall notify the commissioner of corrections or human services within 48 hours after finalizing the offender's approved relocation plan to a permanent residence. Within five days after receiving this notification, the appropriate commissioner shall give to the appropriate law enforcement agency all relevant information the commissioner has concerning the offender, including information on the risk factors in the offender's history and the risk level to which the offender was assigned. After receiving this information, the law enforcement agency shall make the disclosures permitted or required by clause (2) or (3), as appropriate.

(1) the organizations or community members are in a location or in close proximity to a location where the offender lives or is employed, or which the offender visits or is likely to visit on a regular basis, other than the location of the offender's outpatient treatment program; and

(2) the types of interaction which ordinarily occur at that location and other circumstances indicate that contact with the offender is reasonably certain.

(d) A law enforcement agency or official who discloses information under this subdivision shall make a good faith effort to make the notification within 14 days of receipt of a confirmed address from the Department of Corrections indicating that the offender will be, or has been, released from confinement, or accepted for supervision, or has moved to a new address and will reside at the address indicated. If a change occurs in the release plan, this notification provision does not require an extension of the release date.

(e) A law enforcement agency or official who discloses information under this subdivision shall not disclose the identity or any identifying characteristics of the victims of or witnesses to the offender's offenses.

(f) A law enforcement agency shall continue to disclose information on an offender as required by this subdivision for as long as the offender is required to register under section 243.166. This requirement on a law enforcement agency to continue to disclose information also applies to an offender who lacks a primary address and is registering under section 243.166, subdivision 3a.

(g) A law enforcement agency that is disclosing information on an offender assigned to risk level III to the public under this subdivision shall inform the commissioner of corrections what information is being disclosed and forward this information to the commissioner within two days of the agency's determination. The commissioner shall post this information on the Internet as required in subdivision 4b.

(h) A city council may adopt a policy that addresses when information disclosed under this subdivision must be presented in languages in addition to English. The policy may address when information must be presented orally, in writing, or both in additional languages by the law enforcement agency disclosing the information. The policy may provide for different approaches based on the prevalence of non-English languages in different neighborhoods.

(i) An offender who is the subject of a community notification meeting held pursuant to this section may not attend the meeting.

(j) When a school, day care facility, or other entity or program that primarily educates or serves children receives notice under paragraph (b), clause (3), that a level III predatory offender resides or works in the surrounding community, notice to parents must be made as provided in this paragraph. If the predatory offender identified in the notice is participating in programs offered by the facility that require or allow the person to interact with children other than the person's children, the principal or head of the entity must notify parents with children at the facility of the contents of the notice received pursuant to this section. The immunity provisions of subdivision 7 apply to persons disclosing information under this paragraph.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 12. [299A.85] DEATH SCENE INVESTIGATIONS.

(a) The Department of Public Safety shall provide information to local law enforcement agencies about best practices for handling death scene investigations.

(b) The Department of Public Safety shall identify any publications or training opportunities that may be available to local law enforcement agencies or law enforcement officers concerning the handling of death scene investigations.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 13. [299C.156] FORENSIC LABORATORY ADVISORY BOARD.

Subdivision 1. Membership. (a) The Forensic Laboratory Advisory Board consists of the following:

(1) the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or the superintendent's designee;

(2) the commissioner of public safety or the commissioner's designee;

(3) the commissioner of corrections or the commissioner's designee;

(4) an individual with expertise in the field of forensic science, selected by the governor;

(5) an individual with expertise in the field of forensic science, selected by the attorney general;

(6) a faculty member of the University of Minnesota, selected by the president of the university;

(7) the state public defender or a designee;

(8) a prosecutor, selected by the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;

(9) a sheriff, selected by the Minnesota Sheriffs Association;

(10) a police chief, selected by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;

(11) a judge or court administrator, selected by the chief justice of the Supreme Court; and

(12) a criminal defense attorney, selected by the Minnesota State Bar Association.

(b) The board shall select a chair from among its members.

(d) The board may employ staff necessary to carry out its duties.

Subd. 2. Duties. The board may:

(1) develop and implement a reporting system through which laboratories, facilities, or entities that conduct forensic analyses report professional negligence or misconduct that substantially affects the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors;

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(2) encourage all laboratories, facilities, or entities that conduct forensic analyses to report professional negligence or misconduct that substantially affects the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors to the board;

(3) investigate, in a timely manner, any allegation of professional negligence or misconduct that would substantially affect the integrity of the results of a forensic analysis conducted by a laboratory, facility, or entity; and

(4) encourage laboratories, facilities, and entities that conduct forensic analyses to become accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ALCLD/LAB) or other appropriate accrediting body and develop and implement a process for those entities to report their accreditation status to the board.

Subd. 3. Investigations. (a) An investigation under subdivision 2, clause (3):

(1) may include the preparation of a written report that identifies and describes the methods and procedures used to identify:

(i) the alleged negligence or misconduct;

(ii) whether negligence or misconduct occurred; and

(iii) any corrective action required of the laboratory, facility, or entity; and

(2) may include one or more:

(i) retrospective reexaminations of other forensic analyses conducted by the laboratory, facility, or entity that may involve the same kind of negligence or misconduct; and

(ii) follow-up evaluations of the laboratory, facility, or entity to review:

(A) the implementation of any corrective action required under clause (1), item (iii); or

(B) the conclusion of any retrospective reexamination under this clause, item (i).

(b) The costs of an investigation under this section must be borne by the laboratory, facility, or entity being investigated.

Subd. 4. Delegation of duties. The board by contract may delegate the duties described in subdivision 2, clauses (1) and (3), to any person or entity that the board determines to be qualified to assume those duties.

Subd. 5. Reviews and reports are public. The board shall make all investigation reports completed under subdivision 3, clause (1), available to the public. A report completed under subdivision 3, clause (1), in a subsequent civil or criminal proceeding is not prima facie evidence of the information or findings contained in the report.

Subd. 6. Reports to legislature. By January 15 of each year, the board shall submit any report prepared under subdivision 3, clause (1), during the preceding calendar year to the governor and the legislature.

Subd. 7. Forensic analysis processing time period guidelines. (a) By July 1, 2007, the board shall recommend forensic analysis processing time period guidelines applicable to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and other laboratories, facilities, and entities that conduct forensic analyses. When adopting and recommending these

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guidelines and when making other related decisions, the board shall consider the goals and priorities identified by the presidential DNA initiative. The board shall consider the feasibility of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension completing the processing of forensic evidence submitted to it by sheriffs, chiefs of police, or state or local corrections authorities.

(b) The bureau shall provide information to the board in the time, form, and manner determined by the board and keep it informed of the most up-to-date data on the actual forensic analysis processing turn around time periods. By January 15 of each year, the board shall report to the legislature on these issues, including the recommendations made by the board to improve turnaround times.

Subd. 8. Forensic evidence processing deadline. The board may recommend reasonable standards and deadlines for the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to test and catalog forensic evidence samples relating to alleged crimes committed, including DNA analysis, in their control and possession.

Subd. 9. Office space. The commissioner of public safety may provide adequate office space and administrative services to the board.

Subd. 10. Expenses. Section 15.059 applies to the board.

Subd. 11. Definition. As used in this section, "forensic analysis" means a medical, chemical, toxicologic, ballistic, or other expert examination or test performed on physical evidence, including DNA evidence, for the purpose of determining the connection of the evidence to a criminal action.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 299C.40, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "CIBRS" means the Comprehensive Incident-Based Reporting System, located in the Department of Public Safety and managed by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Criminal Justice Information Systems Section. A reference in this section to "CIBRS" includes the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

(c) "Law enforcement agency" means a Minnesota municipal police department, the Metropolitan Transit Police, the Metropolitan Airports Police, the University of Minnesota Police Department, the Department of Corrections' Fugitive Apprehension Unit, a Minnesota county sheriff's department, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or the Minnesota State Patrol.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 299C.405, is amended to read:

299C.405 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE.

(a) For the purposes of this section "subscription service" means a process by which law enforcement agency personnel may obtain ongoing, automatic electronic notice of any contacts an individual has with any criminal justice agency.

(b) The Department of Public Safety must not establish a subscription service without prior legislative authorization; except that, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension may employ under section 299C.40 a secure subscription service designed to promote and enhance officer safety during tactical operations by and between

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federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies by notifying law enforcement agencies of conflicts where multiple law enforcement operations may be occurring on the same subject or vehicle or on or near the same location. The notification may include warrant executions, surveillance activities, SWAT activities, undercover operations, and other investigative operations.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 16. [299C.565] MISSING PERSON REPORT.

The local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the location where a person has been missing or was last seen has the responsibility to take a missing person report from an interested party. If this location cannot be clearly and easily established, the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the last verified location where the missing person last resided has the responsibility to take the report.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 299C.65, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Task force. The policy group shall appoint a task force to assist them in their duties. The task force shall monitor, review, and report to the policy group on CriMNet-related projects and provide oversight to ongoing operations as directed by the policy group. The task force shall consist of the following members:

(1) two sheriffs recommended by the Minnesota Sheriffs Association;

(2) two police chiefs recommended by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;

(3) two county attorneys recommended by the Minnesota County Attorneys Association;

(4) two city attorneys recommended by the Minnesota League of Cities;

(5) two public defenders appointed by the Board of Public Defense;

(6) two district judges appointed by the ~~Conference of Chief Judges~~ Judicial Council, one of whom is currently assigned to the juvenile court;

(7) two community corrections administrators recommended by the Minnesota Association of Counties, one of whom represents a community corrections act county;

(8) two probation officers;

(9) four public members, one of whom has been a victim of crime, and two who are representatives of the private business community who have expertise in integrated information systems and who for the purpose of meetings of the full task force may be compensated pursuant to section 15.059;

(10) two court administrators;

(11) one member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house;

(12) one member of the senate appointed by the majority leader;

(13) the attorney general or a designee;

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(14) two individuals recommended by the Minnesota League of Cities, one of whom works or resides in greater Minnesota and one of whom works or resides in the seven-county metropolitan area;

(15) two individuals recommended by the Minnesota Association of Counties, one of whom works or resides in greater Minnesota and one of whom works or resides in the seven-county metropolitan area;

(16) the director of the Sentencing Guidelines Commission;

(17) one member appointed by the state chief information officer;

~~(17)~~ (18) one member appointed by the commissioner of public safety;

~~(18)~~ (19) one member appointed by the commissioner of corrections;

~~(19)~~ (20) one member appointed by the commissioner of administration; and

~~(20)~~ (21) one member appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

In making these appointments, the appointing authority shall select members with expertise in integrated data systems or best practices.

The commissioner of public safety may appoint additional, nonvoting members to the task force as necessary from time to time.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 299E.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Responsibilities. The division shall be responsible and shall utilize state employees for security and public information services in ~~the Capitol complex of~~ state-owned buildings and state leased to own buildings in the Capitol area, as described in section 15B.02; it shall provide such personnel as are required by the circumstances to insure the orderly conduct of state business and the convenience of the public.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2007.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 299F.011, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Appeal policy; variance. Upon application, the state fire marshal may grant variances from the minimum requirements specified in the code if there is substantial compliance with the provisions of the code, the safety of the public and occupants of such building will not be jeopardized, and undue hardship will result to the applicant unless such variance is granted. No appeal to the state fire marshal for a variance from orders issued by a local fire official from the Uniform Fire Code shall be accepted until the applicant has first made application to the local governing body and the local unit has acted on the application. The state fire marshal shall consider ~~the decision~~ any decisions or recommendations of the local governing body. Any person aggrieved by a decision made by the fire marshal under this subdivision may proceed before the fire marshal as with a contested case in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 20. [299F.50] DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Scope. As used in sections 299F.50 to 299F.52, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Installed. "Installed" means that an approved carbon monoxide alarm is hard-wired into the electrical wiring, directly plugged into an electrical outlet without a switch, or, if the alarm is battery-powered, attached to the wall of the dwelling.

Subd. 3. Single and multifamily dwelling. "Single and multifamily dwelling" means any building or structure which is wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by human occupants.

Subd. 4. Dwelling unit. "Dwelling unit" means an area meant for living or sleeping by human occupants.

Subd. 5. Approved carbon monoxide alarm. "Approved carbon monoxide alarm" means a device meant for the purpose of detecting carbon monoxide that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratories Standards (known as UL2034 standards).

Subd. 6. Operational. "Operational" means working and in service.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective January 1, 2007, for all newly constructed single family and multifamily dwelling units for which building permits were issued on or after January 1, 2007; August 1, 2008, for all existing single family dwelling units; and August 1, 2009, for all multifamily dwelling units.

Sec. 21. [299F.51] REQUIREMENTS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS.

Subdivision 1. Generally. Every single family dwelling and every dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling must have an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.

Subd. 2. Owner's duties. The owner of a multifamily dwelling unit which is required to be equipped with one or more approved carbon monoxide alarms must:

(1) provide and install one approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping; and

(2) replace any required carbon monoxide alarm that has been stolen, removed, found missing, or rendered inoperable during a prior occupancy of the dwelling unit and which has not been replaced by the prior occupant prior to the commencement of a new occupancy of a dwelling unit.

Subd. 3. Occupant's duties. The occupant of each dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling in which an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm has been provided and installed by the owner must:

(1) keep and maintain the device in good repair; and

(2) replace any device that is stolen, removed, missing, or rendered inoperable during the occupancy of the dwelling unit.

Subd. 4. Battery removal prohibited. No person shall remove batteries from, or in any way render inoperable, a required carbon monoxide alarm.

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Subd. 5. Exceptions; certain multifamily dwellings and state-operated facilities. (a) In lieu of requirements of subdivision 1, multifamily dwellings may have approved and operational carbon monoxide alarms installed between 15 and 25 feet of carbon monoxide producing central fixtures and equipment provided there is a centralized alarm system or other mechanism for responsible parties to hear the alarm at all times.

(b) An owner of a multifamily dwelling that contains minimal or no sources of carbon monoxide may be exempted from the requirements of subdivision 1, provided that such owner certifies to the commissioner of public safety that such multifamily dwelling poses no foreseeable carbon monoxide risk to the health and safety to the dwelling units.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 525.9214, is amended to read:

525.9214 ROUTINE INQUIRY AND REQUIRED REQUEST; SEARCH AND NOTIFICATION.

(a) If, at or near the time of death of a patient, there is no documentation in the medical record that the patient has made or refused to make an anatomical gift, the hospital administrator or a representative designated by the administrator shall discuss with the patient or a relative of the patient the option to make or refuse to make an anatomical gift and may request the making of an anatomical gift pursuant to section 525.9211 or 525.9212. The request must be made with reasonable discretion and sensitivity to the circumstances of the family. A request is not required if the gift is not suitable, based upon accepted medical standards, for a purpose specified in section 525.9215. An entry must be made in the medical record of the patient, stating the name of the individual making the request, and the name, response, and relationship to the patient of the person to whom the request was made.

(b) The following persons shall make a reasonable search for a document of gift or other information identifying the bearer as a donor or as an individual who has refused to make an anatomical gift:

(1) a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or other emergency rescuer finding an individual who the searcher believes is dead or near death;

(2) a hospital or emergency care facility, upon the admission or presentation of an individual at or near the time of death, if there is not immediately available any other source of that information; and

(3) a medical examiner or coroner upon receipt of a body.

(c) If a document of gift or evidence of refusal to make an anatomical gift is located by the search required by paragraph (b), clause (1), and the individual or body to whom it relates is taken to a hospital, the hospital must be notified of the contents and the document or other evidence must be sent to the hospital. If a body is taken to a morgue, the person who discovered the body must notify the person's dispatcher. A dispatcher notified under this section must notify the state's federally designated organ procurement organization and inform the organization of the deceased's name, donor status, and location.

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(d) If, at or near the time of death of a patient, a hospital knows that an anatomical gift has been made pursuant to section 525.9212, paragraph (a), or a release and removal of a part has been permitted pursuant to section 525.9213, or that a patient or an individual identified as in transit to the hospital is a donor, the hospital shall notify the donee if one is named and known to the hospital; if not, it shall notify an appropriate procurement organization. The hospital shall cooperate in the implementation of the anatomical gift or release and removal of a part.

(e) A person who fails to discharge the duties imposed by this section is not subject to criminal or civil liability.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 611A.0315, is amended to read:

611A.0315 VICTIM NOTIFICATION; DOMESTIC ASSAULT; HARASSMENT.

Subdivision 1. Notice of decision not to prosecute. (a) A prosecutor shall make every reasonable effort to notify a victim of domestic assault, a criminal sexual conduct offense, or harassment that the prosecutor has decided to decline prosecution of the case or to dismiss the criminal charges filed against the defendant. Efforts to notify the victim should include, in order of priority: (1) contacting the victim or a person designated by the victim by telephone; and (2) contacting the victim by mail. If a suspect is still in custody, the notification attempt shall be made before the suspect is released from custody.

(b) Whenever a prosecutor dismisses criminal charges against a person accused of domestic assault, a criminal sexual conduct offense, or harassment, a record shall be made of the specific reasons for the dismissal. If the dismissal is due to the unavailability of the witness, the prosecutor shall indicate the specific reason that the witness is unavailable.

(c) Whenever a prosecutor notifies a victim of domestic assault or harassment under this section, the prosecutor shall also inform the victim of the method and benefits of seeking an order for protection under section 518B.01 or a restraining order under section 609.748 and that the victim may seek an order without paying a fee.

Subd. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(a) "Assault" has the meaning given it in section 609.02, subdivision 10.

(b) "Domestic assault" means an assault committed by the actor against a family or household member.

(d) "Harassment" means a violation of section 609.749.

(e) "Criminal sexual conduct offense" means a violation of sections 609.342 to 609.3453.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 624.22, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew certification. (a) The state fire marshal may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew certification of an operator if the operator has:

(1) submitted a fraudulent application;

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(2) caused or permitted a fire or safety hazard to exist or occur during the storage, transportation, handling, preparation, or use of fireworks;

(3) conducted a display of fireworks without receipt of a permit required by the state or a political subdivision;

(4) conducted a display of fireworks with assistants who were not at least 18 years of age, properly instructed, and continually supervised; or

(5) otherwise failed to comply with any federal or state law or regulation, or the guidelines, relating to fireworks.

(b) Any person aggrieved by a decision made by the state fire marshal under this subdivision may petition the state fire marshal in writing to reconsider the decision. The state fire marshal shall render a decision in writing within 30 days of receipt of the written request for reconsideration. Following reconsideration, the person may appeal the decision to the district court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 25. Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 1, section 13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Community Services 103,556,000 103,369,000

Summary by Fund

General Fund 103,456,000 103,269,000

Special Revenue 100,000 100,000

SHORT-TERM OFFENDERS. $1,207,000 each year is for costs associated with the housing and care of short-term offenders. The commissioner may use up to 20 percent of the total amount of the appropriation for inpatient medical care for short-term offenders with less than six months to serve as affected by the changes made to Minnesota Statutes, section 609.105, in 2003. All funds remaining at the end of the fiscal year not expended for inpatient medical care shall be added to and distributed with the housing funds. These funds shall be distributed proportionately based on the total number of days short-term offenders are placed locally, not to exceed $70 per day. Short-term offenders may be housed in a state correctional facility at the discretion of the commissioner.

The Department of Corrections is exempt from the state contracting process for the purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 609.105, as amended by Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 2, article 5, sections 7 to 9.

GPS MONITORING OF SEX OFFENDERS. $500,000 the first year and $162,000 the second year are for the acquisition and service of bracelets equipped with tracking devices designed to track and monitor the movement and location of criminal offenders. The commissioner shall use the bracelets to monitor high-risk sex offenders who are on supervised release, conditional release, parole, or probation to help ensure that the offenders do not violate conditions of their release or probation.

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END OF CONFINEMENT REVIEWS. $94,000 each year is for end of confinement reviews.

COMMUNITY SURVEILLANCE AND SUPERVISION. $1,370,000 each year is to provide housing options to maximize community surveillance and supervision.

INCREASE IN INTENSIVE SUPERVISED RELEASE SERVICES. $1,800,000 each year is to increase intensive supervised release services.

SEX OFFENDER ASSESSMENT REIMBURSEMENTS. $350,000 each year is to ~~provide grants to~~ reimburse counties or their designees, or courts for ~~reimbursements for~~ sex offender assessments as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 609.3452, subdivision 1, which is being renumbered as section 609.3457.

SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT AND POLYGRAPHS. $1,250,000 each year is to provide treatment for sex offenders on community supervision and to pay for polygraph testing.

INCREASED SUPERVISION OF SEX OFFENDERS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENDERS, AND OTHER VIOLENT OFFENDERS. $1,500,000 each year is for the increased supervision of sex offenders and other violent offenders, including those convicted of domestic abuse. These appropriations may not be used to supplant existing state or county probation officer positions.

The commissioner shall distribute $1,050,000 in grants each year to Community Corrections Act counties and $450,000 each year to the Department of Corrections Probation and Supervised Release Unit. The commissioner shall distribute the funds to the Community Corrections Act counties according to the formula contained in Minnesota Statutes, section 401.10.

Prior to the distribution of these funds, each Community Corrections Act jurisdiction and the Department of Corrections Probation and Supervised Release Unit shall submit to the commissioner an analysis of need along with a plan to meet their needs and reduce the number of sex offenders and other violent offenders, including domestic abuse offenders, on probation officer caseloads.

COUNTY PROBATION OFFICERS. $500,000 each year is to increase county probation officer reimbursements.

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INTENSIVE SUPERVISION AND AFTERCARE FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OFFENDERS; REPORT. $600,000 each year is for intensive supervision and aftercare services for controlled substances offenders released from prison under Minnesota Statutes, section 244.055. These appropriations are not added to the department's base budget. By January 15, 2008, the commissioner shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy and funding on how this appropriation was spent.

REPORT ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF SEX OFFENDERS. By March 1, 2006, the commissioner shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives committees and divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy and funding on implementing an electronic monitoring system for sex offenders who are under community supervision. The report must address the following:

(1) the advantages and disadvantages in implementing this system, including the impact on public safety;

(2) the types of sex offenders who should be subject to the monitoring;

(3) the time period that offenders should be subject to the monitoring;

(4) the financial costs associated with the monitoring and who should be responsible for these costs; and

(5) the technology available for the monitoring.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 26. RICHFIELD DISABLED FIREFIGHTER HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY REVIEW.

Subdivision 1. Authorization. An eligible individual specified in subdivision 2 is authorized to have a review of health care coverage eligibility as specified in subdivision 3.

Subd. 2. Eligibility. An eligible person is an individual who:

(1) was a member of the Public Employees Retirement Association police and fire plan due to employment as a firefighter with the city of Richfield;

(2) became disabled and was granted a duty-related disability benefit from the Public Employees Retirement Association police and fire plan on November 20, 2002; and

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(3) is not receiving employer-paid health care coverage under the program established by Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465, due to a determination by the city of Richfield that the individual does not satisfy all eligibility requirements for inclusion under that program.

Subd. 3. Treatment. Notwithstanding that the disability benefit was granted before the creation of the review panel, and notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465, subdivision 6, which requires that applications for review by the panel created under that section be submitted to the panel within 90 days of approval of a disability benefit application by the applicable retirement plan, an eligible individual under subdivision 2 may submit an application to the panel within 90 days of the effective date of this section. The panel shall make a determination of whether the firefighter meets the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.465, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2). The panel's final determination is binding on the applicant and the employer, subject to any right of judicial review.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 27. MISSING ADULTS MODEL POLICY.

The superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, in consultation with the Minnesota Sheriffs Association and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, shall develop a model policy to address law enforcement efforts and duties regarding missing adults and provide training to local law enforcement agencies on this model policy.

By February 1, 2007, the superintendent shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees and divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy and funding on the model policy and training.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

ARTICLE 4

CORRECTIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 43A.08, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Unclassified positions. Unclassified positions are held by employees who are:

(1) chosen by election or appointed to fill an elective office;

(2) heads of agencies required by law to be appointed by the governor or other elective officers, and the executive or administrative heads of departments, bureaus, divisions, and institutions specifically established by law in the unclassified service;

(3) deputy and assistant agency heads and one confidential secretary in the agencies listed in subdivision 1a and in the Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning;

(4) the confidential secretary to each of the elective officers of this state and, for the secretary of state and state auditor, an additional deputy, clerk, or employee;

(5) intermittent help employed by the commissioner of public safety to assist in the issuance of vehicle licenses;

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(6) employees in the offices of the governor and of the lieutenant governor and one confidential employee for the governor in the Office of the Adjutant General;

(7) employees of the Washington, D.C., office of the state of Minnesota;

(8) employees of the legislature and of legislative committees or commissions; provided that employees of the Legislative Audit Commission, except for the legislative auditor, the deputy legislative auditors, and their confidential secretaries, shall be employees in the classified service;

(9) presidents, vice-presidents, deans, other managers and professionals in academic and academic support programs, administrative or service faculty, teachers, research assistants, and student employees eligible under terms of the federal Economic Opportunity Act work study program in the Perpich Center for Arts Education and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, but not the custodial, clerical, or maintenance employees, or any professional or managerial employee performing duties in connection with the business administration of these institutions;

(10) officers and enlisted persons in the National Guard;

(11) attorneys, legal assistants, and three confidential employees appointed by the attorney general or employed with the attorney general's authorization;

(12) judges and all employees of the judicial branch, referees, receivers, jurors, and notaries public, except referees and adjusters employed by the Department of Labor and Industry;

(13) members of the State Patrol; provided that selection and appointment of State Patrol troopers must be made in accordance with applicable laws governing the classified service;

(14) ~~chaplains employed by the state;~~

~~(15)~~ examination monitors and intermittent training instructors employed by the Departments of Employee Relations and Commerce and by professional examining boards and intermittent staff employed by the technical colleges for the administration of practical skills tests and for the staging of instructional demonstrations;

~~(16)~~ (15) student workers;

~~(17)~~ (16) executive directors or executive secretaries appointed by and reporting to any policy-making board or commission established by statute;

~~(18)~~ (17) employees unclassified pursuant to other statutory authority;

~~(19)~~ (18) intermittent help employed by the commissioner of agriculture to perform duties relating to pesticides, fertilizer, and seed regulation;

~~(20)~~ (19) the administrators and the deputy administrators at the State Academies for the Deaf and the Blind; and

~~(21)~~ (20) chief executive officers in the Department of Human Services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 144.445, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Screening of inmates. (a) All persons detained or confined for 14 consecutive days or more in facilities operated, licensed, or inspected by the Department of Corrections shall be screened for tuberculosis with either a Mantoux test or a chest roentgenogram (x-ray) as consistent with screening and follow-up practices recommended by the United States Public Health Service or the Department of Health, as determined by the commissioner of health. Administration of the Mantoux test or chest roentgenogram (x-ray) must take place on or before the 14th day of detention or confinement.

(b) If an inmate refuses to submit to an annual test as specified in paragraph (a), the commissioner of corrections may order the inmate to be tested.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 241.016, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Biennial report. (a) The Department of Corrections shall submit a performance report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees and divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice funding by January 15, 2005, and every other year thereafter. The issuance and content of the report must include the following:

(1) department strategic mission, goals, and objectives;

(2) the department-wide per diem, adult facility-specific per diems, and an average per diem, reported in a standard calculated method as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures; ~~and~~

(3) department annual statistics as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures; and

(4) information about prison-based mental health programs, including, but not limited to, the availability of these programs, participation rates, and completion rates.

(b) The department shall maintain recidivism rates for adult facilities on an annual basis. In addition, each year the department shall, on an alternating basis, complete a recidivism analysis of adult facilities, juvenile services, and the community services divisions and include a three-year recidivism analysis in the report described in paragraph (a). When appropriate, the recidivism analysis must include education programs, vocational programs, treatment programs, including mental health programs, industry, and employment. In addition, when reporting recidivism for the department's adult and juvenile facilities, the department shall report on the extent to which offenders it has assessed as chemically dependent commit new offenses, with separate recidivism rates reported for persons completing and not completing the department's treatment programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 4. [241.0222] CONTRACTS WITH NEWLY CONSTRUCTED JAIL FACILITIES THAT PROVIDE ACCESS TO CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

Notwithstanding section 16C.05, subdivision 2, the commissioner may enter into contracts, up to five years in duration, with a county or group of counties to house inmates committed to the custody of the commissioner in newly constructed county or regional jail facilities that provide inmates access to chemical dependency treatment programs licensed by the Department of Human Services. A contract entered into under this section may contain an option to renew the contract for a term of up to five years.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 241.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3. Substance abuse information provided to supervising corrections agency. When an offender is being released from prison, the commissioner shall provide to the corrections agency that will supervise the offender prison records relating to that offender's prison-based substance abuse assessments, treatment, and any other substance abuse-related services provided to the offender. If the offender did not participate in the prison-based substance abuse program to which the offender was directed, the commissioner shall provide the supervising agency with an explanation of the reasons.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. [241.105] SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION INCENTIVE PAYMENTS; INMATE DISCHARGE PLANNING.

Money received by the commissioner of corrections from the Social Security Administration as a result of the incentive payment agreement under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, Public Law 104-193, section 1611(e)(1), and Public Law 106-170, section 202(x)(3), is appropriated to the commissioner of corrections for discharge planning for inmates with mental illness.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2007.

Sec. 7. [241.40] PERIODIC REVIEWS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT PROCESS.

By January 15, 2007, and at least once every three years thereafter, the commissioner shall ensure that an outside entity conducts an independent review of the department's prison-based substance abuse assessment activities.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. [241.415] RELEASE PLANS; SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

The commissioner shall cooperate with community-based corrections agencies to determine how best to address the substance abuse treatment needs of offenders who are being released from prison. The commissioner shall ensure that an offender's prison release plan adequately addresses the offender's needs for substance abuse assessment, treatment, or other services following release, within the limits of available resources.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 9. [241.416] SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS; RECORD KEEPING.

The commissioner shall keep adequate records regarding inmate participation in substance abuse treatment programs. For inmates who did not comply with directives to participate in substance abuse treatment programs, these records must include the reasons why the inmate did not do so.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. [241.75] INMATE HEALTH CARE DECISIONS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the definitions in chapter 145C apply to this section.

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(b) "Health care" means any care, treatment, service, or procedure to maintain, diagnose, or otherwise affect a person's physical or mental condition.

Subd. 2. Health care decisions. The medical director of the Department of Corrections may make a health care decision for an inmate incarcerated in a state correctional facility if the inmate's attending physician determines that the inmate lacks decision-making capacity and:

(1) there is not a documented health care agent designated by the inmate or the health care agent is not reasonably available to make the health care decision;

(2) if there is a documented health care directive, the decision is consistent with that directive;

(3) the decision is consistent with reasonable medical practice and other applicable law; and

(4) the medical director has made a good-faith attempt to consult with the inmate's next of kin or emergency contact person in making the decision, to the extent those persons are reasonably available.

Subd. 3. Disagreement regarding health care; guardianship petition. If the medical director consults with an inmate's next of kin under subdivision 2, clause (4), and the inmate's next of kin and the medical director are not in agreement with respect to a health care decision, the commissioner may bring a petition under section 524.5-303 for appointment of a guardian with authority to make health care decisions for the inmate.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.055, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Notice. Upon receiving an offender's petition for release under subdivision 2, the commissioner shall notify the prosecuting authority responsible for the offender's conviction and the sentencing court. The commissioner shall give the authority and court a reasonable opportunity to comment on the offender's potential release. If the authority or court elects to comment, the comments must specify the reasons for the authority or court's position. This subdivision applies only to offenders sentenced before July 1, 2005.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 244.055, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Sunset. This section expires July 1, ~~2007~~ 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.102, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Imposition of fee. When a court ~~sentences~~ places a person convicted of a crime~~, and places the person~~ under the supervision and control of a local correctional agency, that agency may collect a local correctional fee based on the local correctional agency's fee schedule adopted under section 244.18.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 609.3455, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Terms of conditional release; applicable to all sex offenders. (a) The provisions of this subdivision relating to conditional release apply to all sex offenders sentenced to prison for a violation of section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, or 609.3453. Except as provided in this subdivision, conditional release of sex offenders is governed by provisions relating to supervised release. The commissioner of corrections may not dismiss an offender on conditional release from supervision until the offender's conditional release term expires.

(b) The conditions of release may include successful completion of treatment and aftercare in a program approved by the commissioner, satisfaction of the release conditions specified in section 244.05, subdivision 6, and any other conditions the commissioner considers appropriate. The commissioner shall develop a plan to pay the cost of treatment of a person released under this subdivision. The plan may include co-payments from offenders, third-party payers, local agencies, or other funding sources as they are identified. This section does not require the commissioner to accept or retain an offender in a treatment program. Before the offender is placed on conditional release, the commissioner shall notify the sentencing court and the prosecutor in the jurisdiction where the offender was sentenced of the terms of the offender's conditional release. The commissioner also shall make reasonable efforts to notify the victim of the offender's crime of the terms of the offender's conditional release. If the offender fails to meet any condition of release, the commissioner may revoke the offender's conditional release and order that the offender serve all or a part of the remaining portion of the conditional release term in prison.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 631.425, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Continuation of employment. If the person committed under this section has been regularly employed, the sheriff shall arrange for a continuation of the employment insofar as possible without interruption. If the person is not employed, the court may designate a suitable person or agency to make reasonable efforts to secure some suitable employment for that person. An inmate employed under this section must be paid a fair and reasonable wage for work performed and must work at fair and reasonable hours per day and per week. There must not be a fee or charge for the inmate to participate in any employment under this section if the inmate is paying for the cost of the inmate's maintenance under subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 16. TRANSITION.

The incumbent of a position that is transferred from the unclassified to the classified service under section 1 is appointed to the newly classified position.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 17. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT; RECOMMENDATIONS, REPORT.

(a) The commissioner of corrections shall make recommendations to:

(1) improve the availability of prison-based substance abuse treatment programming and related services; and

(2) better ensure that offenders released from prison receive appropriate community-based substance abuse treatment and services.

These recommendations must include an estimate of the financial costs associated with implementing them.

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(b) The commissioner shall recommend changes in prison-based programs or release plans to improve the postprison release outcomes of:

(1) inmates who are directed to complete prison-based short-term substance abuse programs; and

(2) inmates who fail the prison-based substance abuse programs they start.

(c) By January 15, 2007, the commissioner shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees and divisions having jurisdiction over criminal justice policy and funding on the commissioner's recommendations under paragraphs (a) and (b).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 5

COURTS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.84, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section "court services data" means data that are created, collected, used or maintained by a court services department, parole or probation authority, correctional agency, or by an agent designated by the court to perform studies or other duties and that are on individuals who are or were defendants, parolees or probationers of a ~~municipal,~~ district ~~or county~~ court, participants in diversion programs, petitioners or respondents to a family court, or juveniles adjudicated delinquent and committed, detained prior to a court hearing or hearings, or found to be dependent or neglected and placed under the supervision of the court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 13.84, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. General. Unless the data is summary data or a statute, including sections 609.115 and 257.70, specifically provides a different classification, the following court services data are classified as private pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12:

(a) Court services data on individuals gathered at the request of a ~~municipal,~~ district ~~or county~~ court to determine the need for any treatment, rehabilitation, counseling, or any other need of a defendant, parolee, probationer, or participant in a diversion program, and used by the court to assist in assigning an appropriate sentence or other disposition in a case;

(b) Court services data on petitioners or respondents to a family court gathered at the request of the court for purposes of, but not limited to, individual, family, marriage, chemical dependency and marriage dissolution adjustment counseling, including recommendations to the court as to the custody of minor children in marriage dissolution cases;

(c) Court services data on individuals gathered by psychologists in the course of providing the court or its staff with psychological evaluations or in the course of counseling individual clients referred by the court for the purpose of assisting them with personal conflicts or difficulties.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 16D.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Agency participation. (a) A ~~state~~ referring agency may, at its option, refer debts to the commissioner for collection. The ultimate responsibility for the debt, including the reporting of the debt to the commissioner of finance and the decision with regard to the continuing collection and uncollectibility of the debt, remains with the referring ~~state~~ agency.

(b) When a debt owed to a state agency becomes 121 days past due, the state agency must refer the debt to the commissioner for collection. This requirement does not apply if there is a dispute over the amount or validity of the debt, if the debt is the subject of legal action or administrative proceedings, or the agency determines that the debtor is adhering to acceptable payment arrangements. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of finance, may provide that certain types of debt need not be referred to the commissioner for collection under this paragraph. Methods and procedures for referral must follow internal guidelines prepared by the commissioner of finance.

(c) If the referring agency is a court, the court must furnish a debtor's Social Security number to the commissioner when the court refers the debt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 48A.10, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Order. Upon finding that the applicant is authorized to exercise fiduciary powers, the district court shall enter an order substituting the applicant bank or trust company in every fiduciary capacity held by the affiliated bank or other bank or trust company for which substitution is sought and which joined in the application, except as may be otherwise specified in the application, and except for fiduciary capacities in any account with respect to which a person beneficially interested in the account has filed objection to the substitution and has appeared and been heard in support of the objection. Upon entry of the order, or at a later date as may be specified in the order, the applicant bank or trust company is substituted in every fiduciary capacity to which the order extends. The substitution may be made a matter of record in any county of this state by filing a certified copy of the order of substitution in the office of the court administrator of a district ~~or county~~ court, or by filing a certified copy of the order in the office of the county recorder.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 219.97, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13. Violation of provision for stopping train at crossing. Upon the complaint of any person, a company operating a railroad violating section 219.93 shall forfeit not less than $20 nor more than $100 to be recovered in a civil action before a ~~county or municipal~~ judge of the county in which the violation occurs. One-half of the forfeiture must go to the complainant and one-half to the school district where the violation occurs.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.545, is amended to read:

270C.545 FEDERAL TAX REFUND OFFSET FEES; TIME LIMIT FOR SUBMITTING CLAIMS FOR OFFSET.

For fees charged by the Department of the Treasury of the United States for the offset of federal tax refunds that are deducted from the refund amounts remitted to the commissioner, the unpaid debts of the taxpayers whose refunds are being offset to satisfy the debts are reduced only by the actual amount of the refund payments received by the commissioner. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a claim for the offset of a federal

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tax refund must be submitted to the Department of the Treasury of the United States within ten years after the date of the assessment of the tax owed by the taxpayer whose refund is to be offset to satisfy the debt. For court debts referred to the commissioner under section 16D.04, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), the federal refund offset fees are deducted as provided in this section, but the ten-year time limit prescribed in this section for tax debts does not apply.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 346.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Notice; appraisers. The person distraining shall give notice to the owner of the beast, if known to the distrainer, within 24 hours if the owner resides in the same town, and within 48 hours if the owner resides in another town in the same county, Sundays excepted. The notice shall specify the time when and the place where distrained, the number of beasts, and the place of their detention, and that at a time and place stated therein, which shall not be less than 12 hours after the service of the notice, nor more than three days after the distress, the distrainer will apply to a designated ~~county or municipal~~ judge of the county for the appointment of appraisers to appraise the damages. If the owner is unknown or does not reside in the county, the distraining person shall apply for the appointment of appraisers within 24 hours after the distress without notice. After the application, the judge shall appoint three disinterested residents of the town to appraise the damages.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 347.04, is amended to read:

347.04 PUBLIC NUISANCE.

Any dog that habitually worries, chases, or molests teams or persons traveling peaceably on the public road is a public nuisance. Upon complaint in writing to a ~~county or municipal~~ district court judge containing a description of the dog, including the name of the dog and its owner, or stating that the name or names are not known, and alleging that the dog is a public nuisance, the judge shall issue a summons, if the owner is known, commanding the owner to appear before the judge at a specified time, not less than six nor more than ten days from the date of the summons, to answer the complaint. The summons shall be served not less than six days before the day of the hearing in the same manner as other district court summonses.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 375A.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Appointment by ~~county~~ district judge. A county government study commission hereinafter called "the commission" may be established in any county as provided in this section to study the form and structure of county government in the county and other counties both within and outside this state and, if deemed advisable by the commission, recommend to the voters of the county the adoption of any of the optional forms of county government contained in sections 375A.01 to 375A.13. The commission shall be established upon presentation of a petition requesting such action signed by voters equal in number to five percent of the electors voting at the last previous election for the office of governor or a resolution of the board of county commissioners of the county requesting such action. Appointments to the commission shall be made by order filed with the court administrator of the district court of the county and shall be made by the senior ~~county~~ judge having chambers in the county. If there be no judge having chambers in the county, appointments shall be made by the chief judge of the judicial district. The number on the study commission shall be set by the appointing judge but not to exceed 15. A noncommissioner from each commissioner district shall be appointed to a study commission. In addition three members shall be county commissioners and two shall be elected county officials. An appointee who neglects to file

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with the court administrator within 15 days a written acceptance shall be deemed to have declined the appointment and the place shall be filled as though the appointee had resigned. Vacancies in the commission shall be filled as in the case of original appointments. The county board, the commission, or the petitioners requesting the appointment of the commission may submit to the appointing judge the names of eligible nominees which the appointing judge may consider in making appointments to the commission.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 383B.65, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. May relocate Bloomington court. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 488A.01, subdivision 9, the county of Hennepin may relocate the ~~municipal~~ district court serving the city of Bloomington and thereupon shall provide suitable quarters for the holding of regular terms of court in a southern suburban location within the county as may be designated by a majority of the judges of the court. All functions of the court may be discharged, including both court and jury trials of civil and criminal matters, at the location designated pursuant to this section. Nothing in this section shall be construed to reduce the level of services to the residents of the city of Bloomington.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.20, is amended to read:

390.20 PERSON CHARGED ARRESTED.

If any person charged by the inquest with having committed the offense is not in custody, the coroner shall have the same power as a ~~county or municipal~~ district court judge to issue process for the person's apprehension. The warrant shall be returnable before any court having jurisdiction in the case and the court shall proceed as in similar cases.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.33, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Subpoena power. The judge exercising probate jurisdiction may issue subpoenas for witnesses, returnable immediately or at a time and place the judge directs. The persons served with subpoenas shall be allowed the same fees, the sheriff shall enforce their attendance in the same manner, and they shall be subject to the same penalties as if they had been served with a subpoena in behalf of the state in a criminal case before a ~~county or municipal~~ district court judge.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 480.181, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. State employees; compensation. (a) District court referees, judicial officers, court reporters, law clerks, district administration staff, other than district administration staff in the Second and Fourth Judicial Districts, guardian ad litem program coordinators and staff, staff court interpreters in the Second Judicial District, court psychological services staff in the Fourth Judicial District, and other court employees under paragraph (b), are state employees and are governed by the judicial branch personnel rules adopted by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, in consultation with the ~~conference of chief judges~~ Judicial Council, shall establish the salary range of these employees under the judicial branch personnel rules. In establishing the salary ranges, the Supreme Court shall consider differences in the cost of living in different areas of the state.

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(b) The court administrator and employees of the court administrator who are in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, or Ninth Judicial District are state employees. The court administrator and employees of the court administrator in the remaining judicial districts become state employees as follows:

(1) effective July 1, 2003, for the Second and Fourth Judicial Districts;

(2) effective July 1, 2004, for the First and Third Judicial Districts; and

(3) effective July 1, 2005, for the Sixth and Tenth Judicial Districts.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 480.181, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Election to retain insurance and benefits; retirement. (a) Before a person is transferred to state employment under this section, the person may elect to do either or both of the following:

(1) keep life insurance; hospital, medical, and dental insurance; and vacation and sick leave benefits and accumulated time provided by the county instead of receiving benefits from the state under the judicial branch personnel rules; or

(2) remain a member of the Public Employees Retirement Association or the Minneapolis employees retirement fund instead of joining the Minnesota State Retirement System.

Employees who make an election under clause (1) remain on the county payroll, but the state shall reimburse the county on a quarterly basis for the salary and cost of the benefits provided by the county. The state shall make the employer contribution to the Public Employees Retirement Association or the employer contribution under section 422A.101, subdivision 1a, to the Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund on behalf of employees who make an election under clause (2).

(b) An employee who makes an election under paragraph (a), clause (1), may revoke the election, once, at any time, but if the employee revokes the election, the employee cannot make another election. An employee who makes an election under paragraph (a), clause (2), may revoke the election at any time within six months after the person becomes a state employee. Once an employee revokes this election, the employee cannot make another election.

(c) The Supreme Court, after consultation with the ~~conference of chief judges~~ Judicial Council, the commissioner of employee relations, and the executive directors of the Public Employees Retirement Association and the Minnesota State Retirement Association, shall adopt procedures for making elections under this section.

(d) The Supreme Court shall notify all affected employees of the options available under this section. The executive directors of the Public Employees Retirement Association and the Minnesota State Retirement System shall provide counseling to affected employees on the effect of making an election to remain a member of the Public Employees Retirement Association.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 480.182, is amended to read:

480.182 STATE ASSUMPTION OF CERTAIN COURT COSTS.

~~(a)~~ Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the state courts will pay for the following court-related programs and costs:

(1) court interpreter program costs, including the costs of hiring court interpreters;

(2) guardian ad litem program and personnel costs;

(3) examination costs, not including hospitalization or treatment costs, for mental commitments and related proceedings under chapter 253B;

(4) examination costs under rule 20 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure;

(5) in forma pauperis costs;

(6) costs for transcripts mandated by statute, except in appeal cases and postconviction cases handled by the Board of Public Defense; ~~and~~

(7) jury program costs~~, not including personnel.~~; and

~~(b) In counties in a judicial district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), the state courts shall pay the~~ (8) witness fees and mileage fees specified in sections 253B.23, subdivision 1; 260B.152, subdivision 2; 260C.152, subdivision 2; 260B.331, subdivision 3, clause (a); 260C.331, subdivision 3, clause (a); 357.24; 357.32; 525.012, subdivision 5; and 627.02.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. General. The district courts shall have original jurisdiction in the following cases:

(1) all civil actions within their respective districts,;

(2) in all cases of crime committed or triable therein,;

(3) in all special proceedings not exclusively cognizable by some other court or tribunal~~, and~~;

(4) in law and equity for the administration of estates of deceased persons and all guardianship and incompetency proceedings;

(5) the jurisdiction of a juvenile court as provided in chapter 260;

(6) proceedings for the management of the property of persons who have disappeared, and actions relating thereto, as provided in chapter 576; and

(7) in all other cases wherein such jurisdiction is especially conferred upon them by law.

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They shall also have appellate jurisdiction in every case in which an appeal thereto is allowed by law from any other court, officer, or body.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.011, is amended to read:

484.011 JURISDICTION ~~IN SECOND AND FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICTS~~.

~~In the Second and Fourth Judicial Districts~~ The district court shall also be a probate court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.012, is amended to read:

484.012 COURT ADMINISTRATOR OF PROBATE COURT, SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

Notwithstanding section 525.09 the judicial district administrator in the Second Judicial District may appoint a court administrator of the Probate Court for the district subject to the approval of the chief judge and assistant chief judge who shall serve at the pleasure of the judges of the district, and who shall be supervised by the judicial district administrator~~, and whose salary shall be fixed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.45, is amended to read:

484.45 COURTHOUSE; JAIL; EXPENSES; ST. LOUIS COUNTY.

It is hereby made the duty of the board of county commissioners of the county of St. Louis to furnish and maintain adequate accommodations for the holding of terms of the district court at the city of Hibbing, and the city of Virginia, proper offices for these deputies and a proper place for the confinement and maintenance of the prisoners at the city of Hibbing and the city of Virginia.

The county shall reimburse the ~~court administrator and deputies as herein provided for and the~~ county attorney and assistants ~~and the district judges of the district and the official court reporter~~ for their traveling expenses actually and necessarily incurred in the performance of their respective official duties.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.54, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Reimbursement filings. Each judge claiming reimbursement for allowable expenses may file with the supreme court monthly and shall file not later than 90 days after the expenses are incurred, an itemized statement, verified by the judge, of all allowable expenses actually paid by the judge. All statements shall be audited by the Supreme Court and, if approved by the Supreme Court, shall be paid ~~by the commissioner of finance~~ from appropriations for this purpose.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.545, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Law clerk appointments. ~~The~~ Each district judges regularly assigned to hold court in each judicial district except for the Second, Fourth, and Tenth Judicial Districts may by orders filed with the court administrator and county auditor of each county in the district judge may appoint a competent law clerk for every two district court judges of the judicial district. The district judges regularly assigned to hold court in the First and Tenth Judicial Districts may by orders filed with the court administrator and county auditor of each county in the district appoint a competent law clerk for each district court judge of the district.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.64, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Chambers and supplies. The Board of County Commissioners of Ramsey County shall provide suitable chambers and courtroom space~~, clerks,~~ and bailiffs, ~~and other personnel to assist said judge,~~ together with necessary library, supplies~~, stationery~~ and other expenses necessary ~~thereto~~. The state shall provide referees, court reporters, law clerks, and guardian ad litem program coordinators and staff.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.65, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Space; personnel; supplies. The Board of County Commissioners of Hennepin County shall provide suitable chambers and courtroom space~~, clerks,~~ and bailiffs, ~~and other personnel to assist said judge,~~ together with necessary library, supplies~~, stationery~~ and other expenses necessary ~~thereto~~. The state shall provide referees, court reporters, law clerks, and guardian ad litem program coordinators and staff.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.68, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Appointment. ~~By November 1, 1977,~~ The chief judge of the judicial district in each judicial district shall appoint a single district administrator, subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, with the advice of the judges of the judicial district.

The district administrator shall serve at the pleasure of a majority of the judges of the judicial district.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 484.702, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Rules. The Supreme Court~~, in consultation with the conference of chief judges,~~ shall adopt rules to implement the expedited child support hearing process under this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 26. [484.80] LOCATION OF TRIAL RULE.

If a municipality is located in more than one county or district, the county in which the city hall of the municipality is located determines the county or district in which the municipality shall be deemed located for the purposes of this chapter provided, however, that the municipality by ordinance enacted may designate, for those purposes, some other county or district in which a part of the municipality is located.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 27. [484.81] PLEADING; PRACTICE; PROCEDURE.

Subdivision 1. General. Pleading, practice, procedure, and forms in civil actions shall be governed by Rules of Civil Procedure which shall be adopted by the Supreme Court.

Subd. 2. Court rules. The court may adopt rules governing pleading, practice, procedure, and forms for civil actions which are not inconsistent with the provisions of governing statutes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 28. [484.82] MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES.

A person who receives a misdemeanor citation shall proceed as follows: when a fine is not paid, the person charged must appear before the court at the time specified in the citation. If appearance before a misdemeanor bureau is designated in the citation, the person charged must appear within the time specified in the citation and arrange a date for arraignment in the district court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 29. [484.83] REINSTATEMENT OF FORFEITED SUMS.

A district court judge may order any sums forfeited to be reinstated and the commissioner of finance shall then refund accordingly. The commissioner of finance shall reimburse the court administrator if the court administrator refunds the deposit upon a judge's order and obtains a receipt to be used as a voucher.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 30. [484.84] DISPOSITION OF FINES, FEES, AND OTHER MONEY ACCOUNTS; HENNEPIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.

(b) The court administrator shall provide the county treasurer with the name of the municipality or other subdivision of government where the offense was committed and the name and official position of the officer who prosecuted the offense for each fine or penalty, and the total amount of fines or penalties collected for each municipality or other subdivision of government or for the county.

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(c) At the beginning of the first day of any month the amount owing to any municipality or county in the hands of the court administrator shall not exceed $5,000.

(d) On or before the last day of each month the county treasurer shall pay over to the treasurer of each municipality or subdivision of government in Hennepin County all fines or penalties collected during the previous month for offenses committed within such municipality or subdivision of government, except that all such fines and penalties attributable to cases in which the county attorney had charge of the prosecution shall be retained by the county treasurer and credited to the county general revenue fund.

(e) Amounts represented by checks issued by the court administrator or received by the court administrator which have not cleared by the end of the month may be shown on the monthly account as having been paid or received, subject to adjustment on later monthly accounts.

(f) The court administrator may receive negotiable instruments in payment of fines, penalties, fees or other obligations as conditional payments, and is not held accountable for this until collection in cash is made and then only to the extent of the net collection after deduction of the necessary expense of collection.

Subd. 2. Fees payable to administrator. (a) The civil fees payable to the administrator for services are the same in amount as the fees then payable to the District Court of Hennepin County for like services. Library and filing fees are not required of the defendant in an eviction action. The fees payable to the administrator for all other services of the administrator or the court shall be fixed by rules promulgated by a majority of the judges.

(b) Fees are payable to the administrator in advance.

(d) The following fees shall be taxed for all charges filed in court where applicable:

(1) the state of Minnesota and any governmental subdivision within the jurisdictional area of any district court herein established may present cases for hearing before said district court;

(2) in the event the court takes jurisdiction of a prosecution for the violation of a statute or ordinance by the state or a governmental subdivision other than a city or town in Hennepin County, all fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected shall be paid over to the treasurer of the governmental subdivision which submitted charges for prosecution under ordinance violation and to the county treasurer in all other charges except where a different disposition is provided by law, in which case, payment shall be made to the public official entitled thereto.

(e) The following fees shall be taxed to the county or to the state or governmental subdivision which would be entitled to payment of the fines, forfeiture or penalties in any case, and shall be paid to the court administrator for disposing of the matter.

(1) For each charge where the defendant is brought into court and pleads guilty and is sentenced, or the matter is otherwise disposed of without trial, $5.

(2) In arraignments where the defendant waives a preliminary examination, $10.

(3) For all other charges where the defendant stands trial or has a preliminary examination by the court, $15.

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(f) This paragraph applies to the distribution of fines paid by defendants without a court appearance in response to a citation. On or before the tenth day after the last day of the month in which the money was collected, the county treasurer shall pay 80 percent of the fines to the treasurer of the municipality or subdivision within the county where the violation was committed. The remainder of the fines shall be credited to the general revenue fund of the county.

EFFECTIVE DATE AND SUNSET. This section is effective July 1, 2006, and expires June 30, 2007.

Sec. 31. [484.841] DISPOSITION OF FINES, FEES, AND OTHER MONEY ACCOUNTS; HENNEPIN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.

Subdivision 1. Disposition of fines, fees and other money; accounts. (a) Except as otherwise provided within this subdivision, and except as otherwise provided by law, the court administrator shall pay all fines and penalties collected by the court administrator, all fees collected by the court administrator for court administrator's services, all sums forfeited to the court as provided in this subdivision, and all other money received by the court administrator to the subdivision of government entitled to it as follows on or before the 20th day after the last day of the month in which the money was collected. Eighty percent of all fines and penalties collected during the previous month shall be paid to the treasurer of the municipality or subdivision of government where the crime was committed. The remainder of the fines and penalties shall be credited to the general fund of the state. In all cases in which the county attorney had charge of the prosecution, all fines and penalties shall be credited to the state general fund.

(b) The court administrator shall identify the name of the municipality or other subdivision of government where the offense was committed and the total amount of fines or penalties collected for each municipality or other subdivision of government, for the county, or for the state.

(c) Amounts represented by checks issued by the court administrator or received by the court administrator which have not cleared by the end of the month may be shown on the monthly account as having been paid or received, subject to adjustment on later monthly accounts.

(d) The court administrator may receive negotiable instruments in payment of fines, penalties, fees or other obligations as conditional payments, and is not held accountable for this until collection in cash is made and then only to the extent of the net collection after deduction of the necessary expense of collection.

(b) Fees are payable to the administrator in advance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2007.

Sec. 32. [484.85] DISPOSITION OF FINES, FEES, AND OTHER MONEY; ACCOUNTS; RAMSEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.

(a) In the event the Ramsey County District Court takes jurisdiction of a prosecution for the violation of a statute or ordinance by the state or a governmental subdivision other than a city or town in Ramsey County, all fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected shall be paid over to the county treasurer except where a different disposition is provided by law, and the following fees shall be taxed to the state or governmental subdivision other than a city or

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town within Ramsey County which would be entitled to payment of the fines, forfeitures, or penalties in any case, and shall be paid to the administrator of the court for disposal of the matter. The administrator shall deduct the fees from any fine collected for the state of Minnesota or a governmental subdivision other than a city or town within Ramsey County and transmit the balance in accordance with the law, and the deduction of the total of the fees each month from the total of all the fines collected is hereby expressly made an appropriation of funds for payment of the fees:

(1) in all cases where the defendant is brought into court and pleads guilty and is sentenced, or the matter is otherwise disposed of without a trial, $5;

(2) in arraignments where the defendant waives a preliminary examination, $10;

(3) in all other cases where the defendant stands trial or has a preliminary examination by the court, $15; and

(4) the court shall have the authority to waive the collection of fees in any particular case.

(b) On or before the last day of each month, the county treasurer shall pay over to the treasurer of the city of St. Paul two-thirds of all fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected and to the treasurer of each other municipality or subdivision of government in Ramsey County one-half of all fines or penalties collected during the previous month from those imposed for offenses committed within the treasurer's municipality or subdivision of government in violation of a statute; an ordinance; or a charter provision, rule, or regulation of a city. All other fines and forfeitures and all fees and costs collected by the district court shall be paid to the treasurer of Ramsey County, who shall dispense the same as provided by law.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 33. [484.86] COURT DIVISIONS.

Subdivision 1. Authority. Subject to the provisions of section 244.19 and rules of the Supreme Court, a court may establish a probate division, a family court division, juvenile division, and a civil and criminal division which shall include a conciliation court, and may establish within the civil and criminal division a traffic and ordinance violations bureau.

Subd. 2. Establishment. The court may establish, consistent with Rule 23 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, misdemeanor violations bureaus at the places it determines.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 34. [484.87] PLEADING, PRACTICE, PROCEDURE, AND FORMS IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.

Subdivision 1. Right to jury trial. In any prosecution brought in a district court in which conviction of the defendant for the offense charged could result in imprisonment, the defendant has the right to a jury trial.

Subd. 2. Prosecuting attorneys in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. In the counties of Hennepin and Ramsey, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision and section 388.051, subdivision 2, the attorney of the municipality in which the violation is alleged to have occurred has charge of the prosecution of all violations of the state laws, including violations which are gross misdemeanors, and municipal charter provisions, ordinances, rules, and regulations triable in the district court, and shall prepare complaints for the violations. The county attorney has charge of the prosecution of a violation triable in district court and shall prepare a complaint for the violation:

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(1) if the county attorney is specifically designated by law as the prosecutor for the particular violation charged; or

(2) if the alleged violation is of state law and is alleged to have occurred in a municipality or other subdivision of government whose population according to the most recent federal decennial census is less than 2,500 and whose governing body, or the town board in the case of a town, has accepted this clause by majority vote, and if the defendant is cited or arrested by a member of the staff of the sheriff of Hennepin County or by a member of the State Patrol.

Clause (2) shall not apply to a municipality or other subdivision of government whose population according to the most recent federal decennial census is 2,500 or more, regardless of whether or not it has previously accepted clause (2).

Subd. 3. Prosecuting attorneys. Except as provided in subdivision 2 and as otherwise provided by law, violations of state law that are petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors must be prosecuted by the attorney of the statutory or home rule charter city where the violation is alleged to have occurred, if the city has a population greater than 600. If a city has a population of 600 or less, it may, by resolution of the city council, and with the approval of the board of county commissioners, give the duty to the county attorney. In cities of the first, second, and third class, gross misdemeanor violations of sections 609.52, 609.535, 609.595, 609.631, and 609.821 must be prosecuted by the attorney of the city where the violation is alleged to have occurred. The statutory or home rule charter city may enter into an agreement with the county board and the county attorney to provide prosecution services for any criminal offense. All other petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors must be prosecuted by the county attorney of the county in which the alleged violation occurred. All violations of a municipal ordinance, charter provision, rule, or regulation must be prosecuted by the attorney for the governmental unit that promulgated the municipal ordinance, charter provision, rule, or regulation, regardless of its population, or by the county attorney with whom it has contracted to prosecute these matters.

In the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, and Washington, violations of state law that are petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, or gross misdemeanors except as provided in section 388.051, subdivision 2, must be prosecuted by the attorney of the statutory or home rule charter city where the violation is alleged to have occurred. The statutory or home rule charter city may enter into an agreement with the county board and the county attorney to provide prosecution services for any criminal offense. All other petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, or gross misdemeanors must be prosecuted by the county attorney of the county in which the alleged violation occurred. All violations of a municipal ordinance, charter provision, rule, or regulation must be prosecuted by the attorney for the governmental unit that promulgated the municipal ordinance, charter provision, rule, or regulation or by the county attorney with whom it has contracted to prosecute these matters.

Subd. 4. Presumption of innocence; conviction of lowest degree. In an action or proceeding charging a violation of an ordinance of any subdivision of government in Hennepin County, if such ordinance is the same or substantially the same as a state law, the provisions of section 611.02 shall apply.

Subd. 5. Assistance of attorney general. An attorney for a statutory or home rule charter city in the metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, may request, and the attorney general may provide, assistance in prosecuting nonfelony violations of section 609.66, subdivision 1; 609.666; 624.713, subdivision 2; 624.7131, subdivision 11; 624.7132, subdivision 15; 624.714, subdivision 1 or 10; 624.7162, subdivision 3; or 624.7181, subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 35. [484.88] COUNTY ATTORNEY AS PROSECUTOR; NOTICE TO COUNTY.

A municipality or other subdivision of government seeking to use the county attorney for violations enumerated in section 484.87, subdivision 2, shall notify the county board of its intention to use the services of the county attorney at least 60 days prior to the adoption of the board's annual budget each year. A municipality may enter into an agreement with the county board and the county attorney to provide prosecution services for any criminal offense on a case-by-case basis.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 36. [484.89] ORDER FOR PRISON RELEASE.

When a person is confined to the Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility and a fine is remitted or a sentence is stayed or suspended, the person released on parole, or the release of the person secured by payment of the fine in default of which the person was committed, the prisoner shall not be released except upon order of the court. A written transcript of such order signed by the court administrator and under the court's seal shall be furnished to the superintendent of the Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility. All cost of confinement or imprisonment in any jail or correctional facility shall be paid by the municipality or subdivision of government in Hennepin County in which the violation occurred, except that the county shall pay all costs of confinement or imprisonment incurred as a result of a prosecution of a gross misdemeanor.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 37. [484.90] FEES PAYABLE TO COURT ADMINISTRATOR.

Subdivision 1. Fees. The fees payable to the court administrator for the following services in petty misdemeanors or criminal actions are governed by the following provisions:

In the event the court takes jurisdiction of a prosecution for the violation of a statute or ordinance by the state or a governmental subdivision other than a city or town within the county court district; all fines, penalties and forfeitures collected shall be paid over to the treasurer of the governmental subdivision which submitted a case for prosecution except where a different disposition is provided by law, in which case payment shall be made to the public official entitled thereto. The following fees for services in petty misdemeanor or criminal actions shall be taxed to the state or governmental subdivision which would be entitled to payment of the fines, forfeiture or penalties in any case, and shall be retained by the court administrator for disposing of the matter but in no case shall the fee that is taxed exceed the fine that is imposed. The court administrator shall deduct the fees from any fine collected and transmit the balance in accordance with the law, and the deduction of the total of such fees each month from the total of all such fines collected is hereby expressly made an appropriation of funds for payment of such fees:

(1) in all cases where the defendant pleads guilty at or prior to first appearance and sentence is imposed or the matter is otherwise disposed of without a trial, $5;

(2) where the defendant pleads guilty after first appearance or prior to trial, $10;

(3) in all other cases where the defendant is found guilty by the court or jury or pleads guilty during trial, $15; and

(4) the court shall have the authority to waive the collection of fees in any particular case.

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The fees set forth in this subdivision shall not apply to parking violations for which complaints and warrants have not been issued.

Subd. 2. Miscellaneous fees. Fees payable to the court administrator for all other services shall be fixed by court rule.

Subd. 3. Payment in advance. Except as provided in subdivision 1, fees are payable to the court administrator in advance.

Subd. 4. Fines paid by check. Amounts represented by checks issued by the court administrator or received by the court administrator which have not cleared by the end of the month may be shown on the monthly account as having been paid or received, subject to adjustment on later monthly accounts.

Subd. 5. Checks. The court administrator may receive checks in payment of fines, penalties, fees or other obligations as conditional payments, and is not held accountable therefor until collection in cash is made and then only to the extent of the net collection after deduction of the necessary expense of collection.

Subd. 6. Allocation. The court administrator shall provide the county treasurer with the name of the municipality or other subdivision of government where the offense was committed which employed or provided by contract the arresting or apprehending officer and the name of the municipality or other subdivision of government which employed the prosecuting attorney or otherwise provided for prosecution of the offense for each fine or penalty and the total amount of fines or penalties collected for each municipality or other subdivision of government. On or before the last day of each month, the county treasurer shall pay over to the treasurer of each municipality or subdivision of government within the county all fines or penalties for parking violations for which complaints and warrants have not been issued and one third of all fines or penalties collected during the previous month for offenses committed within the municipality or subdivision of government from persons arrested or issued citations by officers employed by the municipality or subdivision or provided by the municipality or subdivision by contract. An additional one third of all fines or penalties shall be paid to the municipality or subdivision of government providing prosecution of offenses of the type for which the fine or penalty is collected occurring within the municipality or subdivision, imposed for violations of state statute or of an ordinance, charter provision, rule, or regulation of a city whether or not a guilty plea is entered or bail is forfeited. Except as provided in section 299D.03, subdivision 5, or as otherwise provided by law, all other fines and forfeitures and all fees and statutory court costs collected by the court administrator shall be paid to the county treasurer of the county in which the funds were collected who shall dispense them as provided by law. In a county in a judicial district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), all other fines, forfeitures, fees, and statutory court costs must be paid to the commissioner of finance for deposit in the state treasury and credited to the general fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 38. [484.91] MISDEMEANOR VIOLATIONS BUREAUS.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. Misdemeanor violations bureaus shall be established in Minneapolis, a southern suburb location, and at any other northern and western suburban locations dispersed throughout the county as may be designated by a majority of the judges of the court.

Subd. 2. Supervision. The court shall supervise and the court administrator shall operate the misdemeanor violations bureaus in accordance with Rule 23 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure. Subject to approval by a majority of the judges, the court administrator shall assign one or more deputy court administrators to discharge and perform the duties of the bureau.

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Subd. 3. Uniform traffic ticket. The Hennepin County Board may alter by deletion or addition the uniform traffic ticket, provided in section 169.99, in such manner as it deems advisable for use in Hennepin County.

Subd. 4. Procedure by person receiving misdemeanor citation. A person who receives a misdemeanor or petty misdemeanor citation shall proceed as follows:

(a) If a fine for the violation may be paid at the bureau without appearance before a judge, the person charged may pay the fine in person or by mail to the bureau within the time specified in the citation. Payment of the fine shall be deemed to be the entry of a plea of guilty to the violation charged and a consent to the imposition of a sentence for the violation in the amount of the fine paid. A receipt shall be issued to evidence the payment and the receipt shall be satisfaction for the violation charged in that citation.

(b) When a fine is not paid, the person charged must appear at a bureau within the time specified in the citation, state whether the person desires to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty, arrange for a date for arraignment in court and appear in court for arraignment on the date set by the bureaus.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 39. [484.92] ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES.

Subdivision 1. Bailiffs. The sheriff of a county shall furnish to the district court deputies to serve as bailiffs within the county as the court may request. The county board may, with the approval of the chief judge of the district, contract with any municipality, upon terms agreed upon, for the services of police officers of the municipality to act as bailiffs in the county district court.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the authority of the court to employ probation officers with the powers and duties prescribed in section 244.19.

Subd. 2. Transcription of court proceedings. Electronic recording equipment may be used for the purposes of Laws 1971, chapter 951, to record court proceedings in lieu of a court reporter. However, at the request of any party to any proceedings the court may in its discretion require the proceedings to be recorded by a competent court reporter who shall perform such additional duties as the court directs. The salary of a reporter shall be set in accordance with the procedure provided by sections 486.05 and 486.06.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 485.01, is amended to read:

485.01 APPOINTMENT; BOND; DUTIES.

A clerk of the district court for each county within the judicial district, who shall be known as the court administrator, shall be appointed by a majority of the district court judges in the district. The clerk, before entering upon the duties of office, shall give bond to the state, to be approved by the chief judge of the judicial district, conditioned for the faithful discharge of official duties. The bond, with An oath of office, shall be recorded with the ~~county recorder~~ court administrator. The ~~clerk~~ court administrator shall perform all duties assigned by law and by the rules of the court. The ~~clerk~~ court administrator and all ~~deputy clerks~~ deputies must not practice as attorneys in the court in which they are employed.

The duties, functions, and responsibilities which have been and may be required by law or rule to be performed by the clerk of district court shall be performed by the court administrator.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 485.018, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Collection of fees. The court administrator of district court shall charge and collect all fees as prescribed by law and all such fees collected by the court administrator as court administrator of district court shall be paid to the ~~county treasurer~~ Department of Finance. Except for those portions of forfeited bail paid to victims pursuant to existing law, the ~~county treasurer~~ court administrator shall forward all revenue from fees and forfeited bail collected under chapters 357, 487, and 574 to the commissioner of finance for deposit in the state treasury and credit to the general fund, unless otherwise provided in chapter 611A or other law, in the manner and at the times prescribed by the commissioner of finance, but not less often than once each month. If the defendant or probationer is located after forfeited bail proceeds have been forwarded to the commissioner of finance, the commissioner of finance shall reimburse the county, on request, for actual costs expended for extradition, transportation, or other costs necessary to return the defendant or probationer to the jurisdiction where the bail was posted, in an amount not more than the amount of forfeited bail. The court administrator of district court shall not retain any additional compensation, per diem or other emolument for services as court administrator of district court, but may receive and retain mileage and expense allowances as prescribed by law.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 485.021, is amended to read:

485.021 INVESTMENT OF FUNDS DEPOSITED WITH COURT ADMINISTRATOR.

When money is paid into court pursuant to court order, the court administrator of district court, unless the court order specifies otherwise, may place such moneys with the ~~county treasurer~~ Department of Finance for investment, as provided by law. When such moneys are subsequently released, or otherwise treated, by court order, the same shall be immediately paid over by the county treasurer to the court administrator of district court who shall then fulfill the direction of the court order relative to such moneys.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 485.03, is amended to read:

485.03 DEPUTIES.

(a) The county board shall determine the number of permanent full time deputies, clerks and other employees in the office of the court administrator of district court and shall fix the compensation for each position. The county board shall also budget for temporary deputies and other employees and shall fix their rates of compensation. This paragraph does not apply to a county in a judicial district under section 480.181, subdivision 1, paragraph (b).

(b) The court administrator shall appoint in writing the deputies and other employees, for whose acts the court administrator shall be responsible~~, and whom the court administrator may remove at pleasure~~. Before each enters upon official duties, the appointment and oath of each shall be recorded with the ~~county recorder~~ court administrator.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 485.05, is amended to read:

485.05 DEPUTY COURT ADMINISTRATOR IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY.

In all counties in the state now or hereafter having a population of more than 150,000 and wherein regular terms of the district court are held in three or more places, the court administrator of the district court therein, by an instrument in writing, under the court administrator's hand and seal, and with the approval of the district judge of the judicial district in which said county is situated, or, if there be more than one such district judge, with the approval of a majority thereof, may appoint deputies for whose acts the court administrator shall be responsible, such deputies to hold office as such until they shall be removed therefrom, which removal shall not be made except with the approval of the district judge or judges. The appointment and oath of every such deputy shall be recorded with the ~~county recorder~~ court administrator.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 485.11, is amended to read:

485.11 PRINTED CALENDARS.

The court administrator of the district court in each of the several counties of this state shall provide calendars ~~either printed or otherwise duplicated~~ of the cases to be tried at the general terms thereof ~~at the expense of the counties where such court is held. This section shall not apply to a county where only one term of court is held each year~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 517.041, is amended to read:

517.041 POWER TO APPOINT COURT COMMISSIONER; DUTY.

~~The county court of the combined county court district of Benton and Stearns may appoint as court commissioner a person who was formerly employed by that county court district as a court commissioner.~~

The ~~county court of the~~ Third ~~or Fifth~~ Judicial ~~Districts~~ District may appoint as court commissioner for ~~Brown, Dodge,~~ Fillmore and Olmsted Counties respectively a person who was formerly employed by those counties as a court commissioner.

The sole duty of an appointed court commissioner is to solemnize marriages.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 518.157, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Minimum standards; plan. The Minnesota Supreme Court should promulgate minimum standards for the implementation and administration of a parent education program. The chief judge of each judicial district or a designee shall submit a plan to the Minnesota conference of chief judges for their approval that is designed to implement and administer a parent education program in the judicial district. The plan must be consistent with the minimum standards promulgated by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 518B.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 19a. Entry and enforcement of foreign protective orders. (a) As used in this subdivision, "foreign protective order" means an order for protection entered by a court of another state; an order by an Indian tribe or United States territory that would be a protective order entered under this chapter; a temporary or permanent order or protective order to exclude a respondent from a dwelling; or an order that establishes conditions of release or is a protective order or sentencing order in a criminal prosecution arising from a domestic abuse assault if it had been entered in Minnesota.

(b) A person for whom a foreign protection order has been issued or the issuing court or tribunal may provide a certified or authenticated copy of a foreign protective order to the court administrator in any county that would have venue if the original action was being commenced in this state or in which the person in whose favor the order was entered may be present, for filing and entering of the same into the state order for protection database.

(c) The court administrator shall file and enter foreign protective orders that are not certified or authenticated, if supported by an affidavit of a person with personal knowledge, subject to the penalties for perjury. The person protected by the order may provide this affidavit.

(d) The court administrator shall provide copies of the order as required by this section.

(e) A valid foreign protective order has the same effect and shall be enforced in the same manner as an order for protection issued in this state whether or not filed with a court administrator or otherwise entered in the state order for protection database.

(f) A foreign protective order is presumed valid if it meets all of the following:

(1) the order states the name of the protected individual and the individual against whom enforcement is sought;

(2) the order has not expired;

(3) the order was issued by a court or tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under the law of the foreign jurisdiction; and

(4) the order was issued in accordance with the respondent's due process rights, either after the respondent was provided with reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard before the court or tribunal that issued the order, or in the case of an ex parte order, the respondent was granted notice and an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued.

(g) Proof that a foreign protective order failed to meet all of the factors listed in paragraph (f) is an affirmative defense in any action seeking enforcement of the order.

(h) A peace officer shall treat a foreign protective order as a valid legal document and shall make an arrest for a violation of the foreign protective order in the same manner that a peace officer would make an arrest for a violation of a protective order issued within this state.

(i) The fact that a foreign protective order has not been filed with the court administrator or otherwise entered into the state order for protection database shall not be grounds to refuse to enforce the terms of the order unless it is apparent to the officer that the order is invalid on its face.

(j) A peace officer acting reasonably and in good faith in connection with the enforcement of a foreign protective order is immune from civil and criminal liability in any action arising in connection with the enforcement.

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(k) Filing and service costs in connection with foreign protective orders are waived.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 546.27, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Board of judicial standards review. At least annually, the board on judicial standards shall review the compliance of each district~~, county, or municipal~~ judge with the provisions of subdivision 1. To facilitate this review, the director of the state judicial information system shall notify the executive secretary of the state board on judicial standards when a matter exceeds 90 days without a disposition. The board shall notify the commissioner of finance of each judge not in compliance. If the board finds that a judge has compelling reasons for noncompliance, it may decide not to issue the notice. Upon notification that a judge is not in compliance, the commissioner of finance shall not pay the salary of that judge. The board may cancel a notice of noncompliance upon finding that a judge is in compliance, but in no event shall a judge be paid a salary for the period in which the notification of noncompliance was in effect.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 609.101, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Minimum fines; other crimes. Notwithstanding any other law:

(1) when a court sentences a person convicted of a felony that is not listed in subdivision 2 or 3, it must impose a fine of not less than 30 percent of the maximum fine authorized by law nor more than the maximum fine authorized by law; and

(2) when a court sentences a person convicted of a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor that is not listed in subdivision 2, it must impose a fine of not less than 30 percent of the maximum fine authorized by law nor more than the maximum fine authorized by law, unless the fine is set at a lower amount on a uniform fine schedule established by the ~~conference of chief judges~~ Judicial Council in consultation with affected state and local agencies. This schedule shall be promulgated not later than September 1 of each year and shall become effective on January 1 of the next year unless the legislature, by law, provides otherwise.

The minimum fine required by this subdivision is in addition to the surcharge or assessment required by section 357.021, subdivision 6, and is in addition to any sentence of imprisonment or restitution imposed or ordered by the court.

The court shall collect the fines mandated in this subdivision and, except for fines for traffic and motor vehicle violations governed by section 169.871 and section 299D.03 and fish and game violations governed by section 97A.065, forward 20 percent of the revenues to the commissioner of finance for deposit in the general fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 629.74, is amended to read:

629.74 PRETRIAL BAIL EVALUATION.

The local corrections department or its designee shall conduct a pretrial bail evaluation of each defendant arrested and detained for committing a crime of violence as defined in section 624.712, subdivision 5, a gross misdemeanor violation of section 609.224 or 609.2242, or a nonfelony violation of section 518B.01, 609.2231, 609.3451, 609.748, or 609.749. In cases where the defendant requests appointed counsel, the evaluation shall

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include completion of the financial statement required by section 611.17. The local corrections department shall be reimbursed $25 by the Department of Corrections for each evaluation performed. The ~~conference of chief judges,~~ Judicial Council in consultation with the Department of Corrections, shall approve the pretrial evaluation form to be used in each county.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 641.25, is amended to read:

641.25 DISTRICT JAILS; HOW DESIGNATED.

The commissioner of corrections, with the consent of the county board, may designate any suitable jail in the state as a district jail, to be used for the detention of prisoners from other counties in addition to those of its own. If the jail or its management becomes unfit for that purpose, the commissioner may rescind its designation. Whenever there is no sufficient jail in any county, the examining ~~county or municipal~~ judge, or upon the judge's own motion, ~~or the judge of the district court,~~ upon application of the sheriff, may order any person charged with a criminal offense committed to a sufficient jail in some other county. If there is a district jail in the judicial district, the charged person shall be sent to it, or to any other nearer district jail designated by the judge. The sheriff of the county containing the district jail, on presentation of the order, shall receive, keep in custody, and deliver the charged person up upon the order of the court or a judge.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 53. Laws 2002, chapter 266, section 1, as amended by Laws 2004, chapter 290, section 38, is amended to read:

Section 1. DOMESTIC FATALITY REVIEW TEAM PILOT PROJECT EXTENSION.

The fourth judicial district may extend the duration of the pilot project authorized by Laws 1999, chapter 216, article 2, section 27, and Laws 2000, chapter 468, sections 29 to 32, until December 31, ~~2006~~ 2008. If the pilot project is extended, the domestic fatality review team shall submit a report on the project to the legislature by January 15, ~~2007~~ 2009.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 54. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 484.013, subdivision 8; 484.545, subdivisions 2 and 3; 484.55; 484.68, subdivision 7; 484.75; 485.018, subdivisions 2, 6, and 8; 485.12; 487.01; 487.02; 487.03; 487.04; 487.07; 487.10; 487.11; 487.13; 487.14; 487.15; 487.16; 487.17; 487.18; 487.19; 487.191; 487.20; 487.21; 487.23; 487.24; 487.25; 487.26; 487.27; 487.28; 487.29; 487.31; 487.32; 487.33; 487.34; 487.36; 487.37; 487.38; 487.40; 488A.01; 488A.021; 488A.025; 488A.03; 488A.035; 488A.04; 488A.08; 488A.09; 488A.10; 488A.101; 488A.11; 488A.112; 488A.113; 488A.115; 488A.116; 488A.119; 488A.18; 488A.19; 488A.20; 488A.21; 488A.23; 488A.24; 488A.26; 488A.27; 488A.28; 488A.282; 488A.285; 488A.286; 488A.287; 525.011; 525.012; 525.013; 525.014; 525.015; 525.02; 525.03; 525.051; 525.052; 525.053; 525.06; 525.07; 525.08; 525.081; 525.082; 525.09; and 625.09, and Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 353.027; and 485.03, are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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ARTICLE 6

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 237.49, is amended to read:

237.49 COMBINED LOCAL ACCESS SURCHARGE.

Each local telephone company shall collect from each subscriber an amount per telephone access line representing the total of the surcharges required under sections 237.52, 237.70, and 403.11. Amounts collected must be remitted to the commissioner of public safety in the manner prescribed in section 403.11. The commissioner of public safety shall divide the amounts received ~~proportional to the individual surcharges~~ and deposit them in the appropriate accounts. The commissioner of public safety may recover from the agencies receiving the surcharges the personnel and administrative costs to collect and distribute the surcharge. A company or the billing agent for a company shall list the surcharges as one amount on a billing statement sent to a subscriber.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 19a. Secondary public safety answering point. "Secondary public safety answering point" means a communications facility that: (1) is operated on a 24-hour basis, in which a minimum of three public safety answering points (PSAP's) route calls for postdispatch or prearrival instructions; (2) receives calls directly from medical facilities to reduce call volume at the PSAP's; and (3) is able to receive 911 calls routed to it from a PSAP when the PSAP is unable to receive or answer 911 calls.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.025, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Contractual requirements. (a) The state~~, together~~ shall contract with the county or other governmental agencies operating public safety answering points~~, shall contract~~ and with the appropriate wire-line telecommunications service providers or other entities determined by the commissioner to be capable of providing effective and efficient components of the 911 system for the operation, maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of the 911 system.

(b) The state shall contract with the appropriate wireless telecommunications service providers for maintaining, enhancing, and expanding the 911 system.

(c) The contract language or subsequent amendments to the contract must include a description of the services to be furnished to the county or other governmental agencies operating public safety answering points. The contract language or subsequent amendments must include the terms of compensation based on the effective tariff or price list filed with the Public Utilities Commission or the prices agreed to by the parties.

(d) The contract language or subsequent amendments to contracts between the parties must contain a provision for resolving disputes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.05, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Agreements for service. Each county ~~and~~ or any other governmental agency shall contract with the state ~~and wire-line telecommunications service providers or other entities determined by the commissioner to be capable of providing effective and efficient components of the 911 system~~ for the recurring and nonrecurring costs associated with operating and maintaining 911 emergency communications systems. If requested by the county or other governmental agency, the county or agency is entitled to be a party to any contract between the state and any wire-line telecommunications service provider or 911 emergency telecommunications service provider providing components of the 911 system within the county.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.08, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Duties. Each wireless telecommunications service provider shall cooperate in planning and implementing integration with enhanced 911 systems operating in their service territories to meet Federal Communications Commission-enhanced 911 standards. ~~By August 1, 1997, each 911 emergency telecommunications service provider operating enhanced 911 systems, in cooperation with each involved~~ Each wireless telecommunications service provider, shall annually develop and provide to the commissioner good-faith estimates of installation and recurring expenses to integrate wireless 911 service into the enhanced 911 networks to meet Federal Communications Commission phase one wireless enhanced 911 standards. The commissioner shall coordinate with counties and affected public safety agency representatives in developing a statewide design and plan for implementation.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Emergency telecommunications service fee; account. (a) Each customer of a wireless or wire-line switched or packet-based telecommunications service provider connected to the public switched telephone network that furnishes service capable of originating a 911 emergency telephone call is assessed a fee based upon the number of wired or wireless telephone lines, or their equivalent, to cover the costs of ongoing maintenance and related improvements for trunking and central office switching equipment for 911 emergency telecommunications service, ~~plus~~ to offset administrative and staffing costs of the commissioner related to managing the 911 emergency telecommunications service program. Recurring charges by a wire-line telecommunications service provider for updating the information required by section 403.07, subdivision 3, must be paid by the commissioner if the wire-line telecommunications service provider is included in an approved 911 plan and the charges are made pursuant to contract. The fee assessed under this section must also be used for the purpose of offsetting, to make distributions provided for in section 403.113, and to offset the costs, including administrative and staffing costs, incurred by the State Patrol Division of the Department of Public Safety in handling 911 emergency calls made from wireless phones.

(b) Money remaining in the 911 emergency telecommunications service account after all other obligations are paid must not cancel and is carried forward to subsequent years and may be appropriated from time to time to the commissioner to provide financial assistance to counties for the improvement of local emergency telecommunications services. The improvements may include providing access to 911 service for telecommunications service subscribers currently without access and upgrading existing 911 service to include automatic number identification, local location identification, automatic location identification, and other improvements specified in revised county 911 plans approved by the commissioner.

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(c) The fee may not be less than eight cents nor more than 65 cents a month for each customer access line or other basic access service, including trunk equivalents as designated by the Public Utilities Commission for access charge purposes and including wireless telecommunications services. With the approval of the commissioner of finance, the commissioner of public safety shall establish the amount of the fee within the limits specified and inform the companies and carriers of the amount to be collected. When the revenue bonds authorized under section 403.27, subdivision 1, have been fully paid or defeased, the commissioner shall reduce the fee to reflect that debt service on the bonds is no longer needed. The commissioner shall provide companies and carriers a minimum of 45 days' notice of each fee change. The fee must be the same for all customers.

(d) The fee must be collected by each wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider subject to the fee. Fees are payable to and must be submitted to the commissioner monthly before the 25th of each month following the month of collection, except that fees may be submitted quarterly if less than $250 a month is due, or annually if less than $25 a month is due. Receipts must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a 911 emergency telecommunications service account in the special revenue fund. The money in the account may only be used for 911 telecommunications services.

(e) This subdivision does not apply to customers of interexchange carriers.

(f) The installation and recurring charges for integrating wireless 911 calls into enhanced 911 systems ~~must be paid~~ are eligible for payment by the commissioner if the 911 service provider is included in the statewide design plan and the charges are made pursuant to contract.

(g) Competitive local exchanges carriers holding certificates of authority from the Public Utilities Commission are eligible to receive payment for recurring 911 services.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.11, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Method of payment. (a) Any wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider incurring reimbursable costs under subdivision 1 shall submit an invoice itemizing rate elements by county or service area to the commissioner for 911 services furnished under contract. Any wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider is eligible to receive payment for 911 services rendered according to the terms and conditions specified in the contract. ~~Competitive local exchange carriers holding certificates of authority from the Public Utilities Commission are eligible to receive payment for recurring 911 services provided after July 1, 2001.~~ The commissioner shall pay the invoice within 30 days following receipt of the invoice unless the commissioner notifies the service provider that the commissioner disputes the invoice.

(b) The commissioner shall estimate the amount required to reimburse 911 emergency telecommunications service providers and wireless and wire-line telecommunications service providers for the state's obligations under subdivision 1 and the governor shall include the estimated amount in the biennial budget request.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.11, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a. Timely ~~certification~~ invoices. ~~A certification~~ An invoice for services provided for in the contract with a wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider must be submitted to the commissioner no later than ~~one year~~ 90 days after commencing a new or additional eligible 911 service. Each applicable contract must provide that, if certified expenses under the contract deviate from estimates in the contract by more than ten percent, the commissioner may reduce the level of service without incurring any termination fees.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.11, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

Subd. 3b. ~~Certification~~ Declaration. ~~All~~ If the commissioner disputes an invoice, the wireless and wire-line telecommunications service providers shall submit a ~~self-certification form~~ declaration under section 16A.41 signed by an officer of the company ~~to the commissioner~~ with the invoices for payment of ~~an initial or changed~~ service described in the service provider's 911 contract. The ~~self-certification shall~~ sworn declaration must specifically describe and affirm that the 911 service contracted for is being provided and the costs invoiced for the service are true and correct. ~~All certifications are subject to verification and audit.~~ When a wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider fails to provide a sworn declaration within 90 days of notice by the commissioner that the invoice is disputed, the disputed amount of the invoice must be disallowed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.11, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

Subd. 3c. Audit. If the commissioner determines that an audit is necessary to document the ~~certification described~~ invoice and sworn declaration in subdivision 3b, the wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider must contract with an independent certified public accountant to conduct the audit. The audit must be conducted according to generally accepted accounting principles. The wireless or wire-line telecommunications service provider is responsible for any costs associated with the audit.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.113, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Fee. (a) Each customer receiving service from a wireless or wire-line switched or packet-based telecommunications service provider connected to the public telephone network that furnishes service capable of originating a 911 emergency telephone call is assessed a fee A portion of the fee collected under section 403.11 must be used to fund implementation, operation, maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of enhanced 911 service, including acquisition of necessary equipment and the costs of the commissioner to administer the program. ~~The actual fee assessed under section 403.11 and the enhanced 911 service fee must be collected as one amount and may not exceed the amount specified in section 403.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).~~

~~(b) The enhanced 911 service fee must be collected and deposited in the same manner as the fee in section 403.11 and used solely for the purposes of paragraph (a) and subdivision 3.~~

(c) The commissioner, in consultation with counties and 911 system users, shall determine the amount of the enhanced 911 service fee. The commissioner shall inform wireless and wire-line telecommunications service providers that provide service capable of originating a 911 emergency telephone call of the total amount of the 911 service fees in the same manner as provided in section 403.11.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.113, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Local expenditures. (a) Money distributed under subdivision 2 for enhanced 911 service may be spent on enhanced 911 system costs for the purposes stated in subdivision 1~~, paragraph (a)~~. In addition, money may be spent to lease, purchase, lease-purchase, or maintain enhanced 911 equipment, including telephone equipment; recording equipment; computer hardware; computer software for database provisioning, addressing, mapping, and any other software necessary for automatic location identification or local location identification; trunk lines;

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selective routing equipment; the master street address guide; dispatcher public safety answering point equipment proficiency and operational skills; pay for long-distance charges incurred due to transferring 911 calls to other jurisdictions; and the equipment necessary within the public safety answering point for community alert systems and to notify and communicate with the emergency services requested by the 911 caller.

(b) Money distributed for enhanced 911 service may not be spent on:

(1) purchasing or leasing of real estate or cosmetic additions to or remodeling of communications centers;

(2) mobile communications vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, law enforcement vehicles, or other emergency vehicles;

(3) signs, posts, or other markers related to addressing or any costs associated with the installation or maintenance of signs, posts, or markers.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Board. "Board" or "radio board" ~~or "Metropolitan Radio Board"~~ means the ~~Metropolitan~~ Statewide Radio Board ~~or its successor regional radio board~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Plan. "Plan" or "regionwide public safety radio system communication plan" means ~~the~~ a plan adopted by ~~the Metropolitan Radio Board for a regionwide public safety radio communications system.~~ a regional radio board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.21, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Subsystems. "Subsystems" or "public safety radio subsystems" means systems identified in the plan or a plan developed under section 403.36 as subsystems interconnected by the system backbone and operated by ~~the Metropolitan Radio Board,~~ a regional radio board, or local government units for their own internal operations.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.21, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. System backbone. "System backbone" or "backbone" means a public safety radio communication system that consists of a shared, trunked, communication, and interoperability infrastructure network, including, but not limited to, radio towers and associated structures and equipment, the elements of which are identified in the regionwide public safety radio communication system plan ~~under section 403.23, subdivision 6,~~ and the statewide radio communication plan under section 403.36.

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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.33, is amended to read:

403.33 LOCAL PLANNING.

Subdivision 1. County planning process. (a) No later than two years from May 22, 1995, each metropolitan county shall undertake and complete a planning process for its public safety radio subsystem to ensure participation by representatives of local government units, quasi-public service organizations, and private entities eligible to use the regional public safety radio system and to ensure coordination and planning of the local subsystems. Local governments and other eligible users shall cooperate with the county in its preparation of the subsystem plan to ensure that local needs are met.

(b) The regional radio board for the metropolitan area shall encourage the establishment by each metropolitan county of local public safety radio subsystem committees composed of representatives of local governments and other eligible users for the purposes of:

(1) establishing a plan for coordinated and timely use of the regionwide public safety radio system by the local governments and other eligible users within each metropolitan county; and

(2) assisting and advising the regional radio board for the metropolitan area in its implementation of the regional public safety radio plan by identification of local service needs and objectives.

(c) The regional radio board for the metropolitan area shall also encourage the establishment of joint or multicounty planning for the regionwide public safety radio system and subsystems.

(d) The regional radio board for the metropolitan area may provide local boards with whatever assistance it deems necessary and appropriate.

(e) No metropolitan county or city of the first class shall be required to undertake a technical subsystem design to meet the planning process requirements of this subdivision or subdivision 2.

Subd. 2. Cities of first class; planning process. Each city of the first class in the metropolitan counties shall have the option to participate in the county public safety radio subsystem planning process or develop its own plan.

Subd. 3. Submission of plans to board. Each metropolitan county and each city of the first class in the metropolitan area which has chosen to develop its own plan shall submit the plan to the regional radio board for the metropolitan area for the board's review and approval.

Subd. 4. Local government joinder. Local government units, except for cities of the first class, quasi-public service organizations, and private entities eligible to use the regional public safety radio system cannot join the system until its county plan has been approved by the regional radio board for the metropolitan area.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.34, is amended to read:

403.34 OPTIONAL LOCAL USE OF ~~REGIONAL~~ STATEWIDE SYSTEM.

Subdivision 1. Options. Use of the ~~regional~~ statewide public safety radio system by local governments, quasi-public service organizations, and private entities eligible to use the system shall be optional and no local government or other eligible user of the system shall be required to abandon or modify current public safety radio communication systems or purchase new equipment until the local government or other eligible user elects to join

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the system. Public safety radio communication service to local governments and other eligible users who do not initially join the system shall not be interrupted. No local government or other eligible users who do not join the system shall be charged a user fee for the use of the system.

Subd. 2. Requirements to join. Local governments and other entities eligible to join the ~~regional~~ statewide public safety radio system which elect to join the system must do so in accordance with and meet the requirements of the provisions of the plan adopted by the ~~radio~~ board as provided in section ~~403.23, subdivision 2~~ 403.36.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 403.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Membership. (a) The commissioner of public safety shall convene and chair the Statewide Radio Board to develop a project plan for a statewide, shared, trunked public safety radio communication system. The system may be referred to as "Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response," or "ARMER."

(b) The board consists of the following members or their designees:

(1) the commissioner of public safety;

(2) the commissioner of transportation;

(3) the state chief information officer;

(4) the commissioner of natural resources;

(5) the chief of the Minnesota State Patrol;

~~(6) the commissioner of health;~~

~~(7)~~ (6) the commissioner of finance;

(7) the chair of the Metropolitan Council;

(8) two elected city officials, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governing body of the League of Minnesota Cities;

(9) two elected county officials, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governing body of the Association of Minnesota Counties;

(10) two sheriffs, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governing body of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association;

(11) two chiefs of police, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governor after considering recommendations made by the Minnesota Chiefs' of Police Association;

(12) two fire chiefs, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governor after considering recommendations made by the Minnesota Fire Chiefs' Association;

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(13) two representatives of emergency medical service providers, one from the nine-county metropolitan area and one from Greater Minnesota, appointed by the governor after considering recommendations made by the Minnesota Ambulance Association;

(14) the chair of the ~~Metropolitan~~ regional radio board for the metropolitan area; and

(15) a representative of Greater Minnesota elected by those units of government in phase three and any subsequent phase of development as defined in the statewide, shared radio and communication plan, who have submitted a plan to the Statewide Radio Board and where development has been initiated.

(c) The Statewide Radio Board shall coordinate the appointment of board members representing Greater Minnesota with the appointing authorities and may designate the geographic region or regions from which an appointed board member is selected where necessary to provide representation from throughout the state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 403.36, subdivision 1f, is amended to read:

Subd. 1f. Advisory groups. (a) The Statewide Radio Board shall establish one or more advisory groups for the purpose of advising on the plan, design, implementation, and administration of the statewide, shared trunked radio and communication system.

(b) At least one such group must consist of the following members:

(1) ~~the chair of the Metropolitan Radio Board and~~ the chair of each regional radio board or, if no regional radio board has been formed, a representative of each region of development as defined in the statewide, shared, trunked radio and communication plan, once planning and development have been initiated for the region, or a designee;

(2) the chief of the Minnesota State Patrol or a designee;

(3) a representative of the Minnesota State Sheriffs' Association;

(4) a representative of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association;

(5) a representative of the Minnesota Fire Chiefs' Association; and

(6) a representative of the Emergency Medical Services Board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 21. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 403.08, subdivision 8; 403.22; 403.23; 403.24; 403.25; 403.26; 403.28; 403.29, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3; 403.30, subdivisions 2 and 4; and 403.35 are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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ARTICLE 7

FRAUDULENT OR IMPROPER FINANCING STATEMENTS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 358.41, is amended to read:

358.41 DEFINITIONS.

As used in sections 358.41 to 358.49:

(1) "Notarial act" means any act that a notary public of this state is authorized to perform, and includes taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument. A notary public may perform a notarial act by electronic means.

(2) "Acknowledgment" means a declaration by a person that the person has executed an instrument or electronic record for the purposes stated therein and, if the instrument or electronic record is executed in a representative capacity, that the person signed the instrument with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person or entity represented and identified therein.

(3) "Verification upon oath or affirmation" means a declaration that a statement is true made by a person upon oath or affirmation.

(4) "In a representative capacity" means:

(i) for and on behalf of a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity, as an authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee, or other representative;

(ii) as a public officer, personal representative, guardian, or other representative, in the capacity recited in the instrument;

(iii) as an attorney in fact for a principal; or

(iv) in any other capacity as an authorized representative of another.

(5) "Notarial officer" means a notary public or other officer authorized to perform notarial acts.

(6) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.

(7) "Electronic record" means a record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, or stored by electronic means.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 358.42, is amended to read:

358.42 NOTARIAL ACTS.

(a) In taking an acknowledgment, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the acknowledgment is the person whose true signature is on the instrument or electronic record.

(b) In taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the verification is the person whose true signature is on the statement verified.

(c) In witnessing or attesting a signature the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the signature is that of the person appearing before the officer and named therein.

(d) In certifying or attesting a copy of a document, electronic record, or other item, the notarial officer must determine that the proffered copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of that which was copied.

(e) In making or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument or electronic record the notarial officer must determine the matters set forth in section 336.3-505.

(f) A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose true signature is on a document or electronic record if that person (i) is personally known to the notarial officer, (ii) is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally known to the notarial officer, or (iii) is identified on the basis of identification documents.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 358.47, is amended to read:

358.47 CERTIFICATE OF NOTARIAL ACTS.

(a) A notarial act must be evidenced by a certificate physically or electronically signed and dated by a notarial officer in a manner that attributes such signature to the notary public identified on the commission. The certificate must include identification of the jurisdiction in which the notarial act is performed and the title of the office of the notarial officer and may include the official stamp or seal of office, or the notary's electronic seal. If the officer is a notary public, the certificate must also indicate the date of expiration, if any, of the commission of office, but omission of that information may subsequently be corrected. If the officer is a commissioned officer on active duty in the military service of the United States, it must also include the officer's rank.

(b) A certificate of a notarial act is sufficient if it meets the requirements of subsection (a) and it:

(1) is in the short form set forth in section 358.48;

(2) is in a form otherwise prescribed by the law of this state;

(3) is in a form prescribed by the laws or regulations applicable in the place in which the notarial act was performed; or

(4) sets forth the actions of the notarial officer and those are sufficient to meet the requirements of the designated notarial act.

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(c) By executing a certificate of a notarial act, the notarial officer certifies that the officer has made the determinations required by section 358.42.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 358.50, is amended to read:

358.50 EFFECT OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

An acknowledgment made in a representative capacity for and on behalf of a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity and certified substantially in the form prescribed in this chapter is prima facie evidence that the instrument or electronic record was executed and delivered with proper authority.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Registration to perform electronic notarizations. Before performing electronic notarial acts, a notary public shall register the capability to notarize electronically with the secretary of state. Before performing electronic notarial acts after recommissioning, a notary public shall reregister with the secretary of state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Specifications. The seal of every notary public may be affixed by a stamp that will print a seal which legibly reproduces under photographic methods the seal of the state of Minnesota, the name of the notary, the words "Notary Public," and the words "My commission expires ...............," with the expiration date shown thereon or may be an electronic form. ~~The~~ A physical seal used to authenticate a paper document shall be a rectangular form of not more than three-fourths of an inch vertically by 2-1/2 inches horizontally, with a serrated or milled edge border, and shall contain the information required by this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 4. Electronic seal. A notary's electronic seal shall contain the notary's name, jurisdiction, and commission expiration date, and shall be logically and securely affixed to or associated with the electronic record being notarized.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.04, is amended to read:

359.04 POWERS.

Every notary public so appointed, commissioned, and qualified shall have power throughout this state to administer all oaths required or authorized to be administered in this state; to take and certify all depositions to be used in any of the courts of this state; to take and certify all acknowledgments of deeds, mortgages, liens, powers of attorney, and other instruments in writing or electronic records; and to receive, make out, and record notarial protests.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.05, is amended to read:

359.05 DATE OF EXPIRATION OF COMMISSION AND NAME TO BE ENDORSED.

Every notary public, except in cases provided in section 359.03, subdivision 3, taking an acknowledgment of an instrument, taking a deposition, administering an oath, or making a notarial protest, shall, immediately following the notary's physical or electronic signature to the jurat or certificate of acknowledgment, endorse the date of the expiration of the commission; such endorsement may be legibly written, stamped, or printed upon the instrument, but must be disconnected from the seal, and shall be substantially in the following form: "My commission expires ............, ....." Except in cases provided in section 359.03, subdivision 3, every notary public, in addition to signing the jurat or certificate of acknowledgment, shall, immediately following the signature and immediately preceding the official description, endorse thereon the notary's name with a typewriter or, print the same legibly with a stamp or, with pen and ink, or affix by electronic means; provided that the failure so to endorse or print the name shall not invalidate any jurat or certificate of acknowledgment.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 359.085, is amended to read:

359.085 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR NOTARIAL ACTS.

Subdivision 1. Acknowledgments. In taking an acknowledgment, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the acknowledgment is the person whose true signature is on the instrument or electronic record.

Subd. 2. Verifications. In taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the officer and making the verification is the person whose true signature is on the statement verified.

Subd. 3. Witnessing or attesting signatures. In witnessing or attesting a signature, the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the signature is that of the person appearing before the officer and named in the document or electronic record.

Subd. 4. Certifying or attesting documents. In certifying or attesting a copy of a document, electronic record, or other item, the notarial officer must determine that the proffered copy is a full, true, and accurate transcription or reproduction of that which was copied.

Subd. 5. Making or noting protests of negotiable instruments. In making or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument or electronic record, the notarial officer must determine the matters set forth in section 336.3-505.

Subd. 6. Satisfactory evidence. A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose true signature is on a document or electronic record if that person (i) is personally known to the notarial officer, (ii) is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally known to the notarial officer, or (iii) is identified on the basis of identification documents.

Subd. 7. Prohibited acts. A notarial officer may not acknowledge, witness or attest to the officer's own signature, or take a verification of the officer's own oath or affirmation.

Subd. 8. Failure to appear before notary. A notarial officer may not notarize the physical or electronic signature of any signer who is not in the presence of the notary at the time of notarization.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 11. [545.05] EXPEDITED PROCESS TO REVIEW AND DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FINANCING STATEMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, a financing statement or other record is fraudulent or otherwise improper if it is filed without the authorization of the obligor, person named as debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in the financing statement or other record, or by consent of an agent, fiduciary, or other representative of that person or without the consent of the secured party of record in the case of an amendment or termination.

(b) As used in this section, filing office or filing officer refers to the office or officer where a financing statement or other record is appropriately filed or recorded as provided by law, including, but not limited to, the county recorder, the secretary of state, and other related filing officers.

Subd. 2. Motion. An obligor, person named as a debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in a financing statement or other record filed under sections 336.9-101 to 336.9-709 (Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions), who has reason to believe that the financing statement or other record is fraudulent or otherwise improper may complete and file at any time a motion for judicial review of the effectiveness of the financing statement or other record. A secured party of record who believes that an amendment or termination of a financing statement or other record is fraudulent or otherwise improper may also file a motion.

Subd. 3. Service and filing. (a) The motion under subdivision 2 must be mailed by certified United States mail to the person who is indicated as the secured party on the allegedly fraudulent or improper record at the address listed on the record or, in the case of a filing by the secured party of record, to the address of the person who filed the amendment or termination in question, as listed on the record. The motion must be accompanied by a copy of the record in question, an affidavit of mailing, the form for responding to the motion under subdivision 6, and a copy of the text of this section.

(b) On the day the motion is mailed, a copy of the materials must be filed with the district court of the county in which the financing statement or other record has been filed or in the county of residence of the moving party. The motion must be supported by the affidavit of the moving party or the moving party's attorney setting forth a concise statement of the facts upon which the claim for relief is based. There is no filing fee for a motion or a response filed under this section.

Subd. 4. Motion form. The motion must be in substantially the following form:

In Re: A Purported Financing Statement in the district court of .......................... County, Minnesota, Against [Name of person who filed the financing statement]

MOTION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A FINANCING STATEMENT FILED UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE - SECURED TRANSACTIONS

.................................... (name of moving party) files this motion requesting a judicial determination of the effectiveness of a financing statement or other record filed under the Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions in the office of the ............... (filing office and location) and in support of the motion provides as follows:

.............................. (name), the moving party, is the [obligor, person named as a debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in] [secured party of record listed in] a financing statement or other record filed under the Uniform Commercial Code.

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II.

On ............. (date), in the exercise of the filing officer's official duties as .................. (filing officer's position), the filing officer received and filed or recorded the financing statement or other record, a copy which is attached, that purports to [perfect a security interest against the obligor, person named as debtor, or the owner of collateral described or indicated in the financing statement or other record] or [amend or terminate the financing statement in which the moving party is listed as the secured party of record].

III.

The moving party alleges that the financing statement or other record is fraudulent or otherwise improper and that this court should declare the financing statement or other record ineffective.

IV.

The moving party attests that the assertions in this motion are true and correct.

The moving party does not request the court to make a finding as to any underlying claim of the parties involved and acknowledges that this motion does not seek review of an effective financing statement. The moving party further acknowledges that the moving party may be subject to sanctions if this motion is determined to be frivolous. The moving party may be contacted by the respondent at:

Mailing Address: (required)

Telephone Number:

Facsimile Number: (either facsimile or e-mail contact is required)

E-Mail Address: (either facsimile or e-mail contact is required)

REQUEST FOR RELIEF

The moving party requests the court to review the attached documentation and enter an order finding that the financing statement or other record is ineffective together with other findings as the court deems appropriate.

Respectfully submitted, .......................... (Signature and typed name and address).

Subd. 5. Motion acknowledgment form. The form for the certificate of acknowledgment must be substantially as follows:

AFFIDAVIT

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF .…..….......…..…....................

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, personally appeared ........., who, being by me duly sworn, deposed as follows:

"My name is . .…..….......................... I am over 18 years of age, of sound mind, with personal knowledge of the following facts, and fully competent to testify.

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I attest that the assertions contained in the accompanying motion are true and correct."

SUBSCRIBED and SWORN TO before me, this ..... day of ..................

NOTARY PUBLIC, State of [state name]

Notary's printed name: .... .…..….................................

My commission expires: . .…..….................................

The motion must be supported by the affidavit of the moving party or the moving party's attorney setting forth a concise statement of the facts upon which the claim for relief is based.

Subd. 6. Motion affidavit of mailing form. The moving party shall complete an affidavit of mailing the motion to the court and to the respondent in substantially the following form:

State of Minnesota

County of .....…..…..................

............................, the moving party, being duly sworn, on oath, deposes and says that on the ..... day of .........., ......., the moving party mailed the motion to the court and the respondent by placing a true and correct copy of the motion in an envelope addressed to them as shown by certified United States mail at ............................, Minnesota.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ..... day of ...................., .......

Subd. 7. Response form. The person listed as [the secured party in] [filing] the record for which the moving party has requested review may respond to the motion and accompanying materials to request an actual hearing within 20 days from the mailing by certified United States mail by the moving party. The form for use by the person listed as [the secured party in] [filing] the record in question to respond to the motion for judicial review must be in substantially the following form:

In Re: A Purported Financing Statement in the district court of .…..…..................... County, Minnesota, Against [Name of person who filed the financing statement]

RESPONSE TO MOTION FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW OF A FINANCING STATEMENT FILED UNDER THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE - SECURED TRANSACTIONS

............................ (name) files this response to a motion requesting a judicial determination of the effectiveness of a financing statement or other record filed under the Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions in the office of the ............... (filing office and location) and in support of the motion provides as follows:

............................ (name), the respondent, is the person listed as [the secured party in] [filing] the record for which review has been requested by the moving party.

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II.

III.

Respondent states that the financing statement or other record is not fraudulent or otherwise improper and that this court should not declare the financing statement or other record ineffective.

IV.

Respondent attests that assertions in this response are true and correct.

Respondent does not request the court to make a finding as to any underlying claim of the parties involved. Respondent further acknowledges that respondent may be subject to sanctions if this response is determined to be frivolous.

REQUEST FOR RELIEF

Respondent requests the court to review the attached documentation, to set a hearing for no later than five days after the date of this response or as soon after that as the court shall order and to enter an order finding that the financing statement or other record is not ineffective together with other findings as the court deems appropriate. Respondent may be contacted at:

Mailing Address: (required)

Telephone Number:

Facsimile Number: (either facsimile or e-mail contact is required)

E-Mail Address: (either facsimile or e-mail contact is required)

Respectfully submitted, .........................

(Signature and typed name and address).

Subd. 8. Response acknowledgment form. The form for the certificate of acknowledgment must be substantially as follows:

AFFIDAVIT

THE STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF ..………….................

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, personally appeared ........., who, being by me duly sworn, deposed as follows:

"My name is ............... I am over 18 years of age, of sound mind, with personal knowledge of the following facts, and fully competent to testify.

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I attest that the assertions contained in the accompanying motion are true and correct."

SUBSCRIBED and SWORN TO before me, this ..... day of ..................

NOTARY PUBLIC, State of [state name]

Notary's printed name: ...…....................................…

My commission expires: .......…..………...................

Subd. 9. Response affidavit of mailing form. Respondent shall submit the response by United States mail to both the court and the moving party, and also by either e-mail or facsimile as provided by the moving party. The respondent shall complete an affidavit of mailing the response to the court and to the moving party in substantially the following form:

State of Minnesota

County of .…........

............................, being the responding party, being duly sworn, on oath, deposes and says that on the ..... day of .........., ......., respondent mailed the response to court and the moving party by placing a true and correct copy of the response in an envelope addressed to them as shown depositing the same with postage prepaid, in the U.S. Mail at ............................, Minnesota.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ..... day of ...................., .......

Subd. 10. Hearing. (a) If a hearing is timely requested, the court shall hold that hearing within five days after the mailing of the response by the respondent or as soon after that as ordered by the court. After the hearing, the court shall enter appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law regarding the financing statement or other record filed under the Uniform Commercial Code.

(b) If a hearing request under subdivision 7 is not received by the court by the 20th day following the mailing of the original motion, the court's finding may be made solely on a review of the documentation attached to the motion and without hearing any testimonial evidence. After that review, which must be conducted no later than five days after the 20-day period has expired, the court shall enter appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law as provided in subdivision 11 regarding the financing statement or other record filed under the Uniform Commercial Code.

(c) A copy of the findings of fact and conclusions of law must be sent to the moving party, the respondent, and the person who filed the financing statement or other record at the address listed in the motion or response of each person within seven days of the date that the findings of fact and conclusions of law are issued by the court.

(d) In all cases, the moving party shall file or record an attested copy of the findings of fact and conclusions of law in the filing office in the appropriate class of records in which the original financing statement or other record was filed or recorded. The filing officer shall not collect a filing fee for filing a court's finding of fact and conclusion of law as provided in this section except as specifically directed by the court in its findings and conclusions.

Subd. 11. Order form; no hearing. The findings of fact and conclusion of law for an expedited review where no hearing has been requested must be in substantially the following form:

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MISCELLANEOUS DOCKET No. ...........

In Re: A purported Financing Statement in the district court of ........................... County, Minnesota, Against [Name of person who filed financing statement]

Judicial Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law Regarding a Financing Statement or Other Record Filed Under the Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions

On the (number) day of (month), (year), in the above entitled and numbered cause, this court reviewed a motion, verified by affidavit, of (name) and the documentation attached. The respondent did not respond within the required 20-day period. No testimony was taken from any party, nor was there any notice of the court's review, the court having made the determination that a decision could be made solely on review of the documentation as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 545.05.

The court finds as follows (only an item or subitem checked and initialed is a valid court ruling):

[..] The documentation attached to the motion IS filed or recorded with the authorization of the obligor, person named as debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in the financing statement or other record, or by consent of an agent, fiduciary, or other representative of that person, or with the authorization of the secured party of record in the case of an amendment or termination.

[..] The documentation attached to the motion IS NOT filed or recorded with the authorization of the obligor, person named as debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in the documentation, or by consent of an agent, fiduciary, or other representative of that person, or with the authorization of the secured party of record in the case of an amendment or termination and, IS NOT an effective financing statement or other record under the Uniform Commercial Code - Secured Transactions law of this state.

[..] This court makes no finding as to any underlying claims of the parties involved and expressly limits its findings of fact and conclusions of law to the review of a ministerial act. The filing officer shall remove the subject financing statement or other record so that the record is not reflected in or obtained as a result of any search, standard or otherwise, conducted of those records, but shall retain them and these findings of fact and conclusions of law in the filing office for the duration of the period for which they would have otherwise been filed.

SIGNED ON THIS THE ................... DAY of .......

.......................... District Judge

.......................... District

.......................... County, Minnesota

Subd. 12. Hearing determination. If a determination is made after a hearing, the court may award the prevailing party all costs related to the entire review, including, but not limited to, filing fees, attorney fees, administrative costs, and other costs.

Subd. 13. Subsequent motion. If the moving party files a subsequent motion under this section against a person filing a financing statement or other record that is reviewed under this section and found to be filed or recorded with the authorization of the obligor, person named as debtor, or owner of collateral described or indicated in the financing statement or other record, or by consent of an agent, fiduciary, or other representative of that person, or with the authorization of the secured party of record in the case of an amendment or termination, the court may, in addition to assessing costs, order other equitable relief against the moving party or enter other sanctions against the moving party.

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Subd. 14. Judicial officers. The chief judge of a district court may order that any or all proceedings under this section be conducted and heard by other judicial officers of that district court.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. [604.18] CIVIL LIABILITY FOR FRAUDULENT OR OTHERWISE IMPROPER FINANCING STATEMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) "financing statement" has the meaning given in section 336.9-102(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code; and

(2) "filing officer" is defined as Uniform Commercial Code filing officer in each jurisdiction.

Subd. 2. Liability. (a) A person shall not knowingly cause to be presented for filing or promote the filing of a financing statement that the person knows:

(1) is forged;

(2) is not:

(i) related to a valid lien or security agreement; or

(ii) filed pursuant to section 336.9-502(d); and

(3) is for an improper purpose or purposes, such as to harass, hinder, defraud, or otherwise interfere with any person.

(b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is liable to each injured person for:

(1) the greater of:

(i) nominal damages up to $10,000; or

(ii) the actual damages caused by the violation;

(2) court costs;

(3) reasonable attorney fees;

(4) related expenses of bringing the action, including investigative expenses; and

(5) exemplary damages in the amount determined by the court.

Subd. 3. Cause of action. (a) The following persons may bring an action to enjoin violation of this section or to recover damages under this section:

(1) the obligor, the person named as the debtor, any person who owns an interest in the collateral described or indicated in the financing statement, or any person harmed by the filing of the financing statement;

(2) the attorney general;

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(3) a county attorney;

(4) a city attorney; and

(5) a person who has been damaged as a result of an action taken in reliance on the filed financing statement.

(b) A filing officer may refer a matter to the attorney general or other appropriate person for filing the legal actions under this section.

Subd. 4. Venue. An action under this section may be brought in any district court in the county in which the financing statement is presented for filing or in a county where any of the persons named in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (1), resides.

Subd. 5. Filing fee. (a) The fee for filing an action under this chapter is $....... The plaintiff must pay the fee to the clerk of the court in which the action is filed. Except as provided by paragraph (b), the plaintiff may not be assessed any other fee, cost, charge, or expense by the clerk of the court or other public official in connection with the action.

(b) The fee for service of notice of an action under this section charged to the plaintiff may not exceed:

(1) $....... if the notice is delivered in person; or

(2) the cost of postage if the service is by registered or certified mail.

(c) A plaintiff who is unable to pay the filing fee and fee for service of notice may file with the court an affidavit of inability to pay under the Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure.

(d) If the fee imposed under paragraph (a) is less than the filing fee the court imposes for filing other similar actions and the plaintiff prevails in the action, the court may order a defendant to pay to the court the differences between the fee paid under paragraph (a) and the filing fee the court imposes for filing other similar actions.

Subd. 6. Other remedies. (a) An obligor, person named as a debtor, owner of collateral, or any other person harmed by the filing of a financing statement in violation of subdivision 2, paragraph (a), also may request specific relief, including, but not limited to, terminating the financing statement and removing the debtor named in the financing statement from the index under the provisions of section 545.05, paragraph (c), such that it will not appear in a search under that debtor name.

(b) This law is cumulative of other law under which a person may obtain judicial relief with respect to any filed or recorded document.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 13. [609.7475] FRAUDULENT OR OTHERWISE IMPROPER FINANCING STATEMENTS.

Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, "record" has the meaning given in section 336.9-102.

Subd. 2. Crime described. A person who:

(1) knowingly causes to be presented for filing or promotes the filing of a record that:

(i) is not:

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(A) related to a valid lien or security agreement; or

(B) filed pursuant to section 336.9-502(d); or

(ii) contains a forged signature or is based upon a document containing a forged signature; or

(2) presents for filing or causes to be presented for filing a record with the intent that it be used to harass or defraud any other person;

is guilty of a crime and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 3.

Subd. 3. Penalties. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(b) A person who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person:

(1) commits the offense with intent to influence or otherwise tamper with a juror or a judicial proceeding or with intent to retaliate against a judicial officer, as defined in section 609.415, or a prosecutor, defense attorney, or officer of the court, because of that person's performance of official duties in connection with a judicial proceeding; or

(2) commits the offense after having been previously convicted of a violation of this section.

Subd. 4. Venue. A violation of this section may be prosecuted in either the county of residence of the individual listed as debtor or the county in which the filing is made.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.

ARTICLE 8

CORONERS AND MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.005, is amended to read:

390.005 ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT, ELIGIBILITY; VACANCIES; REMOVAL.

Subdivision 1. ~~County election~~ Selection of coroner or medical examiner. Each county must have a coroner or medical examiner. A coroner ~~shall~~ may be elected ~~in each county~~, as prescribed by section 382.01, ~~except as provided in this section~~ or appointed in each county. A medical examiner must be appointed by the county board. The term of an appointed coroner or medical examiner must not be longer than four years.

Subd. 2. Appointment by resolution. ~~In a county where the office of coroner has not been abolished,~~ The board of county commissioners may, by resolution, state its intention to fill the office of coroner by appointment. The resolution must be adopted at least six months before the end of the term of the incumbent coroner, if elected. After the resolution is adopted, the board shall fill the office by appointing a person not less than 30 days before the end of the incumbent's term. The appointed coroner shall serve for a term of office determined by the board beginning upon the expiration of the term of the incumbent. The term must not be longer than four years.

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If there is a vacancy in the elected office ~~in the county~~, the board may by resolution, state its intention to fill the office by appointment. When the resolution is adopted, the board shall fill the office by appointment immediately. The coroner shall serve for a term determined by the board. The term must not be longer than four years.

Subd. 3. ~~Educational requirements~~ Qualifications. A coroner must have successfully completed academic courses in pharmacology, surgery, pathology, toxicology, and physiology. However, if a board of county commissioners determines that the office of coroner shall not be elective and it cannot appoint any person meeting the educational qualifications as coroner, the board may:

~~(1) appoint any qualified person, whether or not a resident of the county; or~~

~~(2) if no qualified person can be found, appoint a person who is serving or has served as deputy coroner, whether or not a resident of the county.~~ (a) The medical examiner must be a forensic pathologist who is certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Pathology. The medical examiner is an appointed public official in a system of death investigation in which the administrative control, the determination of the extent of the examination, need for autopsy, and the filing of the cause and manner of death information with the state registrar pursuant to section 144.221 are all under the control of the medical examiner.

(b) The coroner must be a physician with a valid license in good standing under chapter 147, to practice medicine as defined under section 147.081, subdivision 3. The coroner is a public official, elected or appointed, whose duty is to make inquiry into deaths in certain categories, determine the cause and manner of death, and file the information with the state registrar pursuant to section 144.221. The coroner must obtain additional training in medicolegal death investigation, such as training by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, within four years of taking office, unless the coroner has already obtained this training.

Subd. 4. Certain incumbents. An incumbent coroner or medical examiner in office on ~~July 1, 1965 meets~~ the effective date of this section is hereby deemed to meet the qualifications prescribed by this section for the purpose of continuance in~~, reelection to, or appointment to~~ the office of coroner until the end of the current term of office, after which this statute will apply.

Subd. 5. Vacancies, removal. Vacancies in the office of coroner or medical examiner shall be filled according to sections 375.08 and 382.02, or under subdivision 1. A The medical examiner or appointed coroner may be removed ~~from office as provided by law.~~ by the county board during a term of office for cause shown after a hearing upon due notice of written charges. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with that county's human resources policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 2. [390.0065] HENNEPIN COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER; SELECTION AND TERM.

Hennepin County shall use the following procedure to select the Hennepin County medical examiner: the Hennepin County Board shall designate three licensed physicians who shall constitute a Medical Examiner Board. One member shall be a dean or professor of the Department of Pathology of a Class A medical school as designated by the American Medical Association. Another member of the board shall be a member of the Minnesota Society of Pathologists. The third member shall be designated by the Hennepin County Medical Association from its membership. The Medical Examiner Board shall accept applications for the position of Hennepin County medical examiner when a vacancy exists in the office. Applications therefore shall be considered from doctors of medicine who are: (1) graduates of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association or American

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Osteopathic Association, (2) members in good standing in the medical profession, (3) eligible for appointment to the staff of the Hennepin County Medical Center, and (4) certified or eligible for certification in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology. The Medical Examiner Board shall review the qualifications of the applicants and shall rank the applicants deemed qualified for the position and provide to the county board a report of the seven highest ranked applicants together with their qualifications. The county board shall appoint a county medical examiner from those listed in the report. The term of the examiner shall continue for four years from the date of appointment. Reappointment shall be made at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the term. If a vacancy requires a temporary appointment, the board of commissioners shall appoint a medical doctor on the staff of the county medical examiner's office to assume the duties of the medical examiner until an appointment can be made in compliance with the specified selection procedure. Actual and necessary expenses of the Medical Examiner Board shall be paid in accordance with sections 471.38 to 471.415.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.01, is amended to read:

390.01 BOND AND INDEMNIFICATION.

Before taking office, the coroner shall post bond to the state in a penal sum set by the county board, not less than $500 nor more than $10,000. The coroner's bond is subject to the same conditions in substance as in the bond required by law to be given by the sheriff, except as to the description of the office. The coroner or medical examiner shall be included in the bond held by the county for all appointed and elected county officials and shall be defended and indemnified, pursuant to section 466.07. The ~~bond and~~ oath of office shall be recorded and filed with the county recorder.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 4. [390.011] AUTONOMY.

The coroner or medical examiner is an independent official of the county, subject only to appointment, removal, and budgeting by the county board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 5. [390.012] JURISDICTION.

The coroner or medical examiner of the county in which a person dies or is pronounced dead shall have jurisdiction over the death, regardless of where any injury that resulted in the death occurred. The place where death is pronounced is deemed to be the place where death occurred. If the place of death is unknown but the dead body is found in Minnesota, the place where the body is found is considered the place of death. If the date of death is unknown, the date the body is found is considered the date of death, but only for purposes of this chapter. When a death occurs in a moving conveyance and the body is first removed in Minnesota, documentation of death must be filed in Minnesota and the place of death is considered the place where the body is first removed from the conveyance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.04, is amended to read:

390.04 ~~TO ACT WHEN SHERIFF A PARTY TO AN ACTION~~ PROVISION FOR TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION.

When the ~~sheriff is a party to an action or when a party, or a party's agent or attorney, files with the court administrator of the district court an affidavit stating that the party believes the sheriff,~~ coroner or medical examiner, because of partiality, prejudice, consanguinity, or interest, ~~will~~ is not ~~faithfully~~ able to perform the ~~sheriff's~~ coroner or medical examiner's duties in an action commenced, or about to be commenced, the clerk shall direct process in the action to the coroner. The coroner shall perform the duties of the sheriff relative to the action in the same manner required for a sheriff., the coroner or medical examiner shall have the authority to transfer jurisdiction to another coroner or medical examiner, as arranged by the county board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 390.05, is amended to read:

390.05 ~~DEPUTIES~~ MEDICAL EXAMINER OR CORONER STAFF.

A The coroner ~~shall~~ or medical examiner may appoint one or more ~~deputies.~~ assistant coroners or assistant medical examiners, as necessary to fulfill the duties of the office, subject to authorization by the county board. Such assistants shall have the same qualifications as a coroner or medical examiner. When the coroner or medical examiner is absent or unable to act, ~~deputies~~ assistants shall have the same powers and duties and are subject to the same liabilities as coroners. A deputy shall be appointed in writing. The oath and appointment shall be recorded with the county recorder. The deputy shall act by name as deputy coroner and hold office at the same time as the coroner. limitations as the coroner or medical examiner. The assistants shall be appointed in writing, shall take an oath that shall be recorded and filed with the county recorder, and shall be included in the county bond. The assistant shall act by name as assistant coroner or medical examiner and hold office at the pleasure of the coroner or medical examiner.

A coroner or medical examiner may appoint one or more investigators, with such qualifications as the coroner or medical examiner deems appropriate. Such investigators shall have the powers and duties that are delegated to them by the coroner or medical examiner. Unless they are public employees of that county, investigators shall be appointed in writing and take an oath, shall be included in the county bond, and the oath and appointment shall be recorded and filed with the county recorder. Subject to authorization of the county board, assistants may be appointed to the unclassified service and investigators to the classified service of the county.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 8. [390.061] MORGUE.

Every county need not have a morgue, but there must be a system or process for receiving, storing, and releasing all dead bodies subject to this statute.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.11, is amended to read:

390.11 INVESTIGATIONS ~~AND INQUESTS~~.

Subdivision 1. ~~Deaths requiring inquests and investigations~~ Reports of death. ~~Except as provided in subdivision 1a, the coroner shall investigate and may conduct inquests in all human deaths of the following types:~~ All sudden or unexpected deaths and all deaths that may be due entirely or in part to any factor other than natural disease processes must be promptly reported to the coroner or medical examiner for evaluation. Sufficient information must be provided to the coroner or medical examiner. Reportable deaths include, but are not limited to:

(1) unnatural deaths, including violent deaths, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal, or accidental, including but not limited to deaths due to thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiational injury, and deaths due to criminal abortion, whether apparently self induced or not; arising from homicide, suicide, or accident;

(2) deaths due to a fire or associated with burns or chemical, electrical, or radiation injury;

(3) unexplained or unexpected perinatal and postpartum maternal deaths;

~~(2)~~ (4) deaths under suspicious, unusual, or ~~mysterious~~ unexpected circumstances;

~~(3)~~ (5) deaths of persons whose bodies are to be cremated~~, dissected, buried at sea,~~ or otherwise disposed of so that the bodies will later be unavailable for examination; ~~and~~

~~(4)~~ (6) deaths of inmates of public institutions and persons in custody of law enforcement officers who ~~are~~ have not been hospitalized primarily for organic disease ~~and whose deaths are not of any type referred to in clause (1) or (2).~~;

(7) deaths that occur during, in association with, or as the result of diagnostic, therapeutic, or anesthetic procedures;

(8) deaths due to culpable neglect;

(9) stillbirths of 20 weeks or longer gestation unattended by a physician;

(10) sudden deaths of persons not affected by recognizable disease;

(11) unexpected deaths of persons notwithstanding a history of underlying disease;

(12) deaths in which a fracture of a major bone such as a femur, humerus, or tibia has occurred within the past six months;

(13) deaths unattended by a physician occurring outside of a licensed health care facility or licensed residential hospice program;

(14) deaths of persons not seen by their physician within 120 days of demise;

(15) deaths of persons occurring in an emergency department;

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(16) stillbirths or deaths of newborn infants in which there has been maternal use of or exposure to unprescribed controlled substances including street drugs or in which there is history or evidence of maternal trauma;

(17) unexpected deaths of children;

(18) solid organ donors;

(19) unidentified bodies;

(20) skeletonized remains;

(21) deaths occurring within 24 hours of arrival at a health care facility if death is unexpected;

(22) deaths associated with the decedent's employment;

(23) deaths of nonregistered hospice patients or patients in nonlicensed hospice programs; and

(24) deaths attributable to acts of terrorism.

The coroner or medical examiner shall determine the extent of the coroner's or medical examiner's investigation, including whether additional investigation is needed by the coroner or medical examiner, jurisdiction is assumed, or an autopsy will be performed, notwithstanding any other statute.

Subd. 1a. Commissioner of corrections; investigation of deaths. ~~The commissioner of corrections may require that all Department of Corrections incarcerated deaths be reviewed by an independent, contracted, board-certified forensic pathologist.~~ For deaths occurring within a facility licensed by the Department of Corrections, the coroner or medical examiner shall ensure that a forensic pathologist who is certified by the American Board of Pathology reviews each death and performs an autopsy on all unnatural, unattended, or unexpected deaths and others as necessary.

Subd. 1b. Hospice registration. Each coroner and medical examiner shall establish a registration policy regarding hospice patients. If a hospice patient is determined to be properly preregistered, the coroner or medical examiner may treat the death as attended by a physician.

Subd. 2. ~~Violent or mysterious deaths;~~ Autopsies. The coroner or medical examiner may ~~conduct~~ order an autopsy, at the coroner or medical examiner's sole discretion, in the case of any human death referred to in subdivision 1, ~~clause (1) or (2),~~ when, in the judgment of the coroner ~~judges that~~ or medical examiner the public interest ~~requires~~ would be served by an autopsy~~, except that an autopsy must be conducted in all unattended inmate deaths that occur in a state correctional facility~~. The autopsy shall be performed without unnecessary delay. A report of the facts developed by the autopsy and findings of the person performing the autopsy shall be made promptly and filed in the office of the coroner or medical examiner. When further investigation is deemed advisable, a copy of the report shall be delivered to the county attorney. Every autopsy performed pursuant to this subdivision shall, whenever practical, be performed in the county morgue. Nothing herein shall require the coroner or medical examiner to order an autopsy upon the body of a deceased person if the person died of known or ascertainable causes or had been under the care of a licensed physician immediately prior to death or if the coroner or medical examiner determines the autopsy to be unnecessary.

Autopsies performed pursuant to this subdivision may include the removal, retention, testing, or use of organs, parts of organs, fluids or tissues, at the discretion of the coroner or medical examiner, when removal, retention, testing, or use may be useful in determining or confirming the cause of death, mechanism of death, manner of death, identification of the deceased, presence of disease or injury, or preservation of evidence. Such tissue retained by the

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coroner or medical examiner pursuant to this subdivision shall be disposed of in accordance with standard biohazardous hospital and/or surgical material and does not require specific consent or notification of the legal next of kin. When removal, retention, testing, and use of organs, parts of organs, fluids, or tissues is deemed beneficial, and is done only for research or the advancement of medical knowledge and progress, written consent or documented oral consent shall be obtained from the legal next of kin, if any, of the deceased person prior to the removal, retention, testing, or use.

Subd. 2a. Deaths caused by fire; autopsies. The coroner shall conduct an autopsy in the case of any human death reported to the coroner by the state fire marshal or a chief officer under section 299F.04, subdivision 5, and apparently caused by fire. The coroner or medical examiner shall conduct an autopsy or require that one be performed in the case of a death reported to the coroner or medical examiner by the state fire marshal or a chief officer under section 299F.04, subdivision 5, and apparently caused by fire, and in which the decedent is pronounced dead outside of a hospital or in which identification of the decedent has not been confirmed. If the decedent has died in a hospital and identification is not in question, an autopsy may be performed or ordered by the coroner or medical examiner.

Subd. 3. ~~Other deaths; autopsies;~~ Exhumation; ~~consent~~ disinterment. The coroner ~~may conduct an autopsy in the case of any human death referred to in subdivision 1, clause (3) or (4),~~ or medical examiner may exhume any human body and perform an autopsy on it in the case of any human death referred to in subdivision 1 when the coroner or medical examiner judges that the public interest requires an autopsy. No ~~autopsy~~ exhumation shall be conducted unless the surviving ~~spouse, or~~ legal next of kin ~~if there is no surviving spouse,~~ consents to it, or the district court of the county where the body is located or buried~~, upon notice as the court directs, enters an order authorizing an autopsy or an exhumation and autopsy~~ orders it. Notice of such exhumation shall be given as directed by the district court. Application for an order may be made by the coroner, medical examiner, or ~~by the~~ county attorney of the county where the body is located or buried, and shall be granted upon a showing that the court deems appropriate.

Subd. 4. Assistance of medical specialists. If during an investigation the coroner or medical examiner believes the assistance of pathologists, toxicologists, ~~deputy coroners,~~ laboratory technicians, or other medical, scientific, or forensic experts is necessary to determine or confirm the cause or manner of death, identification, time of death, or to address other issues requiring expert opinion, the coroner ~~shall~~ or medical examiner may obtain their assistance.

Subd. 5. Inquest. An inquest into a death may be held at the request of the medical examiner and the county attorney or the coroner and the county attorney. An inquest is optional and the coroner or medical examiner may investigate and certify a death without one. The coroner or medical examiner and county attorney may decide how to empanel the inquest. Inquest records will be made public, but the record and report of the inquest proceedings may not be used in evidence in any civil action arising out of the death for which an inquest was ordered. ~~Before an inquest is held, the coroner shall notify the county attorney to appear and examine witnesses at the inquest.~~ Whenever the decision is made to hold an inquest, the county attorney may issue subpoenas for witnesses and enforce their attendance. The persons served with subpoenas shall be allowed the same compensation and be subject to the same enforcement and penalties as provided by Rule 22 of the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Subd. 6. Records kept by coroner or medical examiner. The coroner or medical examiner shall keep full and complete records, properly indexed ~~records~~, giving the name, if known, of every person whose death is investigated, the place where the body was found, the date, cause, and manner of death, and all other ~~relevant~~ available information concerning the death. that the coroner or medical examiner considers pertinent. These records of the coroner or medical examiner are the property of the county and subject to chapter 13. These records shall be kept at the coroner's or medical examiner's office, unless no storage space is available. They shall then be kept with official county records and only released in accordance with the Data Practices Act. Records shall be kept in accordance with section 15.17.

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Subd. 7. ~~Reports~~ Duty to report. ~~(a)~~ Deaths of the types described in this section must be promptly reported for investigation to the coroner or medical examiner and, when appropriate, to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction, by the law enforcement officer, attending physician, health care professional, mortician or funeral director, person in charge of the public institutions referred to in subdivision 1, or ~~other person with knowledge of the death.~~ anyone who discovers a deceased person. In a case in which a crime may be involved, the coroner or medical examiner shall promptly notify the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over a criminal investigation of the death.

Subd. 7a. Records and other material available to coroner or medical examiner. ~~(b) For the purposes of this section, health-related records or data on a decedent,~~ Except for health data defined in section 13.3805, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), health-related records or data on a decedent whose death is being investigated under this section, whether the records or data are recorded or unrecorded, including but not limited to those concerning medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or any other consultation, diagnosis, or treatment, including medical imaging, shall be made promptly available to the coroner or medical examiner, upon the coroner's or medical examiner's written request, by a any person, agency, entity, or organization having custody of, possession of, access to, or knowledge of the records or data. This provision includes records and data, whether recorded or unrecorded, including but not limited to, records and data, including medical imaging, concerning medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, chemical dependency, or any other consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. In cases involving a stillborn infant or the death of a fetus or infant less than one year of age, the prenatal records on the decedent's mother may also be subpoenaed by the coroner or medical examiner. The coroner or medical examiner shall pay the reasonable costs of copies of records or data so provided ~~to the coroner~~ under this section. Data collected or created pursuant to this subdivision relating to any psychiatric, psychological, or mental health consultation with, diagnosis of, or treatment of the decedent whose death is being investigated shall remain confidential or protected nonpublic data, except that the coroner's or medical examiner's final summary report may contain a summary of, or references to, such data. Where records of a decedent become part of the medical examiner's or coroner's file, they are not subject to subpoena or a request for production directed to the medical examiner or coroner. Body fluids, slides, tissue, organ specimens, radiographs, monitor records, video or other recordings, and any other material or article of diagnostic value obtained from the decedent prior to death, shall be made available to the coroner or medical examiner upon request. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 13.384 and 595.02, the coroner or medical examiner shall have the power to subpoena any and all documents, records, including medical records, and papers deemed useful in the investigation of a death.

Subd. 7b. Records released by coroner or medical examiner. Records and reports, including those of autopsies performed, generated, and certified by the coroner or medical examiner shall be admissible as evidence in any court or grand jury proceeding. The admissibility of such evidence under this subdivision shall not include statements made by witnesses or other persons unless otherwise admissible.

Subd. 8. Investigation procedure; coroner or medical examiner in charge of body. Upon notification of a the death ~~subject to~~ of any person as defined in this section, the coroner or ~~deputy shall~~ medical examiner staff or their designee may proceed to the body, take charge of it, and, arrange for transfer of it, when appropriate. This provision also applies to bones, body parts, and specimens that may be human remains. Discovery of such bones, body parts, and specimens must be promptly reported to the coroner or medical examiner. When necessary, the coroner or medical examiner staff, in coordination with the applicable law enforcement agency, may order that there be no interference with or compromise of the body or the scene of death. In the event a person is transported to an emergency vehicle or facility and pronounced dead, the scene of death shall include the original location of the decedent when first discovered to be ill, unresponsive, or stricken prior to removal by emergency medical personnel. Any person violating such an order is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The coroner or medical examiner staff shall make inquiry regarding the cause and manner of death and, in cases that fall under the medical examiner's or coroner's jurisdiction, prepare written findings together with the report of death and its circumstances, which shall be filed in the office of the coroner or medical examiner.

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Subd. 9. Criminal act report. ~~On coming to believe that the death may have resulted from a criminal act,~~ The coroner or ~~deputy~~ medical examiner shall deliver ~~a signed copy of the report of investigation or inquest to the county attorney.~~ to the county attorney copies of reports or other information created by the coroner's or medical examiner's office in any cases of a potential criminal nature.

Subd. 10. ~~Sudden~~ Infant death. If a child under the age of two years dies suddenly and unexpectedly under circumstances indicating that the death may have been caused by sudden infant death syndrome, the coroner, medical examiner, or personal physician shall notify the child's parents or guardian that an autopsy is essential to establish the cause of death as sudden infant death syndrome. If an autopsy reveals that sudden infant death syndrome is the cause of death, that fact must be stated in the autopsy report., the parents or guardian of the child shall be promptly notified of the ~~cause of death and of the~~ availability of counseling services.

~~Subd. 11.~~ ~~Autopsy fees.~~ ~~The coroner may charge a reasonable fee to a person requesting an autopsy if the autopsy would not otherwise be conducted under subdivision 1, 2, or 3.~~

Subd. 12. Authorized removal of ~~the~~ brain. If the coroner or medical examiner is informed by a physician ~~or pathologist~~ that a ~~dead person~~ decedent is suspected of having had Alzheimer's disease, the coroner ~~shall~~ or medical examiner may authorize the removal of the brain ~~of the dead person~~ for the purposes of sections 145.131 and 145.132.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.111, is amended to read:

390.111 EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION.

The county board ~~may allow~~ is responsible for the reasonable and necessary compensation and expenses of the coroner or deputies incurred for telephone tolls, telegrams, postage, the cost of transcribing the testimony taken at an inquest, and other expenses incurred solely for the officers' official business under this chapter. medical examiner, assistants, investigators, and other medical specialists.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.15, is amended to read:

390.15 ~~WITNESSES;~~ FEES.

The coroner or medical examiner may issue subpoenas for witnesses, returnable immediately or at a specified time and place. The persons served with the subpoenas shall be allowed the fees, the coroner shall enforce their attendance, and they shall be subject to the penalties provided by statute or the Rules of Criminal Procedure. charge a fee for cremation approval, duplication of reports, and other administrative functions to recover reasonable expenses, subject to county board approval.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 12. [390.151] ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION.

The coroner or medical examiner may facilitate donation of organs and tissues in compliance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, sections 525.921 to 525.9224.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 13. [390.152] CREMATION APPROVAL.

After investigating deaths of persons who are to be cremated, the coroner or medical examiner may give approval for cremation and shall record such approval by either signing a cremation authorization form, or electronically through the centralized electronic system for the processing of death records established by the state registrar. It shall be a misdemeanor to perform a cremation without such approval.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.21, is amended to read:

390.21 DISPOSITION; BURIAL.

When a coroner holds an inquest upon view of the dead body of any person unknown, or, being called for that purpose, does not think it necessary, on view of the body, that an inquest be held, the coroner shall have the body decently buried. All expenses of the inquisition and burial shall be paid by the county where the dead body is found. After an investigation has been completed, including an autopsy if one is done, the body shall be released promptly to the person or persons who have the right to control the disposition of the body. Section 149A.80, subdivision 2, shall control. If the identity of the deceased person is unknown, or if the body is unclaimed, the medical examiner or coroner shall provide for dignified burial or storage of the remains. Dignified burial shall not include cremation, donation for anatomic dissection, burial at sea, or other disposition that will make the body later unavailable. The county where the dead body is found shall pay reasonable expenses of the burial. If an estate is opened within six years and claim made for the property or proceeds of the sale of the property of the decedent, the county shall be reimbursed the amount spent on burial, with interest at the statutory rate.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.221, is amended to read:

390.221 BODIES; EFFECTS; CUSTODY.

A person may not ~~remove~~ move, interfere with, or handle the body or the effects of ~~any person~~ a decedent subject to an investigation by the ~~county~~ coroner or medical examiner except upon order of the coroner or, medical examiner, assistant, or ~~deputy~~ authorized investigator. The coroner or medical examiner shall take charge of the effects found on or near the body of a deceased person and dispose of them as ~~the district court directs by written order~~ directed under section 390.225. If a crime is suspected in connection with the death of a deceased person ~~is suspected~~, the coroner or medical examiner may prevent any person, except law enforcement personnel, from entering the premises, rooms, or buildings, and shall have the custody of objects that the coroner or examiner deems material evidence in the case. The coroner or medical examiner shall release any property or articles needed for any criminal investigation to law enforcement officers conducting the investigation, except as noted in section 390.225, subdivision 2. A ~~willful~~ knowing violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 16. [390.225] PROPERTY.

Subdivision 1. Procedure. The coroner or medical examiner may take possession of all articles that may be useful in establishing the cause or manner of death, identification, or next of kin of the deceased, and, if taken, mark them for identification, make an inventory, and retain them securely until they are no longer needed for evidence or investigation. Except as noted in subdivision 2, the coroner or medical examiner shall release any property or articles needed for any criminal investigation to law enforcement officers conducting the investigation.

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Subd. 2. Retention of property. When a reasonable basis exists for not releasing property or articles to law enforcement officers, the coroner or medical examiner shall consult with the county attorney. If the county attorney determines that a reasonable basis exists for not releasing the property or articles, the coroner or medical examiner may retain them. The coroner or medical examiner shall obtain written confirmation of this opinion and keep a copy in the decedent's file.

Subd. 3. Release of property. With the exception of firearms, when property or articles are no longer needed for the investigation or as evidence, the coroner or medical examiner shall release such property or articles to the person or persons entitled to them. Personal property, including wearing apparel, may be released to the person entitled to control the disposition of the body of the decedent or to the personal representative of the decedent. Personal property not otherwise released pursuant to this subdivision must be disposed of pursuant to section 525.393.

Subd. 4. Firearms. The coroner or medical examiner shall release all firearms, when no longer needed, to the law enforcement agency handling the investigation.

Subd. 5. Property of unknown decedents. If the name of the decedent is not known, the coroner or medical examiner shall release such property to the county for disposal or sale. If the unknown decedent's identity is established and if a representative shall qualify within six years from the time of such sale, the county administrator, or a designee, shall pay the amount of the proceeds of the sale to the representative on behalf of the estate upon order of the court. If no order is made within six years, the proceeds of the sale shall become a part of the general revenue of the county.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.23, is amended to read:

390.23 DEATH RECORDS ~~OF VIOLENT OR MYSTERIOUS DEATH~~.

No person, other than the county coroner, or medical examiner~~, judge exercising probate jurisdiction, or Department of Corrections' independent, contracted, board-certified forensic pathologist,~~ or, for deaths occurring within a facility licensed by the Department of Corrections, the forensic pathologist who reviewed the death, shall ~~issue a record~~ file or amend the cause or manner of death information with the state registrar in cases of likely or suspected accidental, suicidal, homicidal, violent, or mysterious deaths~~, including suspected homicides,~~ occurring in the county. ~~The Department of Corrections' independent, contracted, board-certified forensic pathologist must issue the certificate of death in all Department of Corrections-incarcerated deaths.~~ The forensic pathologist who reviewed the death of an incarcerated person within a facility licensed by the Department of Corrections may file or amend the cause or manner of death information with the state registrar. If there is reasonable proof that a death has occurred, but no body has been found, a judge may direct the state registrar to register the death with the fact of death information provided by the court order according to section 144.221, subdivision 3.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 390.25, is amended to read:

390.25 ~~FINGERPRINTING OF~~ UNIDENTIFIED DECEASED ~~PERSON~~ PERSONS.

Subdivision 1. Attempts to identify. Each coroner shall have fingerprinted all deceased persons in the county whose identity is not immediately established. Within 24 hours after the body is found, the coroner shall forward to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension the fingerprints, fingerprint records, and other identification data. The superintendent of the bureau shall prescribe the form of these reports. The duties are in addition to those imposed on

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~~the coroner by section 525.393.~~ The coroner or medical examiner shall make reasonable attempts to identify the deceased person promptly. These actions may include obtaining: photographs of the body; fingerprints from the body, if possible; formal dental examination by a dentist with forensic training, with charting and radiographs; full body radiographs; specimens such as tissue, blood, bone, teeth, and/or hair, suitable for DNA analysis or other identification techniques; blood type; photographs of items such as clothing and property found on and with the body; and anthropological determination of age, race, sex, and stature, if appropriate. All of these actions shall be taken prior to the disposition of any unidentified deceased person.

Subd. 2. Report to BCA. After 60 days, the coroner or medical examiner shall provide to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension missing persons clearinghouse information to be entered into federal and state databases that can aid in the identification, including the National Crime Information Center database. The coroner or medical examiner shall provide to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension specimens suitable for DNA analysis. DNA profiles and information shall be entered by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension into federal and state DNA databases within five business days after the completion of the DNA analysis and procedures necessary for the entry of the DNA profile.

Subd. 3. Other efforts to identify. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to preclude any medical examiner or coroner from pursuing other efforts to identify unidentified deceased persons, including publicizing information, descriptions, or photographs that may aid in the identification, allowing family members to identify missing persons, and seeking to protect the dignity of the missing persons.

Subd. 4. Preservation of data. The coroner or medical examiner may preserve and retain photographs, specimens, documents, and other data such as dental records, radiographs, fingerprints, or DNA, for establishing or confirming the identification of bodies or for other forensic purposes deemed appropriate under the jurisdiction of the office. Upon request by an appropriate agency, or upon the coroner or medical examiner's own initiative, the coroner or medical examiner may make the information available to aid in the establishment of the identity of a deceased person.

Subd. 5. Notice to state archaeologist. After the coroner or medical examiner has completed the investigation, the coroner or medical examiner shall notify the state archaeologist, according to section 307.08, of all unidentified human remains found outside of platted, recorded, or identified cemeteries and in contexts which indicate antiquity of greater than 50 years.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 19. [390.251] REQUEST FOR EXAMINATIONS.

The coroner or medical examiner may, when requested, make physical examinations and tests incident to any matter of a criminal nature under consideration by the district court or county attorney, law enforcement agency, or publicly appointed criminal defense counsel, and shall deliver a copy of a report of such tests and examinations to the person making the request. Such an examination does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The person making the request shall pay the cost of such examinations and tests.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 20. [390.252] CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES.

A county board may contract to perform coroner or medical examiner services with other units of government or their agencies under a schedule of fees approved by that board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 21. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 383A.36; 383B.225, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; 390.006; 390.06; 390.07; 390.16; 390.17; 390.19; 390.20; 390.24; and 390.36, and Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 383B.225, subdivision 5, are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006."

Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to state government; providing certain general criminal and sentencing provisions; regulating controlled substances, DWI, and driving provisions; modifying or establishing various provisions relating to public safety; regulating corrections, the courts, and emergency communications; regulating coroners and medical examiners; providing for electronic notarizations; regulating fraudulent or improper financing statements; regulating computer crimes; providing penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 13.82, by adding a subdivision; 13.84, subdivisions 1, 2; 13.87, by adding a subdivision; 16D.04, subdivision 2; 43A.08, subdivision 1; 48A.10, subdivision 3; 144.445, subdivision 1; 144.7401, by adding a subdivision; 155A.07, by adding a subdivision; 169.13; 169A.20, subdivision 1; 169A.24, subdivision 1; 169A.28, subdivision 1; 169A.45, subdivision 1; 169A.51, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 7; 169A.52, subdivision 2; 169A.60, subdivisions 2, 4; 181.973; 219.97, subdivision 13; 237.49; 241.016, subdivision 1; 253B.02, subdivision 2; 299E.01, subdivision 2; 299F.011, subdivision 5; 346.09, subdivision 1; 346.155, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 10, by adding a subdivision; 347.04; 358.41; 358.42; 358.47; 358.50; 359.01, by adding a subdivision; 359.03, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 359.04; 359.05; 359.085; 375A.13, subdivision 1; 383B.65, subdivision 2; 390.005; 390.01; 390.04; 390.11; 390.111; 390.15; 390.20; 390.21; 390.221; 390.23; 390.25; 390.33, subdivision 2; 403.02, by adding a subdivision; 403.08, subdivision 7; 403.11, subdivisions 3b, 3c; 403.113, subdivision 3; 403.21, subdivisions 2, 7, 9; 403.33; 403.34; 403.36, subdivision 1f; 480.181, subdivisions 1, 2; 480.182; 484.01, subdivision 1; 484.011; 484.012; 484.45; 484.54, subdivision 3; 484.545, subdivision 1; 484.64, subdivision 3; 484.65, subdivision 3; 484.68, subdivision 1; 484.702, subdivision 5; 485.018, subdivision 5; 485.021; 485.11; 517.041; 518.157, subdivision 2; 518B.01, subdivision 14, by adding a subdivision; 525.9214; 546.27, subdivision 2; 609.101, subdivision 4; 609.102, subdivision 2; 609.11, subdivision 7; 609.153, subdivision 1; 609.2231, subdivision 6; 609.224, subdivisions 2, 4; 609.2242, subdivisions 2, 4; 609.495, by adding a subdivision; 609.748, subdivision 6; 609.749, subdivision 4; 609.87, subdivisions 1, 11, by adding subdivisions; 609.891, subdivisions 1, 3; 611A.0315; 617.246, by adding a subdivision; 617.247, by adding a subdivision; 624.22, subdivision 8; 626.77, subdivision 3; 629.74; 631.425, subdivision 3; 641.25; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 169A.52, subdivision 4; 169A.53, subdivision 3; 171.05, subdivision 2b; 171.055, subdivision 2; 171.18, subdivision 1; 241.06, by adding a subdivision; 243.166, subdivisions 1b, 4, 4b, 6; 244.052, subdivision 4; 244.055, subdivisions 10, 11; 244.10, subdivisions 5, 6, 7; 270C.545; 299C.40, subdivision 1; 299C.405; 299C.65, subdivision 2; 390.05; 403.025, subdivision 7; 403.05, subdivision 3; 403.11, subdivisions 1, 3, 3a; 403.113, subdivision 1; 403.21, subdivision 8; 403.36, subdivision 1; 485.01; 485.03; 485.05; 518B.01, subdivision 22; 609.02, subdivision 16; 609.282; 609.283; 609.3455, subdivisions 4, 8, by adding a subdivision; 609.485, subdivisions 2, 4; Laws 2002, chapter 266, section 1, as amended; Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 1, section 13, subdivision 3; article 16, sections 3; 4; 5; 6; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 4; 241; 299A; 299C; 299F; 340A; 390; 484; 545; 604; 609; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 169A.41, subdivision 4; 383A.36; 383B.225, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 390.006; 390.06; 390.07; 390.16; 390.17; 390.19; 390.20; 390.24; 390.36; 403.08, subdivision 8; 403.22; 403.23; 403.24; 403.25; 403.26; 403.28; 403.29, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 403.30, subdivisions 2, 4; 403.35; 484.013, subdivision 8; 484.545, subdivisions 2, 3; 484.55; 484.68, subdivision 7; 484.75; 485.018, subdivisions 2, 6, 8; 485.12; 487.01; 487.02; 487.03; 487.04; 487.07; 487.10; 487.11; 487.13; 487.14; 487.15; 487.16; 487.17; 487.18; 487.19; 487.191; 487.20; 487.21; 487.23; 487.24; 487.25; 487.26; 487.27; 487.28; 487.29; 487.31; 487.32; 487.33; 487.34; 487.36; 487.37; 487.38; 487.40; 488A.01; 488A.021; 488A.025; 488A.03; 488A.035; 488A.04; 488A.08; 488A.09; 488A.10; 488A.101; 488A.11; 488A.112; 488A.113; 488A.115; 488A.116; 488A.119; 488A.18; 488A.19; 488A.20; 488A.21;

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488A.23; 488A.24; 488A.26; 488A.27; 488A.28; 488A.282; 488A.285; 488A.286; 488A.287; 525.011; 525.012; 525.013; 525.014; 525.015; 525.02; 525.03; 525.051; 525.052; 525.053; 525.06; 525.07; 525.08; 525.081; 525.082; 525.09; 609.108, subdivision 5; 609.109, subdivisions 1, 3; 625.09; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 353.027; 383B.225, subdivision 5; 485.03; 609.108, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7; 609.109, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 6."

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

H. F. No. 2656, A bill for an act relating to state government; providing certain general criminal and sentencing provisions; regulating controlled substances, DWI, and driving provisions; modifying or establishing various provisions relating to public safety; regulating corrections, the courts, and emergency communications; regulating coroners and medical examiners; providing for electronic notarizations; regulating fraudulent or improper financing statements; regulating computer crimes; providing penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 13.82, by adding a subdivision; 13.84, subdivisions 1, 2; 13.87, by adding a subdivision; 16D.04, subdivision 2; 43A.08, subdivision 1; 48A.10, subdivision 3; 144.445, subdivision 1; 144.7401, by adding a subdivision; 155A.07, by adding a subdivision; 169.13; 169A.20, subdivision 1; 169A.24, subdivision 1; 169A.28, subdivision 1; 169A.45, subdivision 1; 169A.51, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 7; 169A.52, subdivision 2; 169A.60, subdivisions 2, 4; 181.973; 219.97, subdivision 13; 237.49; 241.016, subdivision 1; 253B.02, subdivision 2; 299E.01, subdivision 2; 299F.011, subdivision 5; 346.09, subdivision 1; 346.155, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 10, by adding a subdivision; 347.04; 358.41; 358.42; 358.47; 358.50; 359.01, by adding a subdivision; 359.03, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 359.04; 359.05; 359.085; 375A.13, subdivision 1; 383B.65, subdivision 2; 390.005; 390.01; 390.04; 390.11; 390.111; 390.15; 390.20; 390.21; 390.221; 390.23; 390.25; 390.33, subdivision 2; 403.02, by adding a subdivision; 403.08, subdivision 7; 403.11, subdivisions 3b, 3c; 403.113, subdivision 3; 403.21, subdivisions 2, 7, 9; 403.33; 403.34; 403.36, subdivision 1f; 480.181, subdivisions 1, 2; 480.182; 484.01, subdivision 1; 484.011; 484.012; 484.45; 484.54, subdivision 3; 484.545, subdivision 1; 484.64, subdivision 3; 484.65, subdivision 3; 484.68, subdivision 1; 484.702, subdivision 5; 485.018, subdivision 5; 485.021; 485.11; 517.041; 518.157, subdivision 2; 518B.01, subdivision 14, by adding a subdivision; 525.9214; 546.27, subdivision 2; 609.101, subdivision 4; 609.102, subdivision 2; 609.11, subdivision 7; 609.153, subdivision 1; 609.2231, subdivision 6; 609.224, subdivisions 2, 4; 609.2242, subdivisions 2, 4; 609.495, by adding a subdivision; 609.748, subdivision 6; 609.749, subdivision 4; 609.87, subdivisions 1, 11, by adding subdivisions; 609.891, subdivisions 1, 3; 611A.0315; 617.246, by adding a subdivision; 617.247, by adding a subdivision; 624.22, subdivision 8; 626.77, subdivision 3; 629.74; 631.425, subdivision 3; 641.25; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 169A.52, subdivision 4; 169A.53, subdivision 3; 171.05, subdivision 2b; 171.055, subdivision 2; 171.18, subdivision 1; 241.06, by adding a subdivision; 243.166, subdivisions 1b, 4, 4b, 6; 244.052, subdivision 4; 244.055, subdivisions 10, 11; 244.10, subdivisions 5, 6, 7; 270C.545; 299C.40, subdivision 1; 299C.405; 299C.65, subdivision 2; 390.05; 403.025, subdivision 7; 403.05, subdivision 3; 403.11, subdivisions 1, 3, 3a; 403.113, subdivision 1; 403.21, subdivision 8; 403.36, subdivision 1; 485.01; 485.03; 485.05; 518B.01, subdivision 22; 609.02, subdivision 16; 609.282; 609.283; 609.3455, subdivisions 4, 8, by adding a subdivision; 609.485, subdivisions 2, 4; Laws 2002, chapter 266, section 1, as amended; Laws 2005, chapter 136, article 1, section 13, subdivision 3; article 16, sections 3; 4; 5; 6; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 4; 241; 299A; 299C; 299F; 340A; 390; 484; 545; 604; 609; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 169A.41, subdivision 4; 383A.36; 383B.225, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 390.006; 390.06; 390.07; 390.16; 390.17; 390.19; 390.20; 390.24; 390.36; 403.08, subdivision 8; 403.22; 403.23; 403.24; 403.25; 403.26; 403.28; 403.29, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 403.30, subdivisions 2, 4; 403.35; 484.013, subdivision 8; 484.545, subdivisions 2, 3; 484.55; 484.68, subdivision 7; 484.75; 485.018, subdivisions 2, 6, 8; 485.12; 487.01; 487.02; 487.03; 487.04; 487.07; 487.10; 487.11; 487.13; 487.14; 487.15; 487.16; 487.17; 487.18; 487.19; 487.191; 487.20; 487.21; 487.23; 487.24; 487.25; 487.26; 487.27; 487.28; 487.29; 487.31; 487.32; 487.33; 487.34; 487.36; 487.37; 487.38; 487.40; 488A.01; 488A.021; 488A.025; 488A.03; 488A.035; 488A.04; 488A.08;

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488A.09; 488A.10; 488A.101; 488A.11; 488A.112; 488A.113; 488A.115; 488A.116; 488A.119; 488A.18; 488A.19; 488A.20; 488A.21; 488A.23; 488A.24; 488A.26; 488A.27; 488A.28; 488A.282; 488A.285; 488A.286; 488A.287; 525.011; 525.012; 525.013; 525.014; 525.015; 525.02; 525.03; 525.051; 525.052; 525.053; 525.06; 525.07; 525.08; 525.081; 525.082; 525.09; 609.108, subdivision 5; 609.109, subdivisions 1, 3; 625.09; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 353.027; 383B.225, subdivision 5; 485.03; 609.108, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7; 609.109, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 6.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended, and placed upon its final passage.

The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 129 yeas and 3 nays as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

S. F. No. 2994 was reported to the House.

Buesgens moved to amend S. F. No. 2994 as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"ARTICLE 1

GENERAL EDUCATION

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 120A.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

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Subdivision 1. Age limitations; pupils. (a) All schools supported in whole or in part by state funds are public schools. Admission to a public school is free to any person who: (1) resides within the district that operates the school~~, who~~; (2) is under 21 years of age, or who meets the requirements of paragraph (c); and ~~who~~ (3) satisfies the minimum age requirements imposed by this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the conduct of all students under 21 years of age attending a public secondary school is governed by a single set of reasonable rules and regulations promulgated by the school board.

No (b) A person shall not be admitted to ~~any~~ a public school (1) as a kindergarten pupil, unless the pupil is at least five years of age on September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year for which the pupil seeks admission commences; or (2) as a 1st grade student, unless the pupil is at least six years of age on September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year for which the pupil seeks admission commences or has completed kindergarten; except that any school board may establish a policy for admission of selected pupils at an earlier age.

(c) A pupil who becomes age 21 after enrollment is eligible for continued free public school enrollment until at least one of the following occurs: (1) the first September 1 after the pupil's 21st birthday; (2) the pupil's completion of the graduation requirements; (3) the pupil's withdrawal with no subsequent enrollment within 21 calendar days; or (4) the end of the school year.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123A.06, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. People to be served. A center shall provide programs for secondary pupils and adults. A center may also provide programs and services for elementary and secondary pupils who are not attending the center to assist them in being successful in school. A center shall use research-based best practices for serving limited English proficient students and their parents. An individual education plan team may identify a center as an appropriate placement to the extent a center can provide the student with the appropriate special education services described in the student's plan. Pupils eligible to be served are those ~~age five to adults 22 and older~~ who qualify under the graduation incentives program in section 124D.68, subdivision 2, those enrolled under section 124D.02, subdivision 2, or those pupils who are eligible to receive special education services under sections 125A.03 to 125A.24, and 125A.65.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 123B.76, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Expenditures by building. (a) For the purposes of this section, "building" means education site as defined in section 123B.04, subdivision 1.

(b) Each district shall maintain separate accounts to identify general fund expenditures for each building. All expenditures for regular instruction, secondary vocational instruction, and school administration must be reported to the department separately for each building. All expenditures for special education instruction, instructional support services, and pupil support services provided within a specific building must be reported to the department separately for each building. Salary expenditures reported by building must reflect actual salaries for staff at the building and must not be based on districtwide averages. All other general fund expenditures may be reported by building or on a districtwide basis.

(c) The department must annually report information showing school district general fund expenditures per pupil by program category for each building and estimated school district general fund revenue generated by pupils attending each building on its Web site. For purposes of this report:

(1) expenditures not reported by building shall be allocated among buildings on a uniform per pupil basis;

(2) basic skills revenue shall be allocated according to section 126C.10, subdivision 4;

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(3) secondary sparsity revenue and elementary sparsity revenue shall be allocated according to section 126C.10, subdivisions 7 and 8;

(4) alternative teacher compensation revenue shall be allocated according to section 122A.415, subdivision 1;

(5) other general education revenue shall be allocated on a uniform per pupil unit basis;

~~(5)~~ (6) first grade preparedness aid shall be allocated according to section 124D.081;

~~(6)~~ (7) state and federal special education aid and Title I aid shall be allocated in proportion to district expenditures for these programs by building; and

~~(7)~~ (8) other general fund revenues shall be allocated on a uniform per pupil basis, except that the department may allocate other revenues attributable to specific buildings directly to those buildings.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Secondary school programs. The board may permit a person who is over the age of 21 or who has graduated from high school to enroll ~~as a part-time student~~ in a class or program at a secondary school if there is space available. In determining if there is space available, ~~full-time~~ public school students, eligible for free enrollment under section 120A.20, subdivision 1, and shared-time students shall be given priority over students seeking enrollment pursuant to this subdivision, and students returning to complete a regular course of study shall be given priority over ~~part-time~~ other students seeking enrollment pursuant to this subdivision. The following are not prerequisites for enrollment:

(1) residency in the school district;

(2) United States citizenship; or

(3) for a person over the age of 21, a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. A person may enroll in a class or program even if that person attends evening school, an adult or continuing education, or a postsecondary educational program or institution.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Part-time student fee. Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 120A.20 and 123B.37, a board may charge a ~~part-time~~ student enrolled pursuant to subdivision 2 a reasonable fee for a class or program.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 124D.68, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Eligible pupils. ~~The following pupils are~~ A pupil under the age of 21 or who meets the requirements of section 120A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), is eligible to participate in the graduation incentives program:

~~(a) any pupil under the age of 21 who~~, if the pupil:

(1) performs substantially below the performance level for pupils of the same age in a locally determined achievement test;

(2) is at least one year behind in satisfactorily completing coursework or obtaining credits for graduation;

(3) is pregnant or is a parent;

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(4) has been assessed as chemically dependent;

(5) has been excluded or expelled according to sections 121A.40 to 121A.56;

(6) has been referred by a school district for enrollment in an eligible program or a program pursuant to section 124D.69;

(7) is a victim of physical or sexual abuse;

(8) has experienced mental health problems;

(9) has experienced homelessness sometime within six months before requesting a transfer to an eligible program;

(10) speaks English as a second language or has limited English proficiency; or

(11) has withdrawn from school or has been chronically truant; or

~~(b) any person who is at least 21 years of age and who:~~

~~(1) has received fewer than 14 years of public or nonpublic education, beginning at age 5;~~

~~(2) has not completed the requirements for a high school diploma; and~~

(3) at the time of application, (i) is eligible for unemployment benefits or has exhausted the benefits, (ii) is eligible for, or is receiving income maintenance and support services, as defined in section 116L.19, subdivision 5, or (iii) is eligible for services under the displaced homemaker program or any programs under the federal Jobs Training Partnership Act or its successor.

(12) is being treated in a hospital in the seven-county metropolitan area for cancer or other life threatening illness or is the sibling of an eligible pupil who is being currently treated, and resides with the pupil's family at least 60 miles beyond the outside boundary of the seven-county metropolitan area.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to eligible pupils in the 2005-2006 school year and later.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.68, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Eligible programs. (a) A pupil who is eligible according to subdivision 2 may enroll in area learning centers under sections 123A.05 to 123A.08.

(b) A pupil who is eligible according to subdivision 2 and who is between the ages of 16 and 21 may enroll in postsecondary courses under section 124D.09.

(c) A pupil who is eligible under subdivision 2, may enroll in any public elementary or secondary education program. ~~However, a person who is eligible according to subdivision 2, clause (b), may enroll only if the school board has adopted a resolution approving the enrollment.~~

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(d) A pupil who is eligible under subdivision 2, may enroll in any nonpublic, nonsectarian school that has contracted with the serving school district to provide educational services. However, notwithstanding other provisions of this section, only a pupil who is eligible under subdivision 2, clause (12), may enroll in a contract alternative school that is specifically structured to provide educational services to such a pupil.

(e) A pupil who is between the ages of 16 and 21 may enroll in any adult basic education programs approved under section 124D.52 and operated under the community education program contained in section 124D.19.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to eligible programs in the 2005-2006 school year and later.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Pupil unit. Pupil units for each Minnesota resident pupil under the age of 21 or who meets the requirements of section 120A.20, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), in average daily membership enrolled in the district of residence, in another district under sections 123A.05 to 123A.08, 124D.03, 124D.06, 124D.07, 124D.08, or 124D.68; in a charter school under section 124D.10; or for whom the resident district pays tuition under section 123A.18, 123A.22, 123A.30, 123A.32, 123A.44, 123A.488, 123B.88, subdivision 4, 124D.04, 124D.05, 125A.03 to 125A.24, 125A.51, or 125A.65, shall be counted according to this subdivision.

(a) A prekindergarten pupil with a disability who is enrolled in a program approved by the commissioner and has an individual education plan is counted as the ratio of the number of hours of assessment and education service to 825 times 1.25 with a minimum average daily membership of 0.28, but not more than 1.25 pupil units.

(b) A prekindergarten pupil who is assessed but determined not to be handicapped is counted as the ratio of the number of hours of assessment service to 825 times 1.25.

(c) A kindergarten pupil with a disability who is enrolled in a program approved by the commissioner is counted as the ratio of the number of hours of assessment and education services required in the fiscal year by the pupil's individual education program plan to 875, but not more than one.

(d) A kindergarten pupil who is not included in paragraph (c) is counted as .557 of a pupil unit for fiscal year 2000 and thereafter.

(e) A pupil who is in any of grades 1 to 3 is counted as 1.115 pupil units for fiscal year 2000 and thereafter.

(f) A pupil who is any of grades 4 to 6 is counted as 1.06 pupil units for fiscal year 1995 and thereafter.

(g) A pupil who is in any of grades 7 to 12 is counted as 1.3 pupil units.

(h) A pupil who is in the postsecondary enrollment options program is counted as 1.3 pupil units.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.10, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Definitions. The definitions in this subdivision apply only to subdivisions 7 and 8.

(a) "High school" means a public secondary school, except a charter school under section 124D.10, that has pupils enrolled in at least the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. If there is no ~~secondary~~ high school in the district ~~that has pupils enrolled in at least the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades,~~ and the school is at least 19 miles from the next nearest school, the commissioner must designate one school in the district as a high school for the purposes of this section.

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(b) "Secondary average daily membership" means, for a district that has only one high school, the average daily membership of pupils served in grades 7 through 12. For a district that has more than one high school, "secondary average daily membership" for each high school means the product of the average daily membership of pupils served in grades 7 through 12 in the high school, times the ratio of six to the number of grades in the high school.

(c) "Attendance area" means the total surface area of the district, in square miles, divided by the number of high schools in the district. For a district that does not operate a high school and is less than 19 miles from the nearest operating high school, the attendance area equals zero.

(d) "Isolation index" for a high school means the square root of 55 percent of the attendance area plus the distance in miles, according to the usually traveled routes, between the high school and the nearest high school. For a district in which there is located land defined in section 84A.01, 84A.20, or 84A.31, the distance in miles is the sum of:

(1) the square root of one-half of the attendance area; and

(2) the distance from the border of the district to the nearest high school.

(e) "Qualifying high school" means a high school that has an isolation index greater than 23 and that has secondary average daily membership of less than 400.

(f) "Qualifying elementary school" means an a public elementary school, except a charter school under section 124D.10, that is located 19 miles or more from the nearest elementary school or from the nearest elementary school within the district and, in either case, has an elementary average daily membership of an average of 20 or fewer per grade.

(g) "Elementary average daily membership" means, for a district that has only one elementary school, the average daily membership of pupils served in kindergarten through grade 6. For a district that has more than one elementary school, "average daily membership" for each school means the average daily membership of pupils served in kindergarten through grade 6 multiplied by the ratio of seven to the number of grades in the elementary school.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31. Transition revenue. (a) A district's transition allowance equals the greater of zero or the product of the ratio of the number of adjusted marginal cost pupil units the district would have counted for fiscal year 2004 under Minnesota Statutes 2002 to the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for fiscal year 2004, times the difference between: (1) the lesser of the district's general education revenue per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit for fiscal year 2003 or the amount of general education revenue the district would have received per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit for fiscal year 2004 according to Minnesota Statutes 2002, and (2) the district's general education revenue for fiscal year 2004 excluding transition revenue divided by the number of adjusted marginal cost pupil units the district would have counted for fiscal year 2004 under Minnesota Statutes 2002.

(b) A district's transition revenue for fiscal year 2006 and later equals the sum of ~~(1)~~ the product of the district's transition allowance times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units plus (2) the amount of referendum revenue under section 126C.17 and general education revenue, excluding transition revenue, for fiscal year 2004 attributable to pupils four or five years of age on September 1, 2003, enrolled in a prekindergarten program implemented by the

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district before July 1, 2003, and reported as kindergarten pupils under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, for fiscal year 2004, plus (3) the amount of compensatory education revenue under subdivision 3 for fiscal year 2005 attributable to pupils four years of age on September 1, 2003, enrolled in a prekindergarten program implemented by the district before July 1, 2003, and reported as kindergarten pupils under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, for fiscal year 2004 multiplied by .04 the district's transition for prekindergarten revenue under subdivision 31a.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2007 and later.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 31a. Transition for prekindergarten revenue. For fiscal year 2007 and later, a school district's transition for prekindergarten revenue equals the sum of (1) the amount of referendum revenue under section 126C.17 and general education revenue, excluding transition revenue, for fiscal year 2004 attributable to pupils four or five years of age on September 1, 2003, enrolled in a prekindergarten program implemented by the district before July 1, 2003, and reported as kindergarten pupils under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, for fiscal year 2004, plus (2) the amount of compensatory education revenue under subdivision 3 for fiscal year 2005 attributable to pupils four years of age on September 1, 2003, enrolled in a prekindergarten program implemented by the district before July 1, 2003, and reported as kindergarten pupils under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, for fiscal year 2004 multiplied by .04.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2007 and later.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 31b. Uses of transition for prekindergarten revenue. A school district that receives revenue under subdivision 31a must reserve that revenue for prekindergarten programs serving students who turn age four by September 1 and who will enter kindergarten the following year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for fiscal year 2007 and later.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Referendum revenue. (a) The revenue authorized by section 126C.10, subdivision 1, may be increased in the amount approved by the voters of the district at a referendum called for the purpose. The referendum may be called by the board or shall be called by the board upon written petition of qualified voters of the district. The referendum must be conducted one or two calendar years before the increased levy authority, if approved, first becomes payable. Only one election to approve an increase may be held in a calendar year. Unless the referendum is conducted by mail under paragraph (g), the referendum must be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The ballot must state the maximum amount of the increased revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit. The ballot may state a schedule, determined by the board, of increased revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit that differs from year to year over the number of years for which the increased revenue is authorized or may state that the amount shall increase annually by the rate of inflation. For this purpose, the rate of inflation shall be the annual inflationary increase calculated under subdivision 2, paragraph (b). The ballot may state that existing referendum levy authority is expiring. In this case, the ballot may also compare the proposed levy authority to the existing expiring levy authority, and express the proposed increase as the amount, if any, over the expiring referendum levy authority. The ballot must designate the specific number of years, not to exceed ten, for which the referendum authorization applies. The ballot, including a ballot on the question to revoke or reduce the increased revenue amount under paragraph (c), must abbreviate the term "per resident marginal cost pupil unit" as "per pupil." The notice required under section 275.60 may be modified to read, in cases of renewing existing levies:

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"BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU MAY BE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE."

The ballot may contain a textual portion with the information required in this subdivision and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by (petition to) the board of ........., School District No. .., be approved?"

If approved, an amount equal to the approved revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit times the resident marginal cost pupil units for the school year beginning in the year after the levy is certified shall be authorized for certification for the number of years approved, if applicable, or until revoked or reduced by the voters of the district at a subsequent referendum.

(b) The board must prepare and deliver by first class mail at least 15 days but no more than 30 days before the day of the referendum to each taxpayer a notice of the referendum and the proposed revenue increase. The board need not mail more than one notice to any taxpayer. For the purpose of giving mailed notice under this subdivision, owners must be those shown to be owners on the records of the county auditor or, in any county where tax statements are mailed by the county treasurer, on the records of the county treasurer. Every property owner whose name does not appear on the records of the county auditor or the county treasurer is deemed to have waived this mailed notice unless the owner has requested in writing that the county auditor or county treasurer, as the case may be, include the name on the records for this purpose. The notice must project the anticipated amount of tax increase in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the school district.

The notice for a referendum may state that an existing referendum levy is expiring and project the anticipated amount of increase over the existing referendum levy in the first year, if any, in annual dollars for typical residential homesteads, agricultural homesteads, apartments, and commercial-industrial property within the district.

The notice must include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum will result in an increase in your property taxes." However, in cases of renewing existing levies, the notice may include the following statement: "Passage of this referendum may result in an increase in your property taxes."

(c) A referendum on the question of revoking or reducing the increased revenue amount authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) may be called by the board and shall be called by the board upon the written petition of qualified voters of the district. A referendum to revoke or reduce the revenue amount must state the amount per resident marginal cost pupil unit by which the authority is to be reduced. Revenue authority approved by the voters of the district pursuant to paragraph (a) must be available to the school district at least once before it is subject to a referendum on its revocation or reduction for subsequent years. Only one revocation or reduction referendum may be held to revoke or reduce referendum revenue for any specific year and for years thereafter.

(d) A petition authorized by paragraph (a) or (c) is effective if signed by a number of qualified voters in excess of 15 percent of the registered voters of the district on the day the petition is filed with the board. A referendum invoked by petition must be held on the date specified in paragraph (a).

(e) The approval of 50 percent plus one of those voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this subdivision.

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(f) At least 15 days before the day of the referendum, the district must submit a copy of the notice required under paragraph (b) to the commissioner and to the county auditor of each county in which the district is located. Within 15 days after the results of the referendum have been certified by the board, or in the case of a recount, the certification of the results of the recount by the canvassing board, the district must notify the commissioner of the results of the referendum.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for referenda conducted on or after July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 126C.43, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Payment to unemployment insurance program trust fund by state and political subdivisions. (a) A district may levy the amount necessary ~~(i)~~ (1) to pay the district's obligations under section 268.052, subdivision 1, and ~~(ii)~~ (2) to pay for job placement services offered to employees who may become eligible for benefits pursuant to section 268.085 for the fiscal year the levy is certified.

(b) Districts with a balance remaining in their reserve for reemployment as of June 30, 2003, may not expend the reserved funds for future reemployment expenditures. Each year a levy reduction must be made to return these funds to taxpayers. The amount of the levy reduction must be equal to the lesser of: (1) the remaining reserved balance for reemployment, or (2) the amount of the district's current levy under paragraph (a).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.44, is amended to read:

126C.44 SAFE SCHOOLS LEVY.

Each district may make a levy on all taxable property located within the district for the purposes specified in this section. The maximum amount which may be levied for all costs under this section shall be equal to $27 multiplied by the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for the school year. The proceeds of the levy must be reserved and used for directly funding the following purposes or for reimbursing the cities and counties who contract with the district for the following purposes: (1) to pay the costs incurred for the salaries, benefits, and transportation costs of peace officers and sheriffs for liaison in services in the district's schools; (2) to pay the costs for a drug abuse prevention program as defined in section 609.101, subdivision 3, paragraph (e), in the elementary schools; (3) to pay the costs for a gang resistance education training curriculum in the district's schools; (4) to pay the costs for security in the district's schools and on school property; or (5) to pay the costs for other crime prevention, drug abuse, student and staff safety, and violence prevention measures taken by the school district. For expenditures under clause (1), the district must initially attempt to contract for services to be provided by peace officers or sheriffs with the police department of each city or the sheriff's department of the county within the district containing the school receiving the services. If a local police department or a county sheriff's department does not wish to provide the necessary services, the district may contract for these services with any other police or sheriff's department located entirely or partially within the school district's boundaries. ~~The levy authorized under this section is not included in determining the school district's levy limitations.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2006.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 127A.45, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Payments to school nonoperating funds. Each fiscal year state general fund payments for a district nonoperating fund must be made at the current year aid payment percentage of the estimated entitlement during the fiscal year of the entitlement. This amount shall be paid in 12 equal monthly installments. The amount of the actual entitlement, after adjustment for actual data, minus the payments made during the fiscal year of the entitlement must

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be paid prior to October 31 of the following school year. The commissioner may make advance payments of debt service equalization aid and state-paid tax credits for a district's debt service fund earlier than would occur under the preceding schedule if the district submits evidence showing a serious cash flow problem in the fund. The commissioner may make earlier payments during the year and, if necessary, increase the percent of the entitlement paid to reduce the cash flow problem.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 17. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 120A.20, subdivision 3, is repealed.

ARTICLE 2

EDUCATION EXCELLENCE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 120A.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Parent defined; residency determined. (a) In this section and sections 120A.24 and 120A.26, "parent" means a parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody of a child.

(b) In sections 125A.03 to 125A.24 and 125A.65, "parent" means a parent, guardian, or other person having legal custody of a child under age 18. For an unmarried pupil age 18 or over, "parent" means the pupil unless a guardian or conservator has been appointed, in which case it means the guardian or conservator.

(c) For purposes of sections 125A.03 to 125A.24 and 125A.65, the school district of residence for an unmarried pupil age 18 or over who is a parent under paragraph (b) and who is placed in a center for care and treatment, shall be the school district in which the pupil's biological or adoptive parent or designated guardian resides.

(d) For a married pupil age 18 or over, the school district of residence is the school district in which the married pupil resides.

(e) If a district reasonably believes that a student does not meet the residency requirements of the school district in which the student is attending school, the student may be removed from the school only after the district sends the student's parents written notice of the district's belief, including the facts upon which the belief is based, and an opportunity to provide documentary evidence of residency in person to the superintendent or designee, or, at the option of the parents, by sending the documentary evidence to the superintendent, or a designee, who will then make a determination as to the residency status of the student.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 120B.021, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

Subd. 1a. Rigorous course of study; waiver. (a) Upon receiving a student's application signed by the student's parent or guardian, a school district, area learning center, or charter school must declare that a student meets or exceeds a specific academic standard required for graduation under this section if the local school board, the school board of the school district in which the area learning center is located, or the charter school board of directors determines that the student:

(1) is participating in a course of study, including an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course or program; a learning opportunity outside the curriculum of the district, area learning center, or charter school; or an approved preparatory program for employment or postsecondary education that is equally or more rigorous than the corresponding state or local academic standard required by the district, area learning center, or charter school;

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(2) would be precluded from participating in the rigorous course of study, learning opportunity, or preparatory employment or postsecondary education program if the student were required to achieve the academic standard to be waived; and

(3) satisfactorily completes the requirements for the rigorous course of study, learning opportunity, or preparatory employment or postsecondary education program.

Consistent with the requirements of this section, the local school board, the school board of the school district in which the area learning center is located, or the charter school board of directors also may formally determine other circumstances in which to declare that a student meets or exceeds a specific academic standard that the site requires for graduation under this section.

(b) A student who satisfactorily completes a postsecondary enrollment options course or program under section 124D.09, or an advanced placement or international baccalaureate course or program under section 120B.13, is not required to complete other requirements of the academic standards corresponding to that specific rigorous course of study.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 120B.023, is amended to read:

120B.023 BENCHMARKS.

Subdivision 1. Benchmarks implement, supplement statewide academic standards. (a) The commissioner must supplement required state academic standards with grade-level benchmarks. High school benchmarks may cover more than one grade. The benchmarks must implement statewide academic standards by specifying the academic knowledge and skills that schools must offer and students must achieve to satisfactorily complete a state standard. The commissioner must publish benchmarks ~~are published~~ to inform and guide parents, teachers, school districts, and other interested persons and ~~for~~ to use in developing tests consistent with the benchmarks.

(b) The commissioner shall publish benchmarks in the State Register and transmit the benchmarks in any other manner that makes them accessible to the general public. The commissioner may charge a reasonable fee for publications.

(c) Once established, the commissioner may change the benchmarks only with specific legislative authorization and after completing a review under ~~paragraph (d)~~ subdivision 2.

(d) The commissioner must develop and implement a system for reviewing ~~on a four-year cycle~~ each of the required academic standards and related benchmarks and elective standards ~~beginning in the 2006-2007 school year~~ on a periodic cycle, consistent with subdivision 2.

(e) The benchmarks are not subject to chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

Subd. 2. Revisions and reviews required. (a) The commissioner of education must revise and appropriately embed technology and information literacy standards consistent with recommendations from school media specialists into the state's academic standards and graduation requirements and implement a review cycle for state academic standards and related benchmarks, consistent with this subdivision. During each review cycle, the commissioner also must examine the alignment of each required academic standard and related benchmark with the knowledge and skills students need for college readiness and advanced work in the particular subject area.

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(b) The commissioner in the 2006-2007 school year must revise and align the state's academic standards and high school graduation requirements in mathematics to require that students satisfactorily complete the revised mathematics standards, beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. Under the revised standards:

(1) students must satisfactorily complete an algebra I credit by the end of eighth grade; and

(2) students scheduled to graduate in the 2014-2015 school year or later must satisfactorily complete an algebra II credit or its equivalent.

The commissioner also must ensure that the statewide mathematics assessments administered to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 beginning in the 2010-2011 school year are aligned with the state academic standards in mathematics. The statewide 11th grade mathematics test administered to students under clause (2) beginning in the 2013-2014 school year must include algebra II test items that are aligned with corresponding state academic standards in mathematics. The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related benchmarks in mathematics beginning in the 2015-2016 school year.

(c) The commissioner in the 2007-2008 school year must revise and align the state's academic standards and high school graduation requirements in the arts to require that students satisfactorily complete the revised arts standards beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related benchmarks in arts beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.

(d) The commissioner in the 2008-2009 school year must revise and align the state's academic standards and high school graduation requirements in science to require that students satisfactorily complete the revised science standards, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year. Under the revised standards, students scheduled to graduate in the 2014-2015 school year or later must satisfactorily complete a chemistry or physics credit. The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related benchmarks in science beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

(e) The commissioner in the 2009-2010 school year must revise and align the state's academic standards and high school graduation requirements in language arts to require that students satisfactorily complete the revised language arts standards beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related benchmarks in language arts beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

(f) The commissioner in the 2010-2011 school year must revise and align the state's academic standards and high school graduation requirements in social studies to require that students satisfactorily complete the revised social studies standards beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. The commissioner must implement a review of the academic standards and related benchmarks in social studies beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

(g) School districts and charter schools must revise and align local academic standards and high school graduation requirements in health, physical education, world languages, and career and technical education to require students to complete the revised standards beginning in a school year determined by the school district or charter school. School districts and charter schools must formally establish a periodic review cycle for the academic standards and related benchmarks in health, physical education, world languages, and career and technical education.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 120B.024, is amended to read:

120B.024 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS; COURSE CREDITS.

(a) Students beginning 9th grade in the 2004-2005 school year and later must successfully complete the following high school level course credits for graduation:

(1) four credits of language arts;

(2) three credits of mathematics, encompassing at least algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability sufficient to satisfy the academic standard;

(3) three credits of science, including at least one credit in biology;

(4) three and one-half credits of social studies, encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, world history, and economics or three credits of social studies encompassing at least United States history, geography, government and citizenship, and world history, and one-half credit of economics taught in a school's social studies, agriculture education, or business department;

(5) one credit in the arts; and

(6) a minimum of seven elective course credits.

A course credit is equivalent to a student successfully completing an academic year of study or a student mastering the applicable subject matter, as determined by the local school district.

(b) An agriculture science course may fulfill a science credit requirement in addition to the specified science credits in biology and chemistry or physics under paragraph (a), clause (3).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 120B.131, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Reimbursement for examination fees. The state may reimburse college-level examination program (CLEP) fees for a Minnesota public or nonpublic high school student who has successfully completed one or more college-level courses in high school ~~and earned a satisfactory score on one or more CLEP examinations~~ in the subject matter of each examination in the following subjects: composition and literature, mathematics and science, social sciences and history, foreign languages, and business and humanities. The state may reimburse each ~~successful~~ student for up to six examination fees. The commissioner shall establish application procedures and a process and schedule for fee reimbursements. The commissioner must give priority to reimburse the CLEP examination fees of students of low-income families.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 121A.035, is amended to read:

121A.035 CRISIS MANAGEMENT POLICY.

Subdivision 1. Model policy. ~~By December 1, 1999,~~ The commissioner shall maintain and make available to school boards and charter schools a model crisis management policy that includes, among other items, school lock-down and tornado drills, consistent with subdivision 2, and school fire drills under section 299F.30.

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Subd. 2. School district and charter school policy. ~~By July 1, 2000,~~ A school board and a charter school must adopt a ~~district~~ crisis management policy to address potential violent crisis situations in the district or charter school. The policy must be developed ~~in consultation~~ cooperatively with administrators, teachers, employees, students, parents, community members, law enforcement agencies, other emergency management officials, county attorney offices, social service agencies, emergency medical responders, and any other appropriate individuals or organizations. The policy must include at least five school lock-down drills, five school fire drills consistent with section 299F.30, and one tornado drill.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for the 2006-2007 school year and later.

Sec. 7. [121A.037] SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS.

Private schools and educational institutions not subject to section 121A.035 must have at least five school lock-down drills, five school fire drills consistent with section 299F.30, and one tornado drill.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for the 2006-2007 school year.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123B.77, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. School district consolidated financial statement. The commissioner, in consultation with the advisory committee on financial management, accounting, and reporting, shall develop and maintain a school district consolidated financial statement format that converts uniform financial accounting and reporting standards data under subdivision 1 into a more understandable format.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123B.77, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Statement for comparison and correction. (a) By November 30 of the calendar year of the submission of the unaudited financial data, the district must provide to the commissioner audited financial data for the preceding fiscal year. The audit must be conducted in compliance with generally accepted governmental auditing standards, the federal Single Audit Act, and the Minnesota legal compliance guide issued by the Office of the State Auditor. An audited financial statement prepared in a form which will allow comparison with and correction of material differences in the unaudited financial data shall be submitted to the commissioner and the state auditor by December 31. The audited financial statement must also provide a statement of assurance pertaining to uniform financial accounting and reporting standards compliance and a copy of the management letter submitted to the district by the school district's auditor.

(b) By January 15 of the calendar year following the submission of the unaudited financial data, the commissioner shall convert the audited financial data required by this subdivision into the consolidated financial statement format required under subdivision 1a and publish the information on the department's Web site.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for financial statements prepared in 2006 and later.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123B.91, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Compliance by nonpublic and charter school students. A nonpublic or charter school student transported by a public school district shall comply with student bus conduct and student bus discipline policies of the transporting public school district.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 123B.92, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section and section 125A.76, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given to them.

(a) "Actual expenditure per pupil transported in the regular and excess transportation categories" means the quotient obtained by dividing:

(1) the sum of:

(i) all expenditures for transportation in the regular category, as defined in paragraph (b), clause (1), and the excess category, as defined in paragraph (b), clause (2), plus

(ii) an amount equal to one year's depreciation on the district's school bus fleet and mobile units computed on a straight line basis at the rate of 15 percent per year for districts operating a program under section 124D.128 for grades 1 to 12 for all students in the district and 12-1/2 percent per year for other districts of the cost of the fleet, plus

(iii) an amount equal to one year's depreciation on the district's type three school buses, as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 6, clause (5), which must be used a majority of the time for pupil transportation purposes, computed on a straight line basis at the rate of 20 percent per year of the cost of the type three school buses by:

(2) the number of pupils eligible for transportation in the regular category, as defined in paragraph (b), clause (1), and the excess category, as defined in paragraph (b), clause (2).

(b) "Transportation category" means a category of transportation service provided to pupils as follows:

(1) Regular transportation is:

(i) transportation to and from school during the regular school year for resident elementary pupils residing one mile or more from the public or nonpublic school they attend, and resident secondary pupils residing two miles or more from the public or nonpublic school they attend, excluding desegregation transportation and noon kindergarten transportation; but with respect to transportation of pupils to and from nonpublic schools, only to the extent permitted by sections 123B.84 to 123B.87;

(ii) transportation of resident pupils to and from language immersion programs;

(iii) transportation of a pupil who is a custodial parent and that pupil's child between the pupil's home and the child care provider and between the provider and the school, if the home and provider are within the attendance area of the school;

(iv) transportation to and from or board and lodging in another district, of resident pupils of a district without a secondary school; and

(v) transportation to and from school during the regular school year required under subdivision 3 for nonresident elementary pupils when the distance from the attendance area border to the public school is one mile or more, and for nonresident secondary pupils when the distance from the attendance area border to the public school is two miles or more, excluding desegregation transportation and noon kindergarten transportation.

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For the purposes of this paragraph, a district may designate a licensed day care facility, school day care facility, respite care facility, the residence of a relative, or the residence of a person chosen by the pupil's parent or guardian as the home of a pupil for part or all of the day, if requested by the pupil's parent or guardian, and if that facility or residence is within the attendance area of the school the pupil attends.

(2) Excess transportation is:

(i) transportation to and from school during the regular school year for resident secondary pupils residing at least one mile but less than two miles from the public or nonpublic school they attend, and transportation to and from school for resident pupils residing less than one mile from school who are transported because of extraordinary traffic, drug, or crime hazards; and

(ii) transportation to and from school during the regular school year required under subdivision 3 for nonresident secondary pupils when the distance from the attendance area border to the school is at least one mile but less than two miles from the public school they attend, and for nonresident pupils when the distance from the attendance area border to the school is less than one mile from the school and who are transported because of extraordinary traffic, drug, or crime hazards.

(3) Desegregation transportation is transportation within and outside of the district during the regular school year of pupils to and from schools located outside their normal attendance areas under a plan for desegregation mandated by the commissioner or under court order.

(4) "Transportation services for pupils with disabilities" is:

(i) transportation of pupils with disabilities who cannot be transported on a regular school bus between home or a respite care facility and school;

(ii) necessary transportation of pupils with disabilities from home or from school to other buildings, including centers such as developmental achievement centers, hospitals, and treatment centers where special instruction or services required by sections 125A.03 to 125A.24, 125A.26 to 125A.48, and 125A.65 are provided, within or outside the district where services are provided;

(iii) necessary transportation for resident pupils with disabilities required by sections 125A.12, and 125A.26 to 125A.48;

(iv) board and lodging for pupils with disabilities in a district maintaining special classes;

(v) transportation from one educational facility to another within the district for resident pupils enrolled on a shared-time basis in educational programs, and necessary transportation required by sections 125A.18, and 125A.26 to 125A.48, for resident pupils with disabilities who are provided special instruction and services on a shared-time basis or if resident pupils are not transported, the costs of necessary travel between public and private schools or neutral instructional sites by essential personnel employed by the district's program for children with a disability;

(vi) transportation for resident pupils with disabilities to and from board and lodging facilities when the pupil is boarded and lodged for educational purposes; and

(vii) services described in clauses (i) to (vi), when provided for pupils with disabilities in conjunction with a summer instructional program that relates to the pupil's individual education plan or in conjunction with a learning year program established under section 124D.128.

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For purposes of computing special education base revenue under section 125A.76, subdivision 2, the cost of providing transportation for children with disabilities includes (A) the additional cost of transporting a homeless student from a temporary nonshelter home in another district to the school of origin, or a formerly homeless student from a permanent home in another district to the school of origin but only through the end of the academic year; and (B) depreciation on district-owned school buses purchased after July 1, 2005, and used primarily for transportation of pupils with disabilities, calculated according to paragraph (a), clauses (ii) and (iii). Depreciation costs included in the disabled transportation category must be excluded in calculating the actual expenditure per pupil transported in the regular and excess transportation categories according to paragraph (a).

(5) "Nonpublic nonregular transportation" is:

(i) transportation from one educational facility to another within the district for resident pupils enrolled on a shared-time basis in educational programs, excluding transportation for nonpublic pupils with disabilities under clause (4);

(ii) transportation within district boundaries between a nonpublic school and a public school or a neutral site for nonpublic school pupils who are provided pupil support services pursuant to section 123B.44; and

(iii) late transportation home from school or between schools within a district for nonpublic school pupils involved in after-school activities.

(c) "Mobile unit" means a vehicle or trailer designed to provide facilities for educational programs and services, including diagnostic testing, guidance and counseling services, and health services. A mobile unit located off nonpublic school premises is a neutral site as defined in section 123B.41, subdivision 13.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 123B.92, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. District reports. (a) Each district must report data to the department as required by the department to account for transportation expenditures.

(b) Salaries and fringe benefits of district employees whose primary duties are other than transportation, including central office administrators and staff, building administrators and staff, teachers, social workers, school nurses, and instructional aides, must not be included in a district's transportation expenditures, except that a district may include salaries and benefits according to paragraph (c) for (1) an employee designated as the district transportation director, (2) an employee providing direct support to the transportation director, or (3) an employee providing direct transportation services such as a bus driver or bus aide.

(c) Salaries and fringe benefits of ~~other~~ the district employees listed in paragraph (b), clauses (1), (2), and (3), who work part time in transportation and part time in other areas must not be included in a district's transportation expenditures unless the district maintains documentation of the employee's time spent on pupil transportation matters in the form and manner prescribed by the department.

(d) Pupil transportation expenditures, excluding expenditures for capital outlay, leased buses, student board and lodging, crossing guards, and aides on buses, must be allocated among transportation categories based on cost-per-mile, cost-per-student, cost-per-hour, or cost-per-route, regardless of whether the transportation services are provided on district-owned or contractor-owned school buses. Expenditures for school bus driver salaries and fringe benefits may either be directly charged to the appropriate transportation category or may be allocated among

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transportation categories based on cost-per-mile, cost-per-student, cost-per-hour, or cost-per-route. Expenditures by private contractors or individuals who provide transportation exclusively in one transportation category must be charged directly to the appropriate transportation category. Transportation services provided by contractor-owned school bus companies incorporated under different names but owned by the same individual or group of individuals must be treated as the same company for cost allocation purposes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for fiscal year 2006.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 124D.095, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Online learning parameters. (a) An online learning student must receive academic credit for completing the requirements of an online learning course or program. Secondary credits granted to an online learning student must be counted toward the graduation and credit requirements of the enrolling district. The enrolling district must apply the same graduation requirements to all students, including online learning students, and must continue to provide nonacademic services to online learning students. If a student completes an online learning course or program that meets or exceeds a graduation standard or grade progression requirement at the enrolling district, that standard or requirement is met. The enrolling district must use the same criteria for accepting online learning credits or courses as it does for accepting credits or courses for transfer students under section 124D.03, subdivision 9. The enrolling district may reduce the teacher contact time of an online learning student in proportion to the number of online learning courses the student takes from an online learning provider that is not the enrolling district.

(b) An online learning student may:

(1) enroll during a single school year in a maximum of 12 semester-long courses or their equivalent delivered by an online learning provider or the enrolling district;

(2) complete course work at a grade level that is different from the student's current grade level; and

(3) enroll in additional courses with the online learning provider under a separate agreement that includes terms for payment of any tuition or course fees.

~~(c) A student with a disability may enroll in an online learning course or program if the student's IEP team determines that online learning is appropriate education for the student.~~

~~(d)~~ (c) An online learning student has the same access to the computer hardware and education software available in a school as all other students in the enrolling district. An online learning provider must assist an online learning student whose family qualifies for the education tax credit under section 290.0674 to acquire computer hardware and educational software for online learning purposes.

~~(e)~~ (d) An enrolling district may offer online learning to its enrolled students. Such online learning does not generate online learning funds under this section. An enrolling district that offers online learning only to its enrolled students is not subject to the reporting requirements or review criteria under subdivision 7. A teacher with a Minnesota license must assemble and deliver instruction to enrolled students receiving online learning from an enrolling district. The delivery of instruction occurs when the student interacts with the computer or the teacher and receives ongoing assistance and assessment of learning. The instruction may include curriculum developed by persons other than a teacher with a Minnesota license.

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~~(f)~~ (e) An online learning provider that is not the enrolling district is subject to the reporting requirements and review criteria under subdivision 7. A teacher with a Minnesota license must assemble and deliver instruction to online learning students. The delivery of instruction occurs when the student interacts with the computer or the teacher and receives ongoing assistance and assessment of learning. The instruction may include curriculum developed by persons other than a teacher with a Minnesota license. Unless the commissioner grants a waiver, a teacher providing online learning instruction must not instruct more than 40 students in any one online learning course or program.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.096, is amended to read:

124D.096 ON-LINE LEARNING AID.

(a) The on-line learning aid for an on-line learning provider equals the product of the adjusted on-line learning average daily membership for students under section 124D.095, subdivision 8, paragraph (d), times the student grade level weighting under section 126C.05, subdivision 1, times the formula allowance.

(b) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, the department must pay each on-line learning provider ~~80 percent of~~ the current year aid payment percentage multiplied by the amount in paragraph (a) within 45 days of receiving final enrollment and course completion information each quarter or semester. ~~A final payment equal to 20 percent of the amount in paragraph (a)~~ The final adjustment payment must be the amount of the actual entitlement, after adjustment for actual data, minus the payments made during the fiscal year of the entitlement. This payment must be made on September 30 of the next fiscal year.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.10, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

Subd. 16. Transportation. (a) ~~By July 1 of each~~ ~~year, a charter school~~ A charter school after its first fiscal year of operation by March 1 of each fiscal year and a charter school by July 1 of its first fiscal year of operation must notify the district in which the school is located and the Department of Education if it will provide ~~transportation for pupils enrolled in the school~~ its own transportation or use the transportation services of the district in which it is located for the fiscal year.

(b) If a charter school elects to provide transportation for pupils, the transportation must be provided by the charter school within the district in which the charter school is located. The state must pay transportation aid to the charter school according to section 124D.11, subdivision 2.

For pupils who reside outside the district in which the charter school is located, the charter school is not required to provide or pay for transportation between the pupil's residence and the border of the district in which the charter school is located. A parent may be reimbursed by the charter school for costs of transportation from the pupil's residence to the border of the district in which the charter school is located if the pupil is from a family whose income is at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government. The reimbursement may not exceed the pupil's actual cost of transportation or 15 cents per mile traveled, whichever is less. Reimbursement may not be paid for more than 250 miles per week.

At the time a pupil enrolls in a charter school, the charter school must provide the parent or guardian with information regarding the transportation.

(c) If a charter school does not elect to provide transportation, transportation for pupils enrolled at the school must be provided by the district in which the school is located, according to sections 123B.88, subdivision 6, and 124D.03, subdivision 8, for a pupil residing in the same district in which the charter school is located. Transportation may be provided by the district in which the school is located, according to sections 123B.88, subdivision 6, and 124D.03, subdivision 8, for a pupil residing in a different district. If the district provides the

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transportation, the scheduling of routes, manner and method of transportation, control and discipline of the pupils, and any other matter relating to the transportation of pupils under this paragraph shall be within the sole discretion, control, and management of the district.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.11, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Payment of aids to charter schools. (a) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, aid payments for the current fiscal year to a charter school not in its first year of operation shall be of an equal amount on each of the 23 payment dates. A charter school in its first year of operation shall receive, on its first payment date, ten percent of its cumulative amount guaranteed for the year and 22 payments of an equal amount thereafter the sum of which shall ~~be 90 percent of~~ equal the current year aid payment percentage multiplied by the cumulative amount guaranteed.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), for a charter school ceasing operation prior to the end of a school year, ~~80 percent of~~ the current year aid payment percentage multiplied by the amount due for the school year may be paid to the school after audit of prior fiscal year and current fiscal year pupil counts. For a charter school ceasing operations prior to, or at the end of, a school year, notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, preliminary final payments may be made after audit of pupil counts, monitoring of special education expenditures, and documentation of lease expenditures for the final year of operation. Final payment may be made upon receipt of audited financial statements under section 123B.77, subdivision 3.

(c) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, and paragraph (a), 80 percent of the start-up cost aid under subdivision 8 shall be paid within 45 days after the first day of student attendance for that school year.

(d) In order to receive state aid payments under this subdivision, a charter school in its first three years of operation must submit a school calendar in the form and manner requested by the department and a quarterly report to the Department of Education. The report must list each student by grade, show the student's start and end dates, if any, with the charter school, and for any student participating in a learning year program, the report must list the hours and times of learning year activities. The report must be submitted not more than two weeks after the end of the calendar quarter to the department. The department must develop a Web-based reporting form for charter schools to use when submitting enrollment reports. A charter school in its fourth and subsequent year of operation must submit a school calendar and enrollment information to the department in the form and manner requested by the department.

(e) Notwithstanding sections 317A.701 to 317A.791, upon closure of a charter school and satisfaction of creditors, cash and investment balances remaining shall be returned to the state.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.61, is amended to read:

124D.61 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAMS.

A district ~~which receives aid pursuant to section 124D.65 must comply with~~ that enrolls one or more children of limited English proficiency must implement an educational program that includes at a minimum the following ~~program~~ requirements:

(1) identification and reclassification criteria for children of limited English proficiency and program entrance and exit criteria for children with limited English proficiency must be documented by the district, applied uniformly to children of limited English proficiency, and made available to parents and other stakeholders upon request;

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(2) a written plan of services that describes programming by English proficiency level made available to parents upon request. The plan must articulate the amount and scope of service offered to children of limited English proficiency through an educational program for children of limited English proficiency;

(3) professional development opportunities for ESL, bilingual education, mainstream, and all staff working with children of limited English proficiency which are: (i) coordinated with the district's professional development activities; (ii) related to the needs of children of limited English proficiency; and (iii) ongoing;

(4) to the extent possible, ~~the district must~~ avoid isolating children of limited English proficiency for a substantial part of the school day; and

~~(2)~~ (5) in predominantly nonverbal subjects, such as art, music, and physical education, permit pupils of limited English proficiency ~~shall be permitted~~ to participate fully and on an equal basis with their contemporaries in public school classes provided for these subjects. To the extent possible, the district must assure to pupils enrolled in a program for limited English proficient students an equal and meaningful opportunity to participate fully with other pupils in all extracurricular activities.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Child with a disability. Every child who has a hearing impairment, blindness, visual disability, speech or language impairment, physical handicap, other health impairment, mental handicap, emotional/behavioral disorder, specific learning disability, autism, traumatic brain injury, multiple disabilities, or deaf/blind disability and needs special instruction and services, as determined by the standards of the commissioner, is a child with a disability. In addition, every child under age three, and at local district discretion from age three to age seven, who needs special instruction and services, as determined by the standards of the commissioner, because the child has a substantial delay or has an identifiable physical or mental condition known to hinder normal development is a child with a disability.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 299F.30, is amended to read:

299F.30 FIRE DRILL IN SCHOOL; DOORS AND EXITS.

Subdivision 1. Duties of fire marshal. Consistent with sections 121A.035, 121A.037, and this section, it shall be the duty of the state fire marshal, deputies and assistants, to require public and private schools and educational institutions to have at least ~~nine~~ five fire drills each school year and to keep all doors and exits unlocked from the inside of the building during school hours.

Subd. 2. Fire drill. Each superintendent, principal or other person in charge of a public or private school, educational institution, children's home or orphanage housing 20 or more students or other persons, shall instruct and train such students or other persons to quickly and expeditiously quit the premises in case of fire or other emergency by means of drills or rapid dismissals ~~at least once each month~~ while such school, institution, home or orphanage is in operation. Records of such drills shall be posted so that such records are available for review by the state fire marshal at all times and shall include the drill date and the time required to evacuate the building.

Subd. 3. School doors and exits. Consistent with section 121A.035 and this section, each superintendent, principal or other person in charge of a public or private school, educational institution, children's home or orphanage shall keep all doors and exits of such school, institution, home or orphanage unlocked so that persons can leave by such doors or exits at any time during the hours of normal operation.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for the 2006-2007 school year.

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Sec. 20. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 81, is amended to read:

Sec. 81. BOARD OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS; RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.

On or before June 30, 2007, the Board of School Administrators may adopt ~~expedited~~ rules ~~under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.389,~~ to reflect the changes in duties, responsibilities, and roles of school administrators under sections 121A.035, 121A.037 and 299F.30, and to make technical revisions and clarifications to Minnesota Rules, chapter 3512.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 21. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 84, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13. Examination fees; teacher training and support programs. (a) For students' advanced placement and international baccalaureate examination fees under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.13, subdivision 3, and the training and related costs for teachers and other interested educators under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.13, subdivision 1:

$4,500,000 . . . . . 2006

$4,500,000 . . . . . 2007

(b) The advanced placement program shall receive 75 percent of the appropriation each year and the international baccalaureate program shall receive 25 percent of the appropriation each year. The department, in consultation with representatives of the advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs selected by the Advanced Placement Advisory Council and IBMN, respectively, shall determine the amounts of the expenditures each year for examination fees and training and support programs for each program.

(c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.13, subdivision 1, at least $500,000 each year is for teachers to attend subject matter summer training programs and follow-up support workshops approved by the advanced placement or international baccalaureate programs. The amount of the subsidy for each teacher attending an advanced placement or international baccalaureate summer training program or workshop shall be the same. The commissioner shall determine the payment process and the amount of the subsidy. Teachers shall apply for teacher training scholarships to prepare for teaching in the advanced placement or international baccalaureate program. Any reserved funding not expended for teacher training may be used for exam fees and other support programs for each program.

(d) The commissioner shall pay all examination fees for all students of low-income families under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.13, subdivision 3, and to the extent of available appropriations shall also pay examination fees for students sitting for an advanced placement examination, international baccalaureate examination, or both.

Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 22. RULE ON VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO INCLUDE REFERENCES TO "BLIND" AND "BLINDNESS."

The commissioner of education, where appropriate, must incorporate references to "blind" and "blindness" into the definition of visually impaired under Minnesota Rules, part 3525.1345, and amend the rule title to include the word "blind."

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 23. SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.36, for 2006 reporting only, the Department of Education must make available preliminary school designations and adequate yearly progress data to schools and school districts by August 15, 2006. The department must release all school performance report cards and adequate yearly progress data to the public by September 1, 2006, except it must not release the performance data of a school or district that submits to the department a written appeal of a designation by August 31, 2006. The department must not release until November 15, 2006, the performance data of a school or district that submits a timely appeal unless the school or district agrees in writing to an earlier date for releasing data.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 24. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ON SCHOOL AND STAFF EMERGENCY/ALL HAZARD PREPAREDNESS.

(a) An advisory task force on school and staff emergency/all hazard preparedness is established to consider and recommend to the legislature proposals for strengthening kindergarten through grade 12 crisis management and school safety efforts including, at least, whether or not to:

(1) develop specific K-12 teacher and school administrator competencies related to emergency/all hazard preparedness;

(2) provide emergency/all hazard preparedness training to currently licensed K-12 teachers and school administrators;

(3) incorporate emergency/all hazard preparedness competencies into existing teacher and school administrator preparation curriculum;

(4) identify key emergency/all hazard preparedness competencies appropriate to teacher and school administrator preparation curriculum and ongoing teacher and school administrator training; and

(5) expect federal funds to supplement state emergency/all hazard preparedness initiatives.

(b) The commissioner of education shall appoint an advisory task force on school and staff emergency/all hazard preparedness that is composed of a representative from each of the following entities: the state Board of Teaching; the state Board of School Administrators; the state fire marshal; law enforcement agencies; emergency responders; school principals; school counselors; nonlicensed school employees; the Minnesota School Boards Association; Education Minnesota; the Minnesota Department of Education; the Minnesota Department of Health; the Minnesota Department of Public Safety; Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Minnesota Association of School Administrators; and others recommended by task force members. Task force members' terms and other task force matters are subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059. The commissioner may reimburse task force members from the education department's current operating budget but may not compensate task force members for task force activities. The task force must submit by February 15, 2007, to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature a written report that includes recommendations on strengthening K-12 crisis management and school safety efforts.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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ARTICLE 3

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 125A.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Nonresident tuition rate; other costs. (a) For fiscal year 2006, when a school district provides instruction and services outside the district of residence, board and lodging, and any tuition to be paid, shall be paid by the district of residence. The tuition rate to be charged for any child with a disability, excluding a pupil for whom tuition is calculated according to section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (d), must be the sum of (1) the actual cost of providing special instruction and services to the child including a proportionate amount for special transportation and unreimbursed building lease and debt service costs for facilities used primarily for special education, plus (2) the amount of general education revenue and referendum aid attributable to the pupil, minus (3) the amount of special education aid for children with a disability received on behalf of that child, minus (4) if the pupil receives special instruction and services outside the regular classroom for more than 60 percent of the school day, the amount of general education revenue and referendum aid, excluding portions attributable to district and school administration, district support services, operations and maintenance, capital expenditures, and pupil transportation, attributable to that pupil for the portion of time the pupil receives special instruction in and services outside of the regular classroom. If the boards involved do not agree upon the tuition rate, either board may apply to the commissioner to fix the rate. Notwithstanding chapter 14, the commissioner must then set a date for a hearing or request a written statement from each board, giving each board at least ten days' notice, and after the hearing or review of the written statements the commissioner must make an order fixing the tuition rate, which is binding on both school districts. General education revenue and referendum aid attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the resident district's average general education and referendum revenue per adjusted pupil unit.

(b) For fiscal year 2007 and later, when a school district provides special instruction and services for a pupil with a disability as defined in section 125A.02 outside the district of residence, excluding a pupil for whom an adjustment to special education aid is calculated according to section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (e), special education aid paid to the resident district must be reduced by an amount equal to (1) the actual cost of providing special instruction and services to the pupil, including a proportionate amount for special transportation and unreimbursed building lease and debt service costs for facilities used primarily for special education, plus (2) the amount of general education revenue and referendum aid attributable to that pupil, minus (3) the amount of special education aid for children with a disability received on behalf of that child, minus (4) if the pupil receives special instruction and services outside the regular classroom for more than 60 percent of the school day, the amount of general education revenue and referendum aid, excluding portions attributable to district and school administration, district support services, operations and maintenance, capital expenditures, and pupil transportation, attributable to that pupil for the portion of time the pupil receives special instruction in and services outside of the regular classroom. General education revenue and referendum aid attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the resident district's average general education revenue and referendum aid per adjusted pupil unit. Special education aid paid to the district or cooperative providing special instruction and services for the pupil must be increased by the amount of the reduction in the aid paid to the resident district. Amounts paid to cooperatives under this subdivision and section 127A.47, subdivision 7, shall be recognized and reported as revenues and expenditures on the resident school district's books of account under sections 123B.75 and 123B.76. If the resident district's special education aid is insufficient to make the full adjustment, the remaining adjustment shall be made to other state aid due to the district.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) and section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraphs (d) and (e), a charter school where more than 30 percent of enrolled students receive special education and related services, an intermediate district, or a special education cooperative, or a school district that served as the applicant agency for a group of school districts for federal special education aids for fiscal year 2006 may apply to the commissioner for authority to charge the resident district an additional amount to recover any remaining unreimbursed costs of serving

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pupils with a disability. The application must include a description of the costs and the calculations used to determine the unreimbursed portion to be charged to the resident district. Amounts approved by the commissioner under this paragraph must be included in the tuition billings or aid adjustments under paragraph (a) or (b), or section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (d) or (e), as applicable.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision and section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraphs (d) and (e), "general education revenue and referendum aid" means the sum of the general education revenue according to section 126C.10, subdivision 1, excluding alternative teacher compensation revenue, plus the referendum aid according to section 126C.17, subdivision 7, as adjusted according to section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraphs (a) to (c).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for fiscal year 2006.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Approval of education programs. The commissioner shall approve education programs for placement of children and youth in ~~care and treatment~~ residential facilities including detention centers, before being licensed by the Department of Human Services ~~under Minnesota Rules, parts 9545.0905 to 9545.1125 and 9545.1400 to 9545.1480,~~ or the Department of Corrections ~~under Minnesota Rules, chapters 2925, 2930, 2935, and 2950~~. Education programs in these facilities shall conform to state and federal education laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This section applies only to placements in facilities licensed by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Corrections.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Responsibilities for providing education. (a) The district in which the residential facility is located must provide education services, including special education if eligible, to all students placed in a facility ~~for care and treatment~~.

(b) For education programs operated by the Department of Corrections, the providing district shall be the Department of Corrections. For students remanded to the commissioner of corrections, the providing and resident district shall be the Department of Corrections.

(c) Placement for care and treatment does not automatically make a student eligible for special education. A student placed in a care and treatment facility is eligible for special education under state and federal law including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act under United States Code, title 20, chapter 33.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Education programs for students placed in residential facilities ~~for care and treatment~~. (a) When a student is placed in a ~~care and treatment~~ facility approved under this section that has an on-site education program, the providing district, upon notice from the care and treatment facility, must contact the resident district within one business day to determine if a student has been identified as having a disability, and to request at least the student's transcript, and for students with disabilities, the most recent individualized education plan (IEP) and evaluation report, and to determine if the student has been identified as a student with a disability. The resident district must send a facsimile copy to the providing district within two business days of receiving the request.

(b) If a student placed ~~for care and treatment~~ under this section has been identified as having a disability and has an individual education plan in the resident district:

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(1) the providing agency must conduct an individualized education plan meeting to reach an agreement about continuing or modifying special education services in accordance with the current individualized education plan goals and objectives and to determine if additional evaluations are necessary; and

(2) at least the following people shall receive written notice or documented phone call to be followed with written notice to attend the individualized education plan meeting:

(i) the person or agency placing the student;

(ii) the resident district;

(iii) the appropriate teachers and related services staff from the providing district;

(iv) appropriate staff from the ~~care and treatment~~ residential facility;

(v) the parents or legal guardians of the student; and

(vi) when appropriate, the student.

(c) For a student who has not been identified as a student with a disability, a screening must be conducted by the providing districts as soon as possible to determine the student's educational and behavioral needs and must include a review of the student's educational records.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Exit report summarizing educational progress. If a student has been placed in a ~~care and treatment~~ facility under this section for 15 or more business days, the providing district must prepare an exit report summarizing the regular education, special education, evaluation, educational progress, and service information and must send the report to the resident district and the next providing district if different, the parent or legal guardian, and any appropriate social service agency. For students with disabilities, this report must include the student's IEP.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Minimum educational services required. When a student is placed in a facility approved under this section, at a minimum, the providing district is responsible for:

(1) the education necessary, including summer school services, for a student who is not performing at grade level as indicated in the education record or IEP; and

(2) a school day, of the same length as the school day of the providing district, unless the unique needs of the student, as documented through the IEP or education record in consultation with treatment providers, requires an alteration in the length of the school day.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Reimbursement for education services. (a) Education services provided to students who have been placed ~~for care and treatment~~ under this section are reimbursable in accordance with special education and general education statutes.

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(b) Indirect or consultative services provided in conjunction with regular education prereferral interventions and assessment provided to regular education students suspected of being disabled and who have demonstrated learning or behavioral problems in a screening are reimbursable with special education categorical aids.

(c) Regular education, including screening, provided to students with or without disabilities is not reimbursable with special education categorical aids.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Students unable to attend school but not ~~placed in care and treatment facilities~~ covered under this section. Students who are absent from, or predicted to be absent from, school for 15 consecutive or intermittent days, and placed at home or in facilities not licensed by the Departments of Corrections or Human Services are ~~not students placed for care and treatment~~ entitled to regular and special education services consistent with this section or Minnesota Rules, part 3525.2325. These students include students with and without disabilities who are home due to accident or illness, in a hospital or other medical facility, or in a day treatment center. ~~These students are entitled to education services through their district of residence.~~

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.63, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Advisory committees. The ~~Special Education Advisory Council~~ commissioner shall establish an advisory committee for each resource center. The advisory committees shall develop recommendations regarding the resource centers and submit an annual report to the commissioner on the form and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Travel aid. The state must pay each district one-half of the sum actually expended by a district, based on mileage, for necessary travel of essential personnel providing home-based services to children with a disability under age five and their families.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 125A.79, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the definitions in this subdivision apply.

(a) "Unreimbursed special education cost" means the sum of the following:

(1) expenditures for teachers' salaries, contracted services, supplies, equipment, and transportation services eligible for revenue under section 125A.76; plus

(2) expenditures for tuition bills received under sections 125A.03 to 125A.24 and 125A.65 for services eligible for revenue under section 125A.76, subdivision 2; minus

(3) revenue for teachers' salaries, contracted services, supplies, and equipment under section 125A.76; minus

(4) tuition receipts under sections 125A.03 to 125A.24 and 125A.65 for services eligible for revenue under section 125A.76, subdivision 2.

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(b) "General revenue" means the sum of the general education revenue according to section 126C.10, subdivision 1, ~~as adjusted according to section 127A.47, subdivisions 7 and 8~~ excluding alternative teacher compensation revenue, plus the total qualifying referendum revenue specified in paragraph (e) minus transportation sparsity revenue minus total operating capital revenue.

(d) "Program growth factor" means 1.02 for fiscal year 2003, and 1.0 for fiscal year 2004 and later.

(e) "Total qualifying referendum revenue" means two-thirds of the district's total referendum revenue as adjusted according to section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraphs (a) to (c), for fiscal year 2006, one-third of the district's total referendum revenue for fiscal year 2007, and none of the district's total referendum revenue for fiscal year 2008 and later.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2006.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 126C.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Adjustment for failure to meet federal maintenance of effort. The general education aid paid to a school district or charter school that failed to meet federal special education maintenance of effort for the previous fiscal year must be reduced by the amount that must be paid to the federal government due to the shortfall. The amounts recovered under this subdivision shall be paid to the federal government to meet the state's obligations resulting from the district's or charter school's failure to meet federal special education maintenance of effort.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 626.556, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

Subd. 3c. ~~Agency~~ Local welfare agency, Department of Human Services or Department of Health responsible for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment. ~~The following agencies are the administrative agencies responsible for assessing or investigating reports of alleged child maltreatment in facilities made under this section:~~

~~(1)~~ (a) The county local welfare agency is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating:

(1) allegations of maltreatment in child foster care, family child care, and legally unlicensed child care and in juvenile correctional facilities licensed under section 241.021 located in the local welfare agency's county; and

(2) until August 1, 2007, other allegations of maltreatment that are not the responsibility of another agency. The commissioners of human services, public safety, and education must jointly submit a written report by February 1, 2007, to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature recommending the most efficient and effective allocation of agency responsibility for assessing or investigating reports of maltreatment.

~~(2)~~ (b) The Department of Human Services is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of maltreatment in facilities licensed under chapters 245A and 245B, except for child foster care and family child care~~; and~~.

~~(3)~~ (c) The Department of Health is the agency responsible for assessing or investigating allegations of child maltreatment in facilities licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, and in unlicensed home health care.

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Sec. 14. SPECIAL EDUCATION FORECAST MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT.

(a) If, on the basis of a forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103; expenditures for special education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.76; transition for disabled students under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.454; travel for home-based services under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 1; aid for students with disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 3; court-placed special education under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 4; or out-of-state tuition under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 8, are projected to be less than the amount previously forecast for an enacted budget, the forecast excess from these programs, up to an amount sufficient to meet federal special education maintenance of effort, is added to the state total special education aid in Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.76, subdivision 4.

(b) If, on the basis of a forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, expenditures in the programs in this section are projected to be greater than previously forecast for an enacted budget, and an addition to state total special education aid has been made under paragraph (a), the state total special education aid must be reduced by the lesser of the amount of the expenditure increase or the amount previously added to state total special education aid, and this amount must be taken from the programs that were forecast to have a forecast excess.

(c) For the purpose of this section, "previously forecast for an enacted budget" means the allocation of funding for these programs in the most recent forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures or the act appropriating money for these programs, whichever occurred most recently. It does not include planning estimates for a future biennium.

Sec. 15. SPECIAL EDUCATION TUITION BILLING FOR FISCAL YEARS 2006 AND 2007.

(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), and 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (d), for fiscal year 2006 an intermediate district, special education cooperative, or school district that served as an applicant agency for a group of school districts for federal special education aids for fiscal year 2006 is not subject to the uniform special education tuition billing calculations, but may instead continue to bill the resident school districts for the actual unreimbursed costs of serving pupils with a disability as determined by the intermediate district.

(b) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2007 only, an applicant district may apply to the commissioner for a waiver from the uniform special education tuition calculations and aid adjustments under Minnesota Statutes, sections 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), and 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (e). The commissioner must grant the waiver within 30 days of receiving the following information from the intermediate district:

(1) a detailed description of the applicant district's methodology for calculating special education tuition for fiscal years 2006 and 2007, as required by the applicant district to recover the full cost of serving pupils with a disability;

(2) sufficient data to determine the total amount of special education tuition actually charged for each student with a disability, as required by the applicant district to recover the full cost of serving pupils with a disability in fiscal year 2006; and

(3) sufficient data to determine the amount that would have been charged for each student for fiscal year 2006 using the uniform tuition billing methodology according to Minnesota Statutes, sections 125A.11, subdivision 1, or 127A.47, subdivision 7, as applicable.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment for fiscal year 2006.

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Sec. 16. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RULES.

Before July 1, 2007, the Department of Education shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 3525.2325, to conform with Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.515.

Sec. 17. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.515, subdivision 2, is repealed.

ARTICLE 4

FACILITIES, ACCOUNTING, AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 123B.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Budgets. ~~By October 1,~~ Every board must publish revenue and expenditure budgets for the current year and the actual revenues, expenditures, fund balances for the prior year and projected fund balances for the current year in a form prescribed by the commissioner within one week of the acceptance of the final audit by the board, or November 30, whichever is earlier. The forms prescribed must be designed so that year to year comparisons of revenue, expenditures and fund balances can be made. These budgets, reports of revenue, expenditures and fund balances must be published in a qualified newspaper of general circulation in the district or on the district's official Web site. If published on the district's official Web site, the district must also publish an announcement in a qualified newspaper of general circulation in the district that includes the Internet address where the information has been posted.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 123B.75, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Levy recognition. (a) "School district tax settlement revenue" means the current, delinquent, and manufactured home property tax receipts collected by the county and distributed to the school district.

(b) For fiscal year 2004 and later years, in June of each year, the school district must recognize as revenue, in the fund for which the levy was made, the lesser of:

(1) the sum of May, June, and July school district tax settlement revenue received in that calendar year, plus general education aid according to section 126C.13, subdivision 4, received in July and August of that calendar year; or

(2) the sum of:

(i) ~~the greater of 48.6 percent of the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17, in the prior calendar year or~~ 31 percent of the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17, in calendar year 2000; ~~plus~~ and

(ii) the entire amount of the levy certified in the prior calendar year according to section 124D.86, subdivision 4, for school districts receiving revenue under sections 124D.86, subdivision 3, clauses (1), (2), and (3); 126C.41, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3, paragraphs (b), (c), and (d); 126C.43, subdivision 2; 126C.457; and 126C.48, subdivision 6~~; plus~~.

(iii) 48.6 percent of the amount of the levy certified in the prior calendar year for the school district's general and community service funds, plus or minus auditor's adjustments, not including levy portions that are assumed by the state, that remains after subtracting the referendum levy certified according to section 126C.17 and the amount recognized according to clause (ii).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2006.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 127A.41, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Errors in distribution. On determining that the amount of state aid distributed to a school district is in error, the commissioner is authorized to adjust the amount of aid consistent with this subdivision. On determining that the amount of aid is in excess of the school district's entitlement, the commissioner is authorized to recover the amount of the excess by any appropriate means. Notwithstanding the fiscal years designated by the appropriation, the excess may be recovered by reducing future aid payments to the district. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, if the aid reduced is not of the same type as that overpaid, the district must adjust all necessary financial accounts to properly reflect all revenues earned in accordance with the uniform financial accounting and reporting standards pursuant to sections 123B.75 to 123B.83. Notwithstanding the fiscal years designated by the appropriation, on determining that the amount of an aid paid is less than the school district's entitlement, the commissioner is authorized to increase such aid from the current appropriation. If the aid program has been discontinued and has no appropriation, the appropriation for general education shall be used for recovery or payment of the aid decrease or increase. Any excess of aid recovery over aid payment shall be canceled to the state general fund.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 127A.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) The term "other district receipts" means payments by county treasurers pursuant to section 276.10, apportionments from the school endowment fund pursuant to section 127A.33, apportionments by the county auditor pursuant to section 127A.34, subdivision 2, and payments to school districts by the commissioner of revenue pursuant to chapter 298.

(b) The term "cumulative amount guaranteed" means the product of

(1) the cumulative disbursement percentage shown in subdivision 3; times

(2) the sum of

(i) the current year aid payment percentage of the estimated aid and credit entitlements paid according to subdivision 13; plus

(ii) 100 percent of the entitlements paid according to subdivisions 11 and 12; plus

(iii) the other district receipts.

(c) The term "payment date" means the date on which state payments to districts are made by the electronic funds transfer method. If a payment date falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a weekday which is a legal holiday, the payment shall be made on the immediately preceding business day. The commissioner may make payments on dates other than those listed in subdivision 3, but only for portions of payments from any preceding payment dates which could not be processed by the electronic funds transfer method due to documented extenuating circumstances.

(d) The current year aid payment percentage equals 90.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2006.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 181.101, is amended to read:

181.101 WAGES; HOW OFTEN PAID.

Every employer must pay all wages earned by an employee at least once every 31 days on a regular pay day designated in advance by the employer regardless of whether the employee requests payment at longer intervals. Unless paid earlier, the wages earned during the first half of the first 31-day pay period become due on the first regular payday following the first day of work. If wages earned are not paid, the commissioner of labor and industry or the commissioner's representative may demand payment on behalf of an employee. If payment is not made within ten days of demand, the commissioner may charge and collect the wages earned and a penalty in the amount of the employee's average daily earnings at the rate agreed upon in the contract of employment, not exceeding 15 days in all, for each day beyond the ten-day limit following the demand. Money collected by the commissioner must be paid to the employee concerned. This section does not prevent an employee from prosecuting a claim for wages. This section does not prevent a school district or, other public school entity, or other school, as defined under section 120A.22, from paying any wages earned by its employees during a school year on regular pay days in the manner provided by an applicable contract or collective bargaining agreement, or a personnel policy adopted by the governing board. For purposes of this section, "employee" includes a person who performs agricultural labor as defined in section 181.85, subdivision 2. For purposes of this section, wages are earned on the day an employee works.

ARTICLE 5

STATE AGENCIES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.65, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Educational program; tuition. (a) When it is determined pursuant to section 125A.69, subdivision 1 or 2, that the child is entitled to attend either school, the board of the Minnesota State Academies must provide the appropriate educational program for the child.

(b) For fiscal year 2006, the board of the Minnesota State Academies must make a tuition charge to the child's district of residence for the cost of providing the program. The amount of tuition charged must not exceed the sum of (1) the general education revenue formula allowance times the pupil unit weighting factor pursuant to section 126C.05 for that child, for the amount of time the child is in the program, plus (2), if the child was enrolled at the Minnesota State Academies on October 1 of the previous fiscal year, the compensatory education revenue attributable to that child under section 126C.10, subdivision 3. The district of the child's residence must pay the tuition and may claim general education aid for the child. Tuition received by the board of the Minnesota State Academies, except for tuition for compensatory education revenue under this paragraph and tuition received under subdivision 4, must be deposited in the state treasury as provided in subdivision 8.

(c) For fiscal year 2007 and later, the district of the child's residence shall claim general education revenue for the child, except as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding section 127A.47, subdivision 1, an amount equal to the general education revenue formula allowance times the pupil unit weighting factor pursuant to section 126C.05 for that child for the amount of time the child is in the program, as adjusted according to subdivision 8, paragraph (d), must be paid to the Minnesota State Academies. Notwithstanding section 126C.15, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), the compensatory education revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 3, attributable to children enrolled at the Minnesota State Academies on October 1 of the previous fiscal year must be paid to the Minnesota State Academies. General education aid paid to the Minnesota State Academies under this paragraph must be credited to their general operation account. Other general education aid attributable to the child must be paid to the district of the child's residence.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.65, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Unreimbursed costs. (a) For fiscal year 2006, in addition to the tuition charge allowed in subdivision 3, the academies may charge the child's district of residence for the academy's unreimbursed cost of providing an instructional aide assigned to that child, after deducting the special education aid under section 125A.76, attributable to the child, if that aide is required by the child's individual education plan. Tuition received under this paragraph must be used by the academies to provide the required service.

(b) For fiscal year 2007 and later, the special education aid paid to the academies shall be increased by the academy's unreimbursed cost of providing an instructional aide assigned to a child, after deducting the special education aid under section 125A.76 attributable to the child, if that aide is required by the child's individual education plan. Aid received under this paragraph must be used by the academies to provide the required service.

(c) For fiscal year 2007 and later, the special education aid paid to the district of the child's residence shall be reduced by the amount paid to the academies for district residents under paragraph (b).

(d) Notwithstanding section 127A.45, subdivision 3, beginning in fiscal year 2008, the commissioner shall make an estimated final adjustment payment to the Minnesota State Academies for general education aid and special education aid for the prior fiscal year by August 15.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.65, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Tuition reduction. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 3 and 5, the board of the Minnesota State Academies may agree to make a tuition charge, or receive an aid adjustment, as applicable, for less than the amount specified in subdivision 3 for pupils attending the applicable school who are residents of the district where the institution is located and who do not board at the institution, if that district agrees to make a tuition charge to the board of the Minnesota State Academies for less than the amount specified in subdivision 5 for providing appropriate educational programs to pupils attending the applicable school.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.65, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Student count; tuition. (a) On May 1, 1996, and each year thereafter, the board of the Minnesota State Academies shall count the actual number of Minnesota resident special education eligible students enrolled and receiving education services at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind.

(b) For fiscal year 2006, the board of the Minnesota State Academies shall deposit in the state treasury an amount equal to all tuition received for the basic revenue according to subdivision 3, less the amount calculated in paragraph ~~(b)~~ (c).

~~(b)~~ (c) For fiscal year 2006, the Minnesota State Academies shall credit to their general operation account an amount equal to the tuition received which represents tuition earned for the total number of students over 175 based on:

(1) the total number of enrolled students on May 1 less 175; times

(2) the ratio of the number of students in that grade category to the total number of students on May 1; times

(3) the general education revenue formula allowance; times

(4) the pupil unit weighting factor pursuant to section 126C.05.

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(d) For fiscal year 2007 and later, the Minnesota State Academies shall report to the department the number of students by grade level counted according to paragraph (a). The amount paid to the Minnesota State Academies under subdivision 3, paragraph (c), must be reduced by an amount equal to:

(1) the ratio of 175 to the total number of students on May 1; times

(2) the total basic revenue determined according to subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.65, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Annual appropriation. There is annually appropriated to the department for the Minnesota State Academies the tuition or aid payment amounts received and credited to the general operation account of the academies under this section. A balance in an appropriation under this paragraph does not cancel but is available in successive fiscal years.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.69, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Out-of-state admissions. An applicant from another state who can benefit from attending either academy may be admitted to the academy if the admission does not prevent an eligible Minnesota resident from being admitted. The board of the Minnesota State Academies must obtain reimbursement from the other state for the costs of the out-of-state admission. The state board may enter into an agreement with the appropriate authority in the other state for the reimbursement. Money received from another state must be deposited in the ~~general~~ special revenue fund and credited to the general operating account of the academies. The money is appropriated to the academies.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactively from fiscal year 2001.

ARTICLE 6

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROVISIONS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119A.50, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Department of Education. The Department of Education is the state agency responsible for administering the Head Start program. The commissioner of education ~~may make grants~~ shall allocate funds according to the formula in section 119A.52 to public or private nonprofit agencies for the purpose of providing supplemental funds for the federal Head Start program.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119A.52, is amended to read:

119A.52 DISTRIBUTION OF APPROPRIATION ~~AND PROGRAM COORDINATION~~.

The commissioner of education must distribute money appropriated for that purpose to federally designated Head Start ~~program grantees~~ programs to expand services and to serve additional low-income children. ~~Money must be allocated to each project Head Start grantee in existence on the effective date of Laws 1989, chapter 282.~~ Migrant and Indian reservation ~~grantees~~ programs must be initially allocated money based on the ~~grantees'~~ programs' share of federal funds. The remaining money must be initially allocated to the remaining local agencies based equally on the agencies' share of federal funds and on the proportion of eligible children in the agencies' service area who are not currently being served. A Head Start grantee must be funded at a per child rate equal to its contracted, federally funded base level ~~for program accounts 20, 22, and 25~~ at the start of the fiscal year. In allocating funds under this paragraph, the commissioner of education must assure that each Head Start ~~grantee~~

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program in existence in 1993 is allocated no less funding in any fiscal year than was allocated to that ~~grantee~~ program in fiscal year 1993. ~~The commissioner may provide additional funding to grantees for start-up costs incurred by grantees due to the increased number of children to be served.~~ Before paying money to the ~~grantees~~ programs, the commissioner must notify each ~~grantee~~ program of its initial allocation, how the money must be used, and the number of low-income children ~~that must~~ to be served with the allocation based upon the federally funded per child rate. Each ~~grantee~~ program must present a ~~work~~ plan to the commissioner for approval. The work plan must include the estimated number of low-income children and families it will be able to serve, a description of the program design and service delivery area which meets the needs of and encourages access by low-income working families, a program design that ensures fair and equitable access to Head Start services for all populations and parts of the service area, and a plan for coordinating services to maximize assistance for child care costs available to families under chapter 119B. under section 119A.535. For any grantee that cannot utilize its full allocation, the commissioner must reduce the allocation proportionately. Money available after the initial allocations are reduced must be redistributed to eligible grantees.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119A.53, is amended to read:

119A.53 FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS.

~~Grantees~~ Programs and the commissioner shall comply with federal regulations governing the federal Head Start program, except for funding for innovative initiatives under section ~~119A.52~~ 119A.535 as approved by the commissioner, which may be used to operate differently than federal Head Start regulations. If a state statute or rule conflicts with a federal statute or regulation, the state statute or rule prevails.

Sec. 4. [119A.535] APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.

Eligible Head Start organizations must submit a plan to the department for approval on a form and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. The plan must include:

(1) the estimated number of low-income children and families the program will be able to serve;

(2) a description of the program design and service delivery area which meets the needs of and encourages access by low-income working families;

(3) a program design that ensures fair and equitable access to Head Start services for all populations and parts of the service area;

(4) a plan for coordinating services to maximize assistance for child care costs available to families under chapter 119B; and

(5) identification of regular Head Start, early Head Start, and innovative services based upon demonstrated needs to be provided.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119A.545, is amended to read:

119A.545 AUTHORITY TO WAIVE REQUIREMENTS DURING DISASTER PERIODS.

The commissioner of education may waive requirements under sections 119A.50 to ~~119A.53~~ 119A.535, for up to nine months after the disaster, for Head Start ~~grantees~~ programs in areas where a federal disaster has been declared under United States Code, title 42, section 5121, et seq., or the governor has exercised authority under chapter 12. The commissioner shall notify the chairs of the appropriate senate ~~Family and Early Childhood Education Budget Division, the senate Education Finance Committee, the~~ and house ~~Family and Early Childhood Education Finance Division, the house Education Committee, and the house Ways and Means Committee~~ committees ten days before the effective date of any waiver granted under this section.

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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Program characteristics. (a) Early childhood family education programs are programs for children in the period of life from birth to kindergarten, for the parents and other relatives of ~~such~~ these children, and for expectant parents. To the extent that funds are insufficient to provide programs for all children, early childhood family education programs should emphasize programming for a child from birth to age three and encourage parents and other relatives to involve four- and five-year-old children in school readiness programs, and other public and nonpublic early learning programs. Early childhood family education programs may include the following:

(1) programs to educate parents and other relatives about the physical, mental, and emotional development of children;

(2) programs to enhance the skills of parents and other relatives in providing for their children's learning and development;

(3) learning experiences for children and parents and other relatives that promote children's development;

(4) activities designed to detect children's physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral problems that may cause learning problems;

(5) activities and materials designed to encourage self-esteem, skills, and behavior that prevent sexual and other interpersonal violence;

(6) educational materials which may be borrowed for home use;

(7) information on related community resources;

(8) programs to prevent child abuse and neglect;

(9) other programs or activities to improve the health, development, and school readiness of children; or

(10) activities designed to maximize development during infancy.

The programs must not include activities for children that do not require substantial involvement of the children's parents or other relatives. The programs must be reviewed periodically to assure the instruction and materials are not racially, culturally, or sexually biased. The programs must encourage parents to be aware of practices that may affect equitable development of children.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "relative" or "relatives" means noncustodial grandparents or other persons related to a child by blood, marriage, adoption, or foster placement, excluding parents.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 124D.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Substantial parental involvement. The requirement of substantial parental or other relative involvement in subdivision 2 means that:

(a) parents or other relatives must be physically present much of the time in classes with their children or be in concurrent classes;

(b) parenting education or family education must be an integral part of every early childhood family education program;

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(c) early childhood family education appropriations must not be used for traditional day care or nursery school, or similar programs; and

(d) the form of parent involvement common to kindergarten, elementary school, or early childhood special education programs such as parent conferences, newsletters, and notes to parents do not qualify a program under subdivision 2.

Sec. 8. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, article 7, section 20, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Head Start program. For Head Start programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.52:

$19,100,000 . . . . . 2006

$19,100,000 . . . . . 2007

Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.

Sec. 9. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 119A.51, is repealed.

ARTICLE 7

TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 120B.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Adopting policies. ~~(a)~~ A school board shall have in place an adopted written policy that includes the following:

(1) district goals for instruction including the use of best practices, district and school curriculum, and achievement for all student subgroups;

(2) a process for evaluating each student's progress toward meeting academic standards and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of instruction and curriculum affecting students' progress;

(3) a system for periodically reviewing and evaluating all instruction and curriculum;

(4) a plan for improving instruction, curriculum, and student achievement; and

(5) an education effectiveness plan aligned with section 122A.625 that integrates instruction, curriculum, and technology.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 121A.15, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Requirements for immunization statements. (a) A statement required to be submitted under subdivisions 1, 2, and 4 to document evidence of immunization shall include month, day, and year for immunizations administered after January 1, 1990.

(a) For persons enrolled in grades 7 and 12 during the 1996-1997 school term, the statement must indicate that the person has received a dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid no earlier than 11 years of age.

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(b) Except as specified in paragraph (e), for persons enrolled in grades 7, 8, and 12 during the 1997-1998 school term, the statement must indicate that the person has received a dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid no earlier than 11 years of age.

(c) Except as specified in paragraph (e), for persons enrolled in grades 7 through 12 during the 1998-1999 school term and for each year thereafter, the statement must indicate that the person has received a dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid no earlier than 11 years of age.

(d) For persons enrolled in grades 7 through 12 during the 1996-1997 school year and for each year thereafter, the statement must indicate that the person has received at least two doses of vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, given alone or separately and given not less than one month apart.

~~(e)~~ (b) A person who has received at least three doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, with the most recent dose given after age six and before age 11, is not required to have additional immunization against diphtheria and tetanus until ten years have elapsed from the person's most recent dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoid.

~~(f)~~ (c) The requirement for hepatitis B vaccination shall apply to persons enrolling in kindergarten beginning with the 2000-2001 school term.

~~(g)~~ (d) The requirement for hepatitis B vaccination shall apply to persons enrolling in grade 7 beginning with the 2001-2002 school term.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 123B.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Agreement. (a) Upon the request of 60 percent of the licensed employees of a site or a school site decision-making team, the school board shall enter into discussions to reach an agreement concerning the governance, management, or control of the school. A school site decision-making team may include the school principal, teachers in the school or their designee, other employees in the school, representatives of pupils in the school, or other members in the community. A school site decision-making team must include at least one parent of a pupil in the school. For purposes of formation of a new site, a school site decision-making team may be a team of teachers that is recognized by the board as a site. The school site decision-making team shall include the school principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school. The site decision-making team must reflect the diversity of the education site. At least one-half of the members shall be employees of the district, unless an employee is the parent of a student enrolled in the school site, in which case the employee may elect to serve as a parent member of the site team.

(b) School site decision-making agreements must delegate powers, duties, and broad management responsibilities to site teams and involve staff members, students as appropriate, and parents in decision making.

(c) An agreement shall include a statement of powers, duties, responsibilities, and authority to be delegated to and within the site.

(d) An agreement may include:

(1) an achievement contract according to subdivision 4;

(2) a mechanism to allow principals, a site leadership team, or other persons having general control and supervision of the school, to make decisions regarding how financial and personnel resources are best allocated at the site and from whom goods or services are purchased;

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(3) a mechanism to implement parental involvement programs under section 124D.895 and to provide for effective parental communication and feedback on this involvement at the site level;

(4) a provision that would allow the team to determine who is hired into licensed and nonlicensed positions;

(5) a provision that would allow teachers to choose the principal or other person having general control;

(6) an amount of revenue allocated to the site under subdivision 3; and

(7) any other powers and duties determined appropriate by the board.

The school board of the district remains the legal employer under clauses (4) and (5).

(e) Any powers or duties not delegated to the school site management team in the school site management agreement shall remain with the school board.

(f) Approved agreements shall be filed with the commissioner. If a school board denies a request or the school site and school board fail to reach an agreement to enter into a school site management agreement, the school board shall provide a copy of the request and the reasons for its denial to the commissioner.

(g) A site decision-making grant program is established, consistent with this subdivision, to allow sites to implement an agreement that at least:

(1) notwithstanding subdivision 3, allocates to the site all revenue that is attributable to the students at that site;

(2) includes a provision, consistent with current law and the collective bargaining agreement in effect, that allows the site team to decide who is selected from within the district for licensed and nonlicensed positions at the site and to make staff assignments in the site; and

(3) includes a completed performance agreement under subdivision 4.

The commissioner shall establish the form and manner of the application for a grant and annually, at the end of each fiscal year, report to the house of representatives and senate committees having jurisdiction over education on the progress of the program.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 125A.62, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Governance. The board of the Minnesota State Academies shall govern the State ~~Academies~~ Academy for the Deaf and the State Academy for the Blind. The board must promote academic standards based on high expectation and an assessment system to measure academic performance toward the achievement of those standards. The board must focus on the academies' needs as a whole and not prefer one school over the other. The board of the Minnesota State Academies shall consist of nine persons. The members of the board shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. One member must be from the seven-county metropolitan area, one member must be from greater Minnesota, and one member may be appointed at-large. The board must be composed of:

(1) one present or former superintendent of an independent school district;

(2) one present or former special education director;

(3) the commissioner of education or the commissioner's designee;

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(4) one member of the blind community;

(5) one member of the deaf community;

(6) two members of the general public with business, administrative, or financial expertise;

(7) one nonvoting, unpaid ex officio member appointed by the site council for the State Academy for the Deaf; and

(8) one nonvoting, unpaid ex officio member appointed by the site council for the State Academy for the Blind.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 126C.10, subdivision 24, is amended to read:

Subd. 24. Equity revenue. (a) A school district qualifies for equity revenue if:

(1) the school district's adjusted marginal cost pupil unit amount of basic revenue, supplemental revenue, transition revenue, and referendum revenue is less than the value of the school district at or immediately above the 95th percentile of school districts in its equity region for those revenue categories; and

(2) the school district's administrative offices are not located in a city of the first class on July 1, 1999.

(b) Equity revenue for a qualifying district that receives referendum revenue under section 126C.17, subdivision 4, equals the product of (1) the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for that year; times (2) the sum of (i) $13, plus (ii) $75, times the school district's equity index computed under subdivision 27.

(c) Equity revenue for a qualifying district that does not receive referendum revenue under section 126C.17, subdivision 4, equals the product of the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for that year times $13.

(d) A school district's equity revenue is increased by the greater of zero or an amount equal to the district's resident marginal cost pupil units times the difference between ten percent of the statewide average amount of referendum revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit for that year and the district's referendum revenue per resident marginal cost pupil unit. A school district's revenue under this paragraph must not exceed $100,000 for that year.

(e) A school district's equity revenue for a school district located in the metro equity region equals the amount computed in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) multiplied by 1.25.

(f) For fiscal year 2007 and later, notwithstanding paragraph (a), clause (2), a school district that has per pupil referendum revenue below the 95th percentile qualifies for additional equity revenue equal to $46 times its adjusted marginal cost pupil unit.

(g) A district that does not qualify for revenue under paragraph (f) qualifies for equity revenue equal to one-half of the per pupil allowance in paragraph (f) times its adjusted marginal cost pupil units.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 626.556, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them unless the specific content indicates otherwise:

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(a) "Family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege substantial child endangerment. Family assessment does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

(b) "Investigation" means fact gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent maltreatment that determines whether child maltreatment occurred and whether child protective services are needed. An investigation must be used when reports involve substantial child endangerment, and for reports of maltreatment in facilities required to be licensed under chapter 245A or 245B; under sections 144.50 to 144.58 and 241.021; in a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13, and 124D.10; or in a nonlicensed personal care provider association as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(c) "Substantial child endangerment" means a person responsible for a child's care, a person who has a significant relationship to the child as defined in section 609.341, or a person in a position of authority as defined in section 609.341, who by act or omission commits or attempts to commit an act against a child under their care that constitutes any of the following:

(1) egregious harm as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14;

(2) sexual abuse as defined in paragraph (d);

(3) abandonment under section 260C.301, subdivision 2;

(4) neglect as defined in paragraph (f), clause (2), that substantially endangers the child's physical or mental health, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(5) murder in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.185, 609.19, or 609.195;

(6) manslaughter in the first or second degree under section 609.20 or 609.205;

(7) assault in the first, second, or third degree under section 609.221, 609.222, or 609.223;

(8) solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution under section 609.322;

(9) criminal sexual conduct under sections 609.342 to 609.3451;

(10) solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct under section 609.352;

(11) malicious punishment or neglect or endangerment of a child under section 609.377 or 609.378;

(12) use of a minor in sexual performance under section 617.246; or

(13) parental behavior, status, or condition which mandates that the county attorney file a termination of parental rights petition under section 260C.301, subdivision 3, paragraph (a).

(d) "Sexual abuse" means the subjection of a child by a person responsible for the child's care, by a person who has a significant relationship to the child, as defined in section 609.341, or by a person in a position of authority, as defined in section 609.341, subdivision 10, to any act which constitutes a violation of section 609.342 (criminal sexual conduct in the first degree), 609.343 (criminal sexual conduct in the second degree), 609.344 (criminal sexual

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conduct in the third degree), 609.345 (criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree), or 609.3451 (criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree). Sexual abuse also includes any act which involves a minor which constitutes a violation of prostitution offenses under sections 609.321 to 609.324 or 617.246. Sexual abuse includes threatened sexual abuse.

(e) "Person responsible for the child's care" means (1) an individual functioning within the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a parent, guardian, or other person having similar care responsibilities, or (2) an individual functioning outside the family unit and having responsibilities for the care of the child such as a teacher, school administrator, other school employees or agents, or other lawful custodian of a child having either full-time or short-term care responsibilities including, but not limited to, day care, babysitting whether paid or unpaid, counseling, teaching, and coaching.

(f) "Neglect" means:

(1) failure by a person responsible for a child's care to supply a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, health, medical, or other care required for the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so;

(2) failure to protect a child from conditions or actions that seriously endanger the child's physical or mental health when reasonably able to do so, including a growth delay, which may be referred to as a failure to thrive, that has been diagnosed by a physician and is due to parental neglect;

(3) failure to provide for necessary supervision or child care arrangements appropriate for a child after considering factors as the child's age, mental ability, physical condition, length of absence, or environment, when the child is unable to care for the child's own basic needs or safety, or the basic needs or safety of another child in their care;

(4) failure to ensure that the child is educated as defined in sections 120A.22 and 260C.163, subdivision 11, which does not include a parent's refusal to provide the parent's child with sympathomimetic medications, consistent with section 125A.091, subdivision 5;

(5) nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that a child is neglected solely because the child's parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's care in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means or prayer for treatment or care of disease or remedial care of the child in lieu of medical care; except that a parent, guardian, or caretaker, or a person mandated to report pursuant to subdivision 3, has a duty to report if a lack of medical care may cause serious danger to the child's health. This section does not impose upon persons, not otherwise legally responsible for providing a child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care, a duty to provide that care;

(6) prenatal exposure to a controlled substance, as defined in section 253B.02, subdivision 2, used by the mother for a nonmedical purpose, as evidenced by withdrawal symptoms in the child at birth, results of a toxicology test performed on the mother at delivery or the child at birth, or medical effects or developmental delays during the child's first year of life that medically indicate prenatal exposure to a controlled substance;

(7) "medical neglect" as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 6, clause (5);

(8) chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance by a parent or person responsible for the care of the child that adversely affects the child's basic needs and safety; or

(9) emotional harm from a pattern of behavior which contributes to impaired emotional functioning of the child which may be demonstrated by a substantial and observable effect in the child's behavior, emotional response, or cognition that is not within the normal range for the child's age and stage of development, with due regard to the child's culture.

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(g) "Physical abuse" means any physical injury, mental injury, or threatened injury, inflicted by a person responsible for the child's care on a child other than by accidental means, or any physical or mental injury that cannot reasonably be explained by the child's history of injuries, or any aversive or deprivation procedures, or regulated interventions, that have not been authorized under section 121A.67 or 245.825. Abuse does not include reasonable and moderate physical discipline of a child administered by a parent or legal guardian which does not result in an injury. Abuse does not include the use of reasonable force by a teacher, principal, or school employee as allowed by section 121A.582. Actions which are not reasonable and moderate include, but are not limited to, any of the following that are done in anger or without regard to the safety of the child:

(1) throwing, kicking, burning, biting, or cutting a child;

(2) striking a child with a closed fist;

(3) shaking a child under age three;

(4) striking or other actions which result in any nonaccidental injury to a child under 18 months of age;

(5) unreasonable interference with a child's breathing;

(6) threatening a child with a weapon, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 6;

(7) striking a child under age one on the face or head;

(8) purposely giving a child poison, alcohol, or dangerous, harmful, or controlled substances which were not prescribed for the child by a practitioner, in order to control or punish the child; or other substances that substantially affect the child's behavior, motor coordination, or judgment or that results in sickness or internal injury, or subjects the child to medical procedures that would be unnecessary if the child were not exposed to the substances;

(9) unreasonable physical confinement or restraint not permitted under section 609.379, including but not limited to tying, caging, or chaining; or

(10) in a school facility or school zone, an act by a person responsible for the child's care that is a violation under section 121A.58.

(h) "Report" means any report received by the local welfare agency, police department, county sheriff, or agency responsible for assessing or investigating maltreatment pursuant to this section.

(i) "Facility" means:

(1) a licensed or unlicensed day care facility, residential facility, agency, hospital, sanitarium, or other facility or institution required to be licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.58, 241.021, or 245A.01 to 245A.16, or chapter 245B; or

(2) a school as defined in sections 120A.05, subdivisions 9, 11, and 13; and 124D.10; or

(3) a nonlicensed personal care provider organization as defined in sections 256B.04, subdivision 16, and 256B.0625, subdivision 19a.

(j) "Operator" means an operator or agency as defined in section 245A.02.

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(k) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(l) "Practice of social services," for the purposes of subdivision 3, includes but is not limited to employee assistance counseling and the provision of guardian ad litem and parenting time expeditor services.

(m) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to the child's culture.

(n) "Threatened injury" means a statement, overt act, condition, or status that represents a substantial risk of physical or sexual abuse or mental injury. Threatened injury includes, but is not limited to, exposing a child to a person responsible for the child's care, as defined in paragraph (e), clause (1), who has:

(1) subjected a child to, or failed to protect a child from, an overt act or condition that constitutes egregious harm, as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 14, or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(2) been found to be palpably unfit under section 260C.301, paragraph (b), clause (4), or a similar law of another jurisdiction;

(3) committed an act that has resulted in an involuntary termination of parental rights under section 260C.301, or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or

(4) committed an act that has resulted in the involuntary transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of a child to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph (d), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction.

(o) Persons who conduct assessments or investigations under this section shall take into account accepted child-rearing practices of the culture in which a child participates and accepted teacher discipline practices, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, and safety."

Amend the title accordingly

The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

S. F. No. 2994, A bill for an act relating to education; providing for prekindergarten through grade 12 education, including general education, education excellence, special education, facilities, accounting, and technology, state agencies, technical and conforming amendments, and early childhood education; providing for postsecondary education; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 119A.50, subdivision 1; 119A.52; 119A.53; 119A.545; 120A.20, subdivision 1; 120A.22, subdivision 3; 120B.021, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 120B.023; 120B.024; 121A.035; 121A.15, subdivision 10; 121A.17, subdivision 3; 122A.18, subdivision 2; 123A.06, subdivision 2; 123A.44; 123A.441; 123A.442; 123A.443; 123B.10, subdivision 1; 123B.77, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 123B.90, subdivision 2; 123B.91, by adding a subdivision; 124D.02, subdivisions 2, 4; 124D.095, subdivision 3; 124D.096; 124D.10, subdivision 16; 124D.11, subdivision 9; 124D.13, subdivisions 2, 3; 124D.61; 124D.68, subdivision 3; 125A.02, subdivision 1; 125A.515, subdivisions 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10; 125A.62, subdivision 1; 125A.63, subdivision 4; 125A.65, subdivisions 3, 4, 6, 8, 10; 125A.69, subdivision 3; 125A.75, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 126C.05, subdivision 1; 126C.10, subdivision 6, by adding subdivisions; 126C.44; 127A.41, subdivision 2; 135A.031, subdivision 7, by adding subdivisions; 135A.053, subdivision 2; 136A.15, by adding a subdivision; 136A.16, by adding a subdivision; 136A.162; 136A.1701, by adding a subdivision; 136A.233, subdivision 3; 136F.02, subdivision 1; 136F.42,

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subdivision 1; 136F.71, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 169.01, subdivision 6; 169.447, subdivision 2; 169.4501, subdivisions 1, 2; 169.4502, subdivision 5; 169.4503, subdivision 20; 171.321, subdivisions 4, 5; 181.101; 245A.023; 245A.14, by adding a subdivision; 299F.30; 626.556, subdivisions 3b, 3c; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 120B.021, subdivision 1a; 120B.11, subdivision 2; 120B.131, subdivision 2; 121A.17, subdivision 5; 122A.414, subdivisions 2b, 3; 123B.04, subdivision 2; 123B.76, subdivision 3; 123B.92, subdivisions 1, 5; 124D.095, subdivision 4; 124D.175; 124D.68, subdivision 2; 125A.11, subdivision 1; 125A.79, subdivision 1; 126C.10, subdivisions 24, 31; 126C.17, subdivision 9; 126C.43, subdivision 2; 127A.45, subdivision 10; 135A.52, subdivisions 1, 2; 626.556, subdivisions 2, 3; Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, article 2, section 84, subdivision 13; article 7, section 20, subdivision 5; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 119A; 121A; 135A; 136A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 119A.51; 120A.20, subdivision 3; 121A.23; 123B.749; 125A.10; 125A.515, subdivision 2; 135A.031, subdivision 5; 135A.033; 136A.15, subdivision 5; 136A.1702; 169.4502, subdivision 15; 169.4503, subdivisions 17, 18, 26; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 135A.031, subdivisions 3, 4; Minnesota Rules, parts 4850.0011, subparts 9, 10, 14, 27; 4850.0014, subpart 1.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended, and placed upon its final passage.

The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 131 yeas and 1 nay as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

Kohls moved that the House recess subject to the call of the Chair. The motion prevailed.

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RECESS

RECONVENED

The House reconvened and was called to order by the Speaker.

The following Conference Committee Reports were received:

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. NO. 785

A bill for an act relating to financing and operation of government in this state; modifying truth in taxation provisions and adding a taxpayer satisfaction survey; changing income, corporate franchise, withholding, estate, property, sales and use, mortgage registry, health care gross revenues, motor fuels, gambling, cigarette and tobacco products, occupation, net proceeds, production, liquor, insurance, and other taxes and tax-related provisions; making technical, clarifying, collection, enforcement, refund, and administrative changes to certain taxes and tax-related provisions, tax-forfeited lands, revenue recapture, unfair cigarette sales, state debt collection, sustainable forest incentive programs, and payments in lieu of taxes; changing local government aids and credits; providing for determination of population for certain purposes; updating references to the Internal Revenue Code, changing property tax exemptions, homesteads, assessment, valuation, classification, class rates, levies, deferral, review and equalization, appeals, notices and statements, and distribution provisions; changing rent constituting property taxes and property tax refunds; requiring state contracts be with vendors registered to collect use taxes; abolishing the political contribution refund; authorizing local sales taxes; extending a sales tax expiration; providing for compliance with streamlined sales tax agreement; changing the taxation of liquor and cigarettes; authorizing income tax checkoffs; requiring registration of tax shelters and providing for a voluntary compliance initiative; changing job opportunity building zones, border city development zones, biotechnology and health sciences industry zone provisions; setting minimum employee compensation for qualifying business in a JOBZ; limiting sales tax construction exemption in job zones to businesses paying prevailing wage; requiring a referendum for certain subsidies to gambling enterprises; authorizing charges for certain emergency services; imposing a franchise fee on card clubs; defining the term "tax"; regulating tax preparers; suspending appropriations or aids to public employers who prohibit certain employees from wearing a flag on a uniform; providing for training and conduct of assessors; prohibiting purchases of tax-forfeited lands by certain local officials; providing for data classification and exchange of data; establishing a tax reform commission; providing and imposing powers and duties on the commissioner of revenue and other state agencies and departments and on certain political subdivisions and certain officials; changing and imposing penalties; requiring reports; transferring funds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 4A.02; 16C.03, by adding a subdivision; 16D.10; 168A.05, subdivision 1a; 190.09, subdivision 2; 240.30, by adding a subdivision; 270.02, subdivision 3; 270.11, subdivision 2; 270.16, subdivision 2; 270.30, subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 8, by adding subdivisions; 270.65; 270.67, subdivision 4; 270.69, subdivision 4; 270A.03, subdivisions 5, 7; 272.01, subdivision 2; 272.02, subdivisions 1a, 7, 47, 53, 64, by adding subdivisions; 272.0211, subdivisions 1, 2; 272.0212, subdivisions 1, 2; 272.029, subdivisions 4, 6; 273.055; 273.0755; 273.11, subdivisions 1a, 8, by adding subdivisions; 273.111, by adding a subdivision; 273.123, subdivision 7; 273.124, subdivisions 3, 6, 8, 14, 21; 273.125, subdivision 8; 273.13, subdivisions 22, 23, 25, by adding a subdivision; 273.1315; 273.1384, subdivision 1; 273.19, subdivision 1a; 273.372; 274.01, subdivision 1; 274.014, subdivisions 2, 3; 274.14; 275.025, subdivision 4; 275.065, subdivisions 1c, 3, 4, 7, by adding subdivisions; 275.07, subdivisions 1, 4; 276.04, subdivision 2; 276.112; 276A.01, subdivision 7; 282.016; 282.08; 282.15; 282.21; 282.224; 282.301; 287.04; 289A.02, subdivision 7; 289A.08, subdivisions 1, 3, 7, 13, 16; 289A.18, subdivision 1; 289A.19, subdivision 4; 289A.20, subdivision 2; 289A.31, subdivision 2; 289A.37, subdivision 5; 289A.38, subdivisions 6, 7, by adding subdivisions; 289A.40, subdivision 2, by adding subdivisions; 289A.50, subdivisions 1, 1a; 289A.56, by adding a subdivision; 289A.60, subdivisions 2a, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 20, by adding subdivisions; 290.01, subdivisions 6,

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7, 7b, 19, as amended, 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 31; 290.032, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.06, subdivisions 2c, 22, by adding a subdivision; 290.067, subdivisions 1, 2a; 290.0671, subdivisions 1, 1a; 290.0672, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.0674, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.0675, subdivision 1; 290.091, subdivisions 2, 3; 290.0922, subdivision 2; 290.191, subdivisions 2, 3; 290.92, subdivisions 1, 4b; 290A.03, subdivisions 3, 11, 13, 15, by adding subdivisions; 290A.07, by adding a subdivision; 290A.19; 290B.05, subdivision 3; 290C.05; 290C.10; 291.005, subdivision 1; 291.03, subdivision 1; 295.52, subdivision 4; 295.53, subdivision 1; 295.582; 295.60, subdivision 3; 296A.22, by adding a subdivision; 297A.61, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 297A.64, subdivision 4; 297A.668, subdivisions 1, 5; 297A.67, subdivisions 2, 7, 9, 29, by adding a subdivision; 297A.68, subdivisions 2, 5, 28, 35, 37, 38, 39, by adding subdivisions; 297A.70, subdivision 10; 297A.71, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 297A.72, by adding a subdivision; 297A.75, subdivision 1; 297A.87, subdivisions 2, 3; 297A.99, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 9, by adding subdivisions; 297E.01, subdivisions 5, 7, by adding subdivisions; 297E.06, subdivision 2; 297E.07; 297F.08, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 297F.09, subdivisions 1, 2; 297F.14, subdivision 4; 297G.09, by adding a subdivision; 297I.01, by adding subdivisions; 297I.05, subdivisions 4, 5, by adding a subdivision; 298.01, subdivisions 3, 4; 298.24, subdivision 1; 298.75, by adding a subdivision; 325D.33, subdivision 6; 365.43, subdivision 1; 365.431; 366.011; 366.012; 373.45, subdivision 7; 469.169, by adding a subdivision; 469.1735, subdivision 3; 469.176, subdivisions 4l, 7; 469.310, subdivision 11, by adding a subdivision; 469.315; 469.316; 469.317; 469.319, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 469.320, subdivision 3; 469.330, subdivision 11; 469.335; 469.337; 469.340, subdivision 1; 473.843, subdivision 5; 473F.02, subdivisions 2, 7; 477A.011, subdivisions 3, 34, 35, 36, 38; 477A.0124, subdivisions 2, 4; 477A.013, subdivisions 8, 9, by adding a subdivision; 477A.016; 477A.03, subdivisions 2a, 2b; 477A.11, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 477A.12, subdivisions 1, 2; 477A.14, subdivision 1; 645.44, by adding a subdivision; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 3, section 42, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 8, section 43, subdivision 3; Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 8; Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 12, section 95, as amended; Laws 2002, chapter 377, article 3, section 4; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 5, section 27; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 5, section 28; Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 5, section 13; Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 6, section 9; Laws 2005, chapter 43, section 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 15; 270; 272; 273; 275; 280; 289A; 290; 290C; 295; 297A; 297F; 373; 459; 473; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 10A.322, subdivision 4; 16A.1522, subdivision 4; 270.85; 270.88; 272.02, subdivision 65; 273.19, subdivision 5; 273.37, subdivision 3; 274.05; 275.065, subdivisions 5a, 6, 6b, 8; 275.15; 275.61, subdivision 2; 283.07; 290.06, subdivision 23; 297E.12, subdivision 10; 469.1794, subdivision 6; 477A.08; Laws 1975, chapter 287, section 5; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 3, section 41; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 9, section 9, subdivision 4; Minnesota Rules, parts 8093.2000; 8093.3000; 8130.0110, subpart 4; 8130.0200, subparts 5, 6; 8130.0400, subpart 9; 8130.1200, subparts 5, 6; 8130.2900; 8130.3100, subpart 1; 8130.4000, subparts 1, 2; 8130.4200, subpart 1; 8130.4400, subpart 3; 8130.5200; 8130.5600, subpart 3; 8130.5800, subpart 5; 8130.7300, subpart 5; 8130.8800, subpart 4.

May 20, 2006

The Honorable Steve Sviggum

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 785 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 785 be further amended as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

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"ARTICLE 1

INCOME AND FRANCHISE TAXES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 290.06, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 36. Bovine testing credit. (a) An owner of cattle in Minnesota may take a credit against the tax due under this chapter for an amount equal to one-half the expenses incurred during the taxable year to conduct tuberculosis testing on those cattle.

(b) If the amount of credit which the taxpayer is eligible to receive under this subdivision exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability under this chapter, the commissioner of revenue shall refund the excess to the taxpayer.

(c) The amount necessary to pay claims for the refund provided in this subdivision is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 2. [290.0677] MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT.

Subdivision 1. Credit allowed. (a) An individual is allowed a credit against the tax due under this chapter equal to $59 for each month or portion thereof that the individual was in active military service in a designated area after September 11, 2001, while a Minnesota domiciliary.

(b) For active service performed after September 11, 2001, and before December 31, 2006, the individual may claim the credit in the taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2007.

(c) For active service performed after December 31, 2006, the individual may claim the credit for the taxable year in which the active service was performed.

(d) If a Minnesota domiciliary is killed while performing active military service in a designated area, the individual's surviving spouse or dependent child may take the credit in the taxable year of the death. If a Minnesota domiciliary was killed while performing active military service in a designated area between September 11, 2001, and December 31, 2006, the individual's surviving spouse or dependent child may claim this credit in the taxable year beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2007.

Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Designated area" means a:

(1) combat zone designated by Executive Order from the President of the United States;

(2) qualified hazardous duty area, designated in Public Law; or

(3) location certified by the U.S. Department of Defense as eligible for combat zone tax benefits due to the location's direct support of military operations.

(c) "Active military service" means active duty service in any of the United States Armed Forces, the National Guard, or reserves.

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Subd. 3. Credit refundable. If the amount of credit which the individual is eligible to receive under this section exceeds the individual's tax liability under this chapter, the commissioner shall refund the excess to the individual.

Subd. 4. Appropriation. An amount sufficient to pay the refunds required by this section is appropriated to the commissioner from the general fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 290.091, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Exemption amount. (a) For purposes of computing the alternative minimum tax, the exemption amount is:

(1) for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2006, the exemption determined under section 55(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended through December 31, 1992; and

(2) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005, $60,000 for married couples filing joint returns, $30,000 for married individuals filing separate returns, estates, and trusts, and $45,000 for unmarried individuals.

(b) The exemption amount determined under this subdivision is subject to the phase out under section 55(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, except that alternative minimum taxable income as determined under this section must be substituted in the computation of the phase out ~~under section 55(d)(3)~~.

(c) For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006, the exemption amount under paragraph (a), clause (2), must be adjusted for inflation. The commissioner shall make the inflation adjustments in accordance with section 1(f) of the Internal Revenue Code except that for the purposes of this subdivision the percentage increase must be determined from the year starting September 1, 2005, and ending August 31, 2006, as the base year for adjusting for inflation for the tax year beginning after December 31, 2006. The determination of the commissioner under this subdivision is not a rule under the Administrative Procedure Act.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 290.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Scope of allocation rules. (a) The income of resident individuals is not subject to allocation outside this state. The allocation rules apply to nonresident individuals, estates, trusts, nonresident partners of partnerships, nonresident shareholders of corporations treated as "S" corporations under section 290.9725, and all corporations not having such an election in effect. If a partnership or corporation would not otherwise be subject to the allocation rules, but conducts a trade or business that is part of a unitary business involving another legal entity that is subject to the allocation rules, the partnership or corporation is subject to the allocation rules.

(b) Expenses, losses, and other deductions (referred to collectively in this paragraph as "deductions") must be allocated along with the item or class of gross income to which they are definitely related for purposes of assignment under this section or apportionment under section 290.191, 290.20, or 290.36. Deductions ~~not~~ definitely related to any item ~~or class~~ of gross income ~~are~~ assigned under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), are assigned to the taxpayer's domicile.

(c) In the case of an individual who is a resident for only part of a taxable year, the individual's income, gains, losses, and deductions from the distributive share of a partnership, S corporation, trust, or estate are not subject to allocation outside this state to the extent of the distributive share multiplied by a ratio, the numerator of which is the

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number of days the individual was a resident of this state during the tax year of the partnership, S corporation, trust, or estate, and the denominator of which is the number of days in the taxable year of the partnership, S corporation, trust, or estate.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 2

FEDERAL UPDATE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 289A.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Internal Revenue Code. Unless specifically defined otherwise, "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through ~~April 15, 2005~~ May 18, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.01, subdivision 19, is amended to read:

Subd. 19. Net income. The term "net income" means the federal taxable income, as defined in section 63 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through the date named in this subdivision, incorporating the federal effective dates of changes to the Internal Revenue Code and any elections made by the taxpayer in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code in determining federal taxable income for federal income tax purposes, and with the modifications provided in subdivisions 19a to 19f.

In the case of a regulated investment company or a fund thereof, as defined in section 851(a) or 851(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, federal taxable income means investment company taxable income as defined in section 852(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, except that:

(1) the exclusion of net capital gain provided in section 852(b)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code does not apply;

(2) the deduction for dividends paid under section 852(b)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code must be applied by allowing a deduction for capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends as defined in sections 852(b)(3)(C) and 852(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(3) the deduction for dividends paid must also be applied in the amount of any undistributed capital gains which the regulated investment company elects to have treated as provided in section 852(b)(3)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The net income of a real estate investment trust as defined and limited by section 856(a), (b), and (c) of the Internal Revenue Code means the real estate investment trust taxable income as defined in section 857(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The net income of a designated settlement fund as defined in section 468B(d) of the Internal Revenue Code means the gross income as defined in section 468B(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through ~~April 15, 2005~~ May 18, 2006, shall be in effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996.

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Except as otherwise provided, references to the Internal Revenue Code in subdivisions 19 to 19f mean the code in effect for purposes of determining net income for the applicable year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.01, subdivision 19a, is amended to read:

Subd. 19a. Additions to federal taxable income. For individuals, estates, and trusts, there shall be added to federal taxable income:

(1)(i) interest income on obligations of any state other than Minnesota or a political or governmental subdivision, municipality, or governmental agency or instrumentality of any state other than Minnesota exempt from federal income taxes under the Internal Revenue Code or any other federal statute; and

(ii) exempt-interest dividends as defined in section 852(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code, except the portion of the exempt-interest dividends derived from interest income on obligations of the state of Minnesota or its political or governmental subdivisions, municipalities, governmental agencies or instrumentalities, but only if the portion of the exempt-interest dividends from such Minnesota sources paid to all shareholders represents 95 percent or more of the exempt-interest dividends that are paid by the regulated investment company as defined in section 851(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the fund of the regulated investment company as defined in section 851(g) of the Internal Revenue Code, making the payment; and

(iii) for the purposes of items (i) and (ii), interest on obligations of an Indian tribal government described in section 7871(c) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be treated as interest income on obligations of the state in which the tribe is located;

(2) the amount of income or sales and use taxes paid or accrued within the taxable year under this chapter and the amount of taxes based on net income paid or sales and use taxes paid to any other state or to any province or territory of Canada, to the extent allowed as a deduction under section 63(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, but the addition may not be more than the amount by which the itemized deductions as allowed under section 63(d) of the Internal Revenue Code exceeds the amount of the standard deduction as defined in section 63(c) of the Internal Revenue Code ~~minus the addition which would have been required under clause (10) if the taxpayer had claimed the standard deduction~~. For the purpose of this paragraph, the disallowance of itemized deductions under section 68 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, income or sales and use tax is the last itemized deduction disallowed;

(3) the capital gain amount of a lump sum distribution to which the special tax under section 1122(h)(3)(B)(ii) of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Public Law 99-514, applies;

(4) the amount of income taxes paid or accrued within the taxable year under this chapter and taxes based on net income paid to any other state or any province or territory of Canada, to the extent allowed as a deduction in determining federal adjusted gross income. For the purpose of this paragraph, income taxes do not include the taxes imposed by sections 290.0922, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), 290.9727, 290.9728, and 290.9729;

(5) the amount of expense, interest, or taxes disallowed pursuant to section 290.10 other than expenses or interest used in computing net interest income for the subtraction allowed under subdivision 19b, clause (1);

(6) the amount of a partner's pro rata share of net income which does not flow through to the partner because the partnership elected to pay the tax on the income under section 6242(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code;

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(7) 80 percent of the depreciation deduction allowed under section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. For purposes of this clause, if the taxpayer has an activity that in the taxable year generates a deduction for depreciation under section 168(k) and the activity generates a loss for the taxable year that the taxpayer is not allowed to claim for the taxable year, "the depreciation allowed under section 168(k)" for the taxable year is limited to excess of the depreciation claimed by the activity under section 168(k) over the amount of the loss from the activity that is not allowed in the taxable year. In succeeding taxable years when the losses not allowed in the taxable year are allowed, the depreciation under section 168(k) is allowed;

(8) 80 percent of the amount by which the deduction allowed by section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code exceeds the deduction allowable by section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 2003;

(9) to the extent deducted in computing federal taxable income, the amount of the deduction allowable under section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(10) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2004, to the extent deducted in computing federal taxable income, the amount by which the standard deduction allowed under section 63(c) of the Internal Revenue Code exceeds the standard deduction allowable under section 63(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 2003; and

~~(11)~~ (10) the exclusion allowed under section 139A of the Internal Revenue Code for federal subsidies for prescription drug plans.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.01, subdivision 19c, is amended to read:

Subd. 19c. Corporations; additions to federal taxable income. For corporations, there shall be added to federal taxable income:

(1) the amount of any deduction taken for federal income tax purposes for income, excise, or franchise taxes based on net income or related minimum taxes, including but not limited to the tax imposed under section 290.0922, paid by the corporation to Minnesota, another state, a political subdivision of another state, the District of Columbia, or any foreign country or possession of the United States;

(2) interest not subject to federal tax upon obligations of: the United States, its possessions, its agencies, or its instrumentalities; the state of Minnesota or any other state, any of its political or governmental subdivisions, any of its municipalities, or any of its governmental agencies or instrumentalities; the District of Columbia; or Indian tribal governments;

(3) exempt-interest dividends received as defined in section 852(b)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(4) the amount of any net operating loss deduction taken for federal income tax purposes under section 172 or 832(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code or operations loss deduction under section 810 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(5) the amount of any special deductions taken for federal income tax purposes under sections 241 to 247 and 965 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(6) losses from the business of mining, as defined in section 290.05, subdivision 1, clause (a), that are not subject to Minnesota income tax;

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(7) the amount of any capital losses deducted for federal income tax purposes under sections 1211 and 1212 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(8) the exempt foreign trade income of a foreign sales corporation under sections 921(a) and 291 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(9) the amount of percentage depletion deducted under sections 611 through 614 and 291 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(10) for certified pollution control facilities placed in service in a taxable year beginning before December 31, 1986, and for which amortization deductions were elected under section 169 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended through December 31, 1985, the amount of the amortization deduction allowed in computing federal taxable income for those facilities;

(11) the amount of any deemed dividend from a foreign operating corporation determined pursuant to section 290.17, subdivision 4, paragraph (g);

(12) the amount of a partner's pro rata share of net income which does not flow through to the partner because the partnership elected to pay the tax on the income under section 6242(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(13) the amount of net income excluded under section 114 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(14) any increase in subpart F income, as defined in section 952(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, for the taxable year when subpart F income is calculated without regard to the provisions of section ~~614 of Public Law 107-147~~ 103 of Public Law 109-222;

(15) 80 percent of the depreciation deduction allowed under section 168(k)(1)(A) and (k)(4)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code. For purposes of this clause, if the taxpayer has an activity that in the taxable year generates a deduction for depreciation under section 168(k)(1)(A) and (k)(4)(A) and the activity generates a loss for the taxable year that the taxpayer is not allowed to claim for the taxable year, "the depreciation allowed under section 168(k)(1)(A) and (k)(4)(A)" for the taxable year is limited to excess of the depreciation claimed by the activity under section 168(k)(1)(A) and (k)(4)(A) over the amount of the loss from the activity that is not allowed in the taxable year. In succeeding taxable years when the losses not allowed in the taxable year are allowed, the depreciation under section 168(k)(1)(A) and (k)(4)(A) is allowed;

(16) 80 percent of the amount by which the deduction allowed by section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code exceeds the deduction allowable by section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 2003;

(17) to the extent deducted in computing federal taxable income, the amount of the deduction allowable under section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(18) the exclusion allowed under section 139A of the Internal Revenue Code for federal subsidies for prescription drug plans.

EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendment to clause (5) is effective at the same time as the provisions of section 965 of the Internal Revenue Code. Clause (14) of this section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.01, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

Subd. 31. Internal Revenue Code. Unless specifically defined otherwise, "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through ~~April 15, 2005~~ May 18, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment except the changes incorporated by federal changes are effective at the same times as the changes were effective for federal purposes.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.0675, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Earned income" means the sum of the following, to the extent included in Minnesota taxable income:

(1) earned income as defined in section 32(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(2) income received from a retirement pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or annuity plan; and

(3) Social Security benefits as defined in section 86(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(d) "Earned income of lesser-earning spouse" means the earned income of the spouse with the lesser amount of earned income as defined in paragraph (b) for the taxable year minus the sum of (i) the amount for one exemption under section 151(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and (ii) one-half the amount of the standard deduction under section 63(c)(2)(A) and (4) of the Internal Revenue Code minus one-half of any addition required under section 290.01, subdivision 19a, clause (10), and one-half of the addition which would have been required under section 290.01, subdivision 19a, clause (10), if the taxpayer had claimed the standard deduction.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290A.03, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15. Internal Revenue Code. "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through ~~April 15, 2005~~ May 18, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for property tax refunds based on property taxes payable on or after December 31, 2005, and rent paid on or after December 31, 2004.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 291.005, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Scope. Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, the following terms used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

(1) "Federal gross estate" means the gross estate of a decedent as valued and otherwise determined for federal estate tax purposes by federal taxing authorities pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) "Minnesota gross estate" means the federal gross estate of a decedent after (a) excluding therefrom any property included therein which has its situs outside Minnesota, and (b) including therein any property omitted from the federal gross estate which is includable therein, has its situs in Minnesota, and was not disclosed to federal taxing authorities.

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(3) "Personal representative" means the executor, administrator or other person appointed by the court to administer and dispose of the property of the decedent. If there is no executor, administrator or other person appointed, qualified, and acting within this state, then any person in actual or constructive possession of any property having a situs in this state which is included in the federal gross estate of the decedent shall be deemed to be a personal representative to the extent of the property and the Minnesota estate tax due with respect to the property.

(4) "Resident decedent" means an individual whose domicile at the time of death was in Minnesota.

(5) "Nonresident decedent" means an individual whose domicile at the time of death was not in Minnesota.

(6) "Situs of property" means, with respect to real property, the state or country in which it is located; with respect to tangible personal property, the state or country in which it was normally kept or located at the time of the decedent's death; and with respect to intangible personal property, the state or country in which the decedent was domiciled at death.

(7) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of revenue or any person to whom the commissioner has delegated functions under this chapter.

(8) "Internal Revenue Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through ~~April 15, 2005~~ May 18, 2006.

(9) "Minnesota adjusted taxable estate" means federal adjusted taxable estate as defined by section 2011(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, increased by the amount of deduction for state death taxes allowed under section 2058 of the Internal Revenue Code.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for estates of decedents dying after December 31, 2005.

ARTICLE 3

SALES AND USE TAX

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.722, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. New permits after revocation. (a) The commissioner shall not issue a new permit after revocation or reinstate a revoked permit unless the taxpayer applies for a permit and provides reasonable evidence of intention to comply with the sales and use tax laws and rules. The commissioner may require the applicant to provide security, in addition to that authorized by section 297A.92, in an amount reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the sales and use tax laws and rules. If the commissioner issues or reinstates a permit not in conformance with the requirements of this subdivision or applicable rules, the commissioner may cancel the permit upon notice to the permit holder. The notice must be served by first class and certified mail at the permit holder's last known address. The cancellation shall be effective immediately, subject to the right of the permit holder to show that the permit was issued in conformance with the requirements of this subdivision and applicable rules. Upon such showing, the permit must be reissued.

(b) If a taxpayer has had a permit or permits revoked three times in a five-year period, the commissioner ~~shall not~~ may refuse to issue a new permit or reinstate the revoked permit until 24 months have elapsed after revocation and the taxpayer has satisfied the conditions for reinstatement of a revoked permit or issuance of a new permit imposed by this section and rules adopted under this section.

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(1) an individual, if a revoked permit was issued to or in the name of an individual, or a corporation or partnership, if a revoked permit was issued to or in the name of a corporation or partnership; and

(2) an officer of a corporation, a member of a partnership, or an individual who is liable for delinquent sales taxes, either for the entity for which the new or reinstated permit is at issue, or for another entity for which a permit was previously revoked, or personally as a permit holder.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.71, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 37. Hydroelectric generating facility. Materials and supplies used or consumed in the construction of a 10.3 megawatt run-of-the-river hydroelectric generating facility that meets the requirements of this subdivision are exempt. To qualify for the exemption under this subdivision, a hydroelectric generating facility must:

(1) utilize between 12 and 16 turbine generators at a dam site existing on March 31, 1994;

(2) be located on land within 3,000 feet of a 13.8 kilovolt distribution circuit; and

(3) be eligible to receive a renewable energy production incentive payment under section 216C.41.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales and purchases made after April 30, 2006, and on or before December 31, 2009.

Sec. 3. Laws 1996, chapter 471, article 2, section 29, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Sales tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other contrary provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, the city of Hermantown may, by ordinance, impose an additional sales tax of up to one percent on sales transactions taxable pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A, that occur within the city. The proceeds of the tax imposed under this section must be used to meet the costs of:

(1) extending a sewer interceptor line;

(2) construction of a booster pump station, reservoirs, and related improvements to the water system; and

(3) construction of a building containing a police and fire station and an administrative services facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment, upon compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3, by the city of Hermantown.

Sec. 4. Laws 1996, chapter 471, article 2, section 29, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Termination. The tax authorized under this section terminates at the later of (1) ten years after the date of initial imposition of the tax, or (2) on the first day of the second month next succeeding a determination by the city council that sufficient funds have been received from the tax to finance the improvements described in subdivision 1, clauses (1) to (3), and to prepay or retire at maturity the principal, interest, and premium due on any bonds issued for the improvements on March 31, 2026. Any funds remaining after completion of the improvements and retirement or redemption of the bonds may be placed in the general fund of the city.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment, upon compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3, by the city of Hermantown.

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Sec. 5. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 5, section 14, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales made after December 31, 2004, and on or before December 31, ~~2007~~ 2009.

Sec. 6. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 5, section 38, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Use of revenues. The proceeds of the tax imposed under this section shall be used to pay for lake improvement projects as detailed in the Shell Rock River watershed plan and as directed by the Shell Rock River Watershed Board. Notwithstanding any provision of statute, other law, or city charter to the contrary, the city shall transfer all revenues from the tax imposed under subdivision 1, as soon as they are received, to the Shell Rock River Watershed District. The city is not required to review the intended uses of the revenues by the watershed district, nor is the watershed district required to submit to the city proposed budgets, statements, or invoices explaining the intended uses of the revenues as a prerequisite for the transfer of the revenues.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after compliance by the governing body of the city of Albert Lea with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3.

Sec. 7. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 5, section 43, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Use of revenues. Revenues received from the taxes authorized by subdivisions 1 and 2 must be used to pay all or part of the capital costs of transportation contained in the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Winona Intermodal study dated June 2002 and in the resolution approved by the city council on January 3, 2005, and all or a part of the capital costs of flood control projects, up to $1,200,000, approved by resolution of the city council on February 6, 2006, including securing or paying debt service on bonds issued under subdivision 4, for the transportation and flood control projects and to pay the cost of collecting and administering the tax. Authorized costs include, but are not limited to, acquiring property and paying construction and engineering costs related to the projects.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Winona and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 8. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 5, section 44, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Sales and use tax. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, if approved by the voters pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, at ~~the next~~ a general election held before January 1, 2008, the city of Worthington may impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of up to one-half of one percent for the purpose specified in subdivision 3. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement of the tax authorized under this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9. CITY OF AUSTIN; TAXES AUTHORIZED.

Subdivision 1. Sales and use tax. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, if approved by the voters pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, at the next general election or special election held for that purpose before January 1, 2007, the city of Austin may impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of up to one-half of one percent for the purpose specified in subdivision 2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement of the tax authorized under this subdivision.

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Subd. 2. Use of revenues. Revenues received from taxes authorized by subdivision 1 must be used by the city of Austin to pay all or part of the capital or administrative costs of flood mitigation projects in the city of Austin. Authorized expenses include, but are not limited to, acquiring property and paying construction and engineering expenses related to the flood mitigation projects.

Subd. 3. Bonding authority. Pursuant to the approval of the city voters to impose the tax authorized in subdivision 1, the city of Austin may issue, without an additional election, general obligation bonds of the city in an amount not to exceed $14,000,000 to finance the costs for the projects specified in subdivision 2. The debt represented by the bonds must not be included in computing any debt limitations applicable to the city, and the levy of taxes required by Minnesota Statutes, section 475.61, to pay the principal or any interest on the bonds must not be subject to any levy limitation.

Subd. 4. Termination of tax. The tax authorized under subdivision 1 terminates at the earlier of:

(1) 20 years after the date of initial imposition of the tax; or

(2) when the Austin City Council determines that the amount described in subdivision 2 has been received from the tax to finance the capital and administrative costs for the projects specified in subdivision 2, and to repay or retire at maturity, the principal, interest, and premium due on any bonds issued for the projects under subdivision 3.

Any funds remaining after completion of the projects specified in subdivision 2, and retirement or redemption of the bonds in subdivision 3, may be placed in the general fund of the city. The tax imposed under subdivision 1 may expire at an earlier time if the city so determines by ordinance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Austin and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 10. CITY OF BAXTER; TAXES AUTHORIZED.

Subdivision 1. Sales and use tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, pursuant to the approval of the voters on November 2, 2004, and pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, the city of Baxter may impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent for the purposes specified in subdivision 3. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement of the tax authorized under this subdivision.

Subd. 2. Excise tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other contrary provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, the city of Baxter may impose by ordinance, for the purposes specified in subdivision 3, an excise tax of up to $20 per motor vehicle, as defined by ordinance, purchased or acquired from any person engaged within the city of Baxter in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail.

Subd. 3. Use of revenues. Revenues received from the taxes authorized by subdivisions 1 and 2 must be used to pay the cost of collecting and administering the tax and to finance the acquisition and betterment of water and wastewater facilities to serve the cities of Brainerd and Baxter, building and equipping a fire substation, as approved by the voters at the referendum authorizing the tax. Authorized costs include, but are not limited to, acquiring property and paying construction and engineering costs related to the projects.

Subd. 4. Bonds. The city of Baxter, pursuant to the approval of the voters at the November 2, 2004, referendum authorizing the imposition of the taxes in this section, may issue general obligation bonds of the city, in one or more series, in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,000,000 to finance the projects listed in subdivision 3.

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The debt represented by the bonds is not included in computing any debt limitations applicable to the city, and the levy of taxes required by Minnesota Statutes, section 475.61, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds is not subject to any levy limitation or included in computing or applying any levy limitation applicable to the city of Baxter.

Subd. 5. Termination of taxes. The taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 2 expire at the earlier of a date 12 years after the imposition of the tax or when the Baxter City Council first determines that the amount of revenues raised from the taxes to pay for the projects under subdivision 3 equals or exceeds $15,000,000 plus any interest on bonds issued for the projects under subdivision 4. Any funds remaining after the expiration of the taxes and retirement of the bonds shall be placed in a capital project fund of the city of Baxter. The taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 2 may expire at an earlier time if the city of Baxter so determines by ordinance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Baxter and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 11. CITY OF BRAINERD; TAXES AUTHORIZED.

Subdivision 1. Sales and use tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, contingent on the approval of the voters on the November 7, 2006, referendum, and pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, the city of Brainerd may impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent for the purposes specified in subdivision 3. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement of the tax authorized under this section.

Subd. 2. Excise tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, the city of Brainerd may impose by ordinance, for the purposes specified in subdivision 3, an excise tax of up to $20 per motor vehicle, as defined by ordinance, purchased, or acquired from any person engaged within the city of Brainerd in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail.

Subd. 3. Use of revenues. Revenues received from the taxes authorized by subdivisions 1 and 2 must be used to pay the cost of collecting and administering the tax and to finance all or part of the costs of constructing upgraded water and wastewater treatment facilities to serve the cities of Brainerd and Baxter, water infrastructure improvements, and trail development, contingent on approval by Brainerd voters at the November 7, 2006, referendum. Authorized costs include, but are not limited to, acquiring property and paying construction and engineering costs related to the projects.

Subd. 4. Bonds. The city of Brainerd, contingent on approval of the voters at the November 7, 2006, referendum authorizing the imposition of taxes in this section, may issue general obligation bonds of the city, in one or more series, in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $22,030,000 to finance the projects listed in subdivision 3. The debt represented by the bonds is not included in computing any debt limitations applicable to Brainerd, and the levy of taxes required by Minnesota Statutes, section 475.61, to pay the principal and interest on the bonds is not subject to any levy limitation or included in computing any levy limitation applicable to the city of Brainerd.

Subd. 5. Termination of taxes. The taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 2 expire at the earlier of a date 12 years after the imposition of the tax or when the city council first determines that the amount of revenues raised from the taxes to pay for projects under subdivision 3 equals or exceeds $22,030,000 plus any interest on bonds

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issued for the projects under subdivision 4. Any funds remaining after the expiration of the taxes and retirement of the bonds shall be placed in a capital project fund of the city of Brainerd. The taxes imposed under subdivision 1 and 2 may expire at an earlier time if the city of Brainerd so determines by ordinance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Brainerd and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 12. CITY OF OWATONNA; TAXES AUTHORIZED.

Subdivision 1. Sales and use tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, if approved by the voters at the next general election pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, the city of Owatonna may impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent for the purposes specified in subdivision 3. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and enforcement of the taxes authorized under this subdivision.

Subd. 2. Excise tax authorized. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, the city of Owatonna may impose by ordinance, for the purposes specified in subdivision 3, an excise tax of $20 per motor vehicle, as defined by ordinance, purchased or acquired from any person engaged within the city in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail.

Subd. 3. Use of revenues. Revenues received from the taxes authorized by subdivisions 1 and 2 must be used to pay all or part of the capital costs of transportation projects included in the 2004 U.S. Highway 14-Owatonna Beltline Study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Steele County, and the city of Owatonna; regional parks and trail developments; and the West Hills complex, including the firehall, and library improvement projects; as described in the city resolution No. 4-06, Exhibit A, as adopted by the city on January 17, 2006. The amount paid from these revenues for transportation projects may not exceed $4,450,000 plus associated bond costs. The amount paid from these revenues for park and trail projects may not exceed $5,400,000 plus associated bond costs. The amount paid from these revenues for West Hills complex, fire hall, and library improvement projects may not exceed $2,823,000 plus associated bond costs.

Subd. 4. Bonds. (a) The city of Owatonna, if approved by voters pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, may issue bonds under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 475, to pay capital and administrative expenses for the projects described in subdivision 3, in an amount that does not exceed $12,700,000. A separate election to approve the bonds under Minnesota Statutes, section 475.58, is not required.

(b) The debt represented by the bonds is not included in computing any debt limitation applicable to the city, and any levy of taxes under Minnesota Statutes, section 475.61, to pay principal and interest on the bonds, is not subject to any levy limitation.

Subd. 5. Termination of taxes. The taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 2 expire at the earlier of (1) ten years after the tax is first imposed, or (2) when the city council determines that the amount of revenues received from the taxes to pay for the projects under subdivision 3 first equals or exceeds the amount authorized to be spent for each project plus the additional amount needed to pay the costs related to issuance of the bonds under subdivision 4, including interest on the bonds. Any funds remaining after completion of the projects and retirement or redemption of the bonds shall be placed in a capital project fund of the city. The taxes imposed under sections 1 and 2 may expire at an earlier time if the city so determines by ordinance.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after compliance by the governing body of the city of Owatonna with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3.

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ARTICLE 4

PROPERTY TAXES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 116J.993, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Business subsidy. "Business subsidy" or "subsidy" means a state or local government agency grant, contribution of personal property, real property, infrastructure, the principal amount of a loan at rates below those commercially available to the recipient, any reduction or deferral of any tax or any fee, any guarantee of any payment under any loan, lease, or other obligation, or any preferential use of government facilities given to a business.

The following forms of financial assistance are not a business subsidy:

(1) a business subsidy of less than $25,000;

(2) assistance that is generally available to all businesses or to a general class of similar businesses, such as a line of business, size, location, or similar general criteria;

(3) public improvements to buildings or lands owned by the state or local government that serve a public purpose and do not principally benefit a single business or defined group of businesses at the time the improvements are made;

(4) redevelopment property polluted by contaminants as defined in section 116J.552, subdivision 3;

(5) assistance provided for the sole purpose of renovating old or decaying building stock or bringing it up to code and assistance provided for designated historic preservation districts, provided that the assistance is equal to or less than 50 percent of the total cost;

(6) assistance to provide job readiness and training services if the sole purpose of the assistance is to provide those services;

(7) assistance for housing;

(8) assistance for pollution control or abatement, including assistance for a tax increment financing hazardous substance subdistrict as defined under section 469.174, subdivision 23;

(9) assistance for energy conservation;

(10) tax reductions resulting from conformity with federal tax law;

(11) workers' compensation and unemployment insurance;

(12) benefits derived from regulation;

(13) indirect benefits derived from assistance to educational institutions;

(14) funds from bonds allocated under chapter 474A, bonds issued to refund outstanding bonds, and bonds issued for the benefit of an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 1999;

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(15) assistance for a collaboration between a Minnesota higher education institution and a business;

(16) assistance for a tax increment financing soils condition district as defined under section 469.174, subdivision 19;

(17) redevelopment when the recipient's investment in the purchase of the site and in site preparation is 70 percent or more of the assessor's current year's estimated market value;

(18) general changes in tax increment financing law and other general tax law changes of a principally technical nature;

(19) federal assistance until the assistance has been repaid to, and reinvested by, the state or local government agency;

(20) funds from dock and wharf bonds issued by a seaway port authority;

(21) business loans and loan guarantees of $75,000 or less; ~~and~~

(22) federal loan funds provided through the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration; and

(23) property tax abatements granted under section 469.1813 to property that is subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 126C.17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

"BY VOTING "YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU MAY BE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE."

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The ballot may contain a textual portion with the information required in this subdivision and a question stating substantially the following:

"Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by (petition to) the board of ........., School District No. .., be approved?"

(e) The approval of 50 percent plus one of those voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for referenda conducted on or after July 1, 2006.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 144F.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Property tax levy authority. The district's board may levy a tax on the taxable real and personal property in the district. The ad valorem tax levy may not exceed 0.048 percent of the taxable market value of the district or ~~$250,000~~ $400,000, whichever is less. The proceeds of the levy must be used as provided in subdivision 5. The board shall certify the levy at the times as provided under section 275.07. The board shall provide the county with whatever information is necessary to identify the property that is located within the district. If the boundaries include a part of a parcel, the entire parcel shall be included in the district. The county auditors must spread, collect, and distribute the proceeds of the tax at the same time and in the same manner as provided by law for all other property taxes.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 216B.2424, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Mandate. (a) A public utility, as defined in section 216B.02, subdivision 4, that operates a nuclear-powered electric generating plant within this state must construct and operate, purchase, or contract to construct and operate (1) by December 31, 1998, 50 megawatts of electric energy installed capacity generated by farm-grown closed-loop biomass scheduled to be operational by December 31, 2001; and (2) by December 31, 1998, an additional 75 megawatts of installed capacity so generated scheduled to be operational by December 31, 2002.

(b) Of the 125 megawatts of biomass electricity installed capacity required under this subdivision, no more than 55 megawatts of this capacity may be provided by a facility that uses poultry litter as its primary fuel source and any such facility:

(1) need not use biomass that complies with the definition in subdivision 1;

(2) must enter into a contract with the public utility for such capacity, that has an average purchase price per megawatt hour over the life of the contract that is equal to or less than the average purchase price per megawatt hour over the life of the contract in contracts approved by the Public Utilities Commission before April 1, 2000, to satisfy the mandate of this section, and file that contract with the Public Utilities Commission prior to September 1, 2000; and

(3) must schedule such capacity to be operational by December 31, 2002.

(c) Of the total 125 megawatts of biomass electric energy installed capacity required under this section, no more than 75 megawatts may be provided by a single project.

(d) Of the 75 megawatts of biomass electric energy installed capacity required under paragraph (a), clause (2), no more than 33 megawatts of this capacity may be provided by a St. Paul district heating and cooling system cogeneration facility utilizing waste wood as a primary fuel source. The St. Paul district heating and cooling system cogeneration facility need not use biomass that complies with the definition in subdivision 1.

(e) The public utility must accept and consider on an equal basis with other biomass proposals:

(1) a proposal to satisfy the requirements of this section that includes a project that exceeds the megawatt capacity requirements of either paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), and that proposes to sell the excess capacity to the public utility or to other purchasers; and

(2) a proposal for a new facility to satisfy more than ten but not more than 20 megawatts of the electrical generation requirements by a small business-sponsored independent power producer facility to be located within the northern quarter of the state, which means the area located north of Constitutional Route No. 8 as described in section 161.114, subdivision 2, and that utilizes biomass residue wood, sawdust, bark, chipped wood, or brush to generate electricity. A facility described in this clause is not required to utilize biomass complying with the definition in subdivision 1, but must be under construction by December 31, 2005.

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(f) If a public utility files a contract with the commission for electric energy installed capacity that uses poultry litter as its primary fuel source, the commission must do a preliminary review of the contract to determine if it meets the purchase price criteria provided in paragraph (b), clause (2), of this subdivision. The commission shall perform its review and advise the parties of its determination within 30 days of filing of such a contract by a public utility. A public utility may submit by September 1, 2000, a revised contract to address the commission's preliminary determination.

(g) The commission shall finally approve, modify, or disapprove no later than July 1, 2001, all contracts submitted by a public utility as of September 1, 2000, to meet the mandate set forth in this subdivision.

(h) If a public utility subject to this section exercises an option to increase the generating capacity of a project in a contract approved by the commission prior to April 25, 2000, to satisfy the mandate in this subdivision, the public utility must notify the commission by September 1, 2000, that it has exercised the option and include in the notice the amount of additional megawatts to be generated under the option exercised. Any review by the commission of the project after exercise of such an option shall be based on the same criteria used to review the existing contract.

(i) A facility specified in this subdivision qualifies for exemption from property taxation under section 272.02, subdivision 43 45.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for property taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 272.02, subdivision 45, is amended to read:

Subd. 45. Biomass electrical generation facility; personal property. Notwithstanding subdivision 9, clause (a), attached machinery and other personal property which is part of an electrical generating facility that meets the requirements of this subdivision is exempt. At the time of construction, the facility must:

(1) be designed to utilize biomass as established in section 216B.2424 as a primary fuel source; and

(2) be constructed for the purpose of generating power at the facility that will be sold pursuant to a contract approved by the Public Utilities Commission in accordance with the biomass mandate imposed under section 216B.2424.

Construction of the facility must be commenced after January 1, 2000, and before December 31, ~~2002~~ 2005. Property eligible for this exemption does not include electric transmission lines and interconnections or gas pipelines and interconnections appurtenant to the property or facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 272.02, subdivision 53, is amended to read:

Subd. 53. Electric generation facility; personal property. Notwithstanding subdivision 9, clause (a), attached machinery and other personal property which is part of a 3.2 megawatt run-of-the-river hydroelectric generation facility and that meets the requirements of this subdivision is exempt. At the time of construction, the facility must:

(1) utilize two turbine generators at a dam site existing on March 31, 1994;

(2) be located on land within 1,500 feet of a 13.8 kilovolt distribution substation; and

(3) be eligible to receive a renewable energy production incentive payment under section 216C.41.

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Construction of the facility must be commenced ~~after December 31, 2004, and~~ before January 1, ~~2007~~ 2009. Property eligible for this exemption does not include electric transmission lines and interconnections or gas pipelines and interconnections appurtenant to the property or the facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 272.02, subdivision 54, is amended to read:

Subd. 54. Small biomass electric generation facility; personal property. (a) Subject to paragraph (b), notwithstanding subdivision 9, clause (a), attached machinery and other personal property which is part of an electrical generating facility that meets the requirements of this subdivision is exempt. At the time of construction the facility must:

(1) have a generation capacity of less than 25 megawatts;

(2) provide process heating needs in addition to electrical generation; and

(3) utilize agricultural by-products from the malting process and other biomass fuels as its primary fuel source.

Construction of the facility must be commenced after January 1, 2002, and before ~~January 1, 2006~~ January 1, 2008. Property eligible for this exemption does not include electric transmission lines and interconnections or gas pipelines and interconnections appurtenant to the property or facility.

(b) The exemption under this subdivision is contingent on approval by the governing bodies of the municipality and county in which the electric generation facility is located.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes levied in 2008, payable in 2009, and thereafter.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 272.02, subdivision 55, is amended to read:

Subd. 55. Electric generation facility; personal property. Notwithstanding subdivision 9, clause (a), attached machinery and other personal property which is part of an electric generating facility that meets the requirements of this subdivision is exempt. At the time of construction, the facility must ~~be sited on an energy park that~~ (i) ~~is located on an active mining site, or on a former mining or industrial site where mining or industrial operations have terminated~~ be designated as an innovative energy project as defined in section 216B.1694, (ii) is be within a tax relief area as defined in section 273.134, (iii) ~~has on-site~~ have access to existing railroad infrastructure within less than three miles, (iv) ~~has direct rail access to a Great Lakes port, (v) has sufficient private water resources on site, and (vi) is~~ have received by resolution approval from the governing body of the county and township or city in which the proposed facility is to be located for the exemption of personal property under this subdivision, and (v) be designed to host at least 500 megawatts of electrical generation.

Construction of the first ~~250~~ 500 megawatts of the facility must be commenced after January 1, ~~2002~~ 2006, and before January 1, ~~2005~~ 2010. Construction of up to an additional 750 megawatts of generation must be commenced before January 1, ~~2010~~ 2015. Property eligible for this exemption does not include electric transmission lines and interconnections or gas pipelines and interconnections appurtenant to the property or the facility. To qualify for an exemption under this subdivision, the owner of the electric generation facility must have an agreement with the host county, township or city, and school district, for payment in lieu of personal property taxes to the host county, township or city, and school district.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 272.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 84. Electric generation facility; personal property. Notwithstanding subdivision 9, clause (a), attached machinery and other personal property which is part of a 10.3 megawatt run-of-the-river hydroelectric generation facility and that meets the requirements of this subdivision is exempt. At the time of construction, the facility must:

(1) utilize between 12 and 16 turbine generators at a dam site existing on March 31, 1994;

(2) be located on land within 3,000 feet of a 13.8 kilovolt distribution substation; and

(3) be eligible to receive a renewable energy production incentive payment under section 216C.41.

Construction of the facility must be commenced after April 30, 2006, and before January 1, 2009. Property eligible for this exemption does not include electric transmission lines and interconnections or gas pipelines and interconnections appurtenant to the property or the facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for property taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 272.029, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this section, the term:

(1) "wind energy conversion system" has the meaning given it in section 216C.06, subdivision 19, and also includes a substation that is used and owned by one or more wind energy conversion facilities;

(2) "large scale wind energy conversion system" means a wind energy conversion system of more than 12 megawatts, as measured by the nameplate capacity of the system or as combined with other systems as provided in paragraph (b);

(3) "medium scale wind energy conversion system" means a wind energy conversion system of over two and not more than 12 megawatts, as measured by the nameplate capacity of the system or as combined with other systems as provided in paragraph (b); and

(4) "small scale wind energy conversion system" means a wind energy conversion system of two megawatts and under, as measured by the nameplate capacity of the system or as combined with other systems as provided in paragraph (b).

(b) For systems installed and contracted for after January 1, 2002, the total size of a wind energy conversion system under this subdivision shall be determined according to this paragraph. Unless the systems are interconnected with different distribution systems, the nameplate capacity of one wind energy conversion system shall be combined with the nameplate capacity of any other wind energy conversion system that is:

(1) located within five miles of the wind energy conversion system;

(2) constructed within the same calendar year as the wind energy conversion system; and

(3) under common ownership.

In the case of a dispute, the commissioner of commerce shall determine the total size of the system, and shall draw all reasonable inferences in favor of combining the systems.

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(c) In making a determination under paragraph (b), the commissioner of commerce may determine that two wind energy conversion systems are under common ownership when the underlying ownership structure contains similar persons or entities, even if the ownership shares differ between the two systems. Wind energy conversion systems are not under common ownership solely because the same person or entity provided equity financing for the systems.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.11, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 23. First tier valuation limit; agricultural homestead property. (a) Beginning with assessment year 2006, the commissioner of revenue shall annually certify the first tier limit for agricultural homestead property as the product of (i) $600,000, and (ii) the ratio of the statewide average taxable market value of agricultural property per acre of deeded farm land in the preceding assessment year to the statewide average taxable market value of agricultural property per acre of deeded farm land for assessment year 2004. The limit shall be rounded to the nearest $10,000.

(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, "agricultural property" means all class 2 property under section 273.13, subdivision 23, except for (1) timberland, (2) a landing area or public access area of a privately owned public use airport, and (3) property consisting of the house, garage and immediately surrounding one acre of land of an agricultural homestead.

(c) The commissioner shall certify the limit by January 2 of each assessment year, except that for assessment year 2006 the commissioner shall certify the limit by June 1, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for assessment year 2006 and thereafter.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.124, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Homestead of member of United States armed forces; Peace Corps; VISTA. (a) Real estate actually occupied and used for the purpose of a homestead by a person, or by a member of that person's immediate family shall be classified as a homestead even though the person or family is absent if (1) the person or the person's family is absent solely because the person is on active duty with the armed forces of the United States, or is serving as a volunteer under the VISTA or Peace Corps program; (2) the owner intends to return as soon as discharged or relieved from service; and (3) the owner claims it as a homestead. A person who knowingly makes or submits to an assessor an affidavit or other statement that is false in any material matter to obtain or aid another in obtaining a benefit under this subdivision is guilty of a felony.

(b) In the case of a person who is absent solely because the person is on active duty with the United States armed forces, homestead classification must be granted as provided in this paragraph if the requirements of paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (3), are met, even if the property has not been occupied as a homestead by the person or a member of the person's family. To qualify for this classification, the person who acquires the property must notify the assessor of the acquisition and of the person's absence due to military service. When the person returns from military service and occupies the property as a homestead, the person shall notify the assessor, who will provide for abatement of the difference between the nonhomestead and homestead taxes for the current and two preceding years, not to exceed the time during which the person owned the property.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for assessments in 2006, taxes payable in 2007, and thereafter.

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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.13, subdivision 23, is amended to read:

Subd. 23. Class 2. (a) Class 2a property is agricultural land including any improvements that is homesteaded. The market value of the house and garage and immediately surrounding one acre of land has the same class rates as class 1a property under subdivision 22. The value of the remaining land including improvements up to ~~and including $600,000 market value~~ the first tier valuation limit of agricultural homestead property has a net class rate of 0.55 percent of market value. The remaining property over ~~$600,000 market value~~ the first tier has a class rate of one percent of market value. For purposes of this subdivision, the "first tier valuation limit of agricultural homestead property" and "first tier" means the limit certified under section 273.11, subdivision 23.

(b) Class 2b property is (1) real estate, rural in character and used exclusively for growing trees for timber, lumber, and wood and wood products; (2) real estate that is not improved with a structure and is used exclusively for growing trees for timber, lumber, and wood and wood products, if the owner has participated or is participating in a cost-sharing program for afforestation, reforestation, or timber stand improvement on that particular property, administered or coordinated by the commissioner of natural resources; (3) real estate that is nonhomestead agricultural land; or (4) a landing area or public access area of a privately owned public use airport. Class 2b property has a net class rate of one percent of market value.

(c) Agricultural land as used in this section means contiguous acreage of ten acres or more, used during the preceding year for agricultural purposes. "Agricultural purposes" as used in this section means the raising or cultivation of agricultural products. "Agricultural purposes" also includes enrollment in the Reinvest in Minnesota program under sections 103F.501 to 103F.535 or the federal Conservation Reserve Program as contained in Public Law 99-198 if the property was classified as agricultural (i) under this subdivision for the assessment year 2002 or (ii) in the year prior to its enrollment. Contiguous acreage on the same parcel, or contiguous acreage on an immediately adjacent parcel under the same ownership, may also qualify as agricultural land, but only if it is pasture, timber, waste, unusable wild land, or land included in state or federal farm programs. Agricultural classification for property shall be determined excluding the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre of land, and shall not be based upon the market value of any residential structures on the parcel or contiguous parcels under the same ownership.

(d) Real estate, excluding the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre of land, of less than ten acres which is exclusively and intensively used for raising or cultivating agricultural products, shall be considered as agricultural land.

Land shall be classified as agricultural even if all or a portion of the agricultural use of that property is the leasing to, or use by another person for agricultural purposes.

Classification under this subdivision is not determinative for qualifying under section 273.111.

The property classification under this section supersedes, for property tax purposes only, any locally administered agricultural policies or land use restrictions that define minimum or maximum farm acreage.

(e) The term "agricultural products" as used in this subdivision includes production for sale of:

(1) livestock, dairy animals, dairy products, poultry and poultry products, fur-bearing animals, horticultural and nursery stock, fruit of all kinds, vegetables, forage, grains, bees, and apiary products by the owner;

(2) fish bred for sale and consumption if the fish breeding occurs on land zoned for agricultural use;

(3) the commercial boarding of horses if the boarding is done in conjunction with raising or cultivating agricultural products as defined in clause (1);

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(4) property which is owned and operated by nonprofit organizations used for equestrian activities, excluding racing;

(5) game birds and waterfowl bred and raised for use on a shooting preserve licensed under section 97A.115;

(6) insects primarily bred to be used as food for animals;

(7) trees, grown for sale as a crop, and not sold for timber, lumber, wood, or wood products; and

(8) maple syrup taken from trees grown by a person licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture under chapter 28A as a food processor.

(f) If a parcel used for agricultural purposes is also used for commercial or industrial purposes, including but not limited to:

(1) wholesale and retail sales;

(2) processing of raw agricultural products or other goods;

(3) warehousing or storage of processed goods; and

(4) office facilities for the support of the activities enumerated in clauses (1), (2), and (3),

the assessor shall classify the part of the parcel used for agricultural purposes as class 1b, 2a, or 2b, whichever is appropriate, and the remainder in the class appropriate to its use. The grading, sorting, and packaging of raw agricultural products for first sale is considered an agricultural purpose. A greenhouse or other building where horticultural or nursery products are grown that is also used for the conduct of retail sales must be classified as agricultural if it is primarily used for the growing of horticultural or nursery products from seed, cuttings, or roots and occasionally as a showroom for the retail sale of those products. Use of a greenhouse or building only for the display of already grown horticultural or nursery products does not qualify as an agricultural purpose.

The assessor shall determine and list separately on the records the market value of the homestead dwelling and the one acre of land on which that dwelling is located. If any farm buildings or structures are located on this homesteaded acre of land, their market value shall not be included in this separate determination.

(g) To qualify for classification under paragraph (b), clause (4), a privately owned public use airport must be licensed as a public airport under section 360.018. For purposes of paragraph (b), clause (4), "landing area" means that part of a privately owned public use airport properly cleared, regularly maintained, and made available to the public for use by aircraft and includes runways, taxiways, aprons, and sites upon which are situated landing or navigational aids. A landing area also includes land underlying both the primary surface and the approach surfaces that comply with all of the following:

(i) the land is properly cleared and regularly maintained for the primary purposes of the landing, taking off, and taxiing of aircraft; but that portion of the land that contains facilities for servicing, repair, or maintenance of aircraft is not included as a landing area;

(ii) the land is part of the airport property; and

(iii) the land is not used for commercial or residential purposes.

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The land contained in a landing area under paragraph (b), clause (4), must be described and certified by the commissioner of transportation. The certification is effective until it is modified, or until the airport or landing area no longer meets the requirements of paragraph (b), clause (4). For purposes of paragraph (b), clause (4), "public access area" means property used as an aircraft parking ramp, apron, or storage hangar, or an arrival and departure building in connection with the airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, and thereafter.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1813, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Authority. The governing body of a political subdivision may grant an a current or prospective abatement, by contract or otherwise, of the taxes imposed by the political subdivision on a parcel of property, which may include personal property and machinery, or defer the payments of the taxes and abate the interest and penalty that otherwise would apply, if:

~~(a)~~ (1) it expects the benefits to the political subdivision of the proposed abatement agreement to at least equal the costs to the political subdivision of the proposed agreement or intends the abatement to phase in a property tax increase, as provided in clause (b)(7); and

~~(b)~~ (2) it finds that doing so is in the public interest because it will:

~~(1)~~ (i) increase or preserve tax base;

~~(2)~~ (ii) provide employment opportunities in the political subdivision;

~~(3)~~ (iii) provide or help acquire or construct public facilities;

~~(4)~~ (iv) help redevelop or renew blighted areas;

~~(5)~~ (v) help provide access to services for residents of the political subdivision;

~~(6)~~ (vi) finance or provide public infrastructure; or

~~(7)~~ (vii) phase in a property tax increase on the parcel resulting from an increase of 50 percent or more in one year on the estimated market value of the parcel, other than increase attributable to improvement of the parcel; or

(viii) stabilize the tax base through equalization of property tax revenues for a specified period of time with respect to a taxpayer whose real and personal property is subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.1813, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Duration limit. (a) A political subdivision may grant an abatement for a period no longer than 15 years, except as provided under paragraph (b). The abatement period commences in the first year in which the abatement granted is either paid or retained in accordance with section 469.1815, subdivision 2. The subdivision may specify in the abatement resolution a shorter duration. If the resolution does not specify a period of time, the abatement is for eight years. If an abatement has been granted to a parcel of property and the period of the abatement has expired, the political subdivision that granted the abatement may not grant another abatement for eight years after the expiration of the first abatement. This prohibition does not apply to improvements added after and not subject to the first abatement. Economic abatement agreements for real and personal property subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100, are not subject to this prohibition and may be granted successively.

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(b) A political subdivision proposing to abate taxes for a parcel may request, in writing, that the other political subdivisions in which the parcel is located grant an abatement for the property. If one of the other political subdivisions declines, in writing, to grant an abatement or if 90 days pass after receipt of the request to grant an abatement without a written response from one of the political subdivisions, the duration limit for an abatement for the parcel by the requesting political subdivision and any other participating political subdivision is increased to 20 years. If the political subdivision which declined to grant an abatement later grants an abatement for the parcel, the 20-year duration limit is reduced by one year for each year that the declining political subdivision grants an abatement for the parcel during the period of the abatement granted by the requesting political subdivision. The duration limit may not be reduced below the limit under paragraph (a).

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1813, subdivision 6b, is amended to read:

Subd. 6b. Extended duration limit. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 6, a political subdivision may grant an abatement for a period of up to 20 years, if the abatement is for a qualified business.

(b) To be a qualified business for purposes of this subdivision, at least 50 percent of the payroll of the operations of the business that qualify for the abatement must be for employees engaged in one of the following lines of business or any combination of them:

(1) manufacturing;

(2) agricultural processing;

(3) mining;

(4) research and development;

(5) warehousing; or

(6) qualified high technology.

Alternatively, a qualified business also includes a taxpayer whose real and personal property is subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100.

(c)(1) "Manufacturing" means the material staging and production of tangible personal property by procedures commonly regarded as manufacturing, processing, fabrication, or assembling which changes some existing material into new shapes, new qualities, or new combinations.

(2) "Mining" has the meaning given in section 613(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(3) "Agricultural processing" means transforming, packaging, sorting, or grading livestock or livestock products, agricultural commodities, or plants or plant products into goods that are used for intermediate or final consumption including goods for nonfood use.

(4) "Research and development" means qualified research as defined in section 41(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(5) "Qualified high technology" means one or more of the following activities:

(i) advanced computing, which is any technology used in the design and development of any of the following:

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(A) computer hardware and software;

(B) data communications; and

(ii) advanced materials, which are materials with engineered properties created through the development of specialized process and synthesis technology;

(iii) biotechnology, which is any technology that uses living organisms, cells, macromolecules, microorganisms, or substances from living organisms to make or modify a product, improve plants or animals, or develop microorganisms for useful purposes;

(iv) electronic device technology, which is any technology that involves microelectronics, semiconductors, electronic equipment, and instrumentation, radio frequency, microwave, and millimeter electronics, and optical and optic-electrical devices, or data and digital communications and imaging devices;

(v) engineering or laboratory testing related to the development of a product;

(vi) technology that assists in the assessment or prevention of threats or damage to human health or the environment, including, but not limited to, environmental cleanup technology, pollution prevention technology, or development of alternative energy sources;

(vii) medical device technology, which is any technology that involves medical equipment or products other than a pharmaceutical product that has therapeutic or diagnostic value and is regulated; or

(viii) advanced vehicles technology which is any technology that involves electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or alternative fuel vehicles, or components used in the construction of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or alternative fuel vehicles. An electric vehicle is a road vehicle that draws propulsion energy only from an on-board source of electrical energy. A hybrid vehicle is a road vehicle that can draw propulsion energy from both a consumable fuel and a rechargeable energy storage system.

(d) The authority to grant new abatements under this subdivision expires on July 1, 2004, except that the authority to grant new abatements for real and personal property subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100, does not expire.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1813, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Limitation on abatements. In any year, the total amount of property taxes abated by a political subdivision under this section may not exceed (1) ten percent of the current levy, or (2) $200,000, whichever is greater. The limit under this subdivision does not apply to:

(1) an uncollected abatement from a prior year that is added to the abatement levy; or

(2) a taxpayer whose real and personal property is subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1813, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Consent of property owner not required. A political subdivision may abate the taxes on a parcel under sections 469.1812 to 469.1815 without obtaining the consent of the property owner. This subdivision does not apply to abatements granted to a taxpayer whose real and personal property is valued under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100.

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Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1813, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10. Applicability to utility properties. When this statute is applied or utilized with respect to a taxpayer whose real and personal property is subject to valuation under Minnesota Rules, chapter 8100, the provisions of this section and sections 469.1814 and 469.1815 shall apply only to property specified or described in the abatement contract or agreement.

Sec. 20. Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 8, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2005, chapter 151, article 3, section 19, is amended to read:

[EFFECTIVE DATE.] This section is effective for taxes levied in 2002, payable in 2003, through taxes levied in ~~2009~~ 2011, payable in ~~2010~~ 2012.

Sec. 21. PROPERTY TAX REFUND COLLECTION ACTION PROHIBITED; REFUNDS REQUIRED.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 289A.60, subdivision 12, or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of revenue shall not disallow any part of a claim for a property tax refund filed in 2005 or an earlier year to the extent that the claim was excessive because it did not include in the claimant's income as determined under Minnesota Statutes, section 290A.03, subdivision 3, the cash value of a tuition discount provided by a postsecondary education institution. If a claimant was required to repay any part of a property tax refund based on inclusion of this discount in the claimant's income on a claim filed in 2005 or an earlier year, the commissioner must refund that amount to the claimant.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 22. BUFFALO-RED RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT.

(a) Notwithstanding the limitations of Minnesota Statutes, section 103D.905, subdivision 3, and Laws 1976, chapter 162, as amended, the Buffalo-Red River watershed district may levy only (1) the annual general levy as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 103D.905, subdivision 3, and (2) a tax not to exceed 0.02394 percent of taxable market value to pay the cost attributable to the basic water management features of projects initiated by petition of a political subdivision within the watershed district or by petition of at least 50 resident owners of property within the watershed district. In addition to any other purposes authorized by law, the levy under this section may be used to develop and implement total maximum daily loads for water quality. Any project initiated by petition cannot be for a period exceeding 15 consecutive years.

(b) The tax levy under paragraph (a), clause (2), is effective beginning with taxes levied in 2006, payable in 2007, through taxes levied in 2008, payable in 2009, except that any project initiated by petition under this section within the two-year time period that extends beyond taxes payable in 2009, the 0.00798 percent of taxable market value levy authorization under Minnesota Statutes, section 103D.905, subdivision 3, shall continue to fund those projects for their duration. The tax levy under paragraph (a), clause (i), has no expiration date.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 23. COOK-ORR HOSPITAL DISTRICT; ADDITION OF TERRITORY.

The board of the hospital district created under Laws 1988, chapter 645, may enter into an agreement with the Tribal Council of the Bois Forte Band of Minnesota Chippewa that would permit the reservation lands of the Bois Forte Band at Nett Lake and Lake Vermilion to be included in the territory of the hospital district. The agreement must establish the terms and conditions under which the territory would be so expanded, including the amount of or means for determining the amount of the contribution by the Bois Forte Band to the district.

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Sec. 24. PROPERTY TAX CERTIFICATION; ROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 126C.48 and 275.065, with the agreement of the school district's home county, Independent School District No. 535, Rochester, on or before October 8, shall certify to the county auditor the district's proposed property tax levy for taxes payable in the following year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2007 only.

Sec. 25. LEASE LEVY; ADMINISTRATIVE SPACE, ROCORI AND FARIBAULT.

Independent School Districts Nos. 656, Faribault, and 750, Rocori, may lease administrative space under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, if the district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commissioner of education that the administrative space is less expensive than instructional space that the district would otherwise lease. A school district may not levy under this section for more than five years. The commissioner must deny this levy authority unless the district passes a resolution stating its intent to lease instructional space under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, if the commissioner does not grant authority under this section. The resolution must also certify that a lease of administrative space under this section is less expensive than the district's proposed instructional lease. Levy authority under this section shall not exceed the total levy authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1, paragraph (e).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective beginning with revenue for taxes payable in 2007.

ARTICLE 5

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE PROPERTY TAXES AND AIDS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 273.13, subdivision 22, is amended to read:

Subd. 22. Class 1. (a) Except as provided in subdivision 23 and in paragraphs (b) and (c), real estate which is residential and used for homestead purposes is class 1a. In the case of a duplex or triplex in which one of the units is used for homestead purposes, the entire property is deemed to be used for homestead purposes. The market value of class 1a property must be determined based upon the value of the house, garage, and land.

The first $500,000 of market value of class 1a property has a net class rate of one percent of its market value; and the market value of class 1a property that exceeds $500,000 has a class rate of 1.25 percent of its market value.

(b) Class 1b property includes homestead real estate or homestead manufactured homes used for the purposes of a homestead by

(1) any person who is blind as defined in section 256D.35, or the blind person and the blind person's spouse; or

(2) any person, hereinafter referred to as "veteran," who:

(i) served in the active military or naval service of the United States; and

(ii) is entitled to compensation under the laws and regulations of the United States for permanent and total service-connected disability due to the loss, or loss of use, by reason of amputation, ankylosis, progressive muscular dystrophies, or paralysis, of both lower extremities, such as to preclude motion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair; and

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(iii) has acquired a special housing unit with special fixtures or movable facilities made necessary by the nature of the veteran's disability, or the surviving spouse of the deceased veteran for as long as the surviving spouse retains the special housing unit as a homestead; or

(3) any person who is permanently and totally disabled.

Property is classified and assessed under clause (3) only if the government agency or income-providing source certifies, upon the request of the homestead occupant, that the homestead occupant satisfies the disability requirements of this paragraph.

Property is classified and assessed pursuant to clause (1) only if the commissioner of revenue certifies to the assessor that the homestead occupant satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.

Permanently and totally disabled for the purpose of this subdivision means a condition which is permanent in nature and totally incapacitates the person from working at an occupation which brings the person an income. The first $32,000 market value of class 1b property has a net class rate of .45 percent of its market value. The remaining market value of class 1b property has a class rate using the rates for class 1a or class 2a property, whichever is appropriate, of similar market value.

(c) Class 1c property is commercial use real property that abuts a lakeshore line and is devoted to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreational purposes but not devoted to commercial purposes for more than 250 days in the year preceding the year of assessment, and that includes a portion used as a homestead by the owner, which includes a dwelling occupied as a homestead by a shareholder of a corporation that owns the resort, a partner in a partnership that owns the resort, or a member of a limited liability company that owns the resort even if the title to the homestead is held by the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company. For purposes of this clause, property is devoted to a commercial purpose on a specific day if any portion of the property, excluding the portion used exclusively as a homestead, is used for residential occupancy and a fee is charged for residential occupancy. The portion of the property used as a homestead ~~by the owner has the same class rates as~~ is class 1a property under paragraph (a). The remainder of the property is classified as follows: the first $500,000 of market value is tier I, the next $1,700,000 of market value is tier II, and any remaining market value is tier III. The class rates for class 1c are: tier I, 0.55 percent; tier II, 1.0 percent; and tier III, 1.25 percent. If a class 1c resort property has any market value in tier III, the entire property must meet the requirements of subdivision 25, paragraph (d), clause (1), to qualify for class 1c treatment under this paragraph.

(d) Class 1d property includes structures that meet all of the following criteria:

(1) the structure is located on property that is classified as agricultural property under section 273.13, subdivision 23;

(2) the structure is occupied exclusively by seasonal farm workers during the time when they work on that farm, and the occupants are not charged rent for the privilege of occupying the property, provided that use of the structure for storage of farm equipment and produce does not disqualify the property from classification under this paragraph;

(3) the structure meets all applicable health and safety requirements for the appropriate season; and

(4) the structure is not salable as residential property because it does not comply with local ordinances relating to location in relation to streets or roads.

The market value of class 1d property has the same class rates as class 1a property under paragraph (a).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2006 and thereafter.

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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 273.13, subdivision 25, is amended to read:

Subd. 25. Class 4. (a) Class 4a is residential real estate containing four or more units and used or held for use by the owner or by the tenants or lessees of the owner as a residence for rental periods of 30 days or more, excluding property qualifying for class 4d. Class 4a also includes hospitals licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56, other than hospitals exempt under section 272.02, and contiguous property used for hospital purposes, without regard to whether the property has been platted or subdivided. The market value of class 4a property has a class rate of 1.25 percent.

(b) Class 4b includes:

(1) residential real estate containing less than four units that does not qualify as class 4bb, other than seasonal residential recreational property;

(2) manufactured homes not classified under any other provision;

(3) a dwelling, garage, and surrounding one acre of property on a nonhomestead farm classified under subdivision 23, paragraph (b) containing two or three units; and

(4) unimproved property that is classified residential as determined under subdivision 33.

The market value of class 4b property has a class rate of 1.25 percent.

(1) nonhomestead residential real estate containing one unit, other than seasonal residential recreational property; and

(2) a single family dwelling, garage, and surrounding one acre of property on a nonhomestead farm classified under subdivision 23, paragraph (b).

Class 4bb property has the same class rates as class 1a property under subdivision 22.

Property that has been classified as seasonal residential recreational property at any time during which it has been owned by the current owner or spouse of the current owner does not qualify for class 4bb.

(d) Class 4c property includes:

(1) except as provided in subdivision 22, paragraph (c), real property devoted to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreation purposes, including real property devoted to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreation purposes and not devoted to commercial purposes for more than 250 days in the year preceding the year of assessment. For purposes of this clause, property is devoted to a commercial purpose on a specific day if any portion of the property is used for residential occupancy, and a fee is charged for residential occupancy. In order for a property to be classified as class 4c, seasonal residential recreational for commercial purposes, at least 40 percent of the annual gross lodging receipts related to the property must be from business conducted during 90 consecutive days and either (i) at least 60 percent of all paid bookings by lodging guests during the year must be for periods of at least two consecutive nights; or (ii) at least 20 percent of the annual gross receipts must be from charges for rental of fish houses, boats and motors, snowmobiles, downhill or cross-country ski equipment, or charges for marina services, launch services, and guide services, or the sale of bait and fishing tackle. For purposes of this determination, a paid booking of five or more nights shall be counted as two bookings. Class 4c also includes commercial use real property used exclusively for recreational purposes in conjunction with class 4c

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property devoted to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreational purposes, up to a total of two acres, provided the property is not devoted to commercial recreational use for more than 250 days in the year preceding the year of assessment and is located within two miles of the class 4c property with which it is used. Owners of real property devoted to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreation purposes and all or a portion of which was devoted to commercial purposes for not more than 250 days in the year preceding the year of assessment desiring classification as class 1c or 4c, must submit a declaration to the assessor designating the cabins or units occupied for 250 days or less in the year preceding the year of assessment by January 15 of the assessment year. Those cabins or units and a proportionate share of the land on which they are located will be designated class 1c or 4c as otherwise provided. The remainder of the cabins or units and a proportionate share of the land on which they are located will be designated as class 3a. The owner of property desiring designation as class 1c or 4c property must provide guest registers or other records demonstrating that the units for which class 1c or 4c designation is sought were not occupied for more than 250 days in the year preceding the assessment if so requested. The portion of a property operated as a (1) restaurant, (2) bar, (3) gift shop, and (4) other nonresidential facility operated on a commercial basis not directly related to temporary and seasonal residential occupancy for recreation purposes shall not qualify for class 1c or 4c;

(2) qualified property used as a golf course if:

(i) it is open to the public on a daily fee basis. It may charge membership fees or dues, but a membership fee may not be required in order to use the property for golfing, and its green fees for golfing must be comparable to green fees typically charged by municipal courses; and

(ii) it meets the requirements of section 273.112, subdivision 3, paragraph (d).

A structure used as a clubhouse, restaurant, or place of refreshment in conjunction with the golf course is classified as class 3a property;

(3) real property up to a maximum of one acre of land owned by a nonprofit community service oriented organization; provided that the property is not used for a revenue-producing activity for more than six days in the calendar year preceding the year of assessment and the property is not used for residential purposes on either a temporary or permanent basis. For purposes of this clause, a "nonprofit community service oriented organization" means any corporation, society, association, foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, fraternal, civic, or educational purposes, and which is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3), (10), or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended through December 31, 1990. For purposes of this clause, "revenue-producing activities" shall include but not be limited to property or that portion of the property that is used as an on-sale intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt liquor establishment licensed under chapter 340A, a restaurant open to the public, bowling alley, a retail store, gambling conducted by organizations licensed under chapter 349, an insurance business, or office or other space leased or rented to a lessee who conducts a for-profit enterprise on the premises. Any portion of the property which is used for revenue-producing activities for more than six days in the calendar year preceding the year of assessment shall be assessed as class 3a. The use of the property for social events open exclusively to members and their guests for periods of less than 24 hours, when an admission is not charged nor any revenues are received by the organization shall not be considered a revenue-producing activity;

(4) postsecondary student housing of not more than one acre of land that is owned by a nonprofit corporation organized under chapter 317A and is used exclusively by a student cooperative, sorority, or fraternity for on-campus housing or housing located within two miles of the border of a college campus;

(5) manufactured home parks as defined in section 327.14, subdivision 3;

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(6) real property that is actively and exclusively devoted to indoor fitness, health, social, recreational, and related uses, is owned and operated by a not-for-profit corporation, and is located within the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2;

(7) a leased or privately owned noncommercial aircraft storage hangar not exempt under section 272.01, subdivision 2, and the land on which it is located, provided that:

(i) the land is on an airport owned or operated by a city, town, county, Metropolitan Airports Commission, or group thereof; and

(ii) the land lease, or any ordinance or signed agreement restricting the use of the leased premise, prohibits commercial activity performed at the hangar.

If a hangar classified under this clause is sold after June 30, 2000, a bill of sale must be filed by the new owner with the assessor of the county where the property is located within 60 days of the sale;

(8) a privately owned noncommercial aircraft storage hangar not exempt under section 272.01, subdivision 2, and the land on which it is located, provided that:

(i) the land abuts a public airport; and

(ii) the owner of the aircraft storage hangar provides the assessor with a signed agreement restricting the use of the premises, prohibiting commercial use or activity performed at the hangar; and

(9) residential real estate, a portion of which is used by the owner for homestead purposes, and that is also a place of lodging, if all of the following criteria are met:

(i) rooms are provided for rent to transient guests that generally stay for periods of 14 or fewer days;

(ii) meals are provided to persons who rent rooms, the cost of which is incorporated in the basic room rate;

(iii) meals are not provided to the general public except for special events on fewer than seven days in the calendar year preceding the year of the assessment; and

(iv) the owner is the operator of the property.

The market value subject to the 4c classification under this clause is limited to five rental units. Any rental units on the property in excess of five, must be valued and assessed as class 3a. The portion of the property used for purposes of a homestead by the owner must be classified as class 1a property under subdivision 22.

Class 4c property has a class rate of 1.5 percent of market value, except that (i) each parcel of seasonal residential recreational property not used for commercial purposes has the same class rates as class 4bb property, (ii) manufactured home parks assessed under clause (5) have the same class rate as class 4b property, (iii) commercial-use seasonal residential recreational property has a class rate of one percent for the first $500,000 of market value, ~~which includes any market value receiving the one percent rate under subdivision 22,~~ and 1.25 percent for the remaining market value, (iv) the market value of property described in clause (4) has a class rate of one percent, (v) the market value of property described in clauses (2) and (6) has a class rate of 1.25 percent, and (vi) that portion of the market value of property in clause (9) qualifying for class 4c property has a class rate of 1.25 percent.

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(e) Class 4d property is qualifying low-income rental housing certified to the assessor by the Housing Finance Agency under section 273.128, subdivision 3. If only a portion of the units in the building qualify as low-income rental housing units as certified under section 273.128, subdivision 3, only the proportion of qualifying units to the total number of units in the building qualify for class 4d. The remaining portion of the building shall be classified by the assessor based upon its use. Class 4d also includes the same proportion of land as the qualifying low-income rental housing units are to the total units in the building. For all properties qualifying as class 4d, the market value determined by the assessor must be based on the normal approach to value using normal unrestricted rents.

Class 4d property has a class rate of 0.75 percent.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2006 and subsequent years.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 273.1384, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Residential homestead market value credit. Each county auditor shall determine a homestead credit for each class 1a, 1b, ~~1c,~~ and 2a homestead property within the county equal to 0.4 percent of the first $76,000 of market value of the property minus .09 percent of the market value in excess of $76,000. The credit amount may not be less than zero. In the case of an agricultural or resort homestead, only the market value of the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre of land is eligible in determining the property's homestead credit. In the case of a property ~~which~~ that is classified as part homestead and part nonhomestead, (i) the credit shall apply only to the homestead portion of the property, but (ii) if a portion of a property is classified as nonhomestead solely because not all the owners occupy the property, not all the owners have qualifying relatives occupying the property, or solely because ~~both~~ not all the spouses ~~do not~~ of owners occupy the property, the credit amount shall be initially computed as if that nonhomestead portion were also in the homestead class and then prorated to the owner-occupant's percentage of ownership ~~or prorated to one-half if both spouses do not occupy the property~~. For the purpose of this section, when an owner-occupant's spouse does not occupy the property, the percentage of ownership for the owner-occupant spouse is one-half of the couple's ownership percentage.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.1384, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Agricultural homestead market value credit. Property classified as class 2a agricultural homestead is eligible for an agricultural credit. The credit is computed using the property's agricultural credit market value, defined for this purpose as the property's class 2a market value excluding the market value of the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre of land. The credit is equal to 0.3 percent of the first $115,000 of the property's agricultural credit market value~~. The credit under this subdivision is limited to $345 for each homestead. The credit is reduced by~~ minus .05 percent of the property's agricultural credit market value in excess of $115,000, subject to a maximum reduction of $115. In the case of property that is classified in part as class 2a agricultural homestead and in part as class 2b nonhomestead farm land solely because not all the owners occupy or farm the property, not all the owners have qualifying relatives occupying or farming the property, or solely because not all the spouses of owners occupy the property, the credit must be initially computed as if that nonhomestead agricultural land was also classified as class 2a agricultural homestead and then prorated to the owner-occupant's percentage of ownership.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.1398, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Disparity reduction aid. ~~For taxes payable in 2003 and subsequent years,~~ The amount of disparity aid certified for each taxing district within each unique taxing jurisdiction for taxes payable in the prior year shall be multiplied by the ratio of (1) the jurisdiction's tax capacity using the class rates for taxes payable in the year for

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which aid is being computed, to (2) its tax capacity using the class rates for taxes payable in the year prior to that for which aid is being computed, both based upon market values for taxes payable in the year prior to that for which aid is being computed. For the purposes of this aid determination, disparity reduction aid certified for taxes payable in the prior year for a taxing entity other than a town or school district is deemed to be county government disparity reduction aid. The amount of disparity aid certified to each taxing jurisdiction shall be reduced by any reductions required in the current year or permanent reductions required in previous years under section 477A.0132. If the commissioner determines that insufficient information is available to reasonably and timely calculate the numerator in this ratio for the first taxes payable year that a class rate change or new class rate is effective, the commissioner shall omit the effects of that class rate change or new class rate when calculating this ratio for aid payable in that taxes payable year. For aid payable in the year following a year for which such omission was made, the commissioner shall use in the denominator for the class that was changed or created, the tax capacity for taxes payable two years prior to that in which the aid is payable, based on market values for taxes payable in the year prior to that for which aid is being computed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes payable in 2006 and thereafter.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 281.23, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Certificate. After the time for redemption of any lands shall have expired after notice given, as provided in subdivisions 2, 3, 5, and 6, the county auditor shall execute a certificate describing the lands, specifying the tax judgment sale at which the same were bid in for the state, and stating that the time for redemption thereof has expired after notice given as provided by law and that absolute title thereto has vested in the state of Minnesota. Such certificate shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder ~~and thereafter filed in the office of the county auditor~~, except that in case of registered land such certificate shall be ~~filed~~ recorded in the office of the registrar of titles ~~and a duplicate filed in the office of the county auditor~~. Such certificate and the record thereof shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated, but failure to execute or record or file such certificate shall not affect the validity of any proceedings hereunder respecting such lands or the title of the state thereto.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 284.07, is amended to read:

284.07 COUNTY AUDITOR'S CERTIFICATE TO BE PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE.

The county auditor's certificate of forfeiture ~~filed~~ recorded by the county auditor as provided by section 281.23, subdivision 9, and acts supplemental thereto, or by any other law hereafter enacted providing for the recording of such a certificate or a certified copy of such certificate or of the record thereof, shall, for all purposes, be prima facie evidence that all requirements of the law respecting the taxation and forfeiture of the lands therein described were complied with, and that at the date of the certificate absolute title to such lands had vested in the state by reason of forfeiture for delinquent taxes, as set forth in the certificate.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 477A.014, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Calculations and payments. (a) The commissioner of revenue shall make all necessary calculations and make payments pursuant to sections 477A.013, 477A.0132, and 477A.03 directly to the affected taxing authorities annually. In addition, the commissioner shall notify the authorities of their aid amounts, as well as the computational factors used in making the calculations for their authority, and those statewide total figures that are pertinent, before August 1 of the year preceding the aid distribution year.

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(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, aid is determined for a city or town based on its city or town status as of June 30 of the year preceding the aid distribution year. If the effective date for a municipal incorporation, consolidation, annexation, detachment, dissolution, or township organization is on or before June 30 of the year preceding the aid distribution year, such change in boundaries or form of government shall be recognized for aid determinations for the aid distribution year. If the effective date for a municipal incorporation, consolidation, annexation, detachment, dissolution, or township organization is after June 30 of the year preceding the aid distribution year, such change in boundaries or form of government shall not be recognized for aid determinations until the following year.

(c) Changes in boundaries or form of government will only be recognized for the purposes of this subdivision, to the extent that: (1) changes in market values are included in market values reported by assessors to the commissioner, and changes in population, household size, and the road accidents factor are included in their respective certifications to the commissioner as referenced in section 477A.011, or (2) an annexation information report as provided in paragraph (d) is received by the commissioner on or before July 15 of the aid calculation year. Revisions to estimates or data for use in recognizing changes in boundaries or form of government are not effective for purposes of this subdivision unless received by the commissioner on or before July 15 of the aid calculation year. Clerical errors in the certification or use of estimates and data established as of July 15 in the aid calculation year are subject to correction within the time periods allowed under subdivision 3.

(d) In the case of an annexation, an annexation information report may be completed by the annexing jurisdiction and submitted to the commissioner for purposes of this subdivision if the net tax capacity of annexed area for the assessment year preceding the effective date of the annexation exceeds five percent of the city's net tax capacity for the same year. The form and contents of the annexation information report shall be prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner shall change the net tax capacity, the population, the population decline, the commercial industrial percentage, and the transformed population for the annexing jurisdiction only if the annexation information report provides data the commissioner determines to be reliable for all of these factors used to compute city revenue need for the annexing jurisdiction. The commissioner shall adjust the pre-1940 housing percentage, the road accidents factor, and household size only if the entire area of an existing city or town is annexed or consolidated and only if reliable data is available for all of these factors used to compute city revenue need for the annexing jurisdiction.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for aid payable in 2007 and thereafter.

ARTICLE 6

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SALES AND USE TAXES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.61, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Sale and purchase. (a) "Sale" and "purchase" include, but are not limited to, each of the transactions listed in this subdivision.

(b) Sale and purchase include:

(1) any transfer of title or possession, or both, of tangible personal property, whether absolutely or conditionally, for a consideration in money or by exchange or barter; and

(2) the leasing of or the granting of a license to use or consume, for a consideration in money or by exchange or barter, tangible personal property, other than a manufactured home used for residential purposes for a continuous period of 30 days or more.

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(c) Sale and purchase include the production, fabrication, printing, or processing of tangible personal property for a consideration for consumers who furnish either directly or indirectly the materials used in the production, fabrication, printing, or processing.

(d) Sale and purchase include the preparing for a consideration of food. Notwithstanding section 297A.67, subdivision 2, taxable food includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) prepared food sold by the retailer;

(2) soft drinks;

(3) candy;

(4) dietary supplements; and

(5) all food sold through vending machines.

(e) A sale and a purchase includes the furnishing for a consideration of electricity, gas, water, or steam for use or consumption within this state.

(f) A sale and a purchase includes the transfer for a consideration of prewritten computer software whether delivered electronically, by load and leave, or otherwise.

(g) A sale and a purchase includes the furnishing for a consideration of the following services:

(1) the privilege of admission to places of amusement, recreational areas, or athletic events, and the making available of amusement devices, tanning facilities, reducing salons, steam baths, turkish baths, health clubs, and spas or athletic facilities;

(2) lodging and related services by a hotel, rooming house, resort, campground, motel, or trailer camp and the granting of any similar license to use real property in a specific facility, other than the renting or leasing of it for a continuous period of 30 days or more under an enforceable written agreement that may not be terminated without prior notice;

(3) nonresidential parking services, whether on a contractual, hourly, or other periodic basis, except for parking at a meter;

(4) the granting of membership in a club, association, or other organization if:

(i) the club, association, or other organization makes available for the use of its members sports and athletic facilities, without regard to whether a separate charge is assessed for use of the facilities; and

(ii) use of the sports and athletic facility is not made available to the general public on the same basis as it is made available to members.

Granting of membership means both onetime initiation fees and periodic membership dues. Sports and athletic facilities include golf courses; tennis, racquetball, handball, and squash courts; basketball and volleyball facilities; running tracks; exercise equipment; swimming pools; and other similar athletic or sports facilities;

(5) delivery of aggregate materials and concrete block by a third party if the delivery would be subject to the sales tax if provided by the seller of the aggregate material or concrete block; and

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(6) services as provided in this clause:

(i) laundry and dry cleaning services including cleaning, pressing, repairing, altering, and storing clothes, linen services and supply, cleaning and blocking hats, and carpet, drapery, upholstery, and industrial cleaning. Laundry and dry cleaning services do not include services provided by coin operated facilities operated by the customer;

(ii) motor vehicle washing, waxing, and cleaning services, including services provided by coin operated facilities operated by the customer, and rustproofing, undercoating, and towing of motor vehicles;

(iii) building and residential cleaning, maintenance, and disinfecting and exterminating services;

(iv) detective, security, burglar, fire alarm, and armored car services; but not including services performed within the jurisdiction they serve by off-duty licensed peace officers as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, or services provided by a nonprofit organization for monitoring and electronic surveillance of persons placed on in-home detention pursuant to court order or under the direction of the Minnesota Department of Corrections;

(v) pet grooming services;

(vi) lawn care, fertilizing, mowing, spraying and sprigging services; garden planting and maintenance; tree, bush, and shrub pruning, bracing, spraying, and surgery; indoor plant care; tree, bush, shrub, and stump removal, except when performed as part of a land clearing contract as defined in section 297A.68, subdivision 40; and tree trimming for public utility lines. Services performed under a construction contract for the installation of shrubbery, plants, sod, trees, bushes, and similar items are not taxable;

(vii) massages, except when provided by a licensed health care facility or professional or upon written referral from a licensed health care facility or professional for treatment of illness, injury, or disease; and

(viii) the furnishing of lodging, board, and care services for animals in kennels and other similar arrangements, but excluding veterinary and horse boarding services.

In applying the provisions of this chapter, the terms "tangible personal property" and "~~sales at~~ retail sale" include taxable services listed in clause (6), items (i) to (vi) and (viii), and the provision of these taxable services, unless specifically provided otherwise. Services performed by an employee for an employer are not taxable. Services performed by a partnership or association for another partnership or association are not taxable if one of the entities owns or controls more than 80 percent of the voting power of the equity interest in the other entity. Services performed between members of an affiliated group of corporations are not taxable. For purposes of the preceding sentence, "affiliated group of corporations" ~~includes~~ means those entities that would be classified as members of an affiliated group as defined under United States Code, title 26, section 1504, ~~and that are eligible to file a consolidated tax return for federal income tax purposes~~ disregarding the exclusions in section 1504(b).

(h) A sale and a purchase includes the furnishing for a consideration of tangible personal property or taxable services by the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, or the state of Minnesota, its agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions.

(i) A sale and a purchase includes the furnishing for a consideration of telecommunications services, including cable television services and direct satellite services. Telecommunications services are taxed to the extent allowed under federal law.

(j) A sale and a purchase includes the furnishing for a consideration of installation if the installation charges would be subject to the sales tax if the installation were provided by the seller of the item being installed.

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(k) A sale and a purchase includes the rental of a vehicle by a motor vehicle dealer to a customer when (1) the vehicle is rented by the customer for a consideration, or (2) the motor vehicle dealer is reimbursed pursuant to a service contract as defined in section 65B.29, subdivision 1, clause (1).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Farm machinery. (a) "Farm machinery" means new or used machinery, equipment, implements, accessories, and contrivances used directly and principally in agricultural production of tangible personal property intended to be sold ultimately at retail including, but not limited to:

(1) machinery for the preparation, seeding, or cultivation of soil for growing agricultural crops;

(2) barn cleaners, milking systems, grain dryers, feeding systems including stationary feed bunks, and similar installations, whether or not the equipment is installed by the seller and becomes part of the real property; and

(3) irrigation equipment sold for exclusively agricultural use, including pumps, pipe fittings, valves, sprinklers, and other equipment necessary to the operation of an irrigation system when sold as part of an irrigation system, whether or not the equipment is installed by the seller and becomes part of the real property.

(b) Farm machinery does not include:

(1) repair or replacement parts;

(2) tools, shop equipment, grain bins, fencing material, communication equipment, and other farm supplies;

(3) motor vehicles taxed under chapter 297B;

(4) snowmobiles or snow blowers;

(5) lawn mowers except those used in the production of sod for sale, or garden-type tractors or garden tillers; or

(6) machinery, equipment, implements, accessories, and contrivances used directly in the production of horses not raised for slaughter, fur-bearing animals, or research animals.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 16a. Computer. "Computer" means an electronic device that accepts information in digital or similar form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 16b. Electronic. "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 16c. Computer software. "Computer software" means a set of coded instructions designed to cause a computer or automatic data processing equipment to perform a task.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, subdivision 17, is amended to read:

Subd. 17. Prewritten computer software. "Prewritten computer software" means computer software, including prewritten upgrades, that is not designed and developed by the author or other creator to the specifications of a specific purchaser. The combining of two or more "prewritten computer software" programs or prewritten portions of the programs does not cause the combination to be other than "prewritten computer software." "Prewritten computer software" includes software designed and developed by the author or other creator to the specifications of a specific purchaser when it is sold to a person other than the specific purchaser. If a person modifies or enhances computer software of which the person is not the author or creator, the person is deemed to be the author or creator only of such person's modifications or enhancements. "Prewritten computer software" or a prewritten portion of it that is modified or enhanced to any degree, if the modification or enhancement is designed and developed to the specifications of a specific purchaser, remains "prewritten computer software"; provided, however, that if there is a reasonable, separately stated charge or an invoice or other statement of the price given to the purchaser for such modification or enhancement, the modification or enhancement does not constitute "prewritten computer software." ~~For purposes of this subdivision:~~

~~(1) "computer" means an electronic device that accepts information in digital or similar form and manipulates it for a result based on a sequence of instructions;~~

~~(2) "electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities; and~~

~~(3) "computer software" means a set of coded instructions designed to cause a "computer" or automatic data processing equipment to perform a task.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.61, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 37. Logging equipment. (a) "Logging equipment" means new or used machinery, equipment, implements, accessories, and contrivances used directly and principally in the commercial cutting or removal or both of timber or other solid wood forest products intended to be sold ultimately at retail, including, but not limited to:

(1) machinery used for bucking, bunching, debarking, delimbing, felling, forwarding, loading, piling, skidding, topping, and yarding operations performed on timber; and

(2) chain saws.

(b) Logging equipment does not include:

(1) repair or replacement parts;

(2) tools, shop equipment, communication equipment, and other logging supplies;

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(3) motor vehicles taxed under chapter 297B;

(4) snowmobiles, snow blowers, or recreational all-terrain vehicles; or

(5) machinery, equipment, implements, accessories, and contrivances used in the creation of other commercial wood products for sale to others, including, but not limited to, milling, planing, carving, wood chipping, or paper manufacturing.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.63, is amended to read:

297A.63 USE TAXES IMPOSED; RATES.

Subdivision 1. Use of tangible personal property or taxable services. (a) For the privilege of using, storing, distributing, or consuming in Minnesota tangible personal property or taxable services purchased for use, storage, distribution, or consumption in this state, a use tax is imposed on a person in Minnesota. The tax is imposed on the ~~sales~~ purchase price of retail sales of the tangible personal property or taxable services at the rate of tax imposed under section 297A.62. A person that purchases property from a Minnesota retailer and returns the tangible personal property to a point within Minnesota, except in the course of interstate commerce, after it was delivered outside of Minnesota, is subject to the use tax.

(b) No tax is imposed under paragraph (a) if the tax imposed by section 297A.62 was paid on the sales price of the tangible personal property or taxable services.

(c) No tax is imposed under paragraph (a) if the purchase meets the requirements for exemption under section 297A.67, subdivision 21.

Subd. 2. Use of tangible personal property made from materials. (a) A use tax is imposed on a person who manufactures, fabricates, or assembles tangible personal property from materials, either within or outside this state and who uses, stores, distributes, or consumes the tangible personal property in Minnesota. The tax is imposed on the ~~sales~~ purchase price of retail sales of the materials contained in the tangible personal property at the rate of tax imposed under section 297A.62.

(b) No tax is imposed under paragraph (a) if the tax imposed by section 297A.62 was paid on the sales price of materials contained in the tangible personal property.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.668, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Multiple points of use. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 2 to 5, a business purchaser that is not a holder of a direct pay permit that knows at the time of its purchase of a digital good, computer software delivered electronically, or a service that the digital good, computer software delivered electronically, or service will be concurrently available for use in more than one ~~taxing~~ jurisdiction shall deliver to the seller in conjunction with its purchase a multiple points of use exemption certificate disclosing this fact.

(b) Upon receipt of the multiple points of use exemption certificate, the seller is relieved of the obligation to collect, pay, or remit the applicable tax and the purchaser is obligated to collect, pay, or remit the applicable tax on a direct pay basis.

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(c) A purchaser delivering the multiple points of use exemption certificate may use any reasonable, but consistent and uniform, method of apportionment that is supported by the purchaser's business records as they exist at the time of the consummation of the sale.

(d) The multiple points of use exemption certificate remains in effect for all future sales by the seller to the purchaser until it is revoked in writing, except as to the subsequent sale's specific apportionment that is governed by the principle of paragraph (c) and the facts existing at the time of the sale.

(e) A holder of a direct pay permit is not required to deliver a multiple points or use exemption certificate to the seller. A direct pay permit holder shall follow the provisions of paragraph (c) in apportioning the tax due on a digital good, computer software delivered electronically, or a service that will be concurrently available for use in more than one ~~taxing~~ jurisdiction.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.669, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11. Mobile telecommunications service. "Mobile telecommunications service," for purposes of this section, means the same as that term is defined in Section ~~124(1)~~ 124(7) of Public Law 106-252 (Mobile Telecommunications Sourcing Act).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.67, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Exempt meals at residential facilities. ~~Meals or~~ Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks served to patients, inmates, or persons residing at hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, senior citizen homes, and correctional, detention, and detoxification facilities are exempt. Food sold through vending machines is not exempt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.67, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Exempt meals at schools. ~~Meals and lunches~~ Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks served at public and private elementary, middle, or secondary schools as defined in section 120A.05 are exempt. ~~Meals and lunches~~ Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks served to students at a college, university, or private career school under a board contract are exempt. ~~For purposes of this subdivision, "meals and lunches" does not include sales from vending machines.~~ Food sold through vending machines is not exempt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.67, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Other exempt meals. (a) ~~Meals or~~ Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks purchased for and served exclusively to individuals who are 60 years of age or over and their spouses or to handicapped persons and their spouses by governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, or churches, or pursuant to any program funded in whole or in part through United States Code, title 42, sections 3001 through 3045, wherever delivered, prepared, or served, are exempt. Food sold through vending machines is not exempt.

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(b) ~~Meals or~~ Prepared food, candy, and soft drinks purchased for and served exclusively to children who are less than 14 years of age or disabled children who are less than 16 years of age and who are attending a child care or early childhood education program, are exempt if they are:

(1) purchased by a nonprofit child care facility that is exempt under section 297A.70, subdivision 4, and that primarily serves families with income of 250 percent or less of federal poverty guidelines; and

(2) prepared at the site of the child care facility.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.67, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14. ~~Personal~~ Computers prescribed for use by school. ~~Personal~~ Computers and related computer software sold by a school, college, university, or private career school to students who are enrolled at the institutions are exempt if:

(1) the use of the ~~personal~~ computer, or of a substantially similar model of computer, and the related computer software is prescribed by the institution in conjunction with a course of study; and

(2) each student of the institution, or of a unit of the institution in which the student is enrolled, is required by the institution to have such a ~~personal~~ computer and related software as a condition of enrollment.

For the purposes of this subdivision, "school" and "private career school" have the meanings given in subdivision 13.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.67, subdivision 27, is amended to read:

Subd. 27. Sewing materials. Sewing materials are exempt. For purposes of this subdivision "sewing materials" mean fabric, thread, zippers, interfacing, buttons, trim, and other items that are usually directly incorporated into the construction of clothing, as defined in subdivision 8, regardless of whether it is actually used for making clothing. It does not include batting, foam, or fabric specifically manufactured for arts and craft projects, or other materials for craft projects.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.68, subdivision 37, is amended to read:

Subd. 37. Job opportunity building zones. (a) Purchases of tangible personal property or taxable services by a qualified business, as defined in section 469.310, are exempt if the property or services are primarily used or consumed in a job opportunity building zone designated under section 469.314. For purposes of this subdivision, an aerial camera package, including any camera, computer, and navigation device contained in the package, that is used in an aircraft that is operated under a Federal Aviation Administration Restricted Airworthiness Certificate according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 14, part 21, section 21.25(b)(3), relating to aerial surveying, and that is based, maintained, and dispatched from a job opportunity building zone, qualifies as primarily used or consumed in a job opportunity building zone if the imagery acquired from the aerial camera package is returned to the job opportunity building zone for processing. The exemption for an aerial camera package is limited ~~to $50,000 in taxes~~ as provided in this subdivision and the tax must be imposed and collected as if the rate under section 297A.62, subdivision 1, applied and then refunded in the manner provided in section 297A.75. The total amount of the aerial camera package exemption refunded for all taxpayers for all fiscal years is limited to $50,000 in taxes.

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(b) Purchase and use of construction materials, and supplies~~, or equipment~~ used or consumed in, and equipment incorporated into, the construction of improvements to real property in a job opportunity building zone are exempt if the improvements after completion of construction are to be used in the conduct of a qualified business, as defined in section 469.310. This exemption applies regardless of whether the purchases are made by the business or a contractor.

(c) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a local sales and use tax regardless of whether the local sales tax is imposed on the sales taxable as defined under this chapter.

(d) This subdivision applies to sales, if the purchase was made and delivery received during the duration of the zone.

(e) Notwithstanding the restriction in paragraph (a), which requires items purchased to be primarily used or consumed in the zone, purchases by a qualified business that is an electrical cooperative located in Meeker County of equipment and materials used for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy are exempt under this subdivision, except that:

(1) the exemption for materials and equipment used or consumed outside the zone must not exceed $200,000 in taxes for all taxpayers for all fiscal years; and

(2) no sales and use tax exemption is allowed for equipment purchased for resale.

For purposes of this paragraph, the tax must be imposed and collected as if the rate under section 297A.62, subdivision 1, applied and then refunded in the manner provided in section 297A.75.

EFFECTIVE DATE. Paragraphs (a) and (e) are effective for sales and purchases made on or after August 1, 2005. Paragraph (b) is effective for sales and purchases made on or after January 1, 2004.

Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.68, subdivision 38, is amended to read:

Subd. 38. Biotechnology and health sciences industry zone. (a) Purchases of tangible personal property or taxable services by a qualified business, as defined in section 469.330, are exempt if the property or services are primarily used or consumed in a biotechnology and health sciences industry zone designated under section 469.334.

(b) Purchase and use of construction materials, and supplies~~, or equipment~~ used or consumed in, and equipment incorporated into, the construction of improvements to real property in a biotechnology and health sciences industry zone are exempt if the improvements after completion of construction are to be used in the conduct of a qualified business, as defined in section 469.330. This exemption applies regardless of whether the purchases are made by the business or a contractor.

(c) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a local sales and use tax regardless of whether the local sales tax is imposed on the sales taxable as defined under this chapter.

(d)(1) The tax on sales of goods or services exempted under this subdivision are imposed and collected as if the applicable rate under section 297A.62 applied. Upon application by the purchaser, on forms prescribed by the commissioner, a refund equal to the tax paid must be paid to the purchaser. The application must include sufficient information to permit the commissioner to verify the sales tax paid and the eligibility of the claimant to receive the credit. No more than two applications for refunds may be filed under this subdivision in a calendar year. The provisions of section 289A.40 apply to the refunds payable under this subdivision.

(2) The amount required to make the refunds is annually appropriated to the commissioner of revenue.

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(3) The aggregate amount refunded to a qualified business must not exceed the amount allocated to the qualified business under section 469.335.

(e) This subdivision applies only to sales made during the duration of the designation of the zone.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales and purchases made on or after January 1, 2004.

Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Sales to government. (a) All sales, except those listed in paragraph (b), to the following governments and political subdivisions, or to the listed agencies or instrumentalities of governments and political subdivisions, are exempt:

(1) the United States and its agencies and instrumentalities;

(2) school districts, the University of Minnesota, state universities, community colleges, technical colleges, state academies, the Perpich Minnesota Center for Arts Education, and an instrumentality of a political subdivision that is accredited as an optional/special function school by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools;

(3) hospitals and nursing homes owned and operated by political subdivisions of the state of tangible personal property and taxable services used at or by hospitals and nursing homes;

(4) the Metropolitan Council, for its purchases of vehicles and repair parts to equip operations provided for in section 473.4051;

(5) other states or political subdivisions of other states, if the sale would be exempt from taxation if it occurred in that state; and

(6) sales to public libraries, public library systems, multicounty, multitype library systems as defined in section 134.001, county law libraries under chapter 134A, state agency libraries, the state library under section 480.09, and the Legislative Reference Library.

(b) This exemption does not apply to the sales of the following products and services:

(1) building, construction, or reconstruction materials purchased by a contractor or a subcontractor as a part of a lump-sum contract or similar type of contract with a guaranteed maximum price covering both labor and materials for use in the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or facility;

(2) construction materials purchased by tax exempt entities or their contractors to be used in constructing buildings or facilities which will not be used principally by the tax exempt entities;

(3) the leasing of a motor vehicle as defined in section 297B.01, subdivision 5, except for leases entered into by the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities; or

(4) ~~meals and~~ lodging as defined under section 297A.61, subdivision 3, ~~paragraphs (d) and (g)~~ paragraph (g), clause (2), and prepared food, candy, and soft drinks, except for ~~meals and~~ lodging, prepared food, candy, and soft drinks purchased directly by the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities.

(c) As used in this subdivision, "school districts" means public school entities and districts of every kind and nature organized under the laws of the state of Minnesota, and any instrumentality of a school district, as defined in section 471.59.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Sales of certain goods and services to government. (a) The following sales to or use by the specified governments and political subdivisions of the state are exempt:

(1) repair and replacement parts for emergency rescue vehicles, fire trucks, and fire apparatus to a political subdivision;

(2) machinery and equipment, except for motor vehicles, used directly for mixed municipal solid waste management services at a solid waste disposal facility as defined in section 115A.03, subdivision 10;

(3) chore and homemaking services to a political subdivision of the state to be provided to elderly or disabled individuals;

(4) telephone services to the Department of Administration that are used to provide telecommunications services through the intertechnologies revolving fund;

(5) firefighter personal protective equipment as defined in paragraph (b), if purchased or authorized by and for the use of an organized fire department, fire protection district, or fire company regularly charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection to the state or a political subdivision;

(6) bullet-resistant body armor that provides the wearer with ballistic and trauma protection, if purchased by a law enforcement agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state, or a licensed peace officer, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1;

(7) motor vehicles purchased or leased by political subdivisions of the state if the vehicles are exempt from registration under section 168.012, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), exempt from taxation under section 473.448, or exempt from the motor vehicle sales tax under section 297B.03, clause (12);

(8) equipment designed to process, dewater, and recycle biosolids for wastewater treatment facilities of political subdivisions, and materials incidental to installation of that equipment; ~~and~~

(9) sales to a town of gravel and of machinery, equipment, and accessories, except motor vehicles, used exclusively for road and bridge maintenance, and leases by a town of motor vehicles exempt from tax under section 297B.03, clause (10).; and

(10) the removal of trees, bushes, or shrubs for the construction and maintenance of roads, trails, or firebreaks when purchased by an agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "firefighters personal protective equipment" means helmets, including face shields, chin straps, and neck liners; bunker coats and pants, including pant suspenders; boots; gloves; head covers or hoods; wildfire jackets; protective coveralls; goggles; self-contained breathing apparatus; canister filter masks; personal alert safety systems; spanner belts; optical or thermal imaging search devices; and all safety equipment required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales and purchases made after October 28, 2002, but for sales and purchases made after October 28, 2002, and before July 15, 2005, no refunds may be claimed under Minnesota Statutes, section 289A.50, for sales taxes collected and remitted to the state.

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Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Sales to nonprofit groups. (a) All sales, except those listed in paragraph (b), to the following "nonprofit organizations" are exempt:

(1) a corporation, society, association, foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes if the item purchased is used in the performance of charitable, religious, or educational functions; and

(2) any senior citizen group or association of groups that:

(i) in general limits membership to persons who are either age 55 or older, or physically disabled; and

(ii) is organized and operated exclusively for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofit purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholders.

For purposes of this subdivision, charitable purpose includes the maintenance of a cemetery owned by a religious organization.

(b) This exemption does not apply to the following sales:

(2) construction materials purchased by tax-exempt entities or their contractors to be used in constructing buildings or facilities that will not be used principally by the tax-exempt entities; and

(3) ~~meals and~~ lodging as defined under section 297A.61, subdivision 3, ~~paragraphs (d) and (g)~~ paragraph (g), clause (2), and prepared food, candy, and soft drinks; and

(4) leasing of a motor vehicle as defined in section 297B.01, subdivision 5, except as provided in paragraph (c).

(c) This exemption applies to the leasing of a motor vehicle as defined in section 297B.01, subdivision 5, only if the vehicle is:

(1) a truck, as defined in section 168.011, a bus, as defined in section 168.011, or a passenger automobile, as defined in section 168.011, if the automobile is designed and used for carrying more than nine persons including the driver; and

(2) intended to be used primarily to transport tangible personal property or individuals, other than employees, to whom the organization provides service in performing its charitable, religious, or educational purpose.

(d) A limited liability company also qualifies for exemption under this subdivision if (1) it consists of a sole member that would qualify for the exemption, and (2) the items purchased qualify for the exemption.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. (a) Sales, except for those listed in paragraph (c), to a hospital are exempt, if the items purchased are used in providing hospital services. For purposes of this subdivision, "hospital" means a hospital organized and operated for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and licensed under chapter 144 or by any other jurisdiction, and "hospital services" are services authorized or required to be performed by a "hospital" under chapter 144.

(b) Sales, except for those listed in paragraph (c), to an outpatient surgical center are exempt, if the items purchased are used in providing outpatient surgical services. For purposes of this subdivision, "outpatient surgical center" means an outpatient surgical center organized and operated for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and licensed under chapter 144 or by any other jurisdiction. For the purposes of this subdivision, "outpatient surgical services" means: (1) services authorized or required to be performed by an outpatient surgical center under chapter 144; and (2) urgent care. For purposes of this subdivision, "urgent care" means health services furnished to a person whose medical condition is sufficiently acute to require treatment unavailable through, or inappropriate to be provided by, a clinic or physician's office, but not so acute as to require treatment in a hospital emergency room.

(1) purchases made by a clinic, physician's office, or any other medical facility not operating as a hospital or outpatient surgical center, even though the clinic, office, or facility may be owned and operated by a hospital or outpatient surgical center;

(2) sales under section 297A.61, subdivision 3, ~~paragraphs (d) and (g)~~ paragraph (g), clause (2), and prepared food, candy, and soft drinks;

(3) building and construction materials used in constructing buildings or facilities that will not be used principally by the hospital or outpatient surgical center;

(4) building, construction, or reconstruction materials purchased by a contractor or a subcontractor as a part of a lump-sum contract or similar type of contract with a guaranteed maximum price covering both labor and materials for use in the construction, alteration, or repair of a hospital or outpatient surgical center; or

(5) the leasing of a motor vehicle as defined in section 297B.01, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

Subd. 13. Fund-raising sales by or for nonprofit groups. (a) The following sales by the specified organizations for fund-raising purposes are exempt, subject to the limitations listed in paragraph (b):

(1) all sales made by an organization that exists solely for the purpose of providing educational or social activities for young people primarily age 18 and under;

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(2) all sales made by an organization that is a senior citizen group or association of groups if (i) in general it limits membership to persons age 55 or older; (ii) it is organized and operated exclusively for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofit purposes; and (iii) no part of its net earnings inures to the benefit of any private shareholders;

(3) the sale or use of tickets or admissions to a golf tournament held in Minnesota if the beneficiary of the tournament's net proceeds qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(4) sales of ~~gum,~~ candy~~, and candy products~~ sold for fund-raising purposes by a nonprofit organization that provides educational and social activities primarily for young people age 18 and under.

(b) The exemptions listed in paragraph (a) are limited in the following manner:

(1) the exemption under paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), applies only if the gross annual receipts of the organization from fund-raising do not exceed $10,000; and

(2) the exemption under paragraph (a), clause (1), does not apply if the sales are derived from admission charges or from activities for which the money must be deposited with the school district treasurer under section 123B.49, subdivision 2, or be recorded in the same manner as other revenues or expenditures of the school district under section 123B.49, subdivision 4.

(c) Sales of tangible personal property are exempt if the entire proceeds, less the necessary expenses for obtaining the property, will be contributed to a registered combined charitable organization described in section 309.501, to be used exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes, and the registered combined charitable organization has given its written permission for the sale. Sales that occur over a period of more than 24 days per year are not exempt under this paragraph.

(d) For purposes of this subdivision, a club, association, or other organization of elementary or secondary school students organized for the purpose of carrying on sports, educational, or other extracurricular activities is a separate organization from the school district or school for purposes of applying the $10,000 limit.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14. Fund-raising events sponsored by nonprofit groups. (a) Sales of tangible personal property at, and admission charges for fund-raising events sponsored by, a nonprofit organization are exempt if:

(1) all gross receipts are recorded as such, in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices, on the books of the nonprofit organization; and

(2) the entire proceeds, less the necessary expenses for the event, will be used solely and exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes. Exempt sales include the sale of ~~food, meals, and drinks~~ prepared food, candy, and soft drinks at the fund-raising event.

(b) This exemption is limited in the following manner:

(1) it does not apply to admission charges for events involving bingo or other gambling activities or to charges for use of amusement devices involving bingo or other gambling activities;

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(2) all gross receipts are taxable if the profits are not used solely and exclusively for charitable, religious, or educational purposes;

(3) it does not apply unless the organization keeps a separate accounting record, including receipts and disbursements from each fund-raising event that documents all deductions from gross receipts with receipts and other records;

(4) it does not apply to any sale made by or in the name of a nonprofit corporation as the active or passive agent of a person that is not a nonprofit corporation;

(5) all gross receipts are taxable if fund-raising events exceed 24 days per year;

(6) it does not apply to fund-raising events conducted on premises leased for more than five days but less than 30 days; and

(7) it does not apply if the risk of the event is not borne by the nonprofit organization and the benefit to the nonprofit organization is less than the total amount of the state and local tax revenues foregone by this exemption.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, a "nonprofit organization" means any unit of government, corporation, society, association, foundation, or institution organized and operated for charitable, religious, educational, civic, fraternal, and senior citizens' or veterans' purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of a private individual.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.70, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15. Statewide amateur athletic games. Notwithstanding section 297A.61, subdivision 3, or any other provision of this chapter, the gross receipts from the following sales made to or by a nonprofit corporation designated by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission to conduct a series of statewide amateur athletic games and related events, workshops, and clinics are exempt:

(1) sales of tangible personal property to or the storage, use, or other consumption of tangible personal property by the nonprofit corporation; and

(2) sales of tangible personal property, admission charges, and sales of ~~food, meals, and drinks~~ prepared food, candy, and soft drinks by the nonprofit corporation at fund-raising events, athletic events, or athletic facilities.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.72, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Content and form of exemption certificate. An exemption certificate must be substantially in the form prescribed by the commissioner and:

(1) be signed by the purchaser or meet the requirements of section 270C.304;

(2) bear the name and address of the purchaser; and

(3) indicate the sales tax account number, if any, issued to the purchaser;.

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~~(4) indicate the general character of the property sold by the purchaser in the regular course of business or the activities carried on by the organization; and~~

~~(5) identify the property purchased.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Tax collected. The tax on the gross receipts from the sale of the following exempt items must be imposed and collected as if the sale were taxable and the rate under section 297A.62, subdivision 1, applied. The exempt items include:

(1) capital equipment exempt under section 297A.68, subdivision 5;

(2) building materials for an agricultural processing facility exempt under section 297A.71, subdivision 13;

(3) building materials for mineral production facilities exempt under section 297A.71, subdivision 14;

(4) building materials for correctional facilities under section 297A.71, subdivision 3;

(5) building materials used in a residence for disabled veterans exempt under section 297A.71, subdivision 11;

(6) elevators and building materials exempt under section 297A.71, subdivision 12;

(7) building materials for the Long Lake Conservation Center exempt under section 297A.71, subdivision 17;

(8) materials, supplies, fixtures, furnishings, and equipment for a county law enforcement and family service center under section 297A.71, subdivision 26;

(9) materials and supplies for qualified low-income housing under section 297A.71, subdivision 23; ~~and~~

(10) materials, supplies, and equipment for municipal electric utility facilities under section 297A.71, subdivision 35.;

(11) equipment and materials used for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy and an aerial camera package exempt under section 297A.68, subdivision 37; and

(12) tangible personal property and taxable services and construction materials, supplies, and equipment exempt under section 297A.68, subdivision 41.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.75, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Refund; eligible persons. Upon application on forms prescribed by the commissioner, a refund equal to the tax paid on the gross receipts of the exempt items must be paid to the applicant. Only the following persons may apply for the refund:

(1) for subdivision 1, clauses (1) to (3), the applicant must be the purchaser;

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(2) for subdivision 1, clauses (4), (7), and (8), the applicant must be the governmental subdivision;

(3) for subdivision 1, clause (5), the applicant must be the recipient of the benefits provided in United States Code, title 38, chapter 21;

(4) for subdivision 1, clause (6), the applicant must be the owner of the homestead property;

(5) for subdivision 1, clause (9), the owner of the qualified low-income housing project; ~~and~~

(6) for subdivision 1, clause (10), the applicant must be a municipal electric utility or a joint venture of municipal electric utilities.; and

(7) for subdivision 1, clauses (11) and (12), the owner of the qualifying business.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.75, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Application. (a) The application must include sufficient information to permit the commissioner to verify the tax paid. If the tax was paid by a contractor, subcontractor, or builder, under subdivision 1, clause (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (10), (11), or (12), the contractor, subcontractor, or builder must furnish to the refund applicant a statement including the cost of the exempt items and the taxes paid on the items unless otherwise specifically provided by this subdivision. The provisions of sections 289A.40 and 289A.50 apply to refunds under this section.

(b) An applicant may not file more than two applications per calendar year for refunds for taxes paid on capital equipment exempt under section 297A.68, subdivision 5.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.815, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Motor vehicle lease price; payment. (a) In the case of a lease of a motor vehicle as provided in section 297A.61, subdivision 4, paragraph (k), clause (2), the tax is imposed on the total amount to be paid by the lessee under the lease agreement. The lessor shall collect the tax in full at the time the lease is executed or, if the tax is included in the lease and the lease is assigned, the tax is due from the original lessor at the time the lease is assigned. The total amount to be paid by the lessee under the lease agreement equals the agreed-upon value of the vehicle less manufacturer's rebates, the stated residual value of the leased vehicle, and the total value allowed for a vehicle owned by the lessee taken in trade by the lessor, plus the price of any taxable goods and services included in the lease and the rent charge as provided by Code of Federal Regulations, title 12, section 213.4, excluding any rent charge related to the capitalization of the tax.

(b) If the total amount paid by the lessee for use of the leased vehicle includes amounts that are not calculated at the time the lease is executed, the tax is imposed and must be collected by the lessor at the time the amounts are paid by the lessee. In the case of a lease which by its terms may be renewed, the sales tax is due and payable on the total amount to be paid during the initial term of the lease, and then for each subsequent renewal period on the total amount to be paid during the renewal period.

(c) If a lease is canceled or rescinded on or before 90 days of its execution or if a vehicle is returned to the manufacturer under section 325F.665, the lessor may file a claim for a refund of the total tax paid minus the amount of tax due for the period the vehicle is used by the lessee.

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(d) If a lessee's obligation to make payments on a lease is canceled more than 90 days after its execution, a credit is allowed against sales tax or motor vehicles sales tax due on a subsequent lease or purchase of a motor vehicle if that lease or purchase is consummated within 30 days of the date the prior lease was canceled. The amount of the credit is equal to (1) the sales tax paid at the inception of the lease, multiplied by (2) the ratio of the number of full months remaining in the lease at the time of termination compared to the term of the lease used in calculating sales tax paid at the inception of the lease. The credit or any part of it cannot be assigned or transferred to another person.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for leases entered into after September 30, 2005.

Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.99, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Exemptions. (a) All goods or services that are otherwise exempt from taxation under this chapter are exempt from a political subdivision's tax.

(b) The gross receipts from the sale of tangible personal property that meets the requirement of section 297A.68, subdivision 15, are exempt, except the qualification test applies based on the boundaries of the political subdivision instead of the state of Minnesota.

~~(c)~~ All mobile transportation equipment, and parts and accessories attached to or to be attached to the equipment are exempt, if purchased by a holder of a motor carrier direct pay permit under section 297A.90.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 31. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 5, section 3, the effective date, is amended to read:

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales and purchases made after October 28, 2002, but for land clearing contracts entered into after October 28, 2002, but before July 15, 2005, no refunds may be claimed under Minnesota Statutes, section 289A.50, for sales taxes collected and remitted to the state on the land clearing contracts.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 32. REPEALER.

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297A.68, subdivisions 15 and 18, are repealed.

(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 8130.0400, subpart 3; 8130.4800, subparts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8; 8130.5100; 8130.5400; and 8130.5800, subpart 6, are repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 7

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SPECIAL TAXES AND FEES

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 115B.49, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Registration; fees. (a) The owner or operator of a dry cleaning facility shall register on or before October 1 of each year with the commissioner of revenue in a manner prescribed by the commissioner of revenue and pay a registration fee for the facility. The amount of the fee is:

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(1) $500, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of fewer than five;

(2) $1,000, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of five to ten; and

(3) $1,500, for facilities with a full-time equivalence of more than ten.

The registration fee must be paid on or before October 18 or the owner or operator of a dry cleaning facility may elect to pay the fee in equal installments. Installment payments must be paid on or before October 18, on or before January 18, on or before April 18, and on or before June 18. All payments made after October 18 bear interest at the rate specified in section 270C.40.

(b) A person who sells dry cleaning solvents for use by dry cleaning facilities in the state shall collect and remit to the commissioner of revenue in a manner prescribed by the commissioner of revenue, on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the sales of dry cleaning solvents are made, a fee of:

(1) $3.50 for each gallon of perchloroethylene sold for use by dry cleaning facilities in the state;

(2) 70 cents for each gallon of hydrocarbon-based dry cleaning solvent sold for use by dry cleaning facilities in the state; and

(3) 35 cents for each gallon of other nonaqueous solvents sold for use by dry cleaning facilities in the state.

(c) The audit, assessment, appeal, collection, enforcement, and administrative provisions of chapters 270C and 289A apply to the fee imposed by this subdivision. To enforce this subdivision, the commissioner of revenue may grant extensions to file returns and pay fees, impose penalties and interest on the annual registration fee under paragraph (a) and the monthly fee under paragraph (b), and abate penalties and interest in the manner provided in chapters 270C and 289A. The penalties and interest imposed on taxes under chapter 297A apply to the fees imposed under this subdivision. Disclosure of data collected by the commissioner of revenue under this subdivision is governed by chapter 270B.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for returns and payments due on or after October 1, 2006.

Sec. 2. [287.222] TRANSFER TO OBTAIN FINANCING.

The deed tax is $1.65 on a deed or other instrument that transfers real property if the transfer is (1) to a person who is a builder or contractor, (2) intended to be temporary, and (3) done solely to enable the builder or contractor to obtain financing to build an improvement on the conveyed property under a contract for improvement with the grantor that calls for the conveyed property to be reconveyed to the grantor upon completion of and payment for the improvement. The deed tax is $1.65 on a deed or other instrument that transfers the real property back from the builder or contractor to the grantor.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for deeds both executed and recorded on or after July 1, 2006.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 295.50, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Health care provider. (a) "Health care provider" means:

(1) a person whose health care occupation is regulated or required to be regulated by the state of Minnesota furnishing any or all of the following goods or services directly to a patient or consumer: medical, surgical, optical, visual, dental, hearing, nursing services, drugs, laboratory, diagnostic or therapeutic services;

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(2) a person who provides goods and services not listed in clause (1) that qualify for reimbursement under the medical assistance program provided under chapter 256B;

(3) a staff model health plan company;

(4) an ambulance service required to be licensed; or

(5) a person who sells or repairs hearing aids and related equipment or prescription eyewear.

(b) Health care provider does not include:

(1) hospitals; medical supplies distributors, except as specified under paragraph (a), clause (5); nursing homes licensed under chapter 144A or licensed in any other jurisdiction; pharmacies; surgical centers; bus and taxicab transportation, or any other providers of transportation services other than ambulance services required to be licensed; supervised living facilities for persons with mental retardation or related conditions, licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 4665.0100 to 4665.9900; ~~residential care homes licensed under chapter 144B;~~ housing with services establishments required to be registered under chapter 144D; board and lodging establishments providing only custodial services that are licensed under chapter 157 and registered under section 157.17 to provide supportive services or health supervision services; adult foster homes as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9555.5105; day training and habilitation services for adults with mental retardation and related conditions as defined in section 252.41, subdivision 3; boarding care homes, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 4655.0100; and adult day care centers as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9555.9600;

(2) home health agencies as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0175, subpart 15; a person providing personal care services and supervision of personal care services as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0335; a person providing private duty nursing services as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0360; and home care providers required to be licensed under chapter 144A;

(3) a person who employs health care providers solely for the purpose of providing patient services to its employees; and

(4) an educational institution that employs health care providers solely for the purpose of providing patient services to its students if the institution does not receive fee for service payments or payments for extended coverage.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 295.53, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Separate statement of tax. A hospital, surgical center, or health care provider, or wholesale drug distributor must not state the tax obligation under section 295.52 in a deceptive or misleading manner. It must not separately state tax obligations on bills provided to patients, consumers, or other payers when the amount received for the services or goods is not subject to tax.

Pharmacies that separately state the tax obligations on bills provided to consumers or to other payers who purchase legend drugs may state the tax obligation as the wholesale price of the legend drugs multiplied by the tax percentage specified in section 295.52. Pharmacies must not state the tax obligation based on the retail price.

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Whenever the commissioner determines that a person has engaged in any act or practice constituting a violation of this subdivision, the commissioner may bring an action in the name of the state in the district court of the appropriate county to enjoin the act or practice and to enforce compliance with this subdivision, or the commissioner may refer the matter to the attorney general or the county attorney of the appropriate county. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate relief must be granted.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297F.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 22a. Weighted average retail price. "Weighted average retail price" means (1) the average retail price per pack of 20 cigarettes, with the average price weighted by the number of packs sold at each price, (2) reduced by the sales tax included in the retail price, and (3) adjusted for the expected inflation from the time of the survey to the average of the 12 months that the sales tax will be imposed. The commissioner shall make the inflation adjustment in accordance with the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers inflation indicator as published in the most recent state budget forecast. The inflation factor for the calendar year in which the new tax rate takes effect must be used. If the survey indicates that the average retail price of cigarettes has not increased relative to the average retail price in the previous year's survey, then no inflation adjustment must be made.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective April 30, 2006.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297G.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Distilled spirits. "Distilled spirits" is means:

(1) intoxicating liquors, including ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, spirits of wine, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, and other distilled spirits, including all dilutions and mixtures, for nonindustrial use.;

(2) any beverage that would be classified as a flavored malt beverage except that the alcohol contribution from flavors and other nonbeverage materials exceeds 49 percent of the alcohol content of the product; or

(3) any beverage that would be classified as a flavored malt beverage except that the beverage contains more than six percent alcohol by volume, and more than 1.5 percent of the volume of the finished product consists of alcohol derived from flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients that contain alcohol.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297G.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 8a. Flavored malt beverage. (a) "Flavored malt beverage" means a fermented malt beverage that:

(1) contains six percent or less alcohol by volume and derives at least 51 percent of its alcohol content by volume from the fermentation of grain-derived carbohydrates, as long as not more than 49 percent of the beverage's overall alcohol content is obtained from flavors and other added nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol; or

(2) contains more than six percent alcohol by volume that derives not more than 1.5 percent of its overall alcohol content by volume from flavors and other added nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol.

(b) Flavored malt beverage does not include cider or an alcoholic beverage obtained primarily by fermentation of rice, such as sake.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

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ARTICLE 8

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Electronic means; electronically. "Electronic means" and "electronically" mean a method that is electronic, as defined in section 325L.02, paragraph (e), and that is prescribed by the commissioner. Electronic means includes the use of a touch-tone telephone to transmit return information in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.304, is amended to read:

270C.304 ELECTRONICALLY FILED RETURNS; SIGNATURES.

For purposes of a law administered by the commissioner, the name of the taxpayer, the name of the taxpayer's authorized agent, or the taxpayer's identification number, will constitute a signature when transmitted as part of the return information on returns filed by electronic means by the taxpayer or at the taxpayer's direction. ~~"Electronic means" includes, but is not limited to, the use of a touch-tone telephone to transmit return information in a manner prescribed by the commissioner.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.33, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Orders of assessment. (a) The commissioner may issue an order of assessment in any of the following circumstances:

(1) the commissioner determines that the correct amount of tax is different than that assessed on a return filed with the commissioner;

(2) no return has been filed and the commissioner determines the amount of tax that should have been assessed;

(3) the commissioner determines that the correct amount of a refundable credit is different than the amount claimed by a taxpayer. For purposes of this subdivision, "refundable credit" means a refund benefit or credit due a person that is unrelated to the person's liability for a tax. "Refundable credit" does not include estimated tax payments or withholding taxes. An assessment for an overpayment of a refundable credit may be collected in the same manner as a tax collected by the commissioner; ~~and~~

(4) the commissioner determines the correct amount of a tax that the taxpayer is not required to assess by a return filed with the commissioner.; and

(5) the commissioner determines that a penalty other than a penalty for late payment of tax, late filing of a return, or failure to pay tax by electronic means should be imposed, and the penalty is not included on an order of assessment made under clauses (1) to (4).

(b) An order of assessment must be in writing.

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(c) An order of assessment must be signed by the commissioner or a delegate, or have their facsimile signature, if the change in tax, excluding penalties and interest, exceeds $1,000.

(d) An order of assessment is final when made but, as applicable, is reviewable administratively under section 270C.35, or appealable to Tax Court under chapter 271.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.57, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Assessment; abatement; review. The commissioner may assess liability against a successor business under this section within the time prescribed for collecting the underlying sales and withholding taxes, interest, and penalties. The assessment is presumed to be valid, and the burden is upon the successor to show it is incorrect or invalid. An order assessing successor liability is reviewable administratively under section 270C.35 and is appealable to Tax Court under chapter 271. The commissioner may abate an assessment if the successor's failure to give the notice required under this section is due to reasonable cause. The procedural and appeal provisions under section 270C.34 apply to abatement requests under this subdivision. Collection remedies available against the transferring business are available against the successor from the date of assessment of successor liability.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.67, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Authority. If any tax payable to the commissioner or to the department is not paid when due, such tax may be collected by the commissioner within five years after the date of assessment of the tax, or if a lien has been filed, during the period the lien is enforceable, or if the tax judgment has been filed, within the statutory period of enforcement of a valid tax judgment, by a levy upon all property and rights to property, including any property in the possession of law enforcement officials, of the person liable for the payment or collection of such tax ~~(except that which is exempt from execution pursuant to section 550.37)~~ or property on which there is a lien provided in section 270C.63. For this purpose, "tax" includes any penalty, interest, and costs, properly payable.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 270C.67, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 1a. Exempt property. A levy under this section is not enforceable against:

(1) a purchaser with respect to tangible personal property purchased at retail in the ordinary course of the seller's trade or business, unless at the time of purchase the purchaser intends the purchase to or knows the purchase will hinder, evade, or defeat the collection of a tax; or

(2) the personal property listed as exempt in sections 550.37, 550.38, and 550.39.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 271.12, is amended to read:

271.12 WHEN ORDER EFFECTIVE.

No order for refundment by the commissioner of revenue, the appropriate unit of government, or the Tax Court shall take effect until the time for appeal therefrom or review thereof by all parties entitled thereto has expired. Otherwise every order of the commissioner, the appropriate unit of government, or the Tax Court shall take effect

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immediately upon the filing thereof, and no appeal therefrom or review thereof shall stay the execution thereof or extend the time for payment of any tax or other obligation unless otherwise expressly provided by law; provided, that in case an order which has been acted upon, in whole or in part, shall thereafter be set aside or modified upon appeal, the determination upon appeal or review shall supersede the order appealed from and be binding upon all parties affected thereby, and such adjustments as may be necessary to give effect thereto shall be made accordingly; and provided further, the Tax Court may enjoin enforcement of the order of the commissioner being appealed. If it be finally determined upon such appeal or review that any person is entitled to refundment of any amount which has been paid for a tax or other obligation, such amount, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be paid to the person by the commissioner of finance, or other proper officer, out of funds derived from taxes of the same kind, if available for the purpose, or out of other available funds, if any, with interest at the rate specified in section 270C.405 from the date of payment of the tax, unless a different rate or date of accrual of interest is otherwise provided by law, in which case such other rate or date of accrual shall apply, upon certification by the commissioner of revenue, the appropriate unit of government, the Tax Court or the Supreme Court.

If, within 120 days after a decision of the Tax Court becomes final, the commissioner does not refund the overpayment determined by the court, together with interest, on motion by the taxpayer, the Tax Court shall have jurisdiction to order the refund of the overpayment and interest, and to award reasonable litigation costs for bringing the motion. If any tax, assessment, or other obligation be increased upon such appeal or review, the increase shall be added to the original amount, and may be enforced and collected therewith.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 289A.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Reportable transactions. (a) For each taxable year in which a taxpayer must make a return or a statement under Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.6011-4, for a reportable transaction, including a listed transaction, in which the taxpayer participated in a taxable year for which a return is required under chapter 290, the taxpayer must file a copy of the disclosure with the commissioner.

(b) Any taxpayer that is a member of a unitary business group that includes any person that must make a disclosure statement under Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.6011-4, must file a disclosure under this subdivision.

(c) Disclosure under this subdivision is required for any transaction entered into after December 31, 2001, that the Internal Revenue Service determines is a listed transaction at any time, and must be made in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. For transactions in which the taxpayer participated for taxable years ending before December 31, 2005, disclosure must be made by the extended due date of the first return required under chapter 290 that occurs 60 days or more after July 14, 2005. With respect to transactions in which the taxpayer participated for taxable years ending on and after December 31, 2005, disclosure must be made in the time and manner prescribed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 26, section 1.6011-4(e).

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c), no disclosure is required for transactions entered into after December 31, 2001, and before January 1, 2006, if (1) the taxpayer has filed an amended income tax return which reverses the tax benefits of the tax shelter transaction, or (2) as a result of a federal audit the Internal Revenue Service has determined the tax treatment of the transaction and an amended return has been filed to reflect the federal treatment.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for disclosures of reportable transactions in which the taxpayer participated for taxable years ending before December 31, 2005.

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ARTICLE 9

PUBLIC FINANCE

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 103E.635, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Sale of definitive drainage bonds. The board must sell and negotiate the definitive drainage bonds ~~for at least their par value. The definitive bonds must be sold in accordance with section~~ according to sections 475.56 and 475.60.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 116A.20, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. How payable. The bonds shall be payable at such time or times, not to exceed (1) 30 years from their date or (2) 40 years or the useful life of the asset, whichever is less, if financed or guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and bear such rate or rates of interest not exceeding eight percent per annum, payable annually or semiannually as the county board shall by resolution determine. The years and amounts of principal maturities shall be such as in the opinion of the county board are warranted by the anticipated collections of the water and sewer improvement assessments without regard to any limitations on such maturities imposed by section 475.54.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 162.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Limitation on amount. Any city having a population of 5,000 or more may in accordance with chapter 475, except as otherwise provided herein, issue and sell its obligations for the purpose of establishing, locating, relocating, constructing, reconstructing, and improving municipal state-aid streets therein. In the resolution providing for the issuance of the obligations, the governing body of the municipality shall irrevocably pledge and appropriate to the sinking fund from which the obligations are payable, an amount of the moneys allotted or to be allotted to the municipality from its account in the municipal state-aid street fund sufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on the obligations as they respectively come due. The obligations shall be issued in amounts and on terms such that the average annual amount of principal and interest due in all subsequent calendar years on the obligations, including any similar obligations of the municipality which are outstanding, shall not exceed 50 90 percent of the amount of the last annual allotment preceding the bond issue received by the municipality from the construction account in the municipal state-aid street fund; except that the municipality may issue general obligation bonds for said purpose, to be purchased by it for the account of any one or more of its own funds, including debt redemption funds, in which case such bonds shall mature in not exceeding five years from their respective dates of issue, in principal amounts not exceeding in any calendar year, with the principal amount of all other municipal state-aid street obligations maturing in such year, the total amount of the last annual allotment preceding the bond issue received by the municipality from the construction account in the municipal state-aid street fund. All interest on the obligations shall be paid out of the municipality's normal maintenance account in the municipal state-aid street fund. Any such obligations may be made general obligations, but if moneys of the municipality other than moneys received from the municipal state-aid street fund, are used for payment of the obligations, the moneys so used shall be restored to the appropriate fund from the moneys next received by the municipality from the construction or maintenance account in the municipal state-aid street fund which are not required to be paid into a sinking fund for obligations.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 162.181, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Limitation on amount. Except as otherwise provided herein, any county may, in accordance with chapter 475, issue and sell its obligations, the total amount thereof not to exceed the total of the preceding two years state-aid allotments, for the purpose of establishing, locating, relocating, constructing, reconstructing, and improving county state-aid highways and constructing buildings and other facilities for maintaining county state-aid

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highways. In the resolution providing for the issuance of the obligations, the county board of the county shall irrevocably pledge and appropriate to the sinking fund from which the obligations are payable, an amount of the money allotted or to be allotted to the county from its account in the county state-aid highway fund sufficient to pay the principal of and the interest on the obligations as they respectively come due. The obligations shall be issued in the amounts and on terms such that the amount of principal and interest due in any calendar year on the obligations, including any similar obligations of the county which are outstanding, shall not exceed 50 90 percent of the amount of the last annual allotment preceding the bond issue received by the county from the construction account in the county state-aid highway fund. All interest on the obligations shall be paid out of the county's normal maintenance account in the county state-aid highway fund. The obligations may be made general obligations, but if money of the county other than money received from the county state-aid highway fund, is used for payment of the obligations, the money so used shall be restored to the appropriate fund from the money next received by the county from the construction or maintenance account in the county state-aid highway fund which is not required to be paid into a sinking fund for obligations.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 273.032, is amended to read:

273.032 MARKET VALUE DEFINITION.

For the purpose of determining any property tax levy limitation based on market value, ~~any net debt limit based on market value, any limit on the issuance of bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or capital notes based on market value,~~ any qualification to receive state aid based on market value, or any state aid amount based on market value, the terms "market value," "taxable market value," and "market valuation," whether equalized or unequalized, mean the total taxable market value of property within the local unit of government before any adjustments for tax increment, fiscal disparity, powerline credit, or wind energy values, but after the limited market adjustments under section 273.11, subdivision 1a, and after the market value exclusions of certain improvements to homestead property under section 273.11, subdivision 16. Unless otherwise provided, "market value," "taxable market value," and "market valuation" for purposes of this paragraph, refer to the taxable market value for the previous assessment year.

For the purpose of determining any net debt limit based on market value, or any limit on the issuance of bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or capital notes based on market value, the terms "market value," "taxable market value," and "market valuation," whether equalized or unequalized, mean the total taxable market value of property within the local unit of government before any adjustments for tax increment, fiscal disparity, powerline credit, or wind energy values, but after the limited market adjustments under section 273.11, subdivision 1a, and after the market value exclusions of certain improvements to homestead property under section 273.11, subdivision 16. Unless otherwise provided, "market value," "taxable market value," and "market valuation" for purposes of this paragraph, mean the taxable market value as last finally equalized.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 373.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Authority" means the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

(d) "Debt obligation" means a general obligation bond issued by a county, a bond to which the general obligation of a county is pledged under section 469.034, subdivision 2, or a bond payable from a county lease obligation under section 641.24, to provide funds for the construction of:

(1) jails;

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(2) correctional facilities;

(3) law enforcement facilities;

(4) social services and human services facilities; or

(5) solid waste facilities; or

(6) qualified housing development projects as defined in section 469.034, subdivision 2.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.035, is amended to read:

469.035 MANNER OF BOND ISSUANCE; SALE.

Bonds of an authority shall be authorized by its resolution. They may be issued in one or more series and shall bear the date or dates, mature at the time or times, bear interest at the rate or rates, be in the denomination or denominations, be in the form either coupon or registered, carry the conversion or registration privileges, have the rank or priority, be executed in the manner, be payable in the medium of payment at the place or places, and be subject to the terms of redemption with or without premium, as the resolution, its trust indenture or mortgage provides. The bonds may be sold ~~at public or private sale at not less than par~~ in the manner and for the price that the authority determines to be in the best interest of the authority. Notwithstanding any other law, bonds issued pursuant to sections 469.001 to 469.047 shall be fully negotiable. In any suit, action, or proceedings involving the validity or enforceability of any bonds of an authority or the security for the bonds, any bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the authority to aid in financing a project shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued for that purpose, and the project shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located, and carried out in accordance with the purposes and provisions of sections 469.001 to 469.047.

In cities of the first class, the governing body of the city must approve all notes executed with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency pursuant to this section if the interest rate on the note exceeds seven percent.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.103, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Form. The bonds of each series issued by the authority under this section shall bear interest at a rate or rates, shall mature at the time or times within 20 30 years from the date of issuance, and shall be in the form, whether payable to bearer, registrable as to principal, or fully registrable, as determined by the authority. Section 469.102, subdivision 6, applies to all bonds issued under this section, and the bonds and their coupons, if any, when payable to bearer, shall be negotiable instruments.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.178, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7. Interfund loans. The authority or municipality may advance or loan money to finance expenditures under section 469.176, subdivision 4, from its general fund or any other fund under which it has legal authority to do so. The loan or advance must be authorized, by resolution of the governing body or of the authority, whichever has jurisdiction over the fund from which the advance or loan is made, before money is transferred, advanced, or spent, whichever is earliest. The resolution may generally grant to the authority the power to make interfund loans under one or more tax increment financing plans or for one or more districts. The terms and conditions for repayment of the loan must be provided in writing and include, at a minimum, the principal amount, the interest rate, and maximum term. The maximum rate of interest permitted to be charged is limited to the greater of the rates specified under section 270C.40 or 549.09 as of the date or advance is made, unless the written agreement states that the maximum interest rate will fluctuate as the interest rates specified under section 270C.40 or 549.09 are from time to time adjusted.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 474A.062, is amended to read:

474A.062 HESO 120-DAY ISSUANCE EXEMPTION.

The Minnesota Higher Education Services Office is exempt from the 120-day issuance requirements in this chapter and may carry forward allocations for student loan bonds into ~~three~~ one successive calendar ~~years~~ year, subject to carryforward notice requirements of section 474A.131, subdivision 2. ~~The maximum cumulative carryforward is limited to $25,000,000.~~

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for bond allocations made in 2006 and thereafter.

Sec. 11. CARVER COUNTY AUTHORITY NAME CHANGE.

The Carver County Housing and Redevelopment Authority created under Laws 1980, chapter 482, is renamed the Carver County Community Development Agency.

Sec. 12. CITY OF RAMSEY; GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS.

The governing body of the city of Ramsey or a development authority established by the city may issue general obligation bonds to pay for costs related to a project in an area within the city consisting of the property defined as outlot L, Ramsey Town Center Addition and lot 2, block 1, Ramsey Town Center Addition. Bonds issued under this section are not subject to the net debt limit of the city under Minnesota Statutes, section 475.53, or any other law or charter provision.

Sec. 13. UNIFIED POOL; OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION; TEMPORARY PRIORITY.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 474A.091, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), prior to October 1, 2006, only the following applications shall be awarded allocations from the unified pool. Allocations shall be awarded in the following order of priority:

(1) applications for student loan bonds issued by or on behalf of the Office of Higher Education;

(2) applications for residential rental project bonds;

(3) applications for small issue bonds for manufacturing projects; and

(4) applications for small issue bonds for agricultural development bond loan projects.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 14. UNIFIED POOL; TEMPORARY PRIORITY CHANGE.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 474A.091, subdivision 3, paragraph (c), on the first Monday in October 2006, through the last Monday in November 2006, allocations shall be awarded from the unified pool in the following order of priority:

(1) applications for mortgage bonds;

(2) applications for public facility projects funded by public facility bonds;

(3) applications for small issue bonds for manufacturing projects;

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(4) applications for small issue bonds for agricultural development bond loan projects;

(5) applications for residential rental project bonds;

(6) applications for enterprise zone facility bonds;

(7) applications for governmental bonds; and

(8) applications for redevelopment bonds.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

Sec. 15. UNIFIED POOL; OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION TOTAL ALLOCATION.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 474A.091, subdivision 3, paragraph (i), the total amount of allocations for student loan bonds from the unified pool in calendar year 2006 may not exceed 50 percent of the total in the unified pool on the day after the last Monday in July, 2006.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective July 1, 2006.

ARTICLE 10

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.175, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Consultations; comment and filing. (a) Before formation of a tax increment financing district, the authority shall provide the county auditor and clerk of the school board with the proposed tax increment financing plan for the district and the authority's estimate of the fiscal and economic implications of the proposed tax increment financing district. The authority must provide the proposed tax increment financing plan and the information on the fiscal and economic implications of the plan to the county auditor and the clerk of the school district board at least 30 days before the public hearing required by subdivision 3. The information on the fiscal and economic implications may be included in or as part of the tax increment financing plan. The county auditor and clerk of the school board shall provide copies to the members of the boards, as directed by their respective boards. The 30-day requirement is waived if the boards of the county and school district submit written comments on the proposal and any modification of the proposal to the authority after receipt of the information.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "fiscal and economic implications of the proposed tax increment financing district" includes:

(1) an estimate of the total amount of tax increment that will be generated over the life of the district;

(2) a description of the probable impact of the district on city-provided services such as police and fire protection, public infrastructure, and ~~borrowing costs~~ the impact of any general obligation tax increment bonds attributable to the district upon the ability to issue other debt for general fund purposes;

(3) the estimated amount of tax increments over the life of the district that would be attributable to school district levies, assuming the school district's share of the total local tax rate for all taxing jurisdictions remained the same;

(4) the estimated amount of tax increments over the life of the district that would be attributable to county levies, assuming the county's share of the total local tax rate for all taxing jurisdictions remained the same; and

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(5) ~~any~~ additional information regarding the size, timing, or type of development in the district requested by the county or the school district that would enable it to determine additional costs that will accrue to it due to the development proposed for the district. If a county or school district has not adopted standard questions in a written policy on information requested for fiscal and economic implications, a county or school district must request additional information no later than 15 days after receipt of the tax increment financing plan and the request does not require an additional 30 days of notice before the public hearing.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for proposed tax increment financing plans provided after June 30, 2006.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.175, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Modification of plan. (a) A tax increment financing plan may be modified by an authority.

(b) The authority may make the following modifications only upon the notice and after the discussion, public hearing, and findings required for approval of the original plan:

(1) any reduction or enlargement of geographic area of the project or tax increment financing district that does not meet the requirements of paragraph (e);

(2) increase in amount of bonded indebtedness to be incurred;

(3) a determination to capitalize interest on the debt if that determination was not a part of the original plan~~, or to increase or decrease the amount of interest on the debt to be capitalized~~;

(4) increase in the portion of the captured net tax capacity to be retained by the authority;

(5) increase in the estimate of the cost of the project, including administrative expenses, that will be paid or financed with tax increment from the district; or

(6) designation of additional property to be acquired by the authority.

(c) If an authority changes the type of district to another type of district, this change is not a modification but requires the authority to follow the procedure set forth in sections 469.174 to 469.179 for adoption of a new plan, including certification of the net tax capacity of the district by the county auditor.

(d) If a redevelopment district or a renewal and renovation district is enlarged, the reasons and supporting facts for the determination that the addition to the district meets the criteria of section 469.174, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), or subdivision 10a, must be documented.

(e) The requirements of paragraph (b) do not apply if (1) the only modification is elimination of parcels from the project or district and (2)(A) the current net tax capacity of the parcels eliminated from the district equals or exceeds the net tax capacity of those parcels in the district's original net tax capacity or (B) the authority agrees that, notwithstanding section 469.177, subdivision 1, the original net tax capacity will be reduced by no more than the current net tax capacity of the parcels eliminated from the district. The authority must notify the county auditor of any modification that reduces or enlarges the geographic area of a district or a project area.

(f) The geographic area of a tax increment financing district may be reduced, but shall not be enlarged after five years following the date of certification of the original net tax capacity by the county auditor or after August 1, 1984, for tax increment financing districts authorized prior to August 1, 1979.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for all districts, regardless of when the request for certification was made, and applies to plan amendments adopted after the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.175, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Annual disclosure. An annual statement showing for each district the information required to be reported under subdivision 6, paragraph (c), clauses (1), (2), (3), (11), (12), (18), and (19); the amounts of tax increment received and expended in the reporting period; and any additional information the authority deems necessary must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality that approved the tax increment financing plan. The annual statement must inform readers that additional information regarding each district may be obtained from the authority, and must explain how the additional information may be requested. The authority must publish the annual statement for a year no later than August 15 of the next year. The authority must identify the newspaper of general circulation in the municipality to which the annual statement has been or will be submitted for publication and provide a copy of the annual statement to the county board, the county auditor, ~~the school board,~~ the state auditor, and, if the authority is other than the municipality, the governing body of the municipality on or before August 1 of the year in which the statement must be published.

The disclosure requirements imposed by this subdivision apply to districts certified before, on, or after August 1, 1979.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for disclosures required to be provided after June 30, 2006.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.176, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Duration of tax increment financing districts. (a) Subject to the limitations contained in subdivisions 1a to 1f, any tax increment financing district as to which bonds are outstanding, payment for which the tax increment and other revenues have been pledged, shall remain in existence at least as long as the bonds continue to be outstanding. The municipality may, at the time of approval of the initial tax increment financing plan, provide for a shorter maximum duration limit than specified in subdivisions 1a to 1f. The specified limit applies in place of the otherwise applicable limit, unless the authority modifies the plan following the procedures under section 469.175, subdivision 4, paragraph (b).

(b) The tax increment pledged to the payment of the bonds and interest thereon may be discharged and the tax increment financing district may be terminated if sufficient funds have been irrevocably deposited in the debt service fund or other escrow account held in trust for all outstanding bonds to provide for the payment of the bonds at maturity or date of redemption and interest thereon to the maturity or redemption date.

(c) For bonds issued pursuant to section 469.178, subdivisions 2 and 3, the full faith and credit and any taxing powers of the municipality or authority are pledged to the payment of the bonds until the principal of and interest on the bonds has been paid in full.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.1763, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Expenditures outside district. (a) For each tax increment financing district, an amount equal to at least 75 percent of the total revenue derived from tax increments paid by properties in the district must be expended on activities in the district or to pay bonds, to the extent that the proceeds of the bonds were used to finance activities in the district or to pay, or secure payment of, debt service on credit enhanced bonds. For districts, other than redevelopment districts for which the request for certification was made after June 30, 1995, the in-district percentage for purposes of the preceding sentence is 80 percent. Not more than 25 percent of the total revenue derived from tax increments paid by properties in the district may be expended, through a development fund or otherwise, on activities outside of the district but within the defined geographic area of the project except to pay, or

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secure payment of, debt service on credit enhanced bonds. For districts, other than redevelopment districts for which the request for certification was made after June 30, 1995, the pooling percentage for purposes of the preceding sentence is 20 percent. The revenue derived from tax increments for the district that are expended on costs under section 469.176, subdivision 4h, paragraph (b), may be deducted first before calculating the percentages that must be expended within and without the district.

(b) In the case of a housing district, a housing project, as defined in section 469.174, subdivision 11, is an activity in the district.

(c) All administrative expenses are for activities outside of the district, except that if the only expenses for activities outside of the district under this subdivision are for the purposes described in paragraph (d), administrative expenses will be considered as expenditures for activities in the district.

(d) The authority may elect, in the tax increment financing plan for the district, to increase by up to ten percentage points the permitted amount of expenditures for activities located outside the geographic area of the district under paragraph (a). As permitted by section 469.176, subdivision 4k, the expenditures, including the permitted expenditures under paragraph (a), need not be made within the geographic area of the project. Expenditures that meet the requirements of this paragraph are legally permitted expenditures of the district, notwithstanding section 469.176, subdivisions 4b, 4c, and 4j. To qualify for the increase under this paragraph, the expenditures must:

(1) be used exclusively to assist housing that meets the requirement for a qualified low-income building, as that term is used in section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(2) not exceed the qualified basis of the housing, as defined under section 42(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, less the amount of any credit allowed under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code; and

(3) be used to:

(i) acquire and prepare the site of the housing;

(ii) acquire, construct, or rehabilitate the housing; or

(iii) make public improvements directly related to the housing.

(e) For a district created within a biotechnology and health sciences industry zone as defined in section 469.330, subdivision 6, or for an existing district located within such a zone, tax increment derived from such a district may be expended outside of the district but within the zone only for expenditures required for the construction of public infrastructure necessary to support the activities of the zone. Public infrastructure expenditures are considered as expenditures for activities within the district.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section applies to all districts, regardless of when the request for certification was made.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1763, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Five-year rule. (a) Revenues derived from tax increments are considered to have been expended on an activity within the district under subdivision 2 only if one of the following occurs:

(1) before or within five years after certification of the district, the revenues are actually paid to a third party with respect to the activity;

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(2) bonds, the proceeds of which must be used to finance the activity, are issued and sold to a third party before or within five years after certification, the revenues are spent to repay the bonds, and the proceeds of the bonds either are, on the date of issuance, reasonably expected to be spent before the end of the later of (i) the five-year period, or (ii) a reasonable temporary period within the meaning of the use of that term under section 148(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, or are deposited in a reasonably required reserve or replacement fund;

(3) binding contracts with a third party are entered into for performance of the activity before or within five years after certification of the district and the revenues are spent under the contractual obligation;

(4) costs with respect to the activity are paid before or within five years after certification of the district and the revenues are spent to reimburse a party for payment of the costs, including interest on unreimbursed costs; or

(5) expenditures are made for housing purposes as permitted by subdivision 2, ~~paragraph~~ paragraphs (b) and (d), or for public infrastructure purposes within a zone as permitted by subdivision 2, paragraph (e).

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, bonds include subsequent refunding bonds if the original refunded bonds meet the requirements of paragraph (a), clause (2).

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1763, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Use of revenues for decertification. (a) In each year beginning with the sixth year following certification of the district, if the applicable in-district percent of the revenues derived from tax increments paid by properties in the district exceeds the amount of expenditures that have been made for costs permitted under subdivision 3, an amount equal to the difference between the in-district percent of the revenues derived from tax increments paid by properties in the district and the amount of expenditures that have been made for costs permitted under subdivision 3 must be used and only used to pay or defease the following or be set aside to pay the following:

(1) outstanding bonds, as defined in subdivision 3, paragraphs (a), clause (2), and (b);

(2) contracts, as defined in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4); or

(3) credit enhanced bonds to which the revenues derived from tax increments are pledged, but only to the extent that revenues of the district for which the credit enhanced bonds were issued are insufficient to pay the bonds and to the extent that the increments from the applicable pooling percent share for the district are insufficient; or

(4) the amount provided by the tax increment financing plan to be paid under subdivision 2, paragraphs (b), (d), and (e).

(b) The district must be decertified and the pledge of tax increment discharged when the outstanding bonds have been defeased and when sufficient money has been set aside to pay, based on the increment to be collected through the end of the calendar year, the following amounts:

(1) contractual obligations as defined in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4)~~, the district must be decertified and the pledge of tax increment discharged.~~;

(2) the amount specified in the tax increment financing plan for activities qualifying under subdivision 2, paragraph (b), that have not been funded with the proceeds of bonds qualifying under paragraph (a), clause (1); and

(3) the additional expenditures permitted by the tax increment financing plan for housing activities under an election under subdivision 2, paragraph (d), that have not been funded with the proceeds of bonds qualifying under paragraph (a), clause (1).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for districts for which the request for certification was made after April 30, 1990.

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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.1763, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Pooling permitted for deficits. (a) This subdivision applies only to districts for which the request for certification was made before August 1, 2001, and without regard to whether the request for certification was made prior to August 1, 1979.

(b) The municipality for the district may transfer available increments from another tax increment financing district located in the municipality, if the transfer is necessary to eliminate a deficit in the district to which the increments are transferred. The municipality may transfer increments as provided by this subdivision without regard to whether the transfer or expenditure is authorized by the tax increment financing plan for the district from which the transfer is made. A deficit in the district for purposes of this subdivision means the lesser of the following two amounts:

(1)(i) the amount due during the calendar year to pay preexisting obligations of the district; minus

(ii) the total increments collected or to be collected from properties located within the district that are available for the calendar year including amounts collected in prior years that are currently available; plus

(iii) total increments from properties located in other districts in the municipality including amounts collected in prior years that are available to be used to meet the district's obligations under this section, excluding this subdivision, or other provisions of law (but excluding a special tax under section 469.1791 and the grant program under Laws 1997, chapter 231, article 1, section 19, or Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5); or

(2) the reduction in increments collected from properties located in the district for the calendar year as a result of the changes in class rates in Laws 1997, chapter 231, article 1; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 2; and Laws 1999, chapter 243, and Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, or the elimination of the general education tax levy under Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5.

The authority may compute the deficit amount under clause (1) only (without regard to the limit under clause (2)) if the authority makes an irrevocable commitment, by resolution, to use increments from the district to which increments are to be transferred and any transferred increments are only used to pay preexisting obligations and administrative expenses for the district that are required to be paid under section 469.176, subdivision 4h, paragraph (a).

(1) bonds issued and sold before August 1, 2001, or bonds issued pursuant to a binding contract requiring the issuance of bonds entered into before July 1, 2001, and bonds issued to refund such bonds or to reimburse expenditures made in conjunction with a signed contractual agreement entered into before August 1, 2001, to the extent that the bonds are secured by a pledge of increments from the tax increment financing district; and

(2) binding contracts entered into before August 1, 2001, to the extent that the contracts require payments secured by a pledge of increments from the tax increment financing district.

(d) The municipality may require a development authority, other than a seaway port authority, to transfer available increments including amounts collected in prior years that are currently available for any of its tax increment financing districts in the municipality to make up an insufficiency in another district in the municipality, regardless of whether the district was established by the development authority or another development authority. This authority applies notwithstanding any law to the contrary, but applies only to a development authority that:

(1) was established by the municipality; or

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(2) the governing body of which is appointed, in whole or part, by the municipality or an officer of the municipality or which consists, in whole or part, of members of the governing body of the municipality. The municipality may use this authority only after it has first used all available increments of the receiving development authority to eliminate the insufficiency and exercised any permitted action under section 469.1792, subdivision 3, for preexisting districts of the receiving development authority to eliminate the insufficiency.

(e) The authority under this subdivision to spend tax increments outside of the area of the district from which the tax increments were collected:

(1) is an exception to the restrictions under section 469.176, subdivisions 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i, and 4j; the expenditure limits under section 469.176, subdivision 1c; and the other provisions of this section; and the percentage restrictions under subdivision 2 must be calculated after deducting increments spent under this subdivision from the total increments for the district; and

(2) applies notwithstanding the provisions of the Tax Increment Financing Act in effect for districts for which the request for certification was made before June 30, 1982, or any other law to the contrary.

(f) If a preexisting obligation requires the development authority to pay an amount that is limited to the increment from the district or a specific development within the district and if the obligation requires paying a higher amount to the extent that increments are available, the municipality may determine that the amount due under the preexisting obligation equals the higher amount and may authorize the transfer of increments under this subdivision to pay up to the higher amount. The existence of a guarantee of obligations by the individual or entity that would receive the payment under this paragraph is disregarded in the determination of eligibility to pool under this subdivision. The authority to transfer increments under this paragraph may only be used to the extent that the payment of all other preexisting obligations in the municipality due during the calendar year have been satisfied.

(g) For transfers of increments made in calendar year 2005 and later, the reduction in increments as a result of the elimination of the general education tax levy for purposes of paragraph (b), clause (2), for a taxes payable year equals the general education tax rate for the school district under Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 273.1382, subdivision 1, for taxes payable in 2001, multiplied by the captured tax capacity of the district for the current taxes payable year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for all districts, regardless of when the request for certification was made, and applies retroactively to any transfer made under subdivision 6.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.177, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Original net tax capacity. (a) Upon or after adoption of a tax increment financing plan, the auditor of any county in which the district is situated shall, upon request of the authority, certify the original net tax capacity of the tax increment financing district and that portion of the district overlying any subdistrict as described in the tax increment financing plan and shall certify in each year thereafter the amount by which the original net tax capacity has increased or decreased as a result of a change in tax exempt status of property within the district and any subdistrict, reduction or enlargement of the district or changes pursuant to subdivision 4.

(b) If the classification under section 273.13 of property located in a district changes to a classification that has a different assessment ratio, the original net tax capacity of that property must be redetermined at the time when its use is changed as if the property had originally been classified in the same class in which it is classified after its use is changed.

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(c) The amount to be added to the original net tax capacity of the district as a result of previously tax exempt real property within the district becoming taxable equals the net tax capacity of the real property as most recently assessed pursuant to section 273.18 or, if that assessment was made more than one year prior to the date of title transfer rendering the property taxable, the net tax capacity assessed by the assessor at the time of the transfer. If improvements are made to tax exempt property after ~~certification of~~ the municipality approves the district and before the parcel becomes taxable, the assessor shall, at the request of the authority, separately assess the estimated market value of the improvements. If the property becomes taxable, the county auditor shall add to original net tax capacity, the net tax capacity of the parcel, excluding the separately assessed improvements. If substantial taxable improvements were made to a parcel after certification of the district and if the property later becomes tax exempt, in whole or part, as a result of the authority acquiring the property through foreclosure or exercise of remedies under a lease or other revenue agreement or as a result of tax forfeiture, the amount to be added to the original net tax capacity of the district as a result of the property again becoming taxable is the amount of the parcel's value that was included in original net tax capacity when the parcel was first certified. The amount to be added to the original net tax capacity of the district as a result of enlargements equals the net tax capacity of the added real property as most recently certified by the commissioner of revenue as of the date of modification of the tax increment financing plan pursuant to section 469.175, subdivision 4.

(d) If the net tax capacity of a property increases because the property no longer qualifies under the Minnesota Agricultural Property Tax Law, section 273.111; the Minnesota Open Space Property Tax Law, section 273.112; or the Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Act, chapter 473H, or because platted, unimproved property is improved or market value is increased after approval of the plat under section 273.11, subdivision 14, 14a, or 14b, the increase in net tax capacity must be added to the original net tax capacity.

(e) The amount to be subtracted from the original net tax capacity of the district as a result of previously taxable real property within the district becoming tax exempt, or a reduction in the geographic area of the district, shall be the amount of original net tax capacity initially attributed to the property becoming tax exempt or being removed from the district. If the net tax capacity of property located within the tax increment financing district is reduced by reason of a court-ordered abatement, stipulation agreement, voluntary abatement made by the assessor or auditor or by order of the commissioner of revenue, the reduction shall be applied to the original net tax capacity of the district when the property upon which the abatement is made has not been improved since the date of certification of the district and to the captured net tax capacity of the district in each year thereafter when the abatement relates to improvements made after the date of certification. The county auditor may specify reasonable form and content of the request for certification of the authority and any modification thereof pursuant to section 469.175, subdivision 4.

(f) If a parcel of property contained a substandard building that was demolished or removed and if the authority elects to treat the parcel as occupied by a substandard building under section 469.174, subdivision 10, paragraph (b), the auditor shall certify the original net tax capacity of the parcel using the greater of (1) the current net tax capacity of the parcel, or (2) the estimated market value of the parcel for the year in which the building was demolished or removed, but applying the class rates for the current year.

(g) For a redevelopment district qualifying under section 469.174, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), clause (4), as a qualified disaster area, the auditor shall certify the value of the land as the original tax capacity for any parcel in the district that contains a building that suffered substantial damage as a result of the disaster or emergency.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for improvements made to tax exempt property made after June 30, 2006.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.1771, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a. Suspension of distribution of tax increment. (a) If an authority fails to make a disclosure or to submit a report containing the information required by section 469.175, subdivisions 5 and 6, regarding a tax increment financing district within the time provided in section 469.175, subdivisions 5 and 6, the state auditor shall mail to the authority a written notice that it or the municipality has failed to make the required disclosure or to

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submit a required report with respect to a particular district. The state auditor shall mail the notice on or before the third Tuesday of August of the year in which the disclosure or report was required to be made or submitted. The notice must describe the consequences of failing to disclose or submit a report as provided in paragraph (b). If the state auditor has not received a copy of a disclosure or a report described in this paragraph on or before the ~~third Tuesday of November~~ first day of October of the year in which the disclosure or report was required to be made or submitted, the state auditor shall mail a written notice to the county auditor to hold the distribution of tax increment from a particular district.

(b) Upon receiving written notice from the state auditor to hold the distribution of tax increment, the county auditor shall hold:

(1) 25 100 percent of the amount of tax increment that otherwise would be distributed, if the distribution is made after the ~~third Friday in November~~ first day of October but during the year in which the disclosure or report was required to be made or submitted; or

(2) 100 percent of the amount of tax increment that otherwise would be distributed, if the distribution is made after December 31 of the year in which the disclosure or report was required to be made or submitted.

(c) Upon receiving the copy of the disclosure and all of the reports described in paragraph (a) with respect to a district regarding which the state auditor has mailed to the county auditor a written notice to hold distribution of tax increment, the state auditor shall mail to the county auditor a written notice lifting the hold and authorizing the county auditor to distribute to the authority or municipality any tax increment that the county auditor had held pursuant to paragraph (b). The state auditor shall mail the written notice required by this paragraph within five working days after receiving the last outstanding item. The county auditor shall distribute the tax increment to the authority or municipality within 15 working days after receiving the written notice required by this paragraph.

(d) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any interest that accrues on tax increment while it is being held by the county auditor pursuant to paragraph (b) is not tax increment and may be retained by the county.

(e) For purposes of sections 469.176, subdivisions 1a to 1g, and 469.177, subdivision 11, tax increment being held by the county auditor pursuant to paragraph (b) is considered distributed to or received by the authority or municipality as of the time that it would have been distributed or received but for paragraph (b).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for disclosures and reports required to be filed after December 30, 2006.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 475.58, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Approval by electors; exceptions. Obligations authorized by law or charter may be issued by any municipality upon obtaining the approval of a majority of the electors voting on the question of issuing the obligations, but an election shall not be required to authorize obligations issued:

(1) to pay any unpaid judgment against the municipality;

(2) for refunding obligations;

(3) for an improvement or improvement program, which obligation is payable wholly or partly from the proceeds of special assessments levied upon property specially benefited by the improvement or by an improvement within the improvement program, or ~~of taxes levied upon the increased value of property within a district for the development of which the improvement is undertaken~~ from tax increments, as defined in section 469.174,

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subdivision 25, including obligations which are the general obligations of the municipality, if the municipality is entitled to reimbursement in whole or in part from the proceeds of such special assessments or ~~taxes~~ tax increments and not less than 20 percent of the cost of the improvement or the improvement program is to be assessed against benefited property or is to be paid from the proceeds of federal grant funds or a combination thereof, or is estimated to be received from ~~such taxes within the district~~ tax increments;

(4) payable wholly from the income of revenue producing conveniences;

(5) under the provisions of a home rule charter which permits the issuance of obligations of the municipality without election;

(6) under the provisions of a law which permits the issuance of obligations of a municipality without an election;

(7) to fund pension or retirement fund liabilities pursuant to section 475.52, subdivision 6;

(8) under a capital improvement plan under section 373.40; and

(9) under sections 469.1813 to 469.1815 (property tax abatement authority bonds), if the proceeds of the bonds are not used for a purpose prohibited under section 469.176, subdivision 4g, paragraph (b).

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. BURNSVILLE; HEART OF THE CITY TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT.

Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, the five-year rule under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.1763, subdivisions 3 and 4, is extended to ten years for tax increment derived from the parcel described as Lot 2, Block 1, Nicollet Commons Park within tax increment financing District No. 6 established by the city and its economic development authority on April 15, 2002.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3.

Sec. 13. CITY OF DETROIT LAKES; REDEVELOPMENT TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT.

Subdivision 1. Authorization. At the election of the governing body of the city of Detroit Lakes, upon adoption of the tax increment financing plan for the district described in this section, the rules provided under this section apply to each such district.

Subd. 2. Definition. In this section, "district" means a redevelopment district established by the city of Detroit Lakes or the Detroit Lakes Development Authority within the following area:

Beginning at the intersection of Washington Avenue and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad then east to the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue then south to the intersection of Highway 10/Frazee Street then west to the intersection of Frazee Street and the alley that parallels Washington Avenue then north to the point of beginning.

More than one district may be created under this section.

Subd. 3. Qualification as redevelopment district; special rules. The city may qualify the district as a redevelopment district under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.174, subdivision 10, applying the rules under this subdivision:

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(1) All buildings that are removed to facilitate the Highway 10 Realignment Project are deemed to be "structurally substandard."

(2) The three-year limit after demolition of the buildings to request tax increment financing certification provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 469.174, subdivision 10, paragraph (d), clause (1), does not apply.

Subd. 4. Expiration. The authority to approve tax increment financing plans to establish a tax increment financing redevelopment district subject to this section expires on December 31, 2014.

Subd. 5. Effective date. This section is effective upon approval of the governing body of the city of Detroit Lakes and compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3.

Sec. 14. CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS; HOMELESS ASSISTANCE TAX INCREMENT DISTRICT.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) "City" means the city of Minneapolis.

(b) "Homeless assistance tax increment district" means a contiguous area of the city that:

(1) is no larger than six acres;

(2) is located within the boundaries of a city municipal development district; and

(3) contains at least two shelters for homeless persons that have been owned or operated by nonprofit corporations that (i) are qualified charitable organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, (ii) have operated such homeless facilities within the district for at least five years, and (iii) have been recipients of emergency services grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 256E.36.

Subd. 2. Establishment of tax increment district. The city may create one homeless assistance tax increment district. To establish the homeless assistance tax increment district, the city shall adopt a homeless assistance tax increment plan and otherwise comply with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.175, except that the determinations required in Minnesota Statutes, section 469.175, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), clauses (1) and (2), items (i) and (ii), are not required.

Subd. 3. Application of tax increment law. Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.174 to 469.179, shall apply to the administration of the district, except:

(1) as this section provides otherwise; and

(2) with respect to the portion of the increment to be expended for homeless shelter and services pursuant to subdivision 5, paragraph (b):

(i) the use for which tax increment that may be expended is as provided by subdivision 5; and

(ii) Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.1761 and 469.1763, do not apply.

Subd. 4. Duration limitation. No tax increment generated by the district shall be paid to the city after the expiration of 25 years from the receipt by the city of the first increment from that district.

Subd. 5. Limitations on use of increment. (a) All increment received by the city from the district shall be used in accordance with the homeless assistance tax increment district plan.

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(b) No less than 50 percent of the increment, after deduction of allowable administrative expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 3, shall be used to provide emergency shelter and services for homeless persons within and outside the district.

(c) The remainder of the tax increment derived from the district shall be used for purposes allowed under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 4.

Subd. 6. Applicability of other laws. References in Minnesota Statutes to tax increment financing districts created and tax increment generated under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.174 to 469.179, include the homeless assistance district and tax increment subject to this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon compliance by the city of Minneapolis with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021.

Sec. 15. CITY OF FARIBAULT; TIF EXTENSION.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 1b, or any other law to the contrary, the governing bodies of the city of Faribault and its economic development authority may elect to extend the duration of tax increment financing district No. 5-1 by two additional years through taxes payable in 2008. Additional increments resulting from an extension authorized by this section must be used to pay the city's bonds issued for redevelopment project No. 5 or to reimburse the guarantor for payments made to pay the bonds. Any amounts in excess of those necessary to pay those amounts must be returned as excess increments under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon compliance by the governing body of the city of Faribault with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, and by the governing bodies of the county, city, and school district with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.1782, subdivision 2.

Sec. 16. BROOKLYN PARK; TIF.

Subdivision 1. Duration limit extension. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 1b, or any other law to the contrary, the governing body of the city of Brooklyn Park may extend the duration limit of the district established under Laws 1994, chapter 587, article 9, section 20, by up to five additional years beyond the limit permitted under Laws 2005, chapter 152, article 3, section 29. If the city extends the duration of the district under this authority, all of the increment received after December 31, 2006, must be deposited in the housing development account of the authority.

Subd. 2. Housing districts; authority to establish. (a) The governing body of the city of Brooklyn Park and an authority of the city, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 469.174, subdivision 2, may establish up to six housing tax increment financing districts under the provisions of this section. To qualify under this authority, a district must be located within the boundaries of the city and at least 75 percent of the parcels in each district must consist of either vacant land or contain a property or properties classified under Minnesota Statutes, section 273.13, subdivision 25, as class 4a, 4b, or 4d, that were originally constructed before 1975.

(b) The districts are subject to all of the applicable rules under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.174 through 469.1799, except that for property or properties classified under Minnesota Statutes, section 273.13, subdivision 25, as class 4a, 4b, or 4d, that were originally constructed before 1975, the county auditor shall certify the original net tax capacity of the parcel under Minnesota Statutes, section 469.177, subdivision 1, based only on the net tax capacity of the value of the land.

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EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon compliance by the governing body of the city of Brooklyn Park with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.021, except subdivision 1 is effective only upon compliance by the governing bodies of the county and school district with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.1782, subdivision 2.

Sec. 17. REPEALER; DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN BURNSVILLE TAX INCREMENTS.

Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 11, section 18, is repealed. The balance of tax increments derived from tax increment financing district no. 2-1 as of the effective date of this act must be returned to the county for distribution in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 469.176, subdivision 2.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective upon compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivision 3.

ARTICLE 11

AIDS AND CREDITS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 477A.011, subdivision 36, is amended to read:

Subd. 36. City aid base. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, "city aid base" is zero.

(b) The city aid base for any city with a population less than 500 is increased by $40,000 for aids payable in calendar year 1995 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $40,000 for aids payable in calendar year 1995 only, provided that:

(i) the average total tax capacity rate for taxes payable in 1995 exceeds 200 percent;

(ii) the city portion of the tax capacity rate exceeds 100 percent; and

(iii) its city aid base is less than $60 per capita.

(c) The city aid base for a city is increased by $20,000 in 1998 and thereafter and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $20,000 in calendar year 1998 only, provided that:

(i) the city has a population in 1994 of 2,500 or more;

(ii) the city is located in a county, outside of the metropolitan area, which contains a city of the first class;

(iii) the city's net tax capacity used in calculating its 1996 aid under section 477A.013 is less than $400 per capita; and

(iv) at least four percent of the total net tax capacity, for taxes payable in 1996, of property located in the city is classified as railroad property.

(d) The city aid base for a city is increased by $200,000 in 1999 and thereafter and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $200,000 in calendar year 1999 only, provided that:

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(i) the city was incorporated as a statutory city after December 1, 1993;

(ii) its city aid base does not exceed $5,600; and

(iii) the city had a population in 1996 of 5,000 or more.

(e) The city aid base for a city is increased by $450,000 in 1999 to 2008 and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $450,000 in calendar year 1999 only, provided that:

(i) the city had a population in 1996 of at least 50,000;

(ii) its population had increased by at least 40 percent in the ten-year period ending in 1996; and

(iii) its city's net tax capacity for aids payable in 1998 is less than $700 per capita.

(f) The city aid base for a city is increased by $150,000 for aids payable in 2000 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $150,000 in calendar year 2000 only, provided that:

(1) the city has a population that is greater than 1,000 and less than 2,500;

(2) its commercial and industrial percentage for aids payable in 1999 is greater than 45 percent; and

(3) the total market value of all commercial and industrial property in the city for assessment year 1999 is at least 15 percent less than the total market value of all commercial and industrial property in the city for assessment year 1998.

(g) The city aid base for a city is increased by $200,000 in 2000 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $200,000 in calendar year 2000 only, provided that:

(1) the city had a population in 1997 of 2,500 or more;

(2) the net tax capacity of the city used in calculating its 1999 aid under section 477A.013 is less than $650 per capita;

(3) the pre-1940 housing percentage of the city used in calculating 1999 aid under section 477A.013 is greater than 12 percent;

(4) the 1999 local government aid of the city under section 477A.013 is less than 20 percent of the amount that the formula aid of the city would have been if the need increase percentage was 100 percent; and

(5) the city aid base of the city used in calculating aid under section 477A.013 is less than $7 per capita.

(h) The city aid base for a city is increased by $102,000 in 2000 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $102,000 in calendar year 2000 only, provided that:

(1) the city has a population in 1997 of 2,000 or more;

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(2) the net tax capacity of the city used in calculating its 1999 aid under section 477A.013 is less than $455 per capita;

(3) the net levy of the city used in calculating 1999 aid under section 477A.013 is greater than $195 per capita; and

(4) the 1999 local government aid of the city under section 477A.013 is less than 38 percent of the amount that the formula aid of the city would have been if the need increase percentage was 100 percent.

(i) The city aid base for a city is increased by $32,000 in 2001 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $32,000 in calendar year 2001 only, provided that:

(1) the city has a population in 1998 that is greater than 200 but less than 500;

(2) the city's revenue need used in calculating aids payable in 2000 was greater than $200 per capita;

(3) the city net tax capacity for the city used in calculating aids available in 2000 was equal to or less than $200 per capita;

(4) the city aid base of the city used in calculating aid under section 477A.013 is less than $65 per capita; and

(5) the city's formula aid for aids payable in 2000 was greater than zero.

(j) The city aid base for a city is increased by $7,200 in 2001 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $7,200 in calendar year 2001 only, provided that:

(1) the city had a population in 1998 that is greater than 200 but less than 500;

(2) the city's commercial industrial percentage used in calculating aids payable in 2000 was less than ten percent;

(3) more than 25 percent of the city's population was 60 years old or older according to the 1990 census;

(4) the city aid base of the city used in calculating aid under section 477A.013 is less than $15 per capita; and

(5) the city's formula aid for aids payable in 2000 was greater than zero.

(k) The city aid base for a city is increased by $45,000 in 2001 and thereafter and by an additional $50,000 in calendar years 2002 to 2011, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $45,000 in calendar year 2001 only, and by $50,000 in calendar year 2002 only, provided that:

(1) the net tax capacity of the city used in calculating its 2000 aid under section 477A.013 is less than $810 per capita;

(2) the population of the city declined more than two percent between 1988 and 1998;

(3) the net levy of the city used in calculating 2000 aid under section 477A.013 is greater than $240 per capita; and

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(4) the city received less than $36 per capita in aid under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, for aids payable in 2000.

(l) The city aid base for a city with a population of 10,000 or more which is located outside of the seven-county metropolitan area is increased in 2002 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (b) or (c), is also increased in calendar year 2002 only, by an amount equal to the lesser of:

(1)(i) the total population of the city, as determined by the United States Bureau of the Census, in the 2000 census, (ii) minus 5,000, (iii) times 60; or

(2) $2,500,000.

(m) The city aid base is increased by $50,000 in 2002 and thereafter, and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $50,000 in calendar year 2002 only, provided that:

(1) the city is located in the seven-county metropolitan area;

(2) its population in 2000 is between 10,000 and 20,000; and

(3) its commercial industrial percentage, as calculated for city aid payable in 2001, was greater than 25 percent.

(n) The city aid base for a city is increased by $150,000 in calendar years 2002 to 2011 and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $150,000 in calendar year 2002 only, provided that:

(1) the city had a population of at least 3,000 but no more than 4,000 in 1999;

(2) its home county is located within the seven-county metropolitan area;

(3) its pre-1940 housing percentage is less than 15 percent; and

(4) its city net tax capacity per capita for taxes payable in 2000 is less than $900 per capita.

(o) The city aid base for a city is increased by $200,000 beginning in calendar year 2003 and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, paragraph (c), is also increased by $200,000 in calendar year 2003 only, provided that the city qualified for an increase in homestead and agricultural credit aid under Laws 1995, chapter 264, article 8, section 18.

(p) The city aid base for a city is increased by $200,000 in 2004 only and the maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, is also increased by $200,000 in calendar year 2004 only, if the city is the site of a nuclear dry cask storage facility.

(q) The city aid base for a city is increased by $10,000 in 2004 and thereafter and the maximum total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, is also increased by $10,000 in calendar year 2004 only, if the city was included in a federal major disaster designation issued on April 1, 1998, and its pre-1940 housing stock was decreased by more than 40 percent between 1990 and 2000.

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(r) The city aid base for a city is increased by $25,000 in 2006 only and the maximum total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, is also increased by $25,000 in calendar year 2006 only if the city had a population in 2003 of at least 1,000 and has a state park for which the city provides rescue services and which comprised at least 14 percent of the total geographic area included within the city boundaries in 2000.

(s) The city aid base for a city with a population less than 5,000 is increased in 2006 and thereafter and the minimum and maximum amount of total aid it may receive under this section is also increased in calendar year 2006 only by an amount equal to $6 multiplied by its population.

(t) The city aid base for a city is increased by $80,000 in 2007 only and the minimum and maximum amount of total aid it may receive under section 477A.013, subdivision 9, is also increased by $80,000 in calendar year 2007 only, if:

(1) as of May 1, 2006, at least 25 percent of the tax capacity of the city is proposed to be placed in trust status as tax-exempt Indian land;

(2) the placement of the land is being challenged administratively or in court; and

(3) due to the challenge, the land proposed to be placed in trust is still on the tax rolls as of May 1, 2006.

(u) the city aid base for a city is increased by $100,000 in 2007 and thereafter and the minimum and maximum total amount of aid it may receive under this section is also increased in calendar year 2007 only, provided that:

(1) the city has a 2004 estimated population greater than 200 but less than 2,000;

(2) its city net tax capacity for aids payable in 2006 was less than $300 per capita;

(3) the ratio of its pay 2005 tax levy compared to its city net tax capacity for aids payable in 2006 was greater than 110 percent; and

(4) it is located in a county where at least 15,000 acres of land are classified as tax-exempt Indian reservations according to the 2004 abstract of tax-exempt property.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective beginning with aids payable in 2007.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 477A.013, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. City aid distribution. (a) In calendar year 2002 and thereafter, each city shall receive an aid distribution equal to the sum of (1) the city formula aid under subdivision 8, and (2) its city aid base.

~~(b) The aid for a city in calendar year 2004 shall not exceed the amount of its aid in calendar year 2003 after the reductions under Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 5.~~

~~(c)~~ (b) For aids payable in 2005 and thereafter, the total aid for any city shall not exceed the sum of (1) ten percent of the city's net levy for the year prior to the aid distribution plus (2) its total aid in the previous year. For aids payable in 2005 and thereafter, the total aid for any city with a population of 2,500 or more may not decrease from its total aid under this section in the previous year by an amount greater than ten percent of its net levy in the year prior to the aid distribution.

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~~(d)~~ (c) For aids payable in 2004 only, the total aid for a city with a population less than 2,500 may not be less than the amount it was certified to receive in 2003 minus the greater of (1) the reduction to this aid payment in 2003 under Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 5, or (2) five percent of its 2003 aid amount. For aids payable in 2005 and thereafter, the total aid for a city with a population less than 2,500 must not be less than the amount it was certified to receive in the previous year minus five percent of its 2003 certified aid amount.

(d) If a city's net tax capacity used in calculating aid under this section has decreased in any year by more than 25 percent from its net tax capacity in the previous year due to property becoming tax-exempt Indian land, the city's maximum allowed aid increase under paragraph (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to (1) the city's tax rate in the year of the aid calculation, multiplied by (2) the amount of its net tax capacity decrease resulting from the property becoming tax exempt.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective beginning with aids payable in 2007.

Sec. 3. MAHNOMEN COUNTY; COUNTY, CITY, SCHOOL DISTRICT, PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT; 2006 ONLY.

Subdivision 1. Aid appropriation. $600,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of revenue to be used to make payments to compensate for the loss of property tax revenue due to the placement of land located in the city of Mahnomen that was put in trust status by the United Stated Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, during calendar year 2006. The commissioner shall pay the county of Mahnomen, $450,000; the city of Mahnomen, $80,000; and Independent School District No. 432, Mahnomen, $70,000. The payments shall be made on July 20, 2006.

Subd. 2. School district tax base adjustments. The Department of Revenue must reduce the referendum market value and the adjusted net tax capacity certified for assessment year 2005 used to calculate school levies for taxes payable in 2007 for Independent School District No. 432, Mahnomen, by the amounts of any values attributable to property that is no longer subject to property taxation because the land has been placed in trust in calendar year 2006 through action of the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Mahnomen County auditor must certify the reductions in value to the Department of Revenue in the form and manner specified by the Department of Revenue.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

ARTICLE 12

MINERALS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.001, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. Producer. "Producer" means a person engaged in the business of mining or producing iron ore, taconite concentrate, or direct reduced ore in this state.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 298.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Occupation tax; other ores. Every person engaged in the business of mining or producing ores in this state, except iron ore or taconite concentrates, shall pay an occupation tax to the state of Minnesota as provided in this subdivision. The tax is determined in the same manner as the tax imposed by section 290.02, except that

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sections 290.05, subdivision 1, clause (a), 290.17, subdivision 4, and 290.191, subdivision 2, do not apply, and the occupation tax must be computed by applying to taxable income the rate of 2.45 percent. A person subject to occupation tax under this section shall apportion its net income on the basis of the percentage obtained by taking the sum of:

(1) 75 percent of the percentage which the sales made within this state in connection with the trade or business during the tax period are of the total sales wherever made in connection with the trade or business during the tax period;

(2) 12.5 percent of the percentage which the total tangible property used by the taxpayer in this state in connection with the trade or business during the tax period is of the total tangible property, wherever located, used by the taxpayer in connection with the trade or business during the tax period; and

(3) 12.5 percent of the percentage which the taxpayer's total payrolls paid or incurred in this state or paid in respect to labor performed in this state in connection with the trade or business during the tax period are of the taxpayer's total payrolls paid or incurred in connection with the trade or business during the tax period.

The tax is in addition to all other taxes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a. Gross income. (a) For purposes of determining a person's taxable income under subdivision 3, gross income is determined by the amount of gross proceeds from mining in this state under section 298.016 and includes any gain or loss recognized from the sale or disposition of assets used in the business in this state. If more than one mineral, metal, or energy resource referred to in section 298.016 is mined and processed at the same mine and plant, a gross income for each mineral, metal, or energy resource must be determined separately. The gross incomes may be combined on one occupation tax return to arrive at the gross income of all production.

(b) In applying section 290.191, subdivision 5, transfers of ores are deemed to be sales ~~outside~~ in this state ~~if the ores are transported out of this state after the ores have been converted to a marketable quality~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

Subd. 3b. Deductions. (a) For purposes of determining taxable income under subdivision 3, the deductions from gross income include only those expenses necessary to convert raw ores to marketable quality. Such expenses include costs associated with refinement but do not include expenses such as transportation, stockpiling, marketing, or marine insurance that are incurred after marketable ores are produced, unless the expenses are included in gross income. The allowable deductions from a mine or plant that mines and produces more than one mineral, metal, or energy resource must be determined separately for the purposes of computing the deduction in section 290.01, subdivision 19c, clause (9). These deductions may be combined on one occupation tax return to arrive at the deduction from gross income for all production.

(b) The provisions of section 290.01, subdivisions 19c, clauses (6) and (9), and 19d, clauses (7) and (11), are not used to determine taxable income.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 298.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Occupation tax; iron ore; taconite concentrates. A person engaged in the business of mining or producing of iron ore, taconite concentrates or direct reduced ore in this state shall pay an occupation tax to the state of Minnesota. The tax is determined in the same manner as the tax imposed by section 290.02, except that sections 290.05, subdivision 1, clause (a), 290.17, subdivision 4, and 290.191, subdivision 2, do not apply, and the occupation tax shall be computed by applying to taxable income the rate of 2.45 percent. A person subject to occupation tax under this section shall apportion its net income on the basis of the percentage obtained by taking the sum of:

The tax is in addition to all other taxes.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a. Gross income. (a) For purposes of determining a person's taxable income under subdivision 4, gross income is determined by the mine value of the ore mined in Minnesota and includes any gain or loss recognized from the sale or disposition of assets used in the business in this state.

(b) Mine value is the value, or selling price, of iron ore or taconite concentrates, f.o.b. mine. The mine value is calculated by multiplying the iron unit price for the period, as determined by the commissioner, by the tons produced and the weighted average analysis.

(c) In applying section 290.191, subdivision 5, transfers of iron ore and taconite concentrates are deemed to be sales ~~outside~~ in this state ~~if the iron ore or taconite concentrates are transported out of this state after the raw iron ore and taconite concentrates have been converted to a marketable quality~~.

(d) If iron ore or taconite and a mineral, metal, or energy resource referred to in section 298.016 is mined and processed at the same mine and plant, a gross income for each mineral, metal, or energy resource must be determined separately from the mine value for the iron ore or taconite. The gross income may be combined on one occupation tax return to arrive at the gross income from all production.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivision 4b, is amended to read:

Subd. 4b. Deductions. For purposes of determining taxable income under subdivision 4, the deductions from gross income include only those expenses necessary to convert raw iron ore or taconite concentrates to marketable quality. Such expenses include costs associated with beneficiation and refinement but do not include expenses such as transportation, stockpiling, marketing, or marine insurance that are incurred after marketable iron ore or taconite

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pellets are produced. The allowable deductions from a mine or plant that mines and produces iron ore or taconite and one or more mineral or metal referred to in section 298.016 must be determined separately for the purposes of computing the deduction in section 290.01, subdivision 19c, clause (9). These deductions may be combined on one occupation tax return to arrive at the deduction from gross income for all production.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 6. Deductions applicable to mining both taconite and other ores; ratio applied. If a person is engaged in the business of mining or producing both iron ores, taconite concentrates, or direct reduced ore, and other ores from the same mine or facility, that person must separately determine the mine value of (1) the iron ore, taconite concentrates, and direct reduced ore, and (2) the amount of gross proceeds from mining other ores in Minnesota. The ratio of mine value from iron ore, taconite concentrates, and direct reduced ore to gross proceeds from mining other ores must be applied to deductions common to both processes to determine taxable income for tax paid pursuant to subdivisions 3 and 4.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.227, is amended to read:

298.227 TACONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND.

An amount equal to that distributed pursuant to each taconite producer's taxable production and qualifying sales under section 298.28, subdivision 9a, shall be held by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board in a separate taconite economic development fund for each taconite and direct reduced ore producer. Money from the fund for each producer shall be released by the commissioner after review by a joint committee consisting of an equal number of representatives of the salaried employees and the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees of that producer. The District 11 director of the United States Steelworkers of America, on advice of each local employee president, shall select the employee members. In nonorganized operations, the employee committee shall be elected by the nonsalaried production and maintenance employees. The review must be completed no later than six months after the producer presents a proposal for expenditure of the funds to the committee. The funds held pursuant to this section may be released only for acquisition of equipment and facilities for the producer or for research and development in Minnesota on new mining, or taconite, iron, or steel production technology, but only if the producer provides a matching expenditure to be used for the same purpose of at least 50 percent of the distribution based on 14.7 cents per ton beginning with distributions in 2002. If a producer uses money from the fund to procure haulage trucks, mobile equipment, or mining shovels, and the producer removes the piece of equipment from the taconite tax relief area defined in section 273.134 within ten years from the date of receipt of the money from the fund, a portion of the money granted from the fund must be repaid to the taconite economic development fund. The portion of the money to be repaid is 100 percent of the grant if the equipment is removed from the taconite tax relief area within 12 months after receipt of the money from the fund, declining by ten percent for each of the subsequent nine years during which the equipment remains within the taconite tax relief area. If a taconite production facility is sold after operations at the facility had ceased, any money remaining in the fund for the former producer may be released to the purchaser of the facility on the terms otherwise applicable to the former producer under this section. If a producer fails to provide matching funds for a proposed expenditure within six months after the commissioner approves release of the funds, the funds are available for release to another producer in proportion to the distribution provided and under the conditions of this section. Any portion of the fund which is not released by the commissioner within two years of its deposit in the fund shall be divided between the taconite environmental protection fund created in section 298.223 and the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund created in section 298.292 for placement in their respective special accounts. Two-thirds of the unreleased funds shall be distributed to the taconite environmental protection fund and one-third to the Douglas J. Johnson economic protection trust fund.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.28, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Property tax relief. (a) In 2002 and thereafter, 33.9 cents per taxable ton, less any amount required to be distributed under paragraphs (b) and (c), or section 298.2961, subdivision 5, must be allocated to St. Louis County acting as the counties' fiscal agent, to be distributed as provided in sections 273.134 to 273.136.

(b) If an electric power plant owned by and providing the primary source of power for a taxpayer mining and concentrating taconite is located in a county other than the county in which the mining and the concentrating processes are conducted, .1875 cent per taxable ton of the tax imposed and collected from such taxpayer shall be paid to the county.

(c) If an electric power plant owned by and providing the primary source of power for a taxpayer mining and concentrating taconite is located in a school district other than a school district in which the mining and concentrating processes are conducted, .4541 cent per taxable ton of the tax imposed and collected from the taxpayer shall be paid to the school district.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.28, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8. Range Association of Municipalities and Schools. ~~.20~~ .30 cent per taxable ton shall be paid to the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, for the purpose of providing an areawide approach to problems which demand coordinated and cooperative actions and which are common to those areas of northeast Minnesota affected by operations involved in mining iron ore and taconite and producing concentrate therefrom, and for the purpose of promoting the general welfare and economic development of the cities, towns and school districts within the iron range area of northeast Minnesota.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for taxes paid in 2007 and subsequent years.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 298.2961, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Grant and loan fund. (a) A fund is established to receive distributions under section 298.28, subdivision 9b, and to make grants or loans as provided in this subdivision. Any grant or loan made under this subdivision must be approved by a majority of the members of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, established under section 298.22.

(b) Distributions received in calendar year 2005 are allocated to the city of Virginia for improvements and repairs to the city's steam heating system.

(c) Distributions received in calendar year 2006 are allocated to a project of the public utilities commissions of the cities of Hibbing and Virginia to convert their electrical generating plants to the use of biomass products, such as wood.

(d) Distributions received in calendar year 2007 must be paid to the city of Tower to be used for the East Two Rivers project in or near the city of Tower.

(e) For distributions received in 2008 and later, amounts may be allocated to joint ventures with mining companies for reclamation of lands containing abandoned or worked out mines to convert these lands to marketable properties for residential, recreational, commercial, or other valuable uses, the first $2,000,000 of the 2008 distribution must be paid to St. Louis County for deposit in its county road and bridge fund to be used for relocation of St. Louis County Road 715, commonly referred to as Pike River Road. The remainder of the 2008 distribution and the full amount of the distributions in 2009 and subsequent years is allocated for projects under section 298.223, subdivision 1.

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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.2961, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 5. Public works and local economic development fund. For distributions in 2007 only, a special fund is established to receive 38.4 cents per ton that otherwise would be allocated under section 298.28, subdivision 6. The following amounts are allocated to St. Louis County acting as the fiscal agent for the recipients for the specific purposes:

(1) 13.4 cents per ton for the Central Iron Range Sanitary Sewer District for construction of a combined wastewater facility;

(2) six cents per ton to the city of Eveleth to redesign and design and construct improvements to renovate its water treatment facility;

(3) one cent per ton for the East Range Joint Powers Board to acquire land for and to design a central wastewater collection and treatment system;

(4) 0.5 cents per ton to the city of Hoyt Lakes to repair Leeds Road;

(5) 0.7 cents per ton to the city of Virginia to extend Eighth Street South;

(6) 0.7 cents per ton to the city of Mountain Iron to repair Hoover Road;

(7) 0.9 cents per ton to the city of Gilbert for alley repairs between Michigan and Indiana Avenues and for repayment of a loan to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development;

(8) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Keewatin for a new city well;

(9) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Grand Rapids for planning for a fire and hazardous materials center;

(10) 0.9 cents per ton to Aitkin County Growth for an economic development project for peat harvesting;

(11) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Nashwauk to develop a comprehensive city plan;

(12) 0.4 cents per ton to the city of Taconite for development of a city comprehensive plan;

(13) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Marble for water and sewer infrastructure;

(14) 0.8 cents per ton to Aitkin County for improvements to the Long Lake Environmental Learning Center;

(15) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Coleraine for the Coleraine Technology Center;

(16) 0.5 cents per ton to the Economic Development Authority of the city of Grand Rapids for planning for the North Central Research and Technology Laboratory;

(17) 0.6 cents per ton to the city of Bovey for sewer and water extension;

(18) 0.3 cents per ton to the city of Calumet for infrastructure improvements; and

(19) ten cents per ton to an economic development authority in a city through which State Highway 1 passes, or a city in Independent School District No. 2142 that has an active mine, for an economic development project approved by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.75, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 10. Tax may be imposed; Sylvan Township. (a) If Cass County does not impose a tax under this section and approves imposition of the tax under this subdivision, the town of Sylvan in Cass County may impose the aggregate materials tax under this section.

(b) For purposes of exercising the powers contained in this section, the "town" is deemed to be the "county."

(c) All provisions in this section apply to the town of Sylvan, except that, in lieu of the distribution of the tax proceeds under subdivision 7, all proceeds of the tax must be retained by the town.

(d) If Cass County imposes an aggregate materials tax under this section, the tax imposed by the town of Sylvan under this subdivision is repealed on the effective date of the Cass County tax.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the town of Sylvan and its chief clerical officer comply with section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 15. Laws 2005, chapter 152, article 1, section 39, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Issuance; purpose. Notwithstanding any provision of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, to the contrary, the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation ~~may~~ shall issue revenue bonds in a principal amount of $15,000,000 plus an amount sufficient to pay costs of issuance, in one or more series, and thereafter may issue bonds to refund those bonds. The proceeds of the bonds must be used to pay costs of issuance and to make grants to school districts located in the taconite tax relief area defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 273.134, or the taconite assistance area defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 273.1341, to be used by the school districts to pay for health, safety, and maintenance improvements ~~but only if the school district has levied the maximum amount allowable under law for those purposes~~.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 16. TRANSITION PROVISIONS.

Each person with an alternative minimum tax credit on December 31, 2005, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivision 3d or 4e, may take that credit against occupation tax under Minnesota Statutes, section 298.01.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 17. REPEALER.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 298.01, subdivisions 3c, 3d, 4d, and 4e, are repealed effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2005.

ARTICLE 13

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 272.02, subdivision 83, is amended to read:

Subd. 83. International economic development zone property. (a) Improvements to real property, and personal property, classified under section 273.13, subdivision 24, and located within the international economic development zone designated under section 469.322, are exempt from ad valorem taxes levied under chapter 275, if the improvements are:

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(1) part of a regional distribution center as defined in section 469.321; or

(2) occupied by a qualified business as defined in section 469.321, that uses the improvements primarily in freight forwarding operations.

(b) ~~The exemption applies beginning for the first assessment year after designation of the international economic development zone.~~ The exemption applies to each assessment year that begins during the duration of the international economic development zone. To be exempt under paragraph (a), clause (2), the property must be occupied by July 1 of the assessment year by a qualified business that has signed the business subsidy agreement by July 1 of the assessment year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 289A.20, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Sales and use tax. (a) The taxes imposed by chapter 297A are due and payable to the commissioner monthly on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the taxable event occurred, or following another reporting period as the commissioner prescribes or as allowed under section 289A.18, subdivision 4, paragraph (f) or (g), except that use taxes due on an annual use tax return as provided under section 289A.11, subdivision 1, are payable by April 15 following the close of the calendar year.

(b) A vendor having a liability of $120,000 or more during a fiscal year ending June 30 must remit the June liability for the next year in the following manner:

(1) Two business days before June 30 of the year, the vendor must remit 85 78 percent of the estimated June liability to the commissioner.

(2) On or before August 20 of the year, the vendor must pay any additional amount of tax not remitted in June.

(1) $20,000 or more in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005; or

(2) $10,000 or more in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, and fiscal years thereafter,

must remit all liabilities on returns due for periods beginning in the subsequent calendar year by electronic means on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the taxable event occurred, or on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the sale is reported under section 289A.18, subdivision 4, except for 85 78 percent of the estimated June liability, which is due two business days before June 30. The remaining amount of the June liability is due on August 20.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales tax payments in June 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 289A.60, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15. Accelerated payment of June sales tax liability; penalty for underpayment. (a) For payments made after December 31, 2002, and before January 1, 2004, if a vendor is required by law to submit an estimation of June sales tax liabilities and 75 percent payment by a certain date, the vendor shall pay a penalty equal to ten percent of the amount of actual June liability required to be paid in June less the amount remitted in June. The penalty must not be imposed, however, if the amount remitted in June equals the lesser of 75 percent of the preceding May's liability or 75 percent of the average monthly liability for the previous calendar year.

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~~(b)~~ For payments made after December 31, ~~2003~~ 2006, if a vendor is required by law to submit an estimation of June sales tax liabilities and 85 78 percent payment by a certain date, the vendor shall pay a penalty equal to ten percent of the amount of actual June liability required to be paid in June less the amount remitted in June. The penalty must not be imposed, however, if the amount remitted in June equals the lesser of 85 78 percent of the preceding May's liability or 85 78 percent of the average monthly liability for the previous calendar year.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales tax payments in June 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.0922, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Exemptions. The following entities are exempt from the tax imposed by this section:

(1) corporations exempt from tax under section 290.05;

(2) real estate investment trusts;

(3) regulated investment companies or a fund thereof; and

(4) entities having a valid election in effect under section 860D(b) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(5) town and farmers' mutual insurance companies;

(6) cooperatives organized under chapter 308A or 308B that provide housing exclusively to persons age 55 and over and are classified as homesteads under section 273.124, subdivision 3;

(7) an entity, if for the taxable year all of its property is located in a job opportunity building zone designated under section 469.314 and all of its payroll is a job opportunity building zone payroll under section 469.310; and

(8) an entity, if for the taxable year all of its property is located in an international economic development zone designated under section 469.322, and all of its payroll is international economic development zone payroll under section 469.321. The exemption under this clause applies to taxable years beginning during the duration of the international economic development zone.

Entities not specifically exempted by this subdivision are subject to tax under this section, notwithstanding section 290.05.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 290.0922, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Definitions. (a) "Minnesota sales or receipts" means the total sales apportioned to Minnesota pursuant to section 290.191, subdivision 5, the total receipts attributed to Minnesota pursuant to section 290.191, subdivisions 6 to 8, and/or the total sales or receipts apportioned or attributed to Minnesota pursuant to any other apportionment formula applicable to the taxpayer.

(b) "Minnesota property" means total Minnesota tangible property as provided in section 290.191, subdivisions 9 to 11, any other tangible property located in Minnesota, but does not include: (1) property located in a job opportunity building zone designated under section 469.314, or (2) property of a qualified business located in a biotechnology and health sciences industry zone designated under section 469.334, or (3) for taxable years beginning during the duration of the zone, property of a qualified business located in the international economic development zone designated under section 469.322. Intangible property shall not be included in Minnesota

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property for purposes of this section. Taxpayers who do not utilize tangible property to apportion income shall nevertheless include Minnesota property for purposes of this section. On a return for a short taxable year, the amount of Minnesota property owned, as determined under section 290.191, shall be included in Minnesota property based on a fraction in which the numerator is the number of days in the short taxable year and the denominator is 365.

(c) "Minnesota payrolls" means total Minnesota payrolls as provided in section 290.191, subdivision 12, but does not include: (1) job opportunity building zone payrolls under section 469.310, subdivision 8, or (2) biotechnology and health sciences industry zone payrolls under section 469.330, subdivision 8, or (3) for taxable years beginning during the duration of the zone, international economic development zone payrolls under section 469.321, subdivision 9. Taxpayers who do not utilize payrolls to apportion income shall nevertheless include Minnesota payrolls for purposes of this section.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 297A.68, subdivision 41, is amended to read:

Subd. 41. International economic development zones. (a) Purchases of tangible personal property or taxable services by a qualified business, as defined in section 469.321, are exempt if the property or services are primarily used or consumed in the international economic development zone designated under section 469.322. This exemption applies only if the purchase is made and delivery received after the business signed the business subsidy agreement required under chapter 469.

(b) Purchase and use of construction materials, supplies, and equipment incorporated into the construction of improvements to real property in the international economic development zone are exempt if the improvements after completion of construction are to be used as a regional distribution center as defined in section 469.321 or otherwise used in the conduct of freight forwarding activities of a qualified business as defined in section 469.321. This exemption applies regardless of whether the purchases are made by the business or a contractor.

(c) The exemptions under this subdivision apply to a local sales and use tax, regardless of whether the local tax is imposed on sales taxable under this chapter or in another law, ordinance, or charter provision.

(d) The ~~exemption in paragraph (a) applies~~ exemptions in this section apply to sales ~~during the duration of the zone and after June 30, 2007, if the purchase was made and delivery received after the business signs the business subsidy agreement required under chapter 469~~ and purchases made after the date of final zone designation under section 469.322, paragraph (c), and before the expiration of the zone under section 469.322, paragraph (d).

(e) For purchases made for improvements to real property to be occupied by a business that has not signed a business subsidy agreement at the time of the purchase, the tax must be imposed and collected as if the rate under section 297A.62, subdivision 1, applied, and then refunded in the manner provided in section 297A.75 ~~beginning in fiscal year 2008~~. The taxpayer must attach to the claim for refund information sufficient for the commissioner to be able to determine that the improvements are being occupied by a business that has signed a business subsidy agreement.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297F.09, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10. Accelerated tax payment; cigarette or tobacco products distributor. A cigarette or tobacco products distributor having a liability of $120,000 or more during a fiscal year ending June 30, shall remit the June liability for the next year in the following manner:

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(a) Two business days before June 30 of the year, the distributor shall remit the actual May liability and 85 78 percent of the estimated June liability to the commissioner and file the return in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) On or before August 18 of the year, the distributor shall submit a return showing the actual June liability and pay any additional amount of tax not remitted in June. A penalty is imposed equal to ten percent of the amount of June liability required to be paid in June, less the amount remitted in June. However, the penalty is not imposed if the amount remitted in June equals the lesser of:

(1) 85 78 percent of the actual June liability; or

(2) 85 78 percent of the preceding May's liability.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales tax payments in June 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 297G.09, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9. Accelerated tax payment; penalty. A person liable for tax under this chapter having a liability of $120,000 or more during a fiscal year ending June 30, shall remit the June liability for the next year in the following manner:

(a) Two business days before June 30 of the year, the taxpayer shall remit the actual May liability and 85 78 percent of the estimated June liability to the commissioner and file the return in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) On or before August 18 of the year, the taxpayer shall submit a return showing the actual June liability and pay any additional amount of tax not remitted in June. A penalty is imposed equal to ten percent of the amount of June liability required to be paid in June less the amount remitted in June. However, the penalty is not imposed if the amount remitted in June equals the lesser of:

(1) 85 78 percent of the actual June liability; or

(2) 85 78 percent of the preceding May liability.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective for sales tax payments in June 2007 and thereafter.

Sec. 9. [469.193] FOREIGN TRADE ZONES.

A city, county, town, or other political subdivision may apply to the board defined in United States Code, title 19, section 81a, for the right to use the powers provided in United States Code, title 19, sections 81a to 81u. If the right is granted, the city, county, town, or other political subdivision may use the powers within or outside of a port district. Any city, county, town, or other political subdivision may apply jointly with any other city, county, town, or other political subdivision.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 469.312, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5. Duration limit. (a) The maximum duration of a zone is 12 years. The applicant may request a shorter duration. The commissioner may specify a shorter duration, regardless of the requested duration.

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(b) The duration limit under this subdivision and the duration of the zone for purposes of allowance of tax incentives described in section 469.315 is extended by three calendar years for each parcel of property that meets the following requirements:

(1) the qualified business operates an ethanol plant, as defined in section 41A.09, on the site that includes the parcel; and

(2) the business subsidy agreement was executed after April 30, 2006, and before July 1, 2007.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.322, is amended to read:

469.322 DESIGNATION OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE.

(a) An area designated as a foreign trade zone may be designated by the foreign trade zone authority as an international economic development zone if within the zone a regional distribution center is being developed pursuant to section 469.323. The zone must consist of contiguous area of not less than 500 acres and not more than 1,000 acres. The designation authority under this section is limited to one zone.

(b) In making the designation, the foreign trade zone authority, in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Council, shall consider access to major transportation routes, consistency with current state transportation and air cargo planning, adequacy of the size of the site, access to airport facilities, present and future capacity at the designated airport, the capability to meet integrated present and future air cargo, security, and inspection services, and access to other infrastructure and financial incentives. The border of the international economic development zone must be no more than 60 miles distant or 90 minutes drive time from the border of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

(c) Before final designation of the zone, the foreign trade zone authority, in consultation with the applicant, must conduct a transportation impact study based on the regional model and utilizing traffic forecasting and assignments. The results must be used to evaluate the effects of the proposed use on the transportation system and identify any needed improvements. If the site is in the metropolitan area the study must also evaluate the effect of the transportation impacts on the Metropolitan Transportation System plan as well as the comprehensive plans of the municipalities that would be affected. The authority shall provide copies of the study to the legislature under section 3.195 and to the chairs of the committees with jurisdiction over transportation and economic development. The applicant must pay the cost of the study.

~~(c)~~ (d) Final zone designation must be made by June 30, ~~2006~~ 2008.

~~(d)~~ (e) Duration of the zone is a 12-year period beginning on January 1, ~~2007~~ 2010.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.323, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Business plan. Before designation of an international economic development zone under section 469.322, the governing body of the foreign trade zone authority shall prepare a business plan. The findings of the business plan shall be presented to the legislature pursuant to section 3.195. Copies of the business plan shall be provided to the chairs of committees with jurisdiction over transportation and economic development. The plan must include an analysis of the economic feasibility of the regional distribution center once it becomes operational and of the operations of freight forwarders and other businesses that choose to locate within the boundaries of the zone. The analysis must provide profitability models that:

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(1) include the benefits of the incentives;

(2) estimate the amount of time needed to achieve profitability; and

(3) analyze the length of time incentives will be necessary to the economic viability of the regional distribution center.

If the governing body of the foreign trade authority determines that the models do not establish the economic feasibility of the project, the regional distribution center does not meet the development requirements of this section and section 469.322.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 469.327, is amended to read:

469.327 JOBS CREDIT.

Subdivision 1. Credit allowed. (a) A qualified business is allowed a credit against the taxes imposed under chapter 290. The credit equals seven percent of the:

(1) lesser of:

(i) zone payroll for the taxable year, less the zone payroll for the base year; or

(ii) total Minnesota payroll for the taxable year, less total Minnesota payroll for the base year; minus

(2) $30,000 multiplied by the number of full-time equivalent employees that the qualified business employs in the international economic development zone for the taxable year, minus the number of full-time equivalent employees the business employed in the zone in the base year, but not less than zero.

(b) This section applies only to tax years beginning during the duration of the international economic development zone.

Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Base year" means the taxable year beginning during the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year in which the ~~zone designation was made~~ duration of the zone begins under section 469.322, paragraph (d).

(d) "Minnesota payroll" means the wages or salaries attributed to Minnesota under section 290.191, subdivision 12, for the qualified business or the unitary business of which the qualified business is a part, whichever is greater.

(e) "Zone payroll" means wages or salaries used to determine the zone payroll factor for the qualified business, less the amount of compensation attributable to any employee that exceeds $70,000.

Subd. 3. Inflation adjustment. For taxable years beginning after December 31, ~~2006~~ 2010, the dollar amounts in subdivisions 1, clause (2); and 2, paragraph (e), are annually adjusted for inflation. The commissioner of revenue shall adjust the amounts by the percentage determined under section 290.06, subdivision 2d, for the taxable year.

Subd. 4. Refundable. If the amount of the credit exceeds the liability for tax under chapter 290, the commissioner of revenue shall refund the excess to the qualified business.

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Subd. 5. Appropriation. An amount sufficient to pay the refunds authorized by this section is appropriated to the commissioner of revenue from the general fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 473.39, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 11. Obligations. After July 1, 2006, in addition to the authority in subdivisions 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1g, 1h, 1i, 1j, and 1k, the council may issue certificates of indebtedness, bonds, or other obligations under this section in an amount not exceeding $32,800,000 for capital expenditures as prescribed in the council's regional transit master plan and transit capital improvement program, as adopted through May 1, 2006, and for related costs, including the costs of issuance and sale of the obligations.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 645.44, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 19. Fee and tax. (a) "Tax" means any fee, charge, exaction, or assessment imposed by a governmental entity on an individual, person, entity, transaction, good, service, or other thing. It excludes a price that an individual or entity chooses voluntarily to pay in return for receipt of goods or services provided by the governmental entity. A government good or service does not include access to or the authority to engage in private market transactions with a nongovernmental party, such as licenses to engage in a trade, profession, or business or to improve private property.

(b) For purposes of applying the laws of this state, a "fee," "charge," or other similar term that satisfies the functional requirements of paragraph (a) must be treated as a tax for all purposes, regardless of whether the statute or law names or describes it as a tax. The provisions of this subdivision do not preempt or supersede limitations under law that apply to fees, charges, or assessments.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 16. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 3, article 10, section 23, is amended to read:

Sec. 23. GRANTS TO QUALIFYING BUSINESSES.

$750,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2006 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development to be distributed to the foreign trade zone authority to provide grants to qualified businesses as determined by the authority, subject to Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.993 to 116J.995, to provide incentives for the businesses to locate their operations in an international economic development zone. If the money is not distributed during fiscal year 2006, it remains available for distribution under this section ~~during fiscal year 2007~~ until December 31, 2010.

Sec. 17. TAX RELIEF ACCOUNT.

(a) On June 30, 2006, the commissioner of finance shall cancel to the general fund an amount in the tax relief account under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.1522, subdivision 4, sufficient to provide an ending general fund balance for fiscal year 2007 of zero after taking into account the effect on the general fund of laws enacted during the 2006 regular legislative session relative to the February 2006 forecast.

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(b) On July 1, 2007, the remaining balance in the tax relief account under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.1522, subdivision 4, is cancelled to the general fund.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 18. APPLICATION.

Section 14 applies in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington."

Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to financing and operation of state and local government; making policy, technical, administrative, enforcement, collection, refund, appeal, abatement, and other changes to income, franchise, property, sales and use, deed, health care provider, cigarette and tobacco products, liquor, estate, aggregate removal, occupation, and production taxes, the property tax refund, and other taxes and tax-related provisions; providing for administration of certain fees, aids, tax titles, and tax sales; modifying accelerated sales tax requirements; conforming provisions to changes in the Internal Revenue Code; providing income tax credits; modifying and authorizing sales tax exemptions; modifying and authorizing local government sales taxes; modifying certain levies; changing ballots for referendum revenue; changing and providing property tax exemptions; providing for aids and payments to local governments; modifying international economic development zone authority; authorizing distributions of tax proceeds; providing terms and conditions related to the issuance of obligations; defining terms; providing for authorization of interfund loans; modifying the priorities for allocating bond issuance authority; changing and imposing powers, duties, and requirements on certain local governments and authorities and state departments or agencies; providing for issuance of obligations by local governments and other public authorities, and use of the proceeds of the debt; changing tax increment financing and abatement provisions, and providing authorities to certain districts; providing for allocation and transfers of funds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 103E.635, subdivision 7; 116A.20, subdivision 3; 116J.993, subdivision 3; 144F.01, subdivision 4; 162.18, subdivision 1; 162.181, subdivision 1; 216B.2424, subdivision 5; 272.02, subdivisions 45, 54, 55, by adding a subdivision; 272.029, subdivision 2; 273.032; 273.11, by adding a subdivision; 273.124, subdivision 12; 273.13, subdivision 23; 273.1384, subdivision 2; 273.1398, subdivision 3; 281.23, subdivision 9; 289A.60, subdivision 15; 290.06, by adding a subdivision; 290.091, subdivision 3; 290.17, subdivision 1; 295.50, subdivision 4; 295.53, subdivision 3; 297A.61, subdivisions 12, 17, by adding subdivisions; 297A.63; 297A.668, subdivision 6; 297A.669, subdivision 11; 297A.67, subdivisions 4, 5, 14, 27; 297A.70, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 7, 13, 14, 15; 297A.71, by adding a subdivision; 297A.99, subdivision 7; 297F.01, by adding a subdivision; 297F.09, subdivision 10; 297G.01, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; 297G.09, subdivision 9; 298.001, by adding a subdivision; 298.01, subdivisions 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, by adding a subdivision; 298.227; 298.28, subdivisions 6, 8; 298.2961, by adding a subdivision; 298.75, by adding a subdivision; 373.45, subdivision 1; 469.035; 469.103, subdivision 2; 469.175, subdivision 4; 469.176, subdivision 1; 469.1763, subdivisions 3, 4; 469.1771, subdivision 2a; 469.1813, subdivisions 1, 6b, 8, 9, by adding a subdivision; 469.312, subdivision 5; 473.39, by adding a subdivision; 474A.062; 475.58, subdivision 1; 477A.013, subdivision 9; 477A.014, subdivision 1; 645.44, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 115B.49, subdivision 4; 126C.17, subdivision 9; 270C.01, subdivision 4; 270C.304; 270C.33, subdivision 4; 270C.57, subdivision 3; 270C.67, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 270C.722, subdivision 2; 271.12; 272.02, subdivisions 53, 83; 273.13, subdivisions 22, 25; 273.1384, subdivision 1; 284.07; 289A.02, subdivision 7; 289A.121, subdivision 5; 289A.20, subdivision 4; 290.01, subdivisions 19, 19a, 19c, 31; 290.0675, subdivision 1; 290.0922, subdivisions 2, 3; 290A.03, subdivision 15; 291.005, subdivision 1; 297A.61, subdivision 3; 297A.67, subdivision 6; 297A.68, subdivisions 37, 38, 41; 297A.72, subdivision 2; 297A.75, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 297A.815, subdivision 1; 298.01, subdivisions 3, 4; 298.2961, subdivision 4; 469.175, subdivisions 2, 5; 469.1763, subdivisions 2, 6; 469.177, subdivision 1; 469.178, subdivision 7; 469.1813, subdivision 6; 469.322; 469.323, subdivision 2; 469.327; 477A.011, subdivision 36; Laws 1996, chapter 471, article 2, section 29, subdivisions 1, 4; Laws 2005, chapter 152, article 1, section 39, subdivision 1; Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 8, as amended; Laws 2005, First Special Session

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chapter 3, article 5, sections 3; 14; 38, subdivision 2; 43, subdivision 3; 44, subdivision 1; article 10, section 23; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 287; 290; 469; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 297A.68, subdivisions 15, 18; 298.01, subdivisions 3c, 3d, 4d, 4e; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 11, section 18; Minnesota Rules, parts 8130.0400, subpart 3; 8130.4800, subparts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; 8130.5100; 8130.5400; 8130.5800, subpart 6."

We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

House Conferees: Philip Krinkie, Ron Abrams, Dean Simpson, Ray Vandeveer and Ann Lenczewski.

Senate Conferees: Lawrence J. Pogemiller, William V. Belanger, Rod Skoe and Mee Moua.

Krinkie moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 785 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee. The motion prevailed.

H. F. No. 785, A bill for an act relating to financing and operation of government in this state; modifying truth in taxation provisions and adding a taxpayer satisfaction survey; changing income, corporate franchise, withholding, estate, property, sales and use, mortgage registry, health care gross revenues, motor fuels, gambling, cigarette and tobacco products, occupation, net proceeds, production, liquor, insurance, and other taxes and tax-related provisions; making technical, clarifying, collection, enforcement, refund, and administrative changes to certain taxes and tax-related provisions, tax-forfeited lands, revenue recapture, unfair cigarette sales, state debt collection, sustainable forest incentive programs, and payments in lieu of taxes; changing local government aids and credits; providing for determination of population for certain purposes; updating references to the Internal Revenue Code, changing property tax exemptions, homesteads, assessment, valuation, classification, class rates, levies, deferral, review and equalization, appeals, notices and statements, and distribution provisions; changing rent constituting property taxes and property tax refunds; requiring state contracts be with vendors registered to collect use taxes; abolishing the political contribution refund; authorizing local sales taxes; extending a sales tax expiration; providing for compliance with streamlined sales tax agreement; changing the taxation of liquor and cigarettes; authorizing income tax checkoffs; requiring registration of tax shelters and providing for a voluntary compliance initiative; changing job opportunity building zones, border city development zones, biotechnology and health sciences industry zone provisions; setting minimum employee compensation for qualifying business in a JOBZ; limiting sales tax construction exemption in job zones to businesses paying prevailing wage; requiring a referendum for certain subsidies to gambling enterprises; authorizing charges for certain emergency services; imposing a franchise fee on card clubs; defining the term "tax"; regulating tax preparers; suspending appropriations or aids to public employers who prohibit certain employees from wearing a flag on a uniform; providing for training and conduct of assessors; prohibiting purchases of tax-forfeited lands by certain local officials; providing for data classification and exchange of data; establishing a tax reform commission; providing and imposing powers and duties on the commissioner of revenue and other state agencies and departments and on certain political subdivisions and certain officials; changing and imposing penalties; requiring reports; transferring funds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 4A.02; 16C.03, by adding a subdivision; 16D.10; 168A.05, subdivision 1a; 190.09, subdivision 2; 240.30, by adding a subdivision; 270.02, subdivision 3; 270.11, subdivision 2; 270.16, subdivision 2; 270.30, subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 8, by adding subdivisions; 270.65; 270.67, subdivision 4; 270.69, subdivision 4; 270A.03, subdivisions 5, 7; 272.01, subdivision 2; 272.02, subdivisions 1a, 7, 47, 53, 64, by adding subdivisions; 272.0211, subdivisions 1, 2; 272.0212, subdivisions 1, 2; 272.029, subdivisions 4, 6; 273.055; 273.0755; 273.11, subdivisions 1a, 8, by adding subdivisions; 273.111, by adding a subdivision; 273.123, subdivision 7; 273.124, subdivisions 3, 6, 8, 14, 21; 273.125, subdivision 8; 273.13, subdivisions 22, 23, 25, by adding a subdivision; 273.1315; 273.1384, subdivision 1; 273.19, subdivision 1a; 273.372; 274.01, subdivision 1; 274.014, subdivisions 2,

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3; 274.14; 275.025, subdivision 4; 275.065, subdivisions 1c, 3, 4, 7, by adding subdivisions; 275.07, subdivisions 1, 4; 276.04, subdivision 2; 276.112; 276A.01, subdivision 7; 282.016; 282.08; 282.15; 282.21; 282.224; 282.301; 287.04; 289A.02, subdivision 7; 289A.08, subdivisions 1, 3, 7, 13, 16; 289A.18, subdivision 1; 289A.19, subdivision 4; 289A.20, subdivision 2; 289A.31, subdivision 2; 289A.37, subdivision 5; 289A.38, subdivisions 6, 7, by adding subdivisions; 289A.40, subdivision 2, by adding subdivisions; 289A.50, subdivisions 1, 1a; 289A.56, by adding a subdivision; 289A.60, subdivisions 2a, 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, 20, by adding subdivisions; 290.01, subdivisions 6, 7, 7b, 19, as amended, 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 31; 290.032, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.06, subdivisions 2c, 22, by adding a subdivision; 290.067, subdivisions 1, 2a; 290.0671, subdivisions 1, 1a; 290.0672, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.0674, subdivisions 1, 2; 290.0675, subdivision 1; 290.091, subdivisions 2, 3; 290.0922, subdivision 2; 290.191, subdivisions 2, 3; 290.92, subdivisions 1, 4b; 290A.03, subdivisions 3, 11, 13, 15, by adding subdivisions; 290A.07, by adding a subdivision; 290A.19; 290B.05, subdivision 3; 290C.05; 290C.10; 291.005, subdivision 1; 291.03, subdivision 1; 295.52, subdivision 4; 295.53, subdivision 1; 295.582; 295.60, subdivision 3; 296A.22, by adding a subdivision; 297A.61, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 297A.64, subdivision 4; 297A.668, subdivisions 1, 5; 297A.67, subdivisions 2, 7, 9, 29, by adding a subdivision; 297A.68, subdivisions 2, 5, 28, 35, 37, 38, 39, by adding subdivisions; 297A.70, subdivision 10; 297A.71, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 297A.72, by adding a subdivision; 297A.75, subdivision 1; 297A.87, subdivisions 2, 3; 297A.99, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 9, by adding subdivisions; 297E.01, subdivisions 5, 7, by adding subdivisions; 297E.06, subdivision 2; 297E.07; 297F.08, subdivision 12, by adding a subdivision; 297F.09, subdivisions 1, 2; 297F.14, subdivision 4; 297G.09, by adding a subdivision; 297I.01, by adding subdivisions; 297I.05, subdivisions 4, 5, by adding a subdivision; 298.01, subdivisions 3, 4; 298.24, subdivision 1; 298.75, by adding a subdivision; 325D.33, subdivision 6; 365.43, subdivision 1; 365.431; 366.011; 366.012; 373.45, subdivision 7; 469.169, by adding a subdivision; 469.1735, subdivision 3; 469.176, subdivisions 4l, 7; 469.310, subdivision 11, by adding a subdivision; 469.315; 469.316; 469.317; 469.319, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 469.320, subdivision 3; 469.330, subdivision 11; 469.335; 469.337; 469.340, subdivision 1; 473.843, subdivision 5; 473F.02, subdivisions 2, 7; 477A.011, subdivisions 3, 34, 35, 36, 38; 477A.0124, subdivisions 2, 4; 477A.013, subdivisions 8, 9, by adding a subdivision; 477A.016; 477A.03, subdivisions 2a, 2b; 477A.11, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 477A.12, subdivisions 1, 2; 477A.14, subdivision 1; 645.44, by adding a subdivision; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 3, section 42, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 8, section 43, subdivision 3; Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 8; Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 12, section 95, as amended; Laws 2002, chapter 377, article 3, section 4; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 5, section 27; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 5, section 28; Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 5, section 13; Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 21, article 6, section 9; Laws 2005, chapter 43, section 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 15; 270; 272; 273; 275; 280; 289A; 290; 290C; 295; 297A; 297F; 373; 459; 473; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 10A.322, subdivision 4; 16A.1522, subdivision 4; 270.85; 270.88; 272.02, subdivision 65; 273.19, subdivision 5; 273.37, subdivision 3; 274.05; 275.065, subdivisions 5a, 6, 6b, 8; 275.15; 275.61, subdivision 2; 283.07; 290.06, subdivision 23; 297E.12, subdivision 10; 469.1794, subdivision 6; 477A.08; Laws 1975, chapter 287, section 5; Laws 1998, chapter 389, article 3, section 41; Laws 2003, chapter 127, article 9, section 9, subdivision 4; Minnesota Rules, parts 8093.2000; 8093.3000; 8130.0110, subpart 4; 8130.0200, subparts 5, 6; 8130.0400, subpart 9; 8130.1200, subparts 5, 6; 8130.2900; 8130.3100, subpart 1; 8130.4000, subparts 1, 2; 8130.4200, subpart 1; 8130.4400, subpart 3; 8130.5200; 8130.5600, subpart 3; 8130.5800, subpart 5; 8130.7300, subpart 5; 8130.8800, subpart 4.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called.

Pursuant to rule 2.05, the Speaker excused Westrom from voting on the repassage of H. F. No. 785, as amended by Conference.

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There were 130 yeas and 2 nays as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was repassed, as amended by Conference, and its title agreed to.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. NO. 2959

A bill for an act relating to capital improvements; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other public improvements of a capital nature with certain conditions; establishing new programs and modifying existing programs; authorizing sale of state bonds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 16A.11, subdivision 1; 16A.86, subdivisions 2, 4; 85.013, by adding a subdivision; 123A.44; 123A.441; 123A.442; 123A.443; 136F.98, subdivision 1; 446A.12, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 116.182, subdivision 2; 116J.575, subdivision 1; Laws 2000, chapter 492, article 1, section 7, subdivision 21, as amended; Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 19, subdivision 2; Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, sections 7, subdivisions 14, 21; 19, subdivision 6; 20, subdivisions 2, 3; 23, subdivisions 3, 12; 27; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16B; 85; 116J; 446A.

May 20, 2006

The Honorable Steve Sviggum

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 2959 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

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That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 2959 be further amended as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT APPROPRIATIONS.

The sums shown in the column under "APPROPRIATIONS" are appropriated from the bond proceeds fund, or another named fund, to the state agencies or officials indicated, to be spent for public purposes. Appropriations of bond proceeds must be spent as authorized by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 5, paragraph (a), to acquire and better public land and buildings and other public improvements of the capital nature, or as authorized by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 5, paragraphs (b) to (j), or article XIV. Unless otherwise specified, the appropriations in this act are available until the project is completed or abandoned subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642.

SUMMARY

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA $115,733,000

MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES 191,430,000

EDUCATION 17,200,000

MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMIES 2,534,000

PERPICH CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION 1,051,000

NATURAL RESOURCES 100,704,000

POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY 17,300,000

BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES 7,900,000

AGRICULTURE 1,500,000

ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN 15,000,000

ADMINISTRATION 9,250,000

CAPITOL AREA ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING BOARD 2,400,000

MILITARY AFFAIRS 7,579,000

PUBLIC SAFETY 1,000,000

TRANSPORTATION 143,000,000

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL 55,962,000

HUMAN SERVICES 58,321,000

VETERANS HOMES BOARD 12,090,000

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CORRECTIONS 61,065,000

EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 160,642,000

HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY 19,500,000

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 5,672,000

BOND SALE EXPENSES 948,000

CANCELLATIONS (7,800,000)

TOTAL $999,980,000

Bond Proceeds Fund (General Fund Debt Service) 874,737,000

Bond Proceeds Fund (User Financed Debt Service) 50,343,000

Maximum Effort School Loan Fund 10,700,000

State Transportation Fund 71,000,000

General Fund 1,000,000

Bond Proceeds Cancellations (7,800,000)

APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 2. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Subdivision 1. To the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota for the purposes specified in this section 115,733,000

Subd. 2. Higher education asset preservation and replacement (HEAPR) 30,000,000

To be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.046.

Subd. 3. Duluth Campus

Labovitz School of Business 15,333,000

To construct, furnish, and equip a new building for the Labovitz School of Business and Economics to include classrooms, offices, teaching laboratories, student services, administrative support services, and utility upgrades.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 4. Twin Cities Campus

(a) Carlson School of Management 26,600,000

To design and construct a new facility to include classrooms, teaching laboratories, student services, administrative support services, and office space for the Department of Economics.

(b) Medical Biosciences Building Phase 1 and utility upgrade 40,000,000

To design and construct a new medical biosciences building to include research laboratories, lab support facilities, faculty offices, and support services. Necessary utility upgrades are included.

Subd. 5. University Research Centers

(a) Cedar Creek Natural History Area, East Bethel 500,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip new housing for students and faculty, including visiting faculty and researchers.

(b) Cloquet Forestry Center Classroom Addition 500,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip an addition to the administration building for offices, expanded classrooms, and educational support services. Included are HVAC upgrades.

To construct, furnish, and equip a facility for the wind energy to hydrogen to anhydrous ammonia pilot project

Subd. 6. Willmar, Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory 300,000

For a grant to the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory in Willmar to design, construct, furnish, and equip the renovation of the laboratory to substantially improve the laboratory's efficiency and ability to meeting testing requirements and effectively serve its expanding client base.

Subd. 7. Dakota County Technical College Land Use

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requested to continue the lease of 105 acres at the Dakota County Technical College for the period ending June 30, 2008, at the annual rate of $54,000.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 8. University Share

Except for Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) under subdivision 2, and the appropriation under subdivision 6, the appropriations in this section are intended to cover approximately two-thirds of the cost of each project. The remaining costs must be paid from university sources.

Subd. 9. Unspent Appropriations

Upon substantial completion of a project authorized in this section and after written notice to the commissioner of finance, the Board of Regents must use any money remaining in the appropriation for that project for HEAPR under Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.046. The Board of Regents must report by February 1 of each even-numbered year to the chairs of the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over capital investments and higher education finance, and to the chairs of the house Ways and Means Committee and the senate Finance Committee, on how the remaining money has been allocated or spent.

Sec. 3. MINNESOTA STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Subdivision 1. To the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for the purposes specified in this section 191,430,000

Subd. 2. Higher education asset preservation and replacement 40,000,000

This appropriation is for the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.046.

Subd. 3. Alexandria Technical College

Law Enforcement Center 400,000

To design a new Law Enforcement Center and related classroom renovation.

Subd. 4. Bemidji State University

Sattgast Hall 700,000

To design an addition to and renovation of Sattgast Science Hall and to abate hazardous materials.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 5. Century College

Science Instruction and Learning Resource Center 19,900,000

To construct, furnish, and equip a new science instruction and learning resource center building on the east campus in Phase 1.

Subd. 6. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Library and Cultural Center 12,390,000

To construct, furnish, and equip an addition and a renovation for a library and learning resource center, and an addition for law enforcement, nursing education, cultural center, and related spaces.

Subd. 7. Inver Hills Community College

Fine Arts Building 700,000

To design a classroom addition to and renovation of the Fine Arts building.

Subd. 8. Lake Superior Community and Technical College

Health and Science Center 420,000

To design a two-phased project to construct a health and science center addition and to renovate existing spaces.

Subd. 9. Metropolitan State University

(a) Smart Classroom Center 300,000

To design two floors of technology-enhanced classrooms and academic offices above the power plant.

(b) Law Enforcement Center 350,000

To design, in cooperation with Minneapolis Community and Technical College, a joint law enforcement skills training facility for all metro area public higher education institutions, to be located on the campus of Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park.

Subd. 10. Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Science and Allied Health Training Center 18,874,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

To complete the design of and to renovate, furnish, and equip spaces for science, nursing, and allied healthcare programs to include classrooms, laboratories, and ancillary spaces, in cooperation with Metropolitan State University. To renovate, furnish, and equip science laboratories in Kopp Hall for general classroom instruction.

Subd. 11. Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical College, Red Wing

Learning Resource Center and Student Services 4,855,000

To complete design and to renovate, furnish, and equip spaces for a library, learning resource center, information technology, student services and commons, bookstore, administration, music instrument repair, and allied health classrooms and laboratories, and to construct an entryway addition.

Subd. 12. Minnesota State University Mankato

Trafton Hall, Phase 1 32,900,000

To construct, furnish, and equip an addition to Trafton Hall for classrooms, science laboratories, and related offices, and to construct, furnish, and equip renovations to Trafton Hall North in Phase 1 to consolidate all engineering departments. University funds may be added to this appropriation up to a total project cost of $33,250,000.

Subd. 13. Minnesota State University, Moorhead

(a) Lommen Hall 300,000

To design the renovation of Lommen Hall and design construction of an addition to the basement.

(b) MacLean Hall renovation 9,680,000

To renovate, furnish, and equip MacLean Hall for classrooms, laboratories, and related offices, and construct a new stairwell.

Subd. 14. Normandale Community College

Fine Arts Building 5,125,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

To design, construct, furnish, and equip an addition to the Fine Arts Building and the renovation of the Fine Arts Building to provide classrooms, laboratories, and, in cooperation with Minnesota State University, Mankato, a teacher preparation department. The project will also design an addition to the Health and Wellness Building and renovation of the building.

Subd. 15. North Hennepin Community College

Center for Business and Technology 350,000

To design a Business and Technology Building addition and the renovation of the Career and Continuing Education Building.

Subd. 16. Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks

Nursing, Health Care, and Learning Resources Center 300,000

To design a nursing addition and renovation of spaces for allied health laboratories, library, learning resource center, student commons, bookstore, classrooms, ancillary spaces, and boiler system expansion.

Subd. 17. Northeast Higher Education District, Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, Eveleth

Technical Laboratory Building 300,000

To design shop space to house the Industrial Mechanical Technology and Carpentry programs, renovate existing space for restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and replace the boiler, piping, and ventilation.

Subd. 18. St. Cloud State University

(a) Robert A. Wick Science Building 14,000,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip an addition to and renovation of the Robert A. Wick Science Building for classrooms, science laboratories, and related offices in Phase 1.

(b) Riverview Hall Renovation 4,500,000

To design, renovate, furnish, and equip Riverview Hall for general and technology-enhanced classrooms and ancillary spaces.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 19. St. Paul College

Transportation and Applied Technology Laboratories and Shops 3,000,000

To design renovation of classrooms, the transportation and applied technology and trades laboratories on the ground floor, to design construction of an expansion of the truck mechanics shop, and to design and construct the replacement of the campus electrical distribution system in Phase 1.

Subd. 20. Southwest Minnesota State University

Science and Hotel and Restaurant Laboratories 300,000

To design renovation of laboratories in the Science and Technology Building, laboratories and a classroom in the Science and Math Building, and hotel and restaurant industries teaching laboratories in the Individualized Learning Center.

Subd. 21. Winona State University

(a) Maxwell Hall renovation 11,186,000

To design, renovate, furnish, and equip Maxwell Hall for classrooms, offices, a National Child Protection Center and related spaces and to design, renovate, furnish, and equip vacated spaces in Somsen, Phelps, and Gildemeister Halls.

(b) Memorial Hall Design 400,000

To design an addition to Memorial Hall and renovation of vacated spaces at Gildemeister Hall. The board may use nonstate funds for the remainder of the cost of the design up to a total cost of $785,000.

Subd. 22. Systemwide Initiatives

(a) Demolition 1,660,000

To demolish obsolete buildings or portions of buildings on campuses statewide. This appropriation may be used at the following campuses: Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Canby; Riverland Community College, Austin; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

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APPROPRIATIONS

(b) Science labs and workforce initiatives 5,140,000

To renovate, furnish, and equip teaching laboratories and classrooms for science and applied technology at campuses statewide. Campuses may use nonstate funds to increase the size of the projects. This appropriation may be used at the following campuses: Central Lakes College, Brainerd; Minnesota State College, Southeast Technical, Winona; Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead and Detroit Lakes; Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Granite Falls; Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls; Northwest Technical College, Bemidji, Pine Technical College; Riverland Community College, Austin; and South Central College, Faribault.

To acquire real property adjacent to the state college and university campuses or within the boundaries of the campus master plan. This appropriation may be used at St. Cloud Technical College.

Subd. 23. Debt service

(a) The board shall pay the debt service on one-third of the principal amount of state bonds sold to finance projects authorized by this section, except for higher education asset preservation and replacement and the design of Memorial Hall at Winona State University, except that, where a nonstate match is required, the debt service is due on a principal amount equal to one-third of the total project cost, less the match committed before the bonds are sold. After each sale of general obligation bonds, the commissioner of finance shall notify the board of the amounts assessed for each year for the life of the bonds.

(b) The commissioner shall reduce the board's assessment each year by one-third of the net income from investment of general obligation bond proceeds in proportion to the amount of principal and interest otherwise required to be paid by the board. The board shall pay its resulting net assessment to the commissioner of finance by December 1 each year. If the board fails to make a payment when due, the commissioner of finance shall reduce allotments for appropriations from the general fund otherwise available to the board and apply the amount of the reduction to cover the missed debt service payment. The commissioner of finance shall credit the payments received from the board to the bond debt service account in the state bond fund each December 1 before money is transferred from the general fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.641, subdivision 10.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 24. Unspent Appropriations

(a) Upon substantial completion of a project authorized in this section and after written notice to the commissioner of finance, the Board of Trustees must use any money remaining in the appropriation for that project for HEAPR under Minnesota Statutes, section 135A.046. The Board of Trustees must report by February 1 of each even-numbered year to the chairs of the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over capital investments and higher education finance, and to the chairs of the house Ways and Means Committee and the senate Finance Committee, on how the remaining money has been allocated or spent.

(b) The unspent portion of an appropriation for a project in this section that is complete, is available for higher education asset preservation and replacement under this subdivision, at the same campus as the project for which the original appropriation was made and the debt service requirement under subdivision 23 is reduced accordingly. Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642, applies from the date of the original appropriation to the unspent amount transferred.

Sec. 4. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 17,200,000

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of education for the purposes specified in this section.

Subd. 2. Independent School District No. 707, Nett Lake 10,700,000

This appropriation is from the maximum effort school loan fund for a capital loan to Independent School District No. 707, Nett Lake, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, sections 126C.60 to 126C.72, to design, construct, furnish, and equip renovation of the elementary school and construction of a new facility to house Head Start, day care, youth programs, a community medical clinic, and K-6 education. The commissioner and Independent School District No. 707, Nett Lake, shall report to the legislature by January 10, 2007, on the progress of the capital loan.

Subd. 3. Library improvement grants 1,000,000

For library improvement grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.45, subdivision 5b.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 4. MacPhail Music Center 5,000,000

(a) For a grant to the city of Minneapolis to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a new facility for the MacPhail Center for Music. The city of Minneapolis may enter into a lease or management agreement to operate the center, subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.695. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that not less than $15,000,000 has been committed to the MacPhail Center for Music from nonstate sources, and that the available money is sufficient to complete a functional facility. Money secured before the effective date of this section may count toward the required commitment of nonstate sources, provided it is used for qualified capital expenditures. Any land acquisition costs paid by MacPhail Center for Music qualify as capital expenditures.

(b) The city of Minneapolis may provide money to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a center for music education, including classrooms and a recital hall in the city of Minneapolis, to provide a facility for education of students, music therapy programs for persons with disabilities, music teacher training opportunities, curriculum and program development, and to provide the programming in public and private schools and in partnership with other organizations throughout the state.

Subd. 5. Early Childhood Learning and Child Protection Facilities 500,000

To the commissioner of human services for grants to rehabilitate facilities for programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.45, except that a grant may not exceed $75,000 per program and $200,000 per facility.

Sec. 5. MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMIES

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of administration for the purposes specified in this section 2,534,000

Subd. 2. Asset preservation 2,509,000

For asset preservation on both campuses of the academies, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Subd. 3. Frechette Hall 25,000

To begin to design the renovation of Frechette Hall, including a new electrical system, new HVAC system, new windows, plumbing upgrades, removal of the fireplace and sunken seating in the commons area, addition of recreational space for students to utilize during inclement weather, and repair of the Scout Cabin.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 6. PERPICH CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION 1,051,000

To the commissioner of administration for campus asset preservation at the Perpich Center for Arts Education, including sewer line replacement, air conditioning, reroofing of the east half of the main school building, and sidewalk and paving improvements, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Sec. 7. NATURAL RESOURCES

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of natural resources for the purposes specified in this section 100,704,000

The appropriations in this section are subject to the requirements of the natural resources capital improvement program set forth in new Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.12, unless this section or the statutes referred to in this section provide more specific standards, criteria, or priorities for projects than section 86A.12.

Subd. 2. Statewide Asset Preservation 2,000,000

For the renovation of state-owned facilities operated by the commissioner of natural resources, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307. The commissioner may use this appropriation to replace buildings if that is the most cost-effective method of renovation.

The unspent portion of an appropriation, but not to exceed ten percent of the appropriation, for a project in this section that is complete, other than an appropriation for flood hazard mitigation, is available for asset preservation. Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642, applies from the date of the original appropriation to the unspent amount transferred.

Subd. 3. Flood Hazard Mitigation Grants 25,000,000

For the state share of flood hazard mitigation grants for publicly owned capital improvements to prevent or alleviate flood damage under Minnesota Statutes, section 103F.161.

The commissioner shall determine project priorities as appropriate, based on need.

This appropriation includes money for the following projects:

(a) Austin

(b) Albert Lea

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APPROPRIATIONS

(d) Canisteo Mine

(e) Delano

(f) East Grand Forks

(g) Golden Valley

(h) Grand Marais Creek

(i) Granite Falls

(j) Inver Grove Heights

(k) Manston Slough

(l) Oakport Township

(m) Riverton Township

(n) Shell Rock Watershed District

(o) St. Vincent

(p) Wild Rice River Watershed District

For any project listed in this subdivision that the commissioner determines is not ready to proceed or does not expend all the money allocated to it, the commissioner may allocate that project's money to a project on the commissioner's priority list.

To the extent that the cost of a project in Ada, Breckenridge, Crookston, Dawson, East Grand Forks, Granite Falls, Montevideo, Oakport Township, Roseau, St. Vincent, or Warren exceeds two percent of the median household income in the municipality multiplied by the number of households in the municipality, this appropriation is also for the local share of the project. The local share for the St. Vincent dike may not exceed $30,000.

Subd. 4. Dam renovation and removal 2,250,000

To renovate or remove publicly owned dams. The commissioner shall determine project priorities as appropriate under Minnesota Statutes, sections 103G.511 and 103G.515.

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APPROPRIATIONS

$250,000 is for a grant to the city of Kenyon for the Kenyon embankment removal project.

Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.69, subdivision 2, upon the award of final contracts for the completion of a project listed in this subdivision, the commissioner may transfer the unencumbered balance in the project account to any other dam renovation or removal project on the commissioner's priority list.

Subd. 5. Stream protection and restoration 2,000,000

For the design and construction of the following stream protection and restoration projects: the Red Lake River, Otter Tail Power dam upstream of Crookston; Otter Tail River, Lake Breckinridge dam; Red River of the North, Christine, and Hickson dams; West Branch of the Lac Qui Parle River, Dawson; Des Moines River, city of Jackson dam; South Fork Crow River, Hutchinson dam; and Red River of the North, $25,000 for riverbank protection and restoration within the city of Oslo.

Subd. 6. Water access acquisition, betterment, and fishing piers 3,000,000

For public water access acquisition, construction, and renovation projects of a capital nature on lakes and rivers, including water access through the provision of fishing piers and shoreline access under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 9.

Subd. 7. Lake Superior safe harbors 3,000,000

To design and construct capital improvements to public accesses and small craft harbors on Lake Superior in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 86A.20 to 86A.24, and in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

This appropriation may be used to develop the harbor of refuge and marina at Two Harbors and is added to the appropriations in Laws 1998, chapter 404, section 7, subdivision 24; and Laws 2000, chapter 492, article 1, section 7, subdivision 21, as amended by Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 42. Notwithstanding those laws, the commissioner may proceed with the Two Harbors project upon securing an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that commits federal expenditures of at least $4,000,000 to the project.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 8. Fisheries acquisition and improvement 2,000,000

To acquire land and interests in land for aquatic management areas and to make public improvements and betterments of a capital nature to aquatic management areas established under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 14.

Subd. 9. Fish hatchery improvements 1,000,000

For improvements of a capital nature to renovate fish culture facilities at hatcheries owned by the state and operated by the commissioner of natural resources under Minnesota Statutes, section 97A.045, subdivision 1.

Subd. 10. RIM - wildlife area land acquisition and improvement 14,000,000

To acquire land for wildlife management area purposes and for improvements of a capital nature to develop, protect, or improve habitat and facilities on wildlife management areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.

Subd. 11. Water control structures 1,000,000

To rehabilitate or replace water control structures used to manage shallow lakes and wetlands for waterfowl habitat on wildlife management areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.05, subdivision 8.

Subd. 12. Native prairie bank easements and development 1,000,000

To acquire native prairie bank easements under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.96, and to develop and restore certain tracts of prairie bank lands for which the easement is permanent.

Subd. 13. Scientific and natural area acquisition and development 2,000,000

To acquire land for scientific and natural areas and for protection and improvements of a capital nature to scientific and natural areas under Minnesota Statutes, sections 84.033 and 86A.05, subdivision 5.

Subd. 14. State forest land acquisition 1,000,000

To acquire private lands from willing sellers within the boundaries of state forests established under Minnesota Statutes, section 89.021.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 15. Large scale forest land and Forest Legacy conservation easements 7,000,000

To acquire conservation easements as described under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84C, on private forest lands and within Forest Legacy Areas established under United States Code, title 16, section 2103c. The conservation easements must guarantee public access, including hunting and fishing. Expenditure of money from this appropriation within a Forest Legacy Area must be matched by $2 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money.

Subd. 16. State forest land reforestation 4,000,000

To increase reforestation activities to meet the reforestation requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 89.002, subdivision 2, including planting, seeding, site preparation, and purchasing tree seeds and seedlings.

Subd. 17. State park and recreation area acquisition 3,000,000

To acquire from willing sellers private lands within state parks established under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.012, and state recreation areas established under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.013.

Subd. 18. State park infrastructure rehabilitation and natural resource restoration 3,000,000

For infrastructure rehabilitation and natural resource restoration projects within state parks established under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.012, and state recreation areas established under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.013.

$25,000 is for electrical hookups at Monson Lake State Park.

Subd. 19. State park building construction and rehabilitation 3,000,000

To construct and to renovate buildings in state parks and state recreation areas in accordance with a master plan required under Minnesota Statutes, section 86A.09.

$1,500,000 is to construct a visitor center at Grand Portage State Park. The unexpended balance from the appropriation in Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 7, subdivision 22, to predesign and design the center may be added to this appropriation.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 20. State park camper cabins 2,000,000

To construct camper cabins and upgrade infrastructure for the cabins in state parks under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.012, and state recreation areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.013.

$150,000 is for camper cabins at Glacial Lakes State Park and $150,000 is for camper cabins at Sibley State Park.

Subd. 21. State trail acquisition and development 10,811,000

To acquire land for and to construct and renovate state trails under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015.

$750,000 is for the Blufflands Trail: $350,000 is for the Chester Woods segment; $300,000 is for the segment from Preston to Forestville; and $100,000 is for the Root River segment.

$500,000 is for the Casey Jones Trail.

$400,000 is for the Cuyuna Lakes Trail.

$750,000 is for the Gateway Trail.

$1,185,000 is for the Gitchi-Gami Trail.

$1,000,000 is for the Glacial Lakes Trail from New London to Paynesville. Money not needed for that segment may be used for the segment from Paynesville to Richmond.

$500,000 is for the Goodhue Pioneer Trail.

$250,000 is for the Heartland Trail from Park Rapids to Detroit Lakes.

$1,000,000 is for the Mill Towns Trail.

$226,000 is for the Minnesota River Trail from Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge to the city of Ortonville.

$1,500,000 is for the Paul Bunyan Trail.

$750,000 is for the Shooting Star Trail.

$2,000,000 is for the rehabilitation of state trails.

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APPROPRIATIONS

For any project listed in this subdivision that the commissioner determines is not ready to proceed, the commissioner may allocate that project's money to another state trail project identified in this subdivision. The chairs of the house and senate committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources and legislators from the affected legislative districts must be notified of any changes.

Subd. 22. Regional trails 1,133,000

For matching grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019, subdivision 4b.

$648,000 is for the Agassiz Recreational ATV Trail.

$485,000 is for a grant to the Central Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Coordination Board to design, engineer, and construct 6.3 miles of trail and two parking areas along the Mississippi River in Sherburne County, to be known as Xcel Energy Great River Woodland Trail.

Subd. 23. Trail connections 2,010,000

For matching grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019, subdivision 4c.

$500,000 is for a grant to Carlton County to predesign, design, and construct a nonmotorized pedestrian trail connection to the Willard Munger State Trail from the city of Carlton through the city of Scanlon continuing to the city of Cloquet, along the St. Louis River in Carlton County.

$260,000 is to provide the state match for the cost of the Soo Line Multiuse Recreational Bridge project over marked Trunk Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County.

$175,000 is for a grant to the city of Bowlus in Morrison County to design, construct, furnish, and equip a trailhead center at the head of the Soo Line Recreational Trail.

$125,000 is for a grant to Morrison County to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a park-and-ride lot and restroom building adjacent to the Soo Line Recreational Trail at U.S. Highway 10.

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APPROPRIATIONS

$950,000 is for a grant to the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority for land acquisition, engineering, construction, furnishing, and equipping of a 19-mile "Boundary Waters Connection" of the Mesabi Trail from Bearhead State Park to the International Wolf Center in Ely. This appropriation is contingent upon a matching contribution of $950,000 from other sources, public or private.

Subd. 24. Metro greenways and natural areas 500,000

To provide grants to local units of government for acquisition or betterment of greenways and natural areas in the metro region and portions of the surrounding counties and to acquire greenways and natural areas in the metro region and portions of the surrounding counties through the purchase of conservation easements or fee titles. The commissioner shall determine the project priorities and shall consult with representatives of local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties.

Subd. 25. Local initiative grants 2,000,000

(1) For grants to units of government to acquire and better parks and outdoor recreation areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019, subdivision 2; and

(2) for grants to units of government to acquire and better natural and scenic areas under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.019, subdivision 4a.

Subd. 26. Forest Roads and Bridges 1,000,000

For reconstruction, resurfacing, replacement, and construction of state forest roads and bridges under Minnesota Statutes, section 89.002.

Subd. 27. Prairie Wetlands ELC 2,000,000

For a grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0875, to the city of Fergus Falls to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip the expansion of the Prairie Wetlands Environmental Learning Center.

Sec. 8. POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY

Subdivision 1. To the Pollution Control Agency for the purposes specified in this section 17,300,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 2. Closed Landfill Program 10,800,000

To design and construct remedial systems and acquire land at landfills throughout the state in accordance with the closed landfill program under Minnesota Statutes, section 115B.39 to 115B.42.

$3,650,000 is to design and construct remedial systems at the Albert Lea Landfill, including relocating and incorporating waste from the former Albert Lea Dump owned by the City of Albert Lea pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 115B.403, which action may be taken by the Pollution Control Agency notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 115B.403, paragraphs (a) and (b).

Subd. 3. Capital Assistance Program 4,000,000

For the solid waste capital assistance grants program under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.54.

Subd. 4. Koochiching RECAP 2,500,000

For a grant to Koochiching County to prepare a site for and to design, construct, and equip a plasma torch gasification facility that converts municipal solid waste into energy and slag, reducing the need to dispose of the waste in a landfill.

This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed to the project from nonstate sources.

Sec. 9. BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES

Subdivision 1. To the Board of Water and Soil Resources for the purposes specified in this section 7,900,000

Subd. 2. Wetland replacement due to public road projects 4,200,000

$700,000 is from the general fund to administer the program.

To acquire land for wetlands or restore wetlands to be used to replace wetlands drained or filled as a result of the repair, maintenance, or rehabilitation of existing public roads as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.222, subdivision 1, paragraphs (k) and (l).

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APPROPRIATIONS

The purchase price paid for acquisition of land, fee, or perpetual easement must be the fair market value as determined by the board. The board may enter into agreements with the federal government, other state agencies, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations or fee owners to acquire land and restore and create wetlands and to acquire existing wetland banking credits. Acquisition of or the conveyance of land may be in the name of the political subdivision.

Subd. 3. Streambank, Lakeshore Erosion Control 1,000,000

For grants to soil and water conservation districts for streambank, stream channel, lakeshore, and roadside protection and restoration projects through the state cost-share program under Minnesota Statutes, section 103C.501.

Subd. 4. Minnesota River Area II 500,000

For grants to assist local governments in Area II of the Minnesota River Basin to acquire, design, and construct floodwater retention systems. The grants are not available until the board determines that $1 has been committed to the project from nonstate sources for every $3 of state grant.

Subd. 5. Grass Lake 2,200,000

To acquire conservation easements, reroute County Ditch 23A, construct water control structures, and plant vegetation in order to restore the Grass Lake prairie wetland basin adjacent to the city of Willmar in Kandiyohi County.

Sec. 10. AGRICULTURE 1,500,000

To the commissioner of administration to construct, furnish, and equip a biosafety level 3 agriculture laboratory in the Agriculture and Health Joint Laboratory facility in St. Paul.

Sec. 11. MINNESOTA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

Subdivision 1. To the Minnesota Zoological Garden for the purposes in this section. 15,000,000

Subd. 2. Asset Preservation 7,500,000

For capital asset preservation improvements and betterments, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 3. Master Plan 7,500,000

For implementation of the 2001 Minnesota Zoological Garden Facilities and Business Master Plan.

Sec. 12. ADMINISTRATION

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of administration for the purposes specified in this section 9,250,000

Subd. 2. Capital Asset Preservation and Replacement Account (CAPRA) 4,000,000

To be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.632.

Subd. 3. Asset Preservation 5,000,000

For asset preservation projects in properties managed by the commissioner. This appropriation must be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

$150,000 is to restore and renovate the Minnesota Peace Officers Memorial on the Capitol grounds in St. Paul.

Subd. 4. Workers Memorial 100,000

To design and construct a workers memorial on the Capitol grounds in St. Paul.

Subd. 5. Hmong Veterans Statue 150,000

To complete design and construction of a statue in the capitol area to honor the Hmong veterans of the war in Laos who were allied with American forces during the Vietnam War, pursuant to Laws 2003, chapter 69.

Sec. 13. CAPITOL AREA ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING BOARD

Capitol Building 2,400,000

To the commissioner of administration to renovate the dome of the Capitol and continue design work to restore the Capitol Building.

The appropriation in this section may not be spent on any project that affects space under the control of the senate without the approval of the secretary of the senate nor on any project that affects space under the control of the house of representatives without the approval of the chief sergeant-at-arms of the house.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 14. MILITARY AFFAIRS 7,579,000

Subdivision 1. To the adjutant general for the purposes specified in this section

Subd. 2. Asset preservation 4,000,000

For asset preservation improvements and betterments of a capital nature at military affairs facilities statewide, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Subd. 3. Facility life safety improvements 1,000,000

For life safety improvements and to correct code deficiencies at military affairs facilities statewide, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Subd. 4. Lead abatement and range conversion 1,029,000

For lead abatement and to design, construct, furnish, and equip the current indoor firing ranges in ten National Guard Training and Community Centers for storage space, classrooms, and office space. This appropriation may be used at Training and Community Centers located in the cities of: Albert Lea, Bloomington, Brainerd, Duluth, Jackson, Montevideo, Moorhead, Rochester, Rosemount, and St. Peter.

Subd. 5. Facility ADA compliance 1,400,000

For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) alterations to existing National Guard Training and Community Centers in locations throughout the state, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Subd. 6. Starbase Minnesota 150,000

For predesign and design of a new facility for the Starbase Minnesota program, subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.695.

Sec. 15. PUBLIC SAFETY

Scott County Public Safety Training Center 1,000,000

To the commissioner of public safety for a grant to Scott County to design, construct, furnish, and equip a regional public safety training center.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 16. TRANSPORTATION

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of transportation for the purposes specified in this section 143,000,000

Subd. 2. Local bridge replacement and rehabilitation 55,000,000

This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, to match federal money and to replace or rehabilitate local deficient bridges.

Political subdivisions may use grants made under this section to construct or reconstruct bridges, including:

(1) matching federal-aid grants to construct or reconstruct key bridges;

(2) paying the costs of preliminary engineering and environmental studies authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50, subdivision 6a;

(3) paying the costs to abandon an existing bridge that is deficient and in need of replacement, but where no replacement will be made; and

(4) paying the costs to construct a road or street to facilitate the abandonment of an existing bridge determined by the commissioner to be deficient, if the commissioner determines that construction of the road or street is more cost efficient than the replacement of the existing bridge.

$2,500,000 is for a grant to Hennepin County to design replacement of the Lowry Avenue bridge carrying County State-Aid Highway 153 across the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.

Subd. 3. Local Road Improvement Program 16,000,000

This appropriation is from the bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 174.50.

$7,650,000 is for construction and reconstruction of local roads with statewide or regional significance under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52, subdivision 4. Of this amount, $500,000 is for county state-aid highway 46 between Interstate 35 and Interstate 90 in Freeborn County.

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APPROPRIATIONS

$7,650,000 is for grants to counties to assist in paying the costs of capital improvement projects on county state-aid highways under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.52, subdivision 4a, but not to the county of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington.

$700,000 is for a grant to the city of Staples in Todd County to predesign, design, and construct a highway overpass over U.S. Highway 10 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks in Staples.

Subd. 4. Northstar Commuter Rail 60,000,000

(a) To acquire land, or an interest in land, and to design, construct, furnish, and equip the Northstar commuter rail line serving Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis and to acquire land, or an interest in land, and to design, construct, furnish, and equip the extension of the Hiawatha light rail transit line from its terminus in downtown Minneapolis to a new terminus near Fifth Avenue North adjacent to the proposed downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station.

(b) This appropriation is added to the appropriation in Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 18, subdivision 5.

(c) This appropriation is not available until a full-funding grant agreement has been executed with the Federal Transit Administration.

(d) If the Northstar commuter rail line is extended from Big Lake to the St. Cloud area, regional rail authority members of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority who did not fund a portion of the share of capital costs from Minneapolis to Big Lake shall contribute an amount for the extension equal to the amount they would have contributed for their proportional share of the entire line from Minneapolis to the St. Cloud area.

Subd. 5. Northeast Minnesota rail initiative 1,300,000

For a grant to St. Louis County to renovate the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center (the Duluth Depot) and to match federal money for preliminary engineering, environmental studies, and construction of the rail line, railway stations, park-and-ride lots, and other railroad appurtenances necessary to facilitate the return of intercity and commuter/passenger rail service within Duluth and the Duluth/Twin Cities rail corridor.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 6. Rail Service Improvement 3,700,000

For the rail service improvement program, to be spent for the purposes set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 222.50, subdivision 7.

(a) $700,000 is for a grant to the McLeod County Railroad Authority to acquire land for and to design and construct a railroad switching yard facility in Glencoe. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner determines that funds sufficient to complete the project are committed to the project from nonstate sources.

(b) $1,000,000 is for a grant to the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority to rehabilitate up to 33 miles of railroad track from Gibbon to Norwood-Young America. The commissioner may not make the grant until the commissioner has determined that the authority has obtained a commitment for at least $495,000 in federal funds for the project. A grant under this paragraph is in addition to any grant, loan, or loan guarantee for this project made by the commissioner under Minnesota Statutes, sections 222.46 to 222.62.

Subd. 7. Port Development Assistance 3,000,000

For grants under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 457A. Any improvements made with the proceeds of these grants must be publicly owned.

Subd. 8. Greater Minnesota Transit 2,000,000

For capital assistance for greater Minnesota transit systems to be used for transit capital facilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 174.24, subdivision 3c. Money from this appropriation may be used to pay up to 80 percent of the nonfederal share of these facilities.

Subd. 9. St. Cloud Regional Airport 2,000,000

For a grant to the city of St. Cloud to acquire land adjacent to the St. Cloud Regional Airport.

Sec. 17. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Subdivision 1. To the Metropolitan Council for the purposes specified in this section 55,962,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 2. I-35W Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) 3,300,000

For design, preliminary engineering, and construction of passenger facilities for a Bus Rapid Transit station at 46th Street and Interstate 35W.

Subd. 3. Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) 5,000,000

For environmental studies, preliminary engineering, bus lane improvements, and transit station construction and improvements in the Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Corridor.

This appropriation may not be spent for capital improvements within a trunk highway right-of-way.

Subd. 4. Central corridor transit way 7,800,000

To conduct environmental studies, complete preliminary engineering, and design the Central corridor transit way between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul.

This appropriation may not be spent for capital improvements within a trunk highway right-of-way.

This appropriation is not available until the commissioner of finance has determined that, by September 1, 2006, the Metropolitan Council, the Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority, and the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority have entered into a memorandum of understanding that specifies future expected funding shares for operating and capital for the Central Corridor Transit Way. The agreement must require that the named agencies be responsible for at least one-third of the state and local match to federal new-start capital funding.

Subd. 5. Red Rock corridor transit way 500,000

For preliminary engineering and environmental review of the Red Rock corridor transit way between Hastings and Minneapolis via St. Paul.

Subd. 6. Robert Street corridor transit way 500,000

For environmental studies and preliminary engineering of bus rapid transit or light rail transit for the Robert Street corridor transit way along a corridor on or parallel to U.S. Highway 52 and Robert Street from within the city of St. Paul to Dakota County Road 42 in Rosemount.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 7. Union Depot 3,500,000

For a grant to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority to acquire land and structures, to renovate structures, and for design, engineering, and environmental work to revitalize Union Depot for use as a multimodal transit center in St. Paul.

Subd. 8. Metropolitan Regional Parks Capital Improvements 35,362,000

For the cost of improvements and betterments of a capital nature and acquisition by the council and local government units of regional recreational open-space lands in accordance with the council's policy plan as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.147. Priority must be given to park rehabilitation and land acquisition projects.

$300,000 is for a grant to the city of Bloomington to renovate the old Cedar Avenue bridge to serve as a hiking and bicycling trail connection.

$6,000,000 is to acquire land for the Empire Wetlands Wildlife Area and Regional Park in Dakota County.

$1,800,000 is for a grant to the city of Minneapolis to complete construction of the Cedar Lake Trail.

$3,500,000 is for a grant to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new cultural and community center in the East Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis.

$250,000 is for a grant to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to predesign completion of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway by providing a link between northeast Minneapolis on Stinson Avenue and Southeast Minneapolis at East River Road.

$2,500,000 is for a grant to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to mitigate flooding at Lake of the Isles in the city of Minneapolis. The grant must be used for shoreline stabilization and restoration, dredging, wetland replacement, and other infrastructure improvements necessary to deal with the 1997 flood damage and to prevent future flooding.

$321,000 is for a grant to Ramsey County to construct a bicycle and pedestrian trail on the north side of Lower Afton Road between Century Avenue and McKnight Road in the city of Maplewood. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed from nonstate sources.

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APPROPRIATIONS

$9,000,000 is for a grant to the city of St. Paul to predesign, design, construct, furnish, equip, and redevelop infrastructure at the Como Zoo.

$2,500,000 is for a grant to the city of St. Paul to acquire land for and to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip river park development and redevelopment infrastructure in National Great River Park along the Mississippi River in St. Paul.

$2,000,000 is for a grant to the city of South St. Paul for the closure, capping, and remediation of approximately 80 acres of the Port Crosby construction and demolition debris landfill in South St. Paul, as the fifth phase of converting the land into parkland, and to restore approximately 80 acres of riverfront land along the Mississippi River.

$191,000 is for a grant to the city of White Bear Lake to construct the Lake Avenue Regional Trail connecting Highway 96 Regional Trail with Ramsey Beach.

Sec. 18. HUMAN SERVICES

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of administration for the purposes specified in this section 58,321,000

Subd. 2. Asset preservation and facility design 3,000,000

For asset preservation improvements and betterments of a capital nature at Department of Human Services facilities statewide, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307. Notwithstanding section 16B.307, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), any portion of this appropriation may also be used to design the second phase of additional residential, program, and ancillary service capacity for the Minnesota sex offender treatment program at Moose Lake.

Subd. 3. Moose Lake Sex Offender Treatment - Phase 1 41,321,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip the first of two phases of additional residential, program, and ancillary service capacity for the Minnesota sex offender treatment program at Moose Lake to accommodate 400 additional patients.

Subd. 4. St. Peter Regional Treatment Center Program and Activity Building 2,500,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip a new program and activity building on the lower campus of the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center for individuals committed as sexual psychopathic personalities, sexually dangerous persons, mentally ill, or mentally ill and dangerous.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 5. Statewide Security Upgrades 5,000,000

To provide security upgrades of a capital nature at Department of Human Services campuses, including but not limited to: security fencing, control centers, electronic monitoring and perimeter security equipment, electrical distribution systems, and building security renovations. This appropriation may be used at the St. Peter, Moose Lake, and Anoka campuses, and at the METO campus in Cambridge.

Subd. 6. Systemwide Redevelopment, Reuse, or Demolition 5,000,000

To demolish surplus, nonfunctional, or deteriorated facilities and infrastructure or to renovate surplus, nonfunctional, or deteriorated facilities and infrastructure at Department of Human Services campuses that the commissioner of administration is authorized to convey to a local unit of government under Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 46, or other law. These projects must facilitate the redevelopment or reuse of these campuses and must be implemented consistent with the comprehensive redevelopment plans developed and approved under Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 14, article 6, section 64, subdivision 2, unless expressly provided otherwise. If a surplus campus is sold or transferred to a local unit of government, unspent portions of this appropriation may be granted to that local unit of government for the purposes stated in this subdivision.

Subd. 7. Systemwide Roof Renovation and Replacement 1,500,000

For renovation and replacement of roofs at Department of Human Services facilities statewide, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Sec. 19. VETERANS HOMES BOARD

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of administration for the purposes specified in this section 12,090,000

Subd. 2. Asset Preservation 6,000,000

For asset preservation improvements and betterments of a capital nature at veterans homes statewide, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

Subd. 3. Fergus Falls Veterans Home 637,000

To design a 21-bed special care unit to treat individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 4. Hastings Veterans Home Supportive Housing 700,000

To design 30 units of permanent supportive housing for veterans with disabilities.

The Minnesota Veterans Homes Board and the Minnesota Housing Fiance Agency must work together cooperatively on the development of a viable permanent supportive housing project to serve only veterans on the campus of the Hastings home.

Subd. 5. Luverne Veterans Home 599,000

To complete the design, construction, furnishing, and equipping of an addition to the nursing care facility, to be used as an Alzheimer's and dementia program, dining, and wander area.

Subd. 6. Minneapolis Veterans Home

Emergency Power 2,457,000

To upgrade the emergency power system to make it code compliant and add emergency power outlets to Building 17.

Federal money received by the Minnesota Veterans Homes Board of Directors as reimbursement for 65 percent of this state capital expenditure must be credited to the debt service account in the state bond fund.

Subd. 7. Silver Bay Veterans Home

Master Plan Renovation 1,697,000

For the state share of the cost to design, construct, furnish, and equip an addition to and renovation of the nursing care facility.

Sec. 20. CORRECTIONS

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of administration for the purposes specified in this section 61,065,000

Subd. 2. Asset Preservation 5,000,000

For improvements and betterments of a capital nature at Minnesota correctional facilities statewide, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 3. Minnesota Correctional Facility - Faribault

Phase 2 27,993,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip an expansion at the Minnesota Correctional Facility - Faribault, to include, but not be limited to, one new 416-bed, double-bunked, wet-celled lockable living unit; renovation of an existing living unit into a long-term care housing unit; additional programming space; and demolition of one vacated unit.

Subd. 4. Minnesota correctional facility - Lino Lakes

Medical services 2,494,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip the renovation of the southeast portion of the B building to provide consolidated health, dental, and psychological services to offenders at the facility.

Subd. 5. Minnesota Correctional Facility - Red Wing

Vocational Education Building 623,000

To design a new vocational education building with a combined classroom and shop complex.

Subd. 6. Minnesota correctional facility - Shakopee

Bed Expansion 5,375,000

To design, construct, furnish, and equip an addition to accommodate 92 beds.

Subd. 7. Minnesota correctional facility - Stillwater

Segregation Unit 19,580,000

To complete design and to construct, furnish, and equip a 150-bed segregation unit.

Sec. 21. EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Subdivision 1. To the commissioner of employment and economic development or other named agency for the purposes specified in this section 160,642,000

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 2. State match for federal grants 38,800,000

(a) To the Public Facilities Authority:

(1) to match federal grants for the water pollution control revolving fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.07; and

(2) to match federal grants for the drinking water revolving fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.081.

(b) The expenditure and allocation of state matching money between funds described in paragraph (a), clauses (1) and (2), must ensure that the matching funds required for the drinking water revolving fund are available to match the 2007 and 2008 federal grants, with the balance to be made available to the water pollution control revolving fund.

Subd. 3. Wastewater infrastructure funding program 23,300,000

(a) To the Public Facilities Authority for the purposes specified in this subdivision. $20,000,000 of this appropriation is for grants and loans to eligible municipalities under the wastewater infrastructure program established in Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.072.

To the greatest practical extent, the authority must use the appropriation for projects on the 2006 project priority list in priority order by qualified applicants that submit plans and specifications to the Pollution Control Agency or receive a funding commitment from USDA Rural Economic and Community Development by June 30, 2007, or for projects on the 2007 project priority list in priority order by qualified applicants that submit plans and specifications to the Pollution Control Agency or have received a funding commitment from USDA Rural Economic and Community Development by December 31, 2007.

$300,000 of this appropriation is from the general fund to implement the wastewater infrastructure program.

(b) The grants listed in this paragraph are not subject to the 2006 or 2007 project priority list nor to the limitations on grant amounts set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.072, subdivision 5a.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Up to $6,500,000 is for corrective action on systems build since 2000 with federal USDA Rural and Economic and Community Development money or Small Cities Development Program grant money that are problematic or failing for the cities of Big Fork, Darfur, Donaldson, Nerstrand, Palisade, Spring Hill, Strandquist, Tamarack, and Wolf Lake. A grant must not exceed the amount of federal money used in the project unless, upon consultation with the Pollution Control Agency, the consulting engineers, and other reliable technical experts, the authority determines the best course of action to correct the problem would exceed that amount and that other grant funding is not available.

Up to $500,000 is for the cities of Dunnell, Dumont, Henriette, Lewisville, McGrath, and Ostrander to cover necessary and appropriate costs over and above the money appropriated in Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 23, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).

(c) $3,000,000 of the appropriation in this subdivision is for a grant to the city of Askov to acquire land for, and to design, construct, furnish, and equip a new wastewater treatment facility and sewer and water extensions in the city of Askov.

(d) $1,500,000 of the appropriation in this subdivision is for a grant to Lake Township in Roseau County to design, construct, furnish, and equip a wastewater treatment plant at Springsteel.

Subd. 4. Central Iron Range Sanitary Sewer District Treatment Facilities 2,500,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to the Central Iron Range Sanitary Sewer District to design, construct, and equip an expansion of wastewater treatment at Hibbing's South Wastewater Treatment Plant, mercury treatment facilities at the plant, and sanitary sewer lines to connect Hibbing, Chisholm, and Buhl to use the upgrades at the plant.

Subd. 5. Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program 7,750,000

For grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.431.

$250,000 is for a grant to Polk County to build approximately one mile of ten-ton road to provide access to a new ethanol plant outside of the city of Erskine.

$1,400,000 is for a grant to the city of LaCrescent for public infrastructure made necessary by the reconstruction of a highway and a bridge.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 6. Redevelopment Account 9,000,000

For purposes of the redevelopment account under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.571.

$800,000 is for a grant to the city of Worthington to remediate contaminated soil and redevelop the site of the former Campbell Soup factory.

$250,000 is for a grant to the city of Winona to predesign facilities for the Shakespeare Festival as part of the riverfront redevelopment plan. This grant is exempt from the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, sections 116J.572 to 116J.575.

Subd. 7. Bioscience business development public infrastructure grant program 10,000,000

For grants under new Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.435.

Up to $8,000,000 is for a grant to the city of Rochester.

$2,000,000 is for grants to political subdivisions to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip publicly owned infrastructure required to support bioscience development in Minnesota outside of the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.

Subd. 8. Workforce Center Renovations 600,000

For renovation of the Workforce Center in North Minneapolis. Renovations include exterior sheathing, mold remediation, electrical service upgrades, window replacement, overhead sprinklers, alley drainage, ADA compliance costs, and other costs necessary to remediate water damage.

Subd. 9. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Grants 5,000,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for total maximum daily load grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.073.

Subd. 10. Clean Water Legacy 3,310,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for the purposes specified in this subdivision.

(a) $2,310,000 is for the phosphorus reduction grant program for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.074. A grant must not exceed $500,000 per project.

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APPROPRIATIONS

(b) $1,000,000 is for the small community wastewater treatment fund for loans and grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.075.

Subd. 11. Bemidji Regional Events Center 3,000,000

For a grant to the city of Bemidji to predesign, design, and acquire and prepare a site for a regional event center.

Subd. 12. Burnsville - water treatment facility 2,500,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to the city of Burnsville to design, construct, furnish, and equip a water treatment facility that will provide an additional potable water source for the city of Burnsville using water from the Burnsville quarry.

This appropriation is added to the appropriation in Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 23, subdivision 6, and is subject to the same conditions.

Subd. 13. Duluth

Lake Superior Zoo 600,000

For a grant to the city of Duluth to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip renovations to the Polar Shores exhibit.

This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least $200,000 has been committed from nonstate sources.

Subd. 14. Itasca County - infrastructure 12,000,000

For a grant to Itasca County for public infrastructure needed to support a steel plant in Itasca County or an innovative energy project in Itasca County under Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.1694, that uses clean energy technology as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.1693, or both. Grant money may be used by Itasca County to acquire right-of-way and mitigate loss of wetlands and runoff of storm water, to predesign, design, construct, and equip roads and rail lines, and, in cooperation with municipal public utilities, to predesign, design, construct, and equip natural gas pipelines, electric infrastructure, water supply systems, and wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Up to $4,000,000 of this appropriation may be spent before the full financing for either project has been closed.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 15. Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. 3,282,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for grants to the city of Luverne, city of Worthington Public Utilities, Lincoln-Pipestone rural water system, and Rock County rural water system to acquire land, predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip one or more water transmission and storage facilities to accommodate the connection with the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. that will serve southwestern Minnesota.

The grants must be awarded to projects approved by the Lewis and Clark Joint Powers Board.

This appropriation is available to the extent that each $1 of state money is matched by at least $1 of local money paid to the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, Inc. to reimburse the system for costs incurred on eligible projects.

Subd. 16. Little Falls - Zoo 400,000

For a grant to the city of Little Falls in Morrison County to design and construct capital improvements at the Little Falls Zoo.

Subd. 17. Minneapolis

(a) Lowry Avenue Corridor 5,000,000

For a grant to Hennepin County for Phase II capital improvements to the Lowry Avenue corridor from Theodore Wirth Parkway to Girard Avenue in Minneapolis.

(b) Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center 11,000,000

For a grant to the city of Minneapolis to construct, furnish, and equip the Shubert Theater and an associated atrium to create the Minnesota Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center.

The city of Minneapolis may establish and maintain a performing arts and education center for the purposes of public arts education and dance, music, and other performances. The city may exercise the powers granted in Minnesota Statutes, section 471.191, to acquire and better facilities for a performing arts and education center. Performing arts and education facilities that have been acquired or bettered in whole or in part with the proceeds of state bonds must be owned or leased by the city, but may be leased to or managed by a nonprofit organization to carry out the purposes of the performing arts and education program established by the city. The lease or management agreement must comply with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.695.

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APPROPRIATIONS

This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed from nonstate sources.

Subd. 18. Mountain Iron - Energy Park 500,000

For a grant to the city of Mountain Iron to prepare a site for and construct access roads and utilities for a sustainable and renewable energy industrial park to be located in the city of Mountain Iron.

Subd. 19. Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area 1,600,000

To the Public Facilities Authority for a grant to the Redwood-Cottonwood Rivers Control Area, a joint powers entity, to predesign, design, construct, and equip the reservoir reclamation and enhancement of the 66-acre Lake Redwood Reservoir to increase its depth from 2.8 feet to 15 feet to remove 650,000 cubic yards of sediment, to attain compliance with both turbidity and fecal coliform impairments for the project area, and to secure renewable energy capacity of the hydroelectric dam, which is impeded by lack of water capacity.

The appropriation is not available until the authority determines that an equal amount has been committed to the project from nonstate sources. The nonstate portion will provide low interest loans to remediate or replace 173 noncompliant septic systems that are imminent health threats and provide technical assistance to reduce phosphorus loading to the Redwood River to assist total maximum daily load (TMDL) compliance of the low-dissolved oxygen impairment on the lower Minnesota River.

Subd. 20 Roseville - John Rose Minnesota Oval 500,000

For a grant to the city of Roseville to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip the renovation of the John Rose Minnesota Oval.

Subd. 21. St. Paul

(a) Asian Pacific Cultural Center 400,000

For a grant to the city of St. Paul to design an Asian Pacific Cultural center, subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.695. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed from nonstate sources.

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APPROPRIATIONS

(b) Ordway Center for the Performing Arts 7,500,000

For a grant to the city of St. Paul to design, construct, furnish, and equip the renovation of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. The city of St. Paul may operate a performing arts center and may enter into a lease or management agreement for the center, subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.695.

Subd. 22. Southwest Regional Event Center 11,000,000

To the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to design, construct, furnish, and equip a multipurpose regional event center at Southwest Minnesota State University.

This appropriation is not available until the board determines that at least $5,000,000 has been committed to the project from private, nongovernmental sources.

Subd. 23. Virginia - Regional Medical Center Helipad 600,000

For a grant to the city of Virginia to design, construct, furnish, and equip an access elevator and helipad to be located on the roof of the Virginia Regional Medical Center.

Subd. 24. Willmar - Rice Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic 500,000

For a grant to the city of Willmar to construct a dental clinic at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. The clinic is to be operated collaboratively with the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry to provide dental care to underserved patients and an opportunity for students to practice in a rural setting.

Sec. 22. HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

Subdivision 1. To the Housing Finance Agency for the purposes specified in this section 19,500,000

Subd. 2. Transitional housing 2,000,000

For loans or grants for publicly owned temporary or transitional housing under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.201, subdivision 2. If money appropriated under this subdivision has not been selected for commitment by the Housing Finance Agency within 18 months after the effective date of this section, after written notice to the commissioner of finance, the agency may allocate the uncommitted money to loans and grants for publicly owned permanent rental housing under subdivision 3 and Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.202, subdivision 3a. Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642, applies to the amounts transferred from the date of the original appropriation.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 3. Supportive Housing for Long-term Homeless 17,500,000

For loans and grants for publicly owned permanent rental housing under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.202, subdivision 3a, for persons who either have been without a permanent residence for at least 12 months or on at least four occasions in the last three years, or who are at significant risk of lacking a permanent residence for at least 12 months or on at least four occasions in the last three years. The housing must provide or coordinate with linkages to services necessary for residents to maintain housing stability and maximize opportunities for education and employment.

Preference among comparable proposals must be given to proposals that (1) colocate housing and services accessible to the general public as well as to the residents, and (2) provide housing affordable to a range of household income levels.

Sec. 23. MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Subdivision 1. To the Minnesota Historical Society for the purposes specified in this section 5,672,000

Subd. 2. Historic sites asset preservation 3,000,000

For capital improvements and betterments at state historic sites, buildings, landscaping at historic buildings, exhibits, markers, and monuments, to be spent in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16B.307. The society shall determine project priorities as appropriate based on need.

Subd. 3. Historic Fort Snelling Museum 1,100,000

To design the restoration and renovation of the 1904 Cavalry Barracks Building for the historic Fort Snelling Museum.

Subd. 4. County and local preservation grants 1,000,000

To be allocated to county and local jurisdictions as matching money for historic preservation projects of a capital nature, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 138.93. Grant recipients must be public entities and must match state funds on at least an equal basis. The facilities must be publicly owned.

$100,000 is for a grant to the city of Maplewood to complete restoration of the Bruentrup Farm in Maplewood. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner of finance has determined that at least an equal amount has been committed from nonstate sources.

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APPROPRIATIONS

Subd. 5. History Center visitor services 572,000

For security upgrades and facility renovations in the library and for electrical infrastructure upgrades.

Sec. 24. BOND SALE EXPENSES 948,000

To the commissioner of finance for bond sale expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.641, subdivision 8.

Sec. 25. BOND SALE AUTHORIZATION.

Subdivision 1. Bond proceeds fund. To provide the money appropriated in this act from the bond proceeds fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $925,080,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7.

Subd. 2. Maximum effort school loan fund. To provide the money appropriated in this act from the maximum effort school loan fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $10,700,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received on the sale of the bonds, must be credited to a bond proceeds account in the maximum effort school loan fund.

Subd. 3. Transportation fund bond proceeds account. To provide the money appropriated in this act from the state transportation fund, the commissioner of finance shall sell and issue bonds of the state in an amount up to $71,000,000 in the manner, upon the terms, and with the effect prescribed by Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, sections 4 to 7. The proceeds of the bonds, except accrued interest and any premium received on the sale of the bonds, must be credited to a bond proceeds account in the state transportation fund.

Sec. 26. CANCELLATION.

The $7,800,000 appropriation in Laws 2002, chapter 280, section 3, to the Metropolitan Council to design and construct bus garages, is canceled. The bond sale authorization in Laws 2002, chapter 280, section 4, is reduced by $7,800,000.

Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 16A.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. When. The governor shall submit a three-part budget to the legislature. Parts one and two, the budget message and detailed operating budget, must be submitted by the fourth Tuesday in January in each odd-numbered year. However, in a year following the election of a governor who had not been governor the previous year, parts one and two must be submitted by the third Tuesday in February. Part three, the detailed recommendations as to capital expenditure, must be submitted as follows: agency capital budget requests by July 1 15 of each odd-numbered year, and governor's recommendations by January 15 of each even-numbered year. Detailed recommendations as to information technology expenditure must be submitted as part of the detailed operating budget. Information technology recommendations must include projects to be funded during the next biennium and planning estimates for an additional two bienniums. Information technology recommendations must specify purposes of the funding such as infrastructure, hardware, software, or training.

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Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 16A.86, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Budget request. A political subdivision that requests an appropriation of state money for a local capital improvement project is encouraged to submit ~~a preliminary~~ the request to the commissioner of finance by ~~June~~ July 15 of an odd-numbered year to ensure its full consideration. ~~The final request must be submitted by November 1.~~ The requests must be submitted in the form and with the supporting documentation required by the commissioner of finance. All requests timely received by the commissioner must be forwarded to the legislature, along with agency requests, by the deadline established in section 16A.11, subdivision 1.

Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 16A.86, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Funding. (a) The state share of a project covered by this section must be no more than half the total cost of the project, including predesign, design, construction, furnishings, and equipment, except as provided in paragraph (b). This subdivision does not apply to a project proposed by a school district or other school organization.

(b) The state share may be more than half the total cost of a project if the project is deemed needed as a result of a disaster or to prevent a disaster or is located in a political subdivision with a very low average net tax capacity.

(c) Nothing in this section prevents the governor from recommending, or the legislature from considering or funding, projects that do not meet the ~~deadlines~~ deadline in subdivision 2 or the criteria in this subdivision or subdivision 3 when the governor or the legislature determines that there is a compelling reason for the recommendation or funding.

Sec. 30. [16B.307] ASSET PRESERVATION APPROPRIATIONS.

Subdivision 1. Standards. Article XI, section 5, clause (a), of the Constitution requires that state general obligation bonds be issued to finance only the acquisition or betterment of public land, buildings, and other public improvements of a capital nature. Money appropriated for asset preservation, whether from state bond proceeds or from other revenue, is subject to the following additional limitations:

(a) An appropriation for asset preservation may not be used to acquire new land nor to acquire or construct new buildings, additions to buildings, or major new improvements.

(b) An appropriation for asset preservation may be used only for a capital expenditure on a capital asset previously owned by the state, within the meaning of generally accepted accounting principles as applied to public expenditures. The commissioner of administration will consult with the commissioner of finance to the extent necessary to ensure this and will furnish the commissioner of finance a list of projects to be financed from the account in order of their priority. The legislature assumes that many projects for preservation and replacement of portions of existing capital assets will constitute betterments and capital improvements within the meaning of the Constitution and capital expenditures under generally accepted accounting principles, and will be financed more efficiently and economically under this section than by direct appropriations for specific projects.

(c) Categories of projects considered likely to be most needed and appropriate for asset preservation appropriations are the following:

(1) projects to remove life safety hazards, like building code violations or structural defects. Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a project in this category may include an addition to an existing building if it is a required component of the hazard removal project;

(2) projects to eliminate or contain hazardous substances like asbestos or lead paint;

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(3) major projects to replace or repair roofs, windows, tuckpointing, mechanical or electrical systems, utility infrastructure, tunnels, site renovations necessary to support building use, and structural components necessary to preserve the exterior and interior of existing buildings; and

(4) projects to renovate parking structures.

(d) Up to ten percent of an appropriation subject to this section may be used for design costs for projects eligible to be funded under this section in anticipation of future asset preservation appropriations.

Subd. 2. Report. By January 15 of each year, the commissioner of an agency that has received an appropriation for asset preservation shall submit to the commissioner of finance, the chairs of the legislative committees or divisions that currently oversee the appropriations to the agency, and to the chairs of the senate and house of representatives Capital Investment Committees, a list of the projects that have been funded with money under this program during the preceding calendar year, as well as a list of those priority asset preservation projects for which state bond proceeds fund appropriations will be sought during that year's legislative session.

Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 85.015, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 25. Great River Ridge Trail, Wabasha and Olmsted Counties. (a) The trail shall originate in the city of Plainview in Wabasha County and extend southwesterly through the city of Elgin in Wabasha County and the town of Viola in Olmsted County to the Chester Woods Trail in Olmsted County.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall enter an agreement with the Wabasha County Regional Rail Authority to maintain and develop the Great River Ridge Trail as a state trail.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day after the governing body of the Wabasha County Regional Rail Authority and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 85.019, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Parks and outdoor recreation areas. (a) The commissioner shall administer a program to provide grants to units of government for up to 50 percent of the costs of acquisition and betterment of public land and improvements needed for parks and other outdoor recreation areas and facilities, including costs to create veterans memorial gardens and parks.

(b) For units of government outside the metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, the local match required for a grant to acquire or better a regional park or regional outdoor recreation area is $2 of nonstate money for each $3 of state money.

Sec. 33. [86A.12] NATURAL RESOURCES CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Establishment. A natural resources capital improvement program is established to prioritize among eligible public projects to be funded from state bond proceeds appropriated to the commissioner and distinctly specified for the purposes of the program established in this section and in accordance with the standards and criteria set forth in this section.

Subd. 2. Purposes. The purpose of the natural resources capital improvement program is to improve the management and conservation of the natural resources of the state, including recreational, scientific and natural areas, and wild game and fish, through the acquisition and betterment of public lands, buildings, and improvements of a capital nature.

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Subd. 3. Program standards. Article XI, section 5, clause (a), of the Constitution provides that state general obligation bonds may be issued to finance the acquisition or betterment, including preservation, of public land, buildings, and improvements of a capital nature and to provide money to be appropriated or loaned to any agency or political subdivision of the state for those purposes. Article XI, section 5, clause (f), of the Constitution further provides that state general obligation bonds may be issued to finance the promotion of forestation and prevention and abatement of forest fires, including the compulsory clearing and improving of public and private wild lands. In interpreting these provisions and applying them to the purpose of the program established in this section, the following standards are adopted for determining the priority among eligible natural resources projects to be funded under the program:

(a) A project will be an expenditure eligible under this program only when it is a capital expenditure on a capital asset owned or to be owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state within the meaning of accepted accounting principles as applied to public expenditures. The legislature assumes that some provisions for the management and conservation of the natural resources of the state constituting acquisition or betterment of land, buildings, or capital improvements within the meaning of the Constitution will be sensitive to timing and circumstances and require discretion of the commissioner based on currently available facts and circumstances, particularly projects related to the mitigation of natural disasters and the acquisition of lands as they become available, and so these projects will be financed more efficiently and economically under the program than by separate appropriations for each project.

(b) The commissioner will review potential eligible projects, will make initial allocations among types of eligible projects within each category enumerated in the act making an appropriation for the program, will determine priorities within each category, and will allocate money as specified in the appropriation act and in priority order within each category until the available appropriation for the category has been committed.

Subd. 4. Criteria for priorities. (a) The following criteria must be considered:

(1) expansion of the natural resources of the state for the enjoyment and use of the public;

(2) urgency in providing for the conservation of the natural resources of the state, including protection of threatened and endangered species and waters;

(3) necessity in ensuring the safety of the public; and

(4) additional criteria for priorities otherwise specified in state law, statute, rule, or regulation applicable to a category listed in the act making an appropriation for the program.

(b) Criteria can be stated only in general terms, since it is a purpose of the program to improve the allocation of limited amounts of available funds by enlisting the knowledge and experience of the Department of Natural Resources in determining relative needs as they develop.

(d) Economy is also to be determined and may even reinforce a decision based on other criteria, if the project would forestall a larger future capital expenditure or would reduce operating expense.

(e) Absolute cost must also be considered. It may be too high to warrant funding except by an additional appropriation, or so high as to warrant a recommendation to abandon the project. It may be so low as to permit payment out of the department's operating budget.

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Subd. 5. Report. By January 15 of each year, the commissioner of natural resources shall submit to the commissioner of finance, the chairs of the legislative committees or divisions that currently oversee the appropriations to the Department of Natural Resources, and to the chairs of the senate and the house of representatives Capital Investment Committees, a list of the projects that have been funded with money under this program during the preceding calendar year, as well as a list of those priority projects for which state bond proceeds fund appropriations will be sought under this program during that year's legislative session.

Sec. 34. [116J.435] BIOSCIENCE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1. Creation of account. A bioscience business development public infrastructure account is created in the bond proceeds fund. Money in the account may only be used for capital costs of public infrastructure for eligible bioscience business development projects.

Subd. 2. Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) "local governmental unit" means a county, city, town, special district, or other political subdivision or public corporation;

(2) "governing body" means the council, board of commissioners, board of trustees, or other body charged with governing a local governmental unit;

(3) "public infrastructure" means publicly owned physical infrastructure in this state, including, but not limited to, wastewater collection and treatment systems, drinking water systems, storm sewers, utility extensions, telecommunications infrastructure, streets, roads, bridges, parking ramps, facilities that support basic science and clinical research, and research infrastructure; and

(4) "eligible project" means a bioscience business development capital improvement project in this state, including: manufacturing; technology; warehousing and distribution; research and development; bioscience business incubator; agricultural bioprocessing; or industrial, office, or research park development that would be used by a bioscience-based business.

Subd. 3. Grant program established. (a) The commissioner shall make competitive grants to local governmental units to acquire and prepare land on which public infrastructure required to support an eligible project will be located, including demolition of structures and remediation of any hazardous conditions on the land, or to predesign, design, acquire, construct, furnish, and equip public infrastructure required to support an eligible project. The local governmental unit receiving a grant must provide for the remainder of the public infrastructure costs.

(b) The amount of a grant may not exceed the lesser of the cost of the public infrastructure or 50 percent of the sum of the cost of the public infrastructure plus the cost of the completed eligible project.

(c) The purpose of the program is to keep or enhance jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or to expand or create new economic development through the growth of new bioscience businesses and organizations.

Subd. 4. Application. (a) The commissioner must develop forms and procedures for soliciting and reviewing applications for grants under this section. At a minimum, a local governmental unit must include the following information in its application:

(1) a resolution of its governing body certifying that the money required to be supplied by the local governmental unit to complete the public infrastructure is available and committed;

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(2) a detailed estimate, along with necessary supporting evidence, of the total development costs for the public infrastructure and eligible project;

(3) an assessment of the potential or likely use of the site for bioscience activities after completion of the public infrastructure and eligible project;

(4) a timeline indicating the major milestones of the public infrastructure and eligible project and their anticipated completion dates;

(5) a commitment from the governing body to repay the grant if the milestones are not realized by the completion date identified in clause (4); and

(6) any additional information or material the commissioner prescribes.

(b) The determination of whether to make a grant under subdivision 3 is within the discretion of the commissioner, subject to this section. The commissioner's decisions and application of the priorities are not subject to judicial review, except for abuse of discretion.

Subd. 5. Priorities. (a) If applications for grants exceed the available appropriations, grants must be made for public infrastructure that, in the commissioner's judgment, provides the highest return in public benefits for the public costs incurred. "Public benefits" include job creation, environmental benefits to the state and region, efficient use of public transportation, efficient use of existing infrastructure, provision of affordable housing, multiuse development that constitutes community rebuilding rather than single-use development, crime reduction, blight reduction, community stabilization, and property tax base maintenance or improvement. In making this judgment, the commissioner shall give priority to eligible projects with one or more of the following characteristics:

(1) the potential of the local government unit to attract viable bioscience businesses;

(2) proximity to public transit if located in a metropolitan county, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4;

(3) multijurisdictional eligible projects that take into account the need for affordable housing, transportation, and environmental impact;

(4) the eligible project is not relocating substantially the same operation from another location in the state, unless the commissioner determines the eligible project cannot be reasonably accommodated within the local governmental unit in which the business is currently located, or the business would otherwise relocate to another state or country; and

(5) the number of jobs that will be created.

(b) The factors in paragraph (a) are not listed in a rank order of priority; rather, the commissioner may weigh each factor, depending upon the facts and circumstances, as the commissioner considers appropriate.

Subd. 6. Cancellation of grant. If a grant is awarded to a local governmental unit and funds are not encumbered for the grant within four years after the award date, the grant must be canceled.

Subd. 7. Repayment of grant. If an eligible project supported by public infrastructure funded with a grant awarded under this section is not occupied by a bioscience business in accordance with the grant application under subdivision 4 within five years after the date of the last grant payment, the grant recipient must repay the amount of the grant received. The commissioner must deposit all money received under this subdivision into the state treasury and credit it to the debt service account in the state bond fund.

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Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 136F.98, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Issuance of bonds. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or a successor may issue revenue bonds under sections 136F.90 to 136F.97 whose aggregate principal amount at any time may not exceed ~~$100,000,000~~, $150,000,000 and payable from the revenue appropriated to the fund established by section 136F.94, and use the proceeds together with other public or private money that may otherwise become available to acquire land, and to acquire, construct, complete, remodel, and equip structures or portions thereof to be used for dormitory, residence hall, student union, food service, ~~and related~~ parking purposes at, or for any other similar revenue-producing building or buildings of such type and character as the board finds desirable for the good and benefit of the state universities. Before issuing the bonds or any part of them, the board shall consult with and obtain the advisory recommendations of the chairs of the house Ways and Means Committee and the senate Finance Committee about the facilities to be financed by the bonds.

Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 222.49, is amended to read:

222.49 RAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT; APPROPRIATION.

The rail service improvement account is created in the special revenue fund in the state treasury. The commissioner shall deposit in this account all money appropriated to or received by the department for the purpose of rail service improvement, ~~including~~ excluding bond proceeds as authorized by article XI, section 5, clause (i) of the Minnesota Constitution. All money so deposited is appropriated to the department for expenditure for rail service improvement in accordance with applicable state and federal law. This appropriation shall not lapse but shall be available until the purpose for which it was appropriated has been accomplished. No money appropriated to the department for the purposes of administering the rail service improvement program shall be deposited in the rail service improvement account nor shall such administrative costs be paid from the account.

Sec. 37. [241.0222] CONTRACTS WITH NEWLY CONSTRUCTED JAIL FACILITIES THAT PROVIDE ACCESS TO CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner is expressly authorized to enter into contracts, up to five years in duration, with a county or group of counties to house inmates committed to the custody of the commissioner in newly constructed county or regional jail facilities that provide inmates access to chemical dependency treatment programs licensed by the Department of Human Services. A contract entered into under this section may contain an option to renew the contract for a term of up to five years.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 245.036, is amended to read:

245.036 LEASES FOR STATE-OPERATED, COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS.

(a) Notwithstanding section 16B.24, subdivision 6, paragraph (a), or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner of administration may lease land or other premises to provide state-operated, community-based programs authorized by sections 246.014, paragraph (a), 252.50, 253.018, and 253.28 for a term of 20 years or less, with a ten-year or less option to renew, subject to cancellation upon 30 days' notice by the state for any reason, except rental of other land or premises for the same use.

(b) The commissioner of administration may also lease land or premises from political subdivisions of the state to provide state-operated, community-based programs authorized by sections 246.014, paragraph (a), 252.50, 253.018, and 253.28 for a term of 20 years or less, with a ten-year or less option to renew. A lease under this paragraph may be canceled only due to the lack of a legislative appropriation for the program.

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Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 446A.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Bonding authority. The authority may issue negotiable bonds in a principal amount that the authority determines necessary to provide sufficient funds for achieving its purposes, including the making of loans and purchase of securities, the payment of interest on bonds of the authority, the establishment of reserves to secure its bonds, the payment of fees to a third party providing credit enhancement, and the payment of all other expenditures of the authority incident to and necessary or convenient to carry out its corporate purposes and powers, but not including the making of grants. Bonds of the authority may be issued as bonds or notes or in any other form authorized by law. The principal amount of bonds issued and outstanding under this section at any time may not exceed ~~$1,250,000,000~~ $1,500,000,000, excluding bonds for which refunding bonds or crossover refunding bonds have been issued.

Sec. 40. Laws 2000, chapter 492, article 1, section 7, subdivision 21, as amended by Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 42, is amended to read:

Subd. 21. Harbor of Refuge at Two Harbors 1,000,000

To develop the harbor of refuge and marina at Two Harbors, including public access improvements, marina slips, parking facilities, utilities, a fuel dock, and an administration building.

This appropriation is not available until the commissioner has determined that at least $500,000 has been committed from federal sources. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642, this appropriation and its corresponding bond authorization do not cancel until ~~June 30, 2006~~ December 31, 2009.

Sec. 41. Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Northwest Busway 20,000,000

To design and construct a busway in the northwest metropolitan area between downtown Minneapolis and Rogers. This appropriation is contingent on $12,000,000 from Hennepin county and $5,000,000 from the metropolitan council for the project. Total funding from all sources may be used for roadway design, reconstruction, acquisition of land and right-of-way, and to design, construct, furnish, and equip transit stations and park and rides. Design-build under new Minnesota Statutes, sections 383B.158 to 383B.1586, may be used for implementing this project. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642, this appropriation and its corresponding bond authorization do not cancel until December 31, 2010.

Sec. 42. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 5, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. Independent School District No. 38 - Red Lake 18,000,000

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This appropriation is from the maximum effort school loan fund for a capital loan to Independent School District No. 38, Red Lake, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, sections 126C.60 to 126C.72, to design, construct, renovate, furnish, and equip a new middle school and the existing high school. The commissioner and Independent School District No. 38, Red Lake, shall report to the legislature by January 10, 2006, on the progress of the capital loan.

The unexpended balance from the appropriation in Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 5, subdivision 2, to design, construct, renovate, furnish, equip, and for health and safety capital improvements to school facilities may be added to this appropriation.

Sec. 43. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 7, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

Subd. 14. State Trail Development 7,910,000

To acquire land for and to develop and rehabilitate state trails as specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015.

$1,500,000 is for the Blazing Star Trail.

$435,000 is for a segment of the Blufflands Trail, from Preston to Forestville.

$200,000 is for a segment of the Blufflands Trail, from Chester Woods County Park to the city limits of Rochester in Olmsted County, primarily for nonmotorized riding and hiking.

$400,000 is for the Douglas Trail.

$400,000 is for the Gateway Trail.

$725,000 is for the Gitchi Gami Trail.

$500,000 is for the Glacial Lakes Trail.

$200,000 is for the Goodhue Pioneer Trail.

$300,000 is for the Heartland Trail.

$300,000 is for the Mill Towns Trail.

$100,000 is for the Minnesota River Trail.

$2,400,000 is for the Paul Bunyan Trail: ~~$1,500,000~~ $320,000 is for an extension across Excelsior Road in the city of Baxter to connect with the Oberstar Tunnel and may be used to match federal money for the trail; $900,000 is to acquire right-of-way in the city of Bemidji and to rehabilitate the trail.

$450,000 is for the Shooting Star Trail.

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Sec. 44. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. RIM and CREP Conservation Easements 23,000,000

This appropriation is to acquire conservation easements from landowners on marginal lands to protect soil and water quality and to support fish and wildlife habitat as provided in Minnesota Statutes, ~~section 103F.515~~ sections 103F.501 to 103F.535.

$3,000,000 is to implement the program.

Sec. 45. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 19, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6. Metropolitan Regional Parks Capital Improvements 14,664,000

This appropriation must be used to pay the cost of improvements and betterments of a capital nature and acquisition by the council and local government units of regional recreational open-space lands in accordance with the council's policy plan as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.147. Priority should be given to park rehabilitation and land acquisition projects.

For purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 473.351, Columbia Parkway, Ridgeway Parkway, and Stinson Boulevard are considered to be part of the metropolitan regional recreation open space system.

$100,000 is for a grant to Ramsey and Washington Counties, or either of them as jointly agreed, to prepare engineering design documents for the development of a trail adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 120 from its intersection with Joy Road to its intersection with 20th Street in the city of North St. Paul, adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 96 from its intersection with marked Trunk Highway 61 to its intersection with marked Trunk Highway 244, and adjacent to marked Trunk Highway 244 from its intersection with marked Trunk Highway 96 to and including its intersection with Washington County Road 12 to be known as the Silver Lake Trail. The design must be consistent with the recommendations of the Lake Links Trail Network Master Plan prepared for Ramsey and Washington Counties.

$388,000 is for a grant to the city of St. Paul for park and trail improvements in the Desnoyer Park area, above the Meeker Island lock historic site.

$4,676,000 is for a grant to the city of St. Paul to design and construct river's edge improvements at Raspberry Island and Upper Landing and develop a public park on Raspberry Island. Of this amount, ~~$676,000~~ $56,000 is the local match for an Upper Landing federal TEA-21 grant.

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$2,500,000 is for a grant to the city of South St. Paul for the closure, capping, and remediation of approximately 80 acres of the Port Crosby construction and demolition debris landfill in South St. Paul, as the fourth phase of converting the land into parkland, and to restore approximately 80 acres of riverfront land along the Mississippi River.

Sec. 46. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 20, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2. State-Operated Services Forensics Programs 3,259,000

To design new facilities to be constructed on the campus of the ~~St. Peter~~ Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center for individuals committed as sexual psychopathic personalities, sexually dangerous persons, mentally ill, or mentally ill and dangerous.

Sec. 47. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 20, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Systemwide Redevelopment, Reuse, or Demolition 17,600,000

To demolish or improve surplus, nonfunctional, or deteriorated facilities and infrastructure at Department of Human Services campuses statewide.

(a) Up to $8,600,000 may be used to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip renovation of existing space or construction of new space for skilled nursing home capacity for forensic treatment programs operated by state-operated services on the campus of St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.

(b) $4,000,000 may be used to prepare and develop a site, including demolition of buildings and infrastructure, to implement the redevelopment and reuse of the Ah-Gwah-Ching Regional Treatment Center campus. If the property is sold or transferred to a local unit of government, the unspent portion of this appropriation may be granted to the local unit of government that acquires the campus for the purposes stated in this subdivision.

Up to $400,000 may be used for a grant to the city of Walker to connect the water reservoir to the city.

(c) $1,000,000 may be used to renovate one or more buildings for chemical dependency treatment specializing in methamphetamine addiction, and demolish buildings, on the Willmar Regional Treatment Center campus. If the property is sold or transferred to a local unit of government, the unspent portion of this appropriation may be granted to the local unit of government that acquires the campus for the purposes stated in this subdivision.

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(d) Up to $2,210,000 may be spent by the commissioner of finance to retire municipal bonds issued by the city of Fergus Falls and to retire interfund loans incurred by the city of Fergus Falls in connection with the waste incinerator and steam heating facility at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. $447,610 of unexpended nonsalary money from state-operated services may be transferred as a grant to the city of Fergus Falls to retire interfund loans incurred by the city of Fergus Falls in connection with the waste incinerator and steam heating facility at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. This money is only available upon satisfactory completion of implementation of the final master plan agreement, as approved by the Department of Administration, the Department of Human Services, and the city of Fergus Falls.

(e) Up to $400,000 may be used for a grant to the city of Fergus Falls to demolish the city's waste-to-energy incineration plant located on the grounds of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center.

(f) The provisions, terms, and conditions of any grant made by the director of the Office of Environmental Assistance under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 115A, to the city of Fergus Falls for the waste incinerator steam heating facility that supports the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center and that may come into effect as a result of the incinerator and facility being closed, are hereby waived.

Sec. 48. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 20, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4. Willmar Regional Treatment Center Retrofit 900,000

To demolish buildings, predesign, design, renovate, construct, furnish, and equip buildings at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for reuse, and renovate campus support buildings and campus infrastructure, including tunnels. These projects are to develop the Willmar Regional Treatment Center campus for health care, mental health care, chemical dependency treatment, housing, and other public purposes and must be implemented consistent with the recommendations in the final Willmar Regional Treatment Center Master Plan and Reuse Study prepared and approved under Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 14, article 6, section 64, subdivision 2, unless expressly provided otherwise. If the Willmar Regional Treatment Center property is sold or transferred to a local unit of government, the unspent portion of this appropriation may be granted to the local unit of government that acquires the campus ~~for the purposes stated in this subdivision~~ to design, construct, furnish, and equip a maintenance facility.

Sec. 49. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 23, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Wastewater Infrastructure Funding Program 29,900,000

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(a) To the Public Facilities Authority for the purposes specified in this subdivision. $29,300,000 of this appropriation is for grants and loans to eligible municipalities under the wastewater infrastructure program established in Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.072.

To the greatest practical extent, the authority must use the appropriation for projects on the 2005 project priority list in priority order to qualified applicants that submit plans and specifications to the Pollution Control Agency or receive a funding commitment from USDA Rural Economic and Community Development before December 1, 2006.

$600,000 of this appropriation is to implement the wastewater infrastructure program.

(b) The grants listed in this paragraph are not subject to the 2005 project priority list nor to the limitations on grant amounts set forth in Minnesota Statutes, section 446A.072, subdivision 5a.

$1,500,000 is for a grant to the city of Aurora to reconstruct its wastewater treatment plant, damaged in an explosion May 5, 2004.

$1,700,000 is for a grant to the Central Iron Range Sanitary Sewer District Authority to predesign and design the necessary facilities to collect, treat, and dispose of sewage in the district, including a pump-storage facility and a wind-energy facility.

Up to $5,000,000 may be used as grants to the cities of Dunnell, Dumont, Henriette, Lewisville, McGrath, and Ostrander to undertake corrective action on systems built since 2001 with federal money from USDA Rural Economic and Community Development. A grant must not exceed the amount of federal money used in the construction of systems that incorporated sand filter treatment, fixed activated sludge treatment, or mechanical package plant treatment technologies.

$4,950,000 is for a grant to the city of Duluth for design and construction of sanitary sewer overflow storage facilities at selected locations in the city of Duluth. This appropriation is available when matched by $1 of money secured or provided by the city of Duluth for each $1 of state money.

$1,700,000 is for a grant to the city of Eagle Bend to predesign, design, construct, furnish, and equip a wastewater collection and treatment system.

$1,500,000 is for a grant to the city of Two Harbors to retire loans, whether interfund or otherwise, incurred to acquire land for, design, construct, furnish, and equip a 2,500,000 gallon equalization basin and a chlorine-contact tank of at least 100,000

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gallon capacity, adjacent to the city's wastewater treatment plant. The equalization basin is required under the city's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner of finance determines that $325,000 has been committed to the project from nonstate sources.

$1,550,000 for a grant to the city of Bayport for the Middle St. Croix River Watershed Management Organization to complete the sewer system extending from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pond 82-310P (the prison pond) in Bayport through the Stillwater prison grounds to the St. Croix River.

$2,000,000 is to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to the city of New Brighton ~~to relocate a sanitary sewer interceptor~~ for sanitary sewer and storm water improvements in the Northwest Quadrant to allow for redevelopment of that area.

Sec. 50. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 23, subdivision 12, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 171, section 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 12. Bioscience Development 18,500,000

For grants to political subdivisions to predesign, design, acquire, construct, furnish, and equip publicly owned infrastructure required to support bioscience development in this state.

$2,500,000 is for a grant to the city of Worthington.

$14,000,000 cumulatively is for grants to the counties of Ramsey and Anoka for public improvements to the portion of County Road J located within each county. This amount may be used to repay loans the proceeds of which were used for the public improvement. The grants to the individual counties shall be in amounts proportionate to the individual counties' costs associated with the public improvements.

$2,000,000 is for bioscience business development public infrastructure grants under new Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.435.

Sec. 51. Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, section 27, is amended to read:

Sec. 27. BOND SALE SCHEDULE

The commissioner of finance shall schedule the sale of state general obligation bonds so that, during the biennium ending June 30, 2007, no more than ~~$780,536,000~~ $763,706,000 will need to be transferred from the general fund to the state bond fund to pay principal and interest due and to become due on outstanding state

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general obligation bonds. During the biennium, before each sale of state general obligation bonds, the commissioner of finance shall calculate the amount of debt service payments needed on bonds previously issued and shall estimate the amount of debt service payments that will be needed on the bonds scheduled to be sold. The commissioner shall adjust the amount of bonds scheduled to be sold so as to remain within the limit set by this section. The amount needed to make the debt service payments is appropriated from the general fund as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.641.

Sec. 52. Laws 2005, chapter 152, article 1, section 39, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1. Issuance; purpose. Notwithstanding any provision of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 298, to the contrary, the commissioner of Iron Range resources and rehabilitation ~~may~~ shall issue revenue bonds in a principal amount of $15,000,000, plus an amount sufficient to pay costs of issuance, in one or more series, and thereafter may issue bonds to refund those bonds. The proceeds of the bonds must be used to pay the costs of issuance and to make grants to school districts located in the taconite tax relief area defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 273.134, or the taconite assistance area defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 273.1341, to be used by the school districts to pay for health, safety, and maintenance improvements ~~but only if the school district has levied the maximum amount allowable under law for those purposes~~.

Sec. 53. OUTDOOR LIGHTING PURCHASE.

All purchasing of outdoor lighting fixtures using funds appropriated under this act must give consideration to maximizing energy conservation and savings, reducing glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment.

Sec. 54. FERGUS FALLS INCINERATOR; CONVEYANCE OF EQUIPMENT.

Notwithstanding any law, administrative rule, commissioner's order, or agreement to the contrary, the city of Fergus Falls may convey to the city of Perham, for nominal consideration, all or part of the air pollution equipment, including the building and related equipment, that is currently located at the Fergus Falls incinerator. The conveyance shall be in a form approved by the attorney general and must be used for public purposes. The city of Perham is responsible for the costs of dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the equipment in Perham, as part of the expansion of the Perham resource recovery facility.

Sec. 55. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Except as otherwise provided, this act is effective the day following final enactment."

Delete the title and insert:

"A bill for an act relating to capital improvements; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other improvements of a capital nature with certain conditions; establishing new programs and modifying existing programs; authorizing the sale of state bonds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 16A.11, subdivision 1; 16A.86, subdivisions 2, 4; 85.015, by adding a subdivision; 136F.98, subdivision 1; 222.49; 446A.12, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 85.019, subdivision 2; 245.036; Laws 2000, chapter 492, article 1, section 7, subdivision 21, as amended; Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 19, subdivision 2; Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, sections 5, subdivision 2; 7, subdivision 14; 10, subdivision 2; 19, subdivision 6; 20, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 23, subdivisions 3, 12, as amended; 27; Laws 2005, chapter 152, article 1, section 39, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16B; 86A; 116J; 241."

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We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

House Conferees: Dan Dorman, Laura Brod, Denny McNamara and Bud Nornes.

Senate Conferees: Keith Langseth, Sandra L. Pappas, Wesley J. Skoglund, James P. Metzen and Paul E. Koering.

Dorman moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2959 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee. The motion prevailed.

H. F. No. 2959, A bill for an act relating to capital improvements; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other public improvements of a capital nature with certain conditions; establishing new programs and modifying existing programs; authorizing sale of state bonds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 16A.11, subdivision 1; 16A.86, subdivisions 2, 4; 85.013, by adding a subdivision; 123A.44; 123A.441; 123A.442; 123A.443; 136F.98, subdivision 1; 446A.12, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 116.182, subdivision 2; 116J.575, subdivision 1; Laws 2000, chapter 492, article 1, section 7, subdivision 21, as amended; Laws 2002, chapter 393, section 19, subdivision 2; Laws 2005, chapter 20, article 1, sections 7, subdivisions 14, 21; 19, subdivision 6; 20, subdivisions 2, 3; 23, subdivisions 3, 12; 27; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16B; 85; 116J; 446A.

The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called. There were 111 yeas and 21 nays as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative were:

The bill was repassed, as amended by Conference, and its title agreed to.

Speaker pro tempore Paulsen called Abrams to the Chair.

There being no objection, the order of business reverted to Messages from the Senate.

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

The following messages were received from the Senate:

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Mr. Speaker:

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned:

H. F. No. 3664, A bill for an act relating to the military; expanding eligibility for the salary differential program for state employees ordered into active military service; permitting military personnel stationed outside Minnesota to use state parks without fee while home on leave; providing leave without pay to family members of soldiers wounded or killed while in active service, and for family members of deployed soldiers to attend send-off or homecoming ceremonies; establishing a policy statement supportive of military service; providing certain job protections for persons ordered into active military service; adding cross-references; directing institutions of higher education to provide credit for military training and experience for veterans; clarifying law governing renewal of occupational licenses and professional certifications during and following active military service; authorizing National Guard security guard employees to carry certain weapons; authorizing the placement of plaques honoring certain veterans in the Court of Honor; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 85.053, by adding a subdivision; 190.055; 326.56; 609.67, subdivisions 3, 5; 626.88, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 43A.183; 192.502, by adding subdivisions; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 181; 190; 197.

Patrick E. Flahaven, Secretary of the Senate

Mr. Speaker:

I hereby announce that the Senate has concurred in and adopted the report of the Conference Committee on:

S. F. No. 3480.

The Senate has repassed said bill in accordance with the recommendation and report of the Conference Committee. Said Senate File is herewith transmitted to the House.

Patrice Dworak, First Assistant Secretary of the Senate

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON S. F. NO. 3480

A bill for an act relating to commerce; regulating license education; regulating certain insurers, insurance forms and rates, coverages, purchases, filings, utilization reviews, and claims; enacting an interstate insurance product regulation compact and providing for its administration; regulating the Minnesota uniform health care identification card; requiring certain reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 61A.02, subdivision 3; 61A.092, subdivision 3; 62A.02, subdivision 3; 62A.095, subdivision 1; 62A.17, subdivisions 1, 2; 62A.27; 62A.3093; 62C.14, subdivisions 9, 10; 62E.13, subdivision 3; 62E.14, subdivision 5; 62J.60, subdivisions 2, 3; 62L.02, subdivision 24; 62M.01, subdivision 2; 62M.09, subdivision 9; 62S.05, by adding a subdivision; 62S.08, subdivision 3; 62S.081, subdivision 4; 62S.10, subdivision 2; 62S.13, by adding a subdivision; 62S.14, subdivision 2; 62S.15; 62S.20, subdivision 1; 62S.24, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, by adding subdivisions; 62S.25, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; 62S.26; 62S.265, subdivision 1; 62S.266, subdivision 2; 62S.29, subdivision 1; 62S.30; 70A.07; 72C.10, subdivision 1; 79.01, by adding subdivisions; 79.251, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 79.252, by adding subdivisions; 79A.23, subdivision 3; 79A.32; 123A.21, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, sections 45.22; 45.23; 62A.316; 65B.49, subdivision 5a; 72A.201, subdivision 6; 79A.04, subdivision

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2; 256B.0571; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 43A; 61A; 62A; 62Q; 62S; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 256B.0571, subdivisions 2, 5, 11; Minnesota Rules, parts 2781.0100; 2781.0200; 2781.0300; 2781.0400; 2781.0500; 2781.0600.

May 20, 2006

The Honorable James P. Metzen

President of the Senate

The Honorable Steve Sviggum

Speaker of the House of Representatives

We, the undersigned conferees for S. F. No. 3480 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

That the House recede from its amendments and that S. F. No. 3480 be further amended as follows:

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

"Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 45.22, is amended to read:

45.22 LICENSE EDUCATION APPROVAL.

~~(a)~~ License education courses must be approved in advance by the commissioner. Each sponsor who offers a license education course must ~~have at least one coordinator, approved by the commissioner,~~ be approved by the commissioner. Each approved sponsor must have at least one coordinator who meets the criteria specified in Minnesota Rules, chapter 2809, and who is responsible for supervising the educational program and assuring compliance with all laws and rules. "Sponsor" means any person or entity offering approved education.

Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 45.23, is amended to read:

45.23 LICENSE EDUCATION FEES.

The following fees must be paid to the commissioner:

(2) renewal of course approval, $10 per course. Renewal of course approval expires on the last day of the 24th month after the course is renewed;

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EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 3. [60A.99] INTERSTATE INSURANCE PRODUCT REGULATION COMPACT.

Subdivision 1. Enactment and form. The Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact is enacted into law and entered into with all other states legally joining in it in substantially the following form:

Article I. Purposes

The purposes of this Compact are, through means of joint and cooperative action among the Compacting States:

1. To promote and protect the interest of consumers of individual and group annuity, life insurance, disability income and long-term care insurance products;

2. To develop uniform standards for insurance products covered under the Compact;

3. To establish a central clearinghouse to receive and provide prompt review of insurance products covered under the Compact and, in certain cases, advertisements related thereto, submitted by insurers authorized to do business in one or more Compacting States;

4. To give appropriate regulatory approval to those product filings and advertisements satisfying the applicable uniform standard;

5. To improve coordination of regulatory resources and expertise between state insurance departments regarding the setting of uniform standards and review of insurance products covered under the Compact;

6. To create the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission; and

7. To perform these and such other related functions as may be consistent with the state regulation of the business of insurance.

Article II. Definitions

For purposes of this Compact:

1. "Advertisement" means any material designed to create public interest in a Product, or induce the public to purchase, increase, modify, reinstate, borrow on, surrender, replace or retain a policy, as more specifically defined in the Rules and Operating Procedures of the Commission.

2. "Bylaws" mean those bylaws established by the Commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling the Commission's actions or conduct.

3. "Compacting State" means any State which has enacted this Compact legislation and which has not withdrawn pursuant to Article XIV, Section 1, or been terminated pursuant to Article XIV, Section 2.

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4. "Commission" means the "Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission" established by this Compact.

5. "Commissioner" means the chief insurance regulatory official of a State including, but not limited to commissioner, superintendent, director or administrator.

6. "Domiciliary State" means the state in which an Insurer is incorporated or organized; or, in the case of an alien Insurer, its state of entry.

7. "Insurer" means any entity licensed by a State to issue contracts of insurance for any of the lines of insurance covered by this Act.

8. "Member" means the person chosen by a Compacting State as its representative to the Commission, or his or her designee.

9. "Noncompacting State" means any State which is not at the time a Compacting State.

10. "Operating Procedures" mean procedures promulgated by the Commission implementing a Rule, Uniform Standard, or a provision of this Compact.

11. "Product" means the form of a policy or contract, including any application, endorsement, or related form which is attached to and made a part of the policy or contract, and any evidence of coverage or certificate, for an individual or group annuity, life insurance, disability income or long-term care insurance product that an Insurer is authorized to issue.

12. "Rule" means a statement of general or particular applicability and future effect promulgated by the Commission, including a Uniform Standard developed pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or describing the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of the Commission, which shall have the force and effect of law in the Compacting States.

13. "State" means any state, district, or territory of the United States of America.

14. "Third Party Filer" means an entity that submits a Product filing to the Commission on behalf of an Insurer.

15. "Uniform Standard" means a standard adopted by the Commission for a Product line, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, and shall include all of the Product requirements in aggregate; provided, that each Uniform Standard shall be construed, whether express or implied, to prohibit the use of any inconsistent, misleading or ambiguous provisions in a Product and the form of the Product made available to the public shall not be unfair, inequitable or against public policy as determined by the Commission.

Article III. Establishment of the Commission and Venue

1. The Compacting States hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the "Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission." Pursuant to Article IV, the Commission will have the power to develop Uniform Standards for Product lines, receive and provide prompt review of Products filed therewith, and give approval to those Product filings satisfying applicable Uniform Standards; provided, it is not intended for the Commission to be the exclusive entity for receipt and review of insurance product filings. Nothing herein shall prohibit any Insurer from filing its product in any State wherein the Insurer is licensed to conduct the business of insurance; and any such filing shall be subject to the laws of the State where filed.

2. The Commission is a body corporate and politic, and an instrumentality of the Compacting States.

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3. The Commission is solely responsible for its liabilities except as otherwise specifically provided in this Compact.

4. Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a Court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located.

Article IV. Powers of the Commission

The Commission shall have the following powers:

1. To promulgate Rules, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, which shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact;

2. To exercise its rulemaking authority and establish reasonable Uniform Standards for Products covered under the Compact, and Advertisement related thereto, which shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States, but only for those Products filed with the Commission, provided, that a Compacting State shall have the right to opt out of such Uniform Standard pursuant to Article VII, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Compact, and, provided further, that any Uniform Standard established by the Commission for long-term care insurance products may provide the same or greater protections for consumers as, but shall not provide less than, those protections set forth in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Long-Term Care Insurance Model Act and Long-Term Care Insurance Model Regulation, respectively, adopted as of 2001. The Commission shall consider whether any subsequent amendments to the NAIC Long-Term Care Insurance Model Act or Long-Term Care Insurance Model Regulation adopted by the NAIC require amending of the Uniform Standards established by the Commission for long-term care insurance products;

3. To receive and review in an expeditious manner Products filed with the Commission, and rate filings for disability income and long-term care insurance Products, and give approval of those Products and rate filings that satisfy the applicable Uniform Standard, where such approval shall have the force and effect of law and be binding on the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in the Compact;

4. To receive and review in an expeditious manner Advertisement relating to long-term care insurance products for which Uniform Standards have been adopted by the Commission, and give approval to all Advertisement that satisfies the applicable Uniform Standard. For any product covered under this Compact, other than long-term care insurance products, the Commission shall have the authority to require an insurer to submit all or any part of its Advertisement with respect to that product for review or approval prior to use, if the Commission determines that the nature of the product is such that an Advertisement of the product could have the capacity or tendency to mislead the public. The actions of the Commission as provided in this section shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in the Compact;

5. To exercise its rulemaking authority and designate Products and Advertisement that may be subject to a self-certification process without the need for prior approval by the Commission;

6. To promulgate Operating Procedures, pursuant to Article VII of this Compact, which shall be binding in the Compacting States to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;

7. To bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in its name as the Commission; provided, that the standing of any state insurance department to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected;

8. To issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of evidence;

9. To establish and maintain offices;

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10. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

11. To borrow, accept or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a Compacting State;

12. To hire employees, professionals or specialists, and elect or appoint officers, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and give them appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, among other things, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel;

13. To accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of the same; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety;

14. To lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed; provided that at all times the Commission shall strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety;

15. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed;

16. To remit filing fees to Compacting States as may be set forth in the Bylaws, Rules or Operating Procedures;

17. To enforce compliance by Compacting States with Rules, Uniform Standards, Operating Procedures and Bylaws;

18. To provide for dispute resolution among Compacting States;

19. To advise Compacting States on issues relating to Insurers domiciled or doing business in Noncompacting jurisdictions, consistent with the purposes of this Compact;

20. To provide advice and training to those personnel in state insurance departments responsible for product review, and to be a resource for state insurance departments;

21. To establish a budget and make expenditures;

22. To borrow money;

23. To appoint committees, including advisory committees comprising Members, state insurance regulators, state legislators or their representatives, insurance industry and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in the Bylaws;

24. To provide and receive information from, and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies;

25. To adopt and use a corporate seal; and

26. To perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of the business of insurance.

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Article V. Organization of the Commission

1. Membership, Voting and Bylaws

a. Each Compacting State shall have and be limited to one Member. Each Member shall be qualified to serve in that capacity pursuant to applicable law of the Compacting State. Any Member may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the State from which he or she shall be appointed. Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled in accordance with the laws of the Compacting State wherein the vacancy exists. Nothing herein shall be construed to affect the manner in which a Compacting State determines the election or appointment and qualification of its own Commissioner.

b. Each Member shall be entitled to one vote and shall have an opportunity to participate in the governance of the Commission in accordance with the Bylaws. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, no action of the Commission with respect to the promulgation of a Uniform Standard shall be effective unless two-thirds of the Members vote in favor thereof.

c. The Commission shall, by a majority of the Members, prescribe Bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes, and exercise the powers, of the Compact, including, but not limited to:

i. Establishing the fiscal year of the Commission;

ii. Providing reasonable procedures for appointing and electing members, as well as holding meetings, of the Management Committee;

iii. Providing reasonable standards and procedures: (i) for the establishment and meetings of other committees, and (ii) governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the Commission;

iv. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Commission that consist of a majority of Commission members, ensuring reasonable advance notice of each such meeting and providing for the right of citizens to attend each such meeting with enumerated exceptions designed to protect the public's interest, the privacy of individuals, and insurers' proprietary information, including trade secrets. The Commission may meet in camera only after a majority of the entire membership votes to close a meeting en toto or in part. As soon as practicable, the Commission must make public (i) a copy of the vote to close the meeting revealing the vote of each Member with no proxy votes allowed, and (ii) votes taken during such meeting;

v. Establishing the titles, duties and authority and reasonable procedures for the election of the officers of the Commission;

vi. Providing reasonable standards and procedures for the establishment of the personnel policies and programs of the Commission. Notwithstanding any civil service or other similar laws of any Compacting State, the Bylaws shall exclusively govern the personnel policies and programs of the Commission;

vii. Promulgating a code of ethics to address permissible and prohibited activities of commission members and employees; and

viii. Providing a mechanism for winding up the operations of the Commission and the equitable disposition of any surplus funds that may exist after the termination of the Compact after the payment and/or reserving of all of its debts and obligations.

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d. The Commission shall publish its bylaws in a convenient form and file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the Compacting States.

2. Management Committee, Officers and Personnel

a. A Management Committee comprising no more than 14 members shall be established as follows:

i. One member from each of the six Compacting States with the largest premium volume for individual and group annuities, life, disability income and long-term care insurance products, determined from the records of the NAIC for the prior year;

ii. Four members from those Compacting States with at least two percent of the market based on the premium volume described above, other than the six Compacting States with the largest premium volume, selected on a rotating basis as provided in the Bylaws; and

iii. Four members from those Compacting States with less than two percent of the market, based on the premium volume described above, with one selected from each of the four zone regions of the NAIC as provided in the Bylaws.

b. The Management Committee shall have such authority and duties as may be set forth in the Bylaws, including but not limited to:

i. Managing the affairs of the Commission in a manner consistent with the Bylaws and purposes of the Commission;

ii. Establishing and overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for, the Commission to provide for the creation of Uniform Standards and other Rules, receipt and review of product filings, administrative and technical support functions, review of decisions regarding the disapproval of a product filing, and the review of elections made by a Compacting State to opt out of a Uniform Standard; provided that a Uniform Standard shall not be submitted to the Compacting States for adoption unless approved by two-thirds of the members of the Management Committee;

iii. Overseeing the offices of the Commission; and

iv. Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the Commission.

c. The Commission shall elect annually officers from the Management Committee, with each having such authority and duties, as may be specified in the Bylaws.

d. The Management Committee may, subject to the approval of the Commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the Commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the Commission, but shall not be a Member of the Commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other staff as may be authorized by the Commission.

3. Legislative and Advisory Committees

a. A legislative committee comprising state legislators or their designees shall be established to monitor the operations of, and make recommendations to, the Commission, including the Management Committee; provided that the manner of selection and term of any legislative committee member shall be as set forth in the Bylaws. Prior to

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the adoption by the Commission of any Uniform Standard, revision to the Bylaws, annual budget or other significant matter as may be provided in the Bylaws, the Management Committee shall consult with and report to the legislative committee.

b. The Commission shall establish two advisory committees, one of which shall comprise consumer representatives independent of the insurance industry, and the other comprising insurance industry representatives.

c. The Commission may establish additional advisory committees as its Bylaws may provide for the carrying out of its functions.

4. Corporate Records of the Commission

The Commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the Bylaws.

5. Qualified Immunity, Defense, and Indemnification

a. The Members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; provided, that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that person.

b. The Commission shall defend any Member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining his or her own counsel; and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person's intentional or willful and wanton misconduct.

c. The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any Member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of that person.

Article VI. Meetings and Acts of the Commission

1. The Commission shall meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the Bylaws.

2. Each Member of the Commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that Compacting State is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission. A Member shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the Bylaws. The Bylaws may provide for Members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.

3. The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meeting shall be held as set forth in the Bylaws.

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Article VII. Rules and Operating Procedures: Rulemaking Functions

of the Commission and Opting Out of Uniform Standards

1. Rulemaking Authority. The Commission shall promulgate reasonable Rules, including Uniform Standards, and Operating Procedures in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this Compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this Act, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Commission shall be invalid and have no force and effect.

2. Rulemaking Procedure. Rules and Operating Procedures shall be made pursuant to a rulemaking process that conforms to the Model State Administrative Procedure Act of 1981 as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the Commission. Before the Commission adopts a Uniform Standard, the Commission shall give written notice to the relevant state legislative committee(s) in each Compacting State responsible for insurance issues of its intention to adopt the Uniform Standard. The Commission in adopting a Uniform Standard shall consider fully all submitted materials and issue a concise explanation of its decision.

3. Effective Date and Opt Out of a Uniform Standard. A Uniform Standard shall become effective 90 days after its promulgation by the Commission or such later date as the Commission may determine; provided, however, that a Compacting State may opt out of a Uniform Standard as provided in this Article. "Opt out" shall be defined as any action by a Compacting State to decline to adopt or participate in a promulgated Uniform Standard. All other Rules and Operating Procedures, and amendments thereto, shall become effective as of the date specified in each Rule, Operating Procedure, or amendment.

4. Opt Out Procedure. A Compacting State may opt out of a Uniform Standard, either by legislation or regulation duly promulgated by the Insurance Department under the Compacting State's Administrative Procedure Act. If a Compacting State elects to opt out of a Uniform Standard by regulation, it must (a) give written notice to the Commission no later than ten business days after the Uniform Standard is promulgated, or at the time the State becomes a Compacting State and (b) find that the Uniform Standard does not provide reasonable protections to the citizens of the State, given the conditions in the State. The Commissioner shall make specific findings of fact and conclusions of law, based on a preponderance of the evidence, detailing the conditions in the State which warrant a departure from the Uniform Standard and determining that the Uniform Standard would not reasonably protect the citizens of the State. The Commissioner must consider and balance the following factors and find that the conditions in the State and needs of the citizens of the State outweigh: (i) the intent of the legislature to participate in, and the benefits of, an interstate agreement to establish national uniform consumer protections for the Products subject to this Act; and (ii) the presumption that a Uniform Standard adopted by the Commission provides reasonable protections to consumers of the relevant Product.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Compacting State may, at the time of its enactment of this Compact, prospectively opt out of all Uniform Standards involving long-term care insurance products by expressly providing for such opt out in the enacted Compact, and such an opt out shall not be treated as a material variance in the offer or acceptance of any State to participate in this Compact. Such an opt out shall be effective at the time of enactment of this Compact by the Compacting State and shall apply to all existing Uniform Standards involving long-term care insurance products and those subsequently promulgated.

5. Effect of Opt Out. If a Compacting State elects to opt out of a Uniform Standard, the Uniform Standard shall remain applicable in the Compacting State electing to opt out until such time the opt out legislation is enacted into law or the regulation opting out becomes effective.

Once the opt out of a Uniform Standard by a Compacting State becomes effective as provided under the laws of that State, the Uniform Standard shall have no further force and effect in that State unless and until the legislation or regulation implementing the opt out is repealed or otherwise becomes ineffective under the laws of the State. If a Compacting State opts out of a Uniform Standard after the Uniform Standard has been made effective in that State, the opt out shall have the same prospective effect as provided under Article XIV for withdrawals.

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6. Stay of Uniform Standard. If a Compacting State has formally initiated the process of opting out of a Uniform Standard by regulation, and while the regulatory opt out is pending, the Compacting State may petition the Commission, at least 15 days before the effective date of the Uniform Standard, to stay the effectiveness of the Uniform Standard in that State. The Commission may grant a stay if it determines the regulatory opt out is being pursued in a reasonable manner and there is a likelihood of success. If a stay is granted or extended by the Commission, the stay or extension thereof may postpone the effective date by up to 90 days, unless affirmatively extended by the Commission; provided, a stay may not be permitted to remain in effect for more than one year unless the Compacting State can show extraordinary circumstances which warrant a continuance of the stay, including, but not limited to, the existence of a legal challenge which prevents the Compacting State from opting out. A stay may be terminated by the Commission upon notice that the rulemaking process has been terminated.

7. Not later than 30 days after a Rule or Operating Procedure is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the Rule or Operating Procedure; provided, that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the Rule or Operating Procedure from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the Rule or Operating Procedure to be unlawful if the Rule or Operating Procedure represents a reasonable exercise of the Commission's authority.

Article VIII. Commission Records and Enforcement

1. The Commission shall promulgate Rules establishing conditions and procedures for public inspection and copying of its information and official records, except such information and records involving the privacy of individuals and insurers' trade secrets. The Commission may promulgate additional Rules under which it may make available to federal and state agencies, including law enforcement agencies, records and information otherwise exempt from disclosure, and may enter into agreements with such agencies to receive or exchange information or records subject to nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions.

2. Except as to privileged records, data and information, the laws of any Compacting State pertaining to confidentiality or nondisclosure shall not relieve any Compacting State Commissioner of the duty to disclose any relevant records, data or information to the Commission; provided, that disclosure to the Commission shall not be deemed to waive or otherwise affect any confidentiality requirement; and further provided, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, the Commission shall not be subject to the Compacting State's laws pertaining to confidentiality and nondisclosure with respect to records, data and information in its possession. Confidential information of the Commission shall remain confidential after such information is provided to any Commissioner.

3. The Commission shall monitor Compacting States for compliance with duly adopted Bylaws, Rules, including Uniform Standards, and Operating Procedures. The Commission shall notify any noncomplying Compacting State in writing of its noncompliance with Commission Bylaws, Rules or Operating Procedures. If a noncomplying Compacting State fails to remedy its noncompliance within the time specified in the notice of noncompliance, the Compacting State shall be deemed to be in default as set forth in Article XIV.

4. The Commissioner of any State in which an Insurer is authorized to do business, or is conducting the business of insurance, shall continue to exercise his or her authority to oversee the market regulation of the activities of the Insurer in accordance with the provisions of the State's law. The Commissioner's enforcement of compliance with the Compact is governed by the following provisions:

a. With respect to the Commissioner's market regulation of a Product or Advertisement that is approved or certified to the Commission, the content of the Product or Advertisement shall not constitute a violation of the provisions, standards or requirements of the Compact except upon a final order of the Commission, issued at the request of a Commissioner after prior notice to the Insurer and an opportunity for hearing before the Commission.

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b. Before a Commissioner may bring an action for violation of any provision, standard or requirement of the Compact relating to the content of an Advertisement not approved or certified to the Commission, the Commission, or an authorized Commission officer or employee, must authorize the action. However, authorization pursuant to this paragraph does not require notice to the Insurer, opportunity for hearing or disclosure of requests for authorization or records of the Commission's action on such requests.

Article IX. Dispute Resolution

The Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a Member, to resolve any disputes or other issues that are subject to this Compact and which may arise between two or more Compacting States, or between Compacting States and Noncompacting States, and the Commission shall promulgate an Operating Procedure providing for resolution of such disputes.

Article X. Product Filing and Approval

1. Insurers and Third Party Filers seeking to have a Product approved by the Commission shall file the Product with, and pay applicable filing fees to, the Commission. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to restrict or otherwise prevent an insurer from filing its Product with the insurance department in any State wherein the insurer is licensed to conduct the business of insurance, and such filing shall be subject to the laws of the States where filed.

2. The Commission shall establish appropriate filing and review processes and procedures pursuant to Commission Rules and Operating Procedures. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Commission shall promulgate Rules to establish conditions and procedures under which the Commission will provide public access to Product filing information. In establishing such Rules, the Commission shall consider the interests of the public in having access to such information, as well as protection of personal medical and financial information and trade secrets, that may be contained in a Product filing or supporting information.

3. Any Product approved by the Commission may be sold or otherwise issued in those Compacting States for which the Insurer is legally authorized to do business.

Article XI. Review of Commission Decisions Regarding Filings

1. Not later than 30 days after the Commission has given notice of a disapproved Product or Advertisement filed with the Commission, the Insurer or Third Party Filer whose filing was disapproved may appeal the determination to a review panel appointed by the Commission. The Commission shall promulgate Rules to establish procedures for appointing such review panels and provide for notice and hearing. An allegation that the Commission, in disapproving a Product or Advertisement filed with the Commission, acted arbitrarily, capriciously, or in a manner that is an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law, is subject to judicial review in accordance with Article III, Section 4.

2. The Commission shall have authority to monitor, review and reconsider Products and Advertisement subsequent to their filing or approval upon a finding that the product does not meet the relevant Uniform Standard. Where appropriate, the Commission may withdraw or modify its approval after proper notice and hearing, subject to the appeal process in Section 1 above.

Article XII. Finance

1. The Commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment and organization. To fund the cost of its initial operations, the Commission may accept contributions and other forms of funding from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Compacting States, and other sources. Contributions and other forms of funding from other sources shall be of such a nature that the independence of the Commission concerning the performance of its duties shall not be compromised.

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2. The Commission shall collect a filing fee from each Insurer and Third Party Filer filing a product with the Commission to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff in a total amount sufficient to cover the Commission's annual budget.

3. The Commission's budget for a fiscal year shall not be approved until it has been subject to notice and comment as set forth in Article VII of this Compact.

4. The Commission shall be exempt from all taxation in and by the Compacting states.

5. The Commission shall not pledge the credit of any Compacting State, except by and with the appropriate legal authority of that Compacting State.

6. The Commission shall keep complete and accurate accounts of all its internal receipts, including grants and donations, and disbursements of all funds under its control. The internal financial accounts of the Commission shall be subject to the accounting procedures established under its Bylaws. The financial accounts and reports including the system of internal controls and procedures of the Commission shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant. Upon the determination of the Commission, but no less frequently than every three years, the review of the independent auditor shall include a management and performance audit of the Commission. The Commission shall make an Annual Report to the Governor and legislature of the Compacting States, which shall include a report of the independent audit. The Commission's internal accounts shall not be confidential and such materials may be shared with the Commissioner of any Compacting State upon request provided, however, that any work papers related to any internal or independent audit and any information regarding the privacy of individuals and insurers' proprietary information, including trade secrets, shall remain confidential.

7. No Compacting State shall have any claim to or ownership of any property held by or vested in the Commission or to any Commission funds held pursuant to the provisions of this Compact.

Article XIII. Compacting States, Effective Date and Amendment

1. Any State is eligible to become a Compacting State.

2. The Compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the Compact into law by two Compacting States; provided, the Commission shall become effective for purposes of adopting Uniform Standards for, reviewing, and giving approval or disapproval of, Products filed with the Commission that satisfy applicable Uniform Standards only after 26 States are Compacting States or, alternatively, by States representing greater than 40 percent of the premium volume for life insurance, annuity, disability income and long-term care insurance products, based on records of the NAIC for the prior year. Thereafter, it shall become effective and binding as to any other Compacting State upon enactment of the Compact into law by that State.

3. Amendments to the Compact may be proposed by the Commission for enactment by the Compacting States. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Commission and the Compacting States unless and until all Compacting States enact the amendment into law.

Article XIV. Withdrawal, Default and Termination

1. Withdrawal

a. Once effective, the Compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every Compacting State; provided, that a Compacting State may withdraw from the Compact ("Withdrawing State") by enacting a statute specifically repealing the statute which enacted the Compact into law.

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b. The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repealing statute. However, the withdrawal shall not apply to any product filings approved or self-certified, or any Advertisement of such products, on the date the repealing statute becomes effective, except by mutual agreement of the Commission and the Withdrawing State unless the approval is rescinded by the Withdrawing State as provided in Paragraph e of this section.

c. The Commissioner of the Withdrawing State shall immediately notify the Management Committee in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this Compact in the Withdrawing State.

d. The Commission shall notify the other Compacting States of the introduction of such legislation within ten days after its receipt of notice thereof.

e. The Withdrawing State is responsible for all obligations, duties and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal, except to the extent those obligations may have been released or relinquished by mutual agreement of the Commission and the Withdrawing State. The Commission's approval of Products and Advertisement prior to the effective date of withdrawal shall continue to be effective and be given full force and effect in the Withdrawing State, unless formally rescinded by the Withdrawing State in the same manner as provided by the laws of the Withdrawing State for the prospective disapproval of products or advertisement previously approved under state law.

f. Reinstatement following withdrawal of any Compacting State shall occur upon the effective date of the Withdrawing State reenacting the Compact.

2. Default

a. If the Commission determines that any Compacting State has at any time defaulted ("Defaulting State") in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact, the Bylaws or duly promulgated Rules or Operating Procedures, then, after notice and hearing as set forth in the Bylaws, all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact on the Defaulting State shall be suspended from the effective date of default as fixed by the Commission. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a Compacting State to perform its obligations or responsibilities, and any other grounds designated in Commission Rules. The Commission shall immediately notify the Defaulting State in writing of the Defaulting State's suspension pending a cure of the default. The Commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the Defaulting State must cure its default. If the Defaulting State fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the Commission, the Defaulting State shall be terminated form the Compact and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination.

b. Product approvals by the Commission or product self-certifications, or any Advertisement in connection with such product, that are in force on the effective date of termination shall remain in force in the Defaulting State in the same manner as if the Defaulting State had withdrawn voluntarily pursuant to Section 1 of this article.

c. Reinstatement following termination of any Compacting State requires a reenactment of the Compact.

3. Dissolution of Compact

a. The Compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the Compacting State which reduces membership in the Compact to one Compacting State.

b. Upon the dissolution of this Compact, the Compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Commission shall be wound up and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the Bylaws.

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Article XV. Severability and Construction

1. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable; and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the Compact shall be enforceable.

2. The provisions of this Compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

Article XVI. Binding Effect of Compact and Other Laws

1. Other Laws

a. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a Compacting State, except as provided in Paragraph b of this section.

b. For any Product approved or certified to the Commission, the Rules, Uniform Standards, and any other requirements of the Commission shall constitute the exclusive provisions applicable to the content, approval, and certification of such Products. For Advertisement that is subject to the Commission's authority, any Rule, Uniform Standard, or other requirement of the Commission which governs the content of the Advertisement shall constitute the exclusive provision that a Commissioner may apply to the content of the Advertisement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no action taken by the Commission shall abrogate or restrict: (i) the access of any person to state courts; (ii) remedies available under state law related to breach of contract, tort, or other laws not specifically directed to the content of the Product; (iii) state law relating to the construction of insurance contracts; or (iv) the authority of the attorney general of the state, including but not limited to maintaining any actions or proceedings, as authorized by law.

c. All insurance products filed with individual States shall be subject to the laws of those States.

2. Binding Effect of this Compact

a. All lawful actions of the Commission, including all Rules and Operating Procedures promulgated by the Commission, are binding upon the Compacting States.

b. All agreements between the Commission and the Compacting States are binding in accordance with their terms.

c. Upon the request of a party to a conflict over the meaning or interpretation of Commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the Compacting States, the Commission may issue advisory opinions regarding the meaning or interpretation in dispute.

d. In the event any provision of this Compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any Compacting State, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by that provision upon the Commission shall be ineffective as to that Compacting State, and those obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction shall remain in the Compacting State and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which those obligations, duties, powers, or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this Compact becomes effective.

Subd. 2. Commission representative. The commissioner of commerce is the representative of this state to the commission.

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Sec. 4. [60A.991] INTERSTATE INSURANCE PRODUCT REGULATION COMPACT OPT OUT ADMINISTRATION.

Subdivision 1. Access to courts. The commissioner must opt out by regulation of any uniform standard that permits a product to deny a consumer's access to the courts to resolve a dispute related to the product. In addition to opting out, the commissioner must petition the commission for a stay of the effective date of the standard.

Subd. 2. Deference by courts. A decision by the commissioner to opt out by regulation shall be given deference by the courts.

Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 61A.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Disapproval. (a) The commissioner shall, within 60 days after the filing of any form, disapprove the form:

(1) if the benefits provided are unreasonable in relation to the premium charged;

(2) if the safety and soundness of the company would be threatened by the offering of an excess rate of interest on the policy or contract;

(3) if it contains a provision or provisions which are unlawful, unfair, inequitable, misleading, or encourages misrepresentation of the policy; or

Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 61A.092, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Notice of options. Upon termination of or layoff from employment of a covered employee, the employer shall inform the employee of:

(1) the employee's right to elect to continue the coverage;

(2) the amount the employee must pay monthly to the employer to retain the coverage;

(3) the manner in which and the office of the employer to which the payment to the employer must be made; and

(4) the time by which the payments to the employer must be made to retain coverage.

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Notice must be in writing and sent by first class mail to the employee's last known address which the employee has provided to the employer.

Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3. Standards for disapproval. (a) The commissioner shall, within 60 days after the filing of any form or rate, disapprove the form or rate:

(1) if the benefits provided are not reasonable in relation to the premium charged;

(3) if the proposed premium rate is excessive or not adequate; or

(4) the actuarial reasons and data submitted do not justify the rate.

The party proposing a rate has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it does not violate this subdivision.

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However, if the supporting data is not filed within 30 days after a request by the commissioner, the rate is not effective and is presumed to be an excessive rate.

Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

(b) The minimum lifetime loss ratio guarantee must be in writing and must contain at least the following:

(1) an actuarial memorandum specifying the expected loss ratio that complies with the standards as set forth in this subdivision;

(2) a statement certifying that all rates, fees, dues, and other charges are not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory;

(3) detailed experience information concerning the policy forms;

(4) a step-by-step description of the process used to develop the minimum lifetime loss ratio, including demonstration with supporting data;

(5) guarantee of specific minimum lifetime loss ratio that must be greater than or equal to 65 percent for policies issued to individuals or for certificates issued to members of an association that does not offer coverage to small employers, taking into consideration adjustments for duration;

(7) a guarantee that the actual Minnesota lifetime loss ratio shall meet or exceed the minimum lifetime loss ratio standards referred to in clause (5); and

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(f) Premium refunds of less than $10 per insured must be credited to the policyholder's account.

Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.021, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

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reinsurance association created in chapter 62L and all types of taxes, surcharges, or assessments created by Laws 1992, chapter 549, or created on or after April 23, 1992, are included in the calculation of incurred claims experience or incurred health care expenses. The applicable percentage for policies and certificates issued in the small employer market, as defined in section 62L.02, increases by one percentage point on July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 1994, until an 82 percent loss ratio is reached on July 1, 2000. The applicable percentage for policy forms and certificate forms issued in the individual market increases by one percentage point on July 1 of each year, beginning on July 1, 1994, until a 72 percent loss ratio is reached on July 1, 2000. A health carrier that enters a market after July 1, 1993, does not start at the beginning of the phase-in schedule and must instead comply with the loss ratio requirements applicable to other health carriers in that market for each time period. Premiums earned and claims incurred in markets other than the small employer and individual markets are not relevant for purposes of this section.

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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.095, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

For purposes of this section, "health plan" includes coverage that is excluded under section 62A.011, subdivision 3, clauses (4), (7), and (10).

Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.27, is amended to read:

62A.27 COVERAGE OF ADOPTED CHILDREN.

(1) coverage offered by community integrated service networks;

(2) coverage that is designed solely to provide dental or vision care; and

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(3) any plan under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), United States Code, title 29, sections 1001 to 1461.

Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.3093, is amended to read:

62A.3093 COVERAGE FOR DIABETES.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective retroactive to January 1, 2006.

Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2005 Supplement, section 62A.316, is amended to read:

62A.316 BASIC MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN; COVERAGE.

(a) The basic Medicare supplement plan must have a level of coverage that will provide:

(2) coverage for the daily co-payment amount of Medicare Part A eligible expenses for the calendar year incurred for skilled nursing facility care;

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