Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3071
STATE OF MINNESOTA
EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION - 2007
_____________________
FORTY-SEVENTH DAY
Saint Paul, Minnesota, Friday, April 13, 2007
The House of Representatives convened at 3:30 p.m. and was
called to order by Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Speaker of the House.
Prayer was offered by the Reverend Carol Tomer, Pilgrim
Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota.
The members of the House gave the pledge of allegiance to the
flag of the United States of America.
The roll was called and the following members were present:
Anderson, S.
Atkins
Beard
Benson
Berns
Bigham
Bly
Brod
Brown
Brynaert
Buesgens
Bunn
Carlson
Clark
Cornish
Davnie
Dean
DeLaForest
Demmer
Dettmer
Dill
Dittrich
Dominguez
Doty
Eastlund
Eken
Emmer
Erhardt
Erickson
Faust
Finstad
Fritz
Gardner
Garofalo
Greiling
Gunther
Hackbarth
Hamilton
Hansen
Hausman
Haws
Heidgerken
Hilstrom
Hilty
Holberg
Hoppe
Hornstein
Hortman
Huntley
Jaros
Johnson
Juhnke
Kahn
Kalin
Knuth
Koenen
Kohls
Kranz
Laine
Lanning
Lenczewski
Lesch
Liebling
Lieder
Lillie
Loeffler
Madore
Magnus
Mahoney
Mariani
Marquart
Masin
McFarlane
McNamara
Morgan
Morrow
Mullery
Murphy, E.
Nelson
Nornes
Norton
Olin
Olson
Otremba
Ozment
Paulsen
Paymar
Pelowski
Peppin
Peterson, A.
Peterson, N.
Peterson, S.
Poppe
Rukavina
Ruth
Ruud
Sailer
Scalze
Seifert
Sertich
Severson
Shimanski
Simon
Simpson
Slawik
Slocum
Smith
Solberg
Sviggum
Swails
Thao
Thissen
Tillberry
Tingelstad
Tschumper
Urdahl
Wagenius
Walker
Ward
Wardlow
Welti
Winkler
Wollschlager
Zellers
Spk. Kelliher
A quorum was present.
Abeler; Anderson, B.; Anzelc; Gottwalt; Hosch; Howes; Moe;
Murphy, M., and Westrom were excused.
The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding day.
Hamilton moved that further reading of the Journal be suspended and that the
Journal be approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk. The motion prevailed.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3072
REPORTS OF CHIEF CLERK
S. F. No. 493 and H. F. No. 49,
which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and
found to be identical with certain exceptions.
SUSPENSION OF RULES
Lesch moved that the rules be so far suspended that
S. F. No. 493 be substituted for H. F. No. 49 and
that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.
S. F. No. 753 and H. F. No. 965,
which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and
found to be identical with certain exceptions.
SUSPENSION OF RULES
McFarlane moved that the rules be so far suspended that
S. F. No. 753 be substituted for H. F. No. 965
and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.
S. F. No. 837 and H. F. No. 1141,
which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and
found to be identical.
Emmer moved that S. F. No. 837 be substituted
for H. F. No. 1141 and that the House File be indefinitely
postponed. The motion prevailed.
S. F. No. 1048 and H. F. No. 1051,
which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and
found to be identical with certain exceptions.
SUSPENSION OF RULES
Hilty moved that the rules be so far suspended that
S. F. No. 1048 be substituted for H. F. No. 1051
and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.
S. F. No. 1236 and
H. F. No. 1267, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for
comparison, were examined and found to be identical with certain exceptions.
SUSPENSION OF RULES
Morgan moved that the rules be so far suspended that
S. F. No. 1236 be substituted for H. F. No. 1267
and that the House File be indefinitely postponed. The motion prevailed.
S. F. No. 1335 and
H. F. No. 1770, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for
comparison, were examined and found to be identical.
Sailer moved that S. F. No. 1335 be substituted
for H. F. No. 1770 and that the House File be indefinitely
postponed. The motion prevailed.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3073
S. F. No. 1696 and
H. F. No. 1645, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for
comparison, were examined and found to be identical.
Bly moved that S. F. No. 1696 be substituted for
H. F. No. 1645 and that the House File be indefinitely
postponed. The motion prevailed.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS
Lenczewski from the
Committee on Taxes to which was referred:
H. F. No. 6, A bill for an
act relating to education; providing for early childhood, family, adult, and prekindergarten
through grade 12 education including general education, education excellence,
special programs, facilities and technology, nutrition and accounting,
libraries, state agencies, forecast adjustments, technical and conforming
amendments, pupil transportation standards, and early childhood and adult
programs; providing for task force and advisory groups; requiring school
districts to give employees who are veterans the option to take personal leave
on Veteran's Day and encouraging private employers to give employees who are
veterans a day off with pay on Veteran's Day; requiring reports; authorizing
rulemaking; funding parenting time centers; funding lead hazard reduction;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.32, by adding
a subdivision; 16A.152, subdivision 2; 119A.50, by adding a subdivision;
119A.52; 119A.535; 120A.22, subdivision 7; 120B.021, subdivision 1; 120B.023,
subdivision 2; 120B.024; 120B.11, subdivision 5; 120B.132; 120B.15; 120B.30;
120B.31, subdivision 3; 120B.36, subdivision 1; 121A.22, subdivisions 1, 3, 4;
122A.16; 122A.18, by adding a subdivision; 122A.414, subdivisions 1, 2;
122A.415, subdivision 1; 122A.60, subdivision 3; 122A.61, subdivision 1;
122A.628, subdivision 2; 122A.72, subdivision 5; 123A.73, subdivision 8;
123B.03, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 123B.10, subdivision 1, by
adding a subdivision; 123B.143, subdivision 1; 123B.37, subdivision 1; 123B.53,
subdivisions 1, 4, 5; 123B.54; 123B.57, subdivision 3; 123B.63, subdivision 3;
123B.77, subdivision 4; 123B.79, subdivisions 6, 8, by adding a subdivision;
123B.81, subdivisions 2, 4, 7; 123B.83, subdivision 2; 123B.88, subdivision 12;
123B.90, subdivision 2; 123B.92, subdivisions 1, 3, 5; 124D.095, subdivisions
2, 3, 4, 7; 124D.10, subdivisions 4, 23a, 24; 124D.11, subdivision 1; 124D.111,
subdivision 1; 124D.128, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 124D.13, subdivisions 1, 2, 11,
by adding a subdivision; 124D.135, subdivisions 1, 3, 5; 124D.16, subdivision
2; 124D.175; 124D.34, subdivision 7; 124D.4531; 124D.454, subdivisions 2, 3;
124D.531, subdivisions 1, 4; 124D.55; 124D.56, subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 124D.59,
subdivision 2; 124D.65, subdivisions 5, 11; 124D.84, subdivision 1; 125A.11,
subdivision 1; 125A.13; 125A.14; 125A.39; 125A.42; 125A.44; 125A.45; 125A.63,
by adding a subdivision; 125A.75, subdivisions 1, 4; 125A.76, subdivisions 1,
2, 4, 5, by adding a subdivision; 125A.79, subdivisions 5, 6, 8; 125B.15;
126C.01, subdivision 9, by adding subdivisions; 126C.05, subdivisions 1, 8, 15;
126C.10, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 2b, 4, 13a, 18, 24, 34, by adding a
subdivision; 126C.126; 126C.13, subdivision 4; 126C.15, subdivision 2; 126C.17,
subdivisions 6, 9; 126C.21, subdivisions 3, 5; 126C.41, by adding a
subdivision; 126C.44; 126C.48, subdivisions 2, 7; 127A.441; 127A.47,
subdivisions 7, 8; 127A.48, by adding a subdivision; 127A.49, subdivisions 2,
3; 128D.11, subdivision 3; 134.31, by adding a subdivision; 134.34, subdivision
4; 134.355, subdivision 9; 169.01, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; 169.443,
by adding a subdivision; 169.447, subdivision 2; 169.4501, subdivisions 1, 2;
169.4502, subdivision 5; 169.4503, subdivisions 13, 20; 171.02, subdivisions 2,
2a; 171.321, subdivision 4; 205A.03, subdivision 1; 205A.06, subdivision 1a;
272.029, by adding a subdivision; 273.11, subdivision 1a; 273.1393; 275.065,
subdivisions 1, 1a, 3; 275.07, subdivision 2; 275.08, subdivision 1b; 276.04,
subdivision 2; 517.08, subdivision 1c; Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter
5, article 1, sections 50, subdivision 2; 54, subdivisions 2, as amended, 4, 5,
as amended, 6, as amended, 7, as amended, 8, as amended; article 2, sections
81, as amended; 84, subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as amended, 4, as amended,
6, as amended, 10, as amended; article 3, section 18, subdivisions 2, as
amended, 3, as amended, 4, as amended, 6, as amended; article 4, section 25,
subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as amended; article 5, section 17, subdivision
3, as amended; article 7, section 20, subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as
amended, 4, as amended; article 8, section 8, subdivisions 2, as amended, 5, as
amended; article 9, section 4, subdivision 2; Laws 2006, chapter 263, article
3, section 15; Laws 2006, chapter 282,
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Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3074
article 2, section 28,
subdivision 4; article 3, section 4, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 119A; 121A; 122A; 123B; 124D; 135A;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 121A.23; 123A.22, subdivision 11; 123B.81,
subdivision 8; 124D.06; 124D.081, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9; 124D.454,
subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7; 124D.531, subdivision 5; 124D.62; 125A.10; 125A.75,
subdivision 6; 125A.76, subdivision 3; 169.4502, subdivision 15; 169.4503,
subdivisions 17, 18, 26.
Reported the same back with
the following amendments:
Delete everything after the
enacting clause and insert:
"ARTICLE 1
GENERAL EDUCATION
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 16A.152, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Additional revenues; priority. (a) If
on the basis of a forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures, the
commissioner of finance determines that there will be a positive unrestricted
budgetary general fund balance at the close of the biennium, the commissioner
of finance must allocate money to the following accounts and purposes in
priority order:
(1) the cash flow account
established in subdivision 1 until that account reaches $350,000,000;
(2) the budget reserve
account established in subdivision 1a until that account reaches $653,000,000;
(3) the amount necessary to
increase the aid payment schedule for school district aids and credits payments
in section 127A.45 to not more than 90 percent rounded to the nearest tenth of
a percent without exceeding the amount available and with any remaining funds
deposited in the budget reserve; and
(4) the amount necessary to
restore all or a portion of the net aid reductions under section 127A.441 and
to reduce the property tax revenue recognition shift under section 123B.75,
subdivision 5, paragraph (c) (b), and Laws 2003, First Special
Session chapter 9, article 5, section 34, as amended by Laws 2003, First
Special Session chapter 23, section 20, by the same amount.
(b) The amounts necessary to
meet the requirements of this section are appropriated from the general fund
within two weeks after the forecast is released or, in the case of transfers
under paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), as necessary to meet the
appropriations schedules otherwise established in statute.
(c) To the extent that a
positive unrestricted budgetary general fund balance is projected,
appropriations under this section must be made before section 16A.1522 takes
effect.
(d) The commissioner of
finance shall certify the total dollar amount of the reductions under paragraph
(a), clauses (3) and (4), to the commissioner of education. The commissioner of
education shall increase the aid payment percentage and reduce the property tax
shift percentage by these amounts and apply those reductions to the current
fiscal year and thereafter.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.11, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. General education revenue. (a) General
education revenue must be paid to a charter school as though it were a
district. The general education revenue for each adjusted marginal cost pupil
unit is the state average general education revenue per pupil unit, plus the
referendum equalization aid allowance in the pupil's
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Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3075
district of residence, minus
an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to section
126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0485 .0416, calculated without
basic skills revenue, extended time revenue, alternative teacher compensation
revenue, transition revenue, and transportation sparsity revenue, plus basic
skills revenue, extended time revenue, basic alternative teacher compensation
aid according to section 126C.10, subdivision 34, and transition revenue as though
the school were a school district. The general education revenue for each
extended time marginal cost pupil unit equals $4,378 for fiscal year 2007,
$4,542 for fiscal year 2008, and $4,677 for fiscal year 2009 and later.
(b) Notwithstanding
paragraph (a), for charter schools in the first year of operation, general
education revenue shall be computed using the number of adjusted pupil units in
the current fiscal year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.128, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Program established. A learning year
program provides instruction throughout the year on an extended year
calendar, extended school day calendar, or both. A pupil may participate in
the program and accelerate attainment of grade level requirements or graduation
requirements. A learning year program may begin after the close of the regular
school year in June. The program may be for students in one or more grade
levels from kindergarten through grade 12.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.128, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Commissioner designation. (a) An area
learning center designated by the state must be a site. An area learning
center must provide services to students who meet the criteria in section
124D.68 and who are enrolled in:
(1) a district that is
served by the center; or
(2) a charter school located
within the geographic boundaries of a district that is served by the center.
(b) A school district or
charter school may be approved biennially by the state to provide additional
instructional programming that results in grade level acceleration. The program
must be designed so that students make grade progress during the school year
and graduate prior to the students' peers.
(c) To be designated, a district,
charter school, or center must demonstrate to the commissioner that it
will:
(1) provide a program of
instruction that permits pupils to receive instruction throughout the entire
year; and
(2) develop and maintain
a separate record system that, for purposes of section 126C.05, permits
identification of membership attributable to pupils participating in the
program. The record system and identification must ensure that the program will
not have the effect of increasing the total number of pupil units average
daily membership attributable to an individual pupil as a result of a
learning year program. The record system must include the date the pupil
originally enrolled in a learning year program, the pupil's grade level, the
date of each grade promotion, the average daily membership generated in each
grade level, the number of credits or standards earned, and the number needed
to graduate.
(b) (d) A student who
has not completed a school district's graduation requirements may continue to
enroll in courses the student must complete in order to graduate until the
student satisfies the district's graduation requirements or the student is 21
years old, whichever comes first.
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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.128, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Student planning. A district,
charter school, or area learning center must inform all pupils and their
parents about the learning year program and that participation in the program
is optional. A continual learning plan must be developed at least annually for
each pupil with the participation of the pupil, parent or guardian, teachers,
and other staff; each participant must sign and date the plan. The plan must
specify the learning experiences that must occur during the entire fiscal year
and, are necessary for grade progression, or for secondary
students, for graduation. The plan must include:
(1) the pupil's learning
objectives and experiences, including courses or credits the pupil plans to
complete each year and, for a secondary pupil, the graduation requirements the
student must complete;
(2) the assessment
measurements used to evaluate a pupil's objectives;
(3) requirements for grade
level or other appropriate progression; and
(4) for pupils generating
more than one average daily membership in a given grade, an indication of which
objectives were unmet.
The plan may be modified to
conform to district schedule changes. The district may not modify the plan if
the modification would result in delaying the student's time of graduation.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.4531, is amended to read:
124D.4531 CAREER AND TECHNICAL LEVY REVENUE.
Subdivision 1. Career and technical levy. (a) A
district with a career and technical program approved under this section for
the fiscal year in which the levy is certified may levy an amount equal to the
lesser of:
(1) $80 times the district's
average daily membership served in grades 10 through 12 for the fiscal
year in which the levy is certified; or
(2) 25 percent of approved
expenditures in the fiscal year in which the levy is certified for the
following:
(i) salaries paid to
essential, licensed personnel providing direct instructional services to
students in that fiscal year for services rendered in the district's approved
career and technical education programs;
(ii) contracted services
provided by a public or private agency other than a Minnesota school district
or cooperative center under subdivision 7;
(iii) necessary travel
between instructional sites by licensed career and technical education
personnel;
(iv) necessary travel by
licensed career and technical education personnel for vocational student
organization activities held within the state for instructional purposes;
(v) curriculum development
activities that are part of a five-year plan for improvement based on program
assessment;
(vi) necessary travel by
licensed career and technical education personnel for noncollegiate
credit-bearing professional development; and
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(vii) specialized vocational
instructional supplies.
(b) The district must
recognize the full amount of this levy as revenue for the fiscal year in which
it is certified.
Subd. 1a. Career and technical aid. A district with a career and
technical program approved under this section is eligible for career and
technical state aid in an amount equal to 10 percent of approved expenditures
under subdivision 1.
Subd. 1b. Revenue uses. Up to ten percent of a district's career and
technical levy revenue may be spent on equipment purchases.
Districts using the career and technical levy revenue for
equipment purchases must report to the department on the improved learning
opportunities for students that result from the investment in equipment.
(c) The district must
recognize the full amount of this levy as revenue for the fiscal year in which
it is certified.
Subd. 2. Allocation from cooperative centers and
intermediate districts. For purposes of this section, a cooperative center
or an intermediate district must allocate its approved expenditures for career
and technical education programs among participating districts.
Subd. 3. Levy guarantee. Notwithstanding
subdivision 1, the career and technical education levy for a district is not
less than the lesser of:
(1) the district's career
and technical education levy authority for the previous fiscal year; or
(2) 100 percent of the approved
expenditures for career and technical programs included in subdivision 1,
paragraph (b) (a), for the fiscal year in which the levy is
certified.
Subd. 4. District reports. Each district or
cooperative center must report data to the department for all career and
technical education programs as required by the department to implement the
career and technical aid and levy formula formulas.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.59, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Pupil of limited English proficiency.
(a) "Pupil of limited English proficiency" means a pupil in
kindergarten through grade 12 who meets the following requirements:
(1) the pupil, as declared by
a parent or guardian first learned a language other than English, comes from a
home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or usually speaks
a language other than English; and
(2) the pupil is determined
by developmentally appropriate measures, which might include observations,
teacher judgment, parent recommendations, or developmentally appropriate
assessment instruments, to lack the necessary English skills to participate
fully in classes taught in English.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph
(a), a pupil in grades 4 through 12 who was enrolled in a Minnesota public
school on the dates during the previous school year when a commissioner
provided assessment that measures the pupil's emerging academic English was
administered, shall not be counted as a pupil of limited English proficiency in
calculating limited English proficiency pupil units under section 126C.05,
subdivision 17, and shall not generate state limited English proficiency aid
under section 124D.65, subdivision 5, unless the pupil scored below the state
cutoff score on an assessment measuring emerging academic English provided by
the commissioner during the previous school year.
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(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs
(a) and (b), a pupil in kindergarten through grade 12 shall not be counted as a
pupil of limited English proficiency in calculating limited English proficiency
pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17, and shall not generate state
limited English proficiency aid under section 124D.65, subdivision 5, if:
(1) the pupil is not enrolled
during the current fiscal year in an educational program for pupils of limited
English proficiency in accordance with sections 124D.58 to 124D.64; or.
(2) the pupil has generated
five or more years of average daily membership in Minnesota public schools
since July 1, 1996.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 124D.65, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. School district LEP revenue. (a) The
limited English proficiency allowance equals $700 for fiscal year 2007, and
$815 for fiscal year 2008 and later.
(b) A district's limited English
proficiency programs revenue equals the product of (1) $700 in fiscal year
2004 and later the limited English proficiency allowance times (2)
the greater of 20 or the adjusted marginal cost average daily membership of
eligible pupils of limited English proficiency enrolled in the district during
the current fiscal year.
(b) (c) A pupil ceases
to generate state limited English proficiency aid in the school year following
the school year in which the pupil attains the state cutoff score on a
commissioner-provided assessment that measures the pupil's emerging academic
English.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 3a. Referendum market value equalizing factor. The referendum
market value equalizing factor equals the quotient derived by dividing the
total referendum market value of all school districts in the state for the year
before the year the levy is certified by the total number of resident marginal
cost pupil units in the state for the current school year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 12. Location equity index. (a) A school district's wage
equity index equals each district's composite wage level divided by the
statewide average wage for the same period. The composite wage level for a
school district equals the sum of 80 percent of the district's county wage
level and 20 percent of the district's economic development region composite
wage level. The composite wage level is computed by using the most recent
three-year weighted wage data with the coefficient weights set at 0.5 for the
most recent year, 0.3 for the prior year, and 0.15 for the second prior year.
(b) A school district's
housing equity index equals the ratio of each district's county median home
value to the statewide median home value.
(c) A school district's
location equity index equals the greater of one, or the sum of (i) 0.65 times
the district's wage equity index, and (ii) 0.35 times the district's housing
equity index.
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(d) The commissioner of
education annually must recalculate the indexes in this section. For purposes
of this subdivision, the commissioner must locate a school district with
boundaries that cross county borders in the county that generates the highest location
equity index for that district.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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 disabled 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 0.86 pupil units.
(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.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.05, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Average daily membership. (a)
Membership for pupils in grades kindergarten through 12 and for prekindergarten
pupils with disabilities shall mean the number of pupils on the current roll of
the school, counted from the date of entry until withdrawal. The date of
withdrawal shall mean the day the pupil permanently leaves the school or the
date it is officially known that the pupil has left or has been legally
excused. However, a pupil, regardless of age, who has been absent from school
for 15 consecutive school days during the regular school year or for five
consecutive school days during summer school or intersession classes of
flexible school year programs without receiving instruction in the home or
hospital shall be dropped from the roll and classified as withdrawn. Nothing in
this section shall be construed as waiving the compulsory attendance provisions
cited in section 120A.22. Average daily membership equals the sum for all
pupils of the number of days of the school year each pupil is enrolled in the
district's schools divided by the number of days the schools are in session.
Days of summer school or
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intersession classes of
flexible school year programs are only included in the computation of
membership for pupils with a disability not appropriately served primarily in
the regular classroom. A student must not be counted as more than 1.2 1.5
pupils in average daily membership under this section. When the initial
total average daily membership exceeds 1.2 1.5 for a pupil
enrolled in more than one school district during the fiscal year, each
district's average daily membership must be reduced proportionately.
(b) A student must not be
counted as more than one pupil in average daily membership except for purposes
of section 126C.10, subdivision 2a.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.05, subdivision 15, is amended to read:
Subd. 15. Learning year pupil units. (a) When a
pupil is enrolled in a learning year program under section 124D.128, an area
learning center under sections 123A.05 and 123A.06, an alternative program
approved by the commissioner, or a contract alternative program under section
124D.68, subdivision 3, paragraph (d), or subdivision 3a, for more than 1,020
hours in a school year for a secondary student, more than 935 hours in a school
year for an elementary student more than 850 hours in a school year for a
kindergarten student without a disability enrolled in a full-day kindergarten
program in fiscal year 2009 or later, or more than 425 hours in a school
year for a half-day kindergarten student without a disability, that
pupil may be counted as more than one pupil in average daily membership for
purposes of section 126C.10, subdivision 2a. The amount in excess of one pupil
must be determined by the ratio of the number of hours of instruction provided
to that pupil in excess of: (i) the greater of 1,020 hours or the number of
hours required for a full-time secondary pupil in the district to 1,020 for a
secondary pupil; (ii) the greater of 935 hours or the number of hours required
for a full-time elementary pupil in the district to 935 for an elementary pupil
in grades 1 through 6; and (iii) the greater of 425 850
hours or the number of hours required for a full-time kindergarten student
without a disability in the district to 425 850 for a
kindergarten student without a disability for fiscal years 2009 and later;
and (iv) the greater of 425 hours or the number of hours required for all
kindergarten pupils for fiscal year 2008 and for a half-day kindergarten
student without a disability to 425 for a kindergarten student without a
disability. Hours that occur after the close of the instructional year in
June shall be attributable to the following fiscal year. A kindergarten student
must not be counted as more than 1.2 pupils in average daily membership under
this subdivision. A student in grades 1 through 12 must not be counted as more
than 1.2 1.5 pupils in average daily membership under this
subdivision.
(b)(i) To receive general
education revenue for a pupil in an alternative program that has an independent
study component, a district must meet the requirements in this paragraph. The
district must develop, for the pupil, a continual learning plan consistent with
section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school district that has a state-approved
public alternative program must reserve revenue in an amount equal to at least
90 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil unit
less compensatory revenue per pupil unit times the number of pupil units
generated by students attending a state-approved public alternative program.
The amount of reserved revenue available under this subdivision may only be
spent for program costs associated with the state-approved public alternative
program. Compensatory revenue must be allocated according to section 126C.15,
subdivision 2.
(ii) General education
revenue for a pupil in an approved alternative program without an independent
study component must be prorated for a pupil participating for less than a full
year, or its equivalent. The district must develop a continual learning plan
for the pupil, consistent with section 124D.128, subdivision 3. Each school
district that has a state-approved public alternative program must reserve
revenue in an amount equal to at least 90 percent of the district average
general education revenue per pupil unit less compensatory revenue per pupil
unit times the number of pupil units generated by students attending a
state-approved public alternative program. The amount of reserved revenue
available under this subdivision may only be spent for program costs associated
with the state-approved public alternative program. Compensatory revenue must
be allocated according to section 126C.15, subdivision 2.
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(iii) General education
revenue for a pupil in an approved alternative program that has an independent
study component must be paid for each hour of teacher contact time and each
hour of independent study time completed toward a credit or graduation
standards necessary for graduation. Average daily membership for a pupil shall
equal the number of hours of teacher contact time and independent study time
divided by 1,020.
(iv) For an alternative
program having an independent study component, the commissioner shall require a
description of the courses in the program, the kinds of independent study
involved, the expected learning outcomes of the courses, and the means of
measuring student performance against the expected outcomes.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective
for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. General education revenue. For
fiscal year 2006 and later, The general education revenue for each district
equals the sum of the district's basic revenue, extended time revenue, gifted
and talented revenue, location equity revenue, basic skills revenue,
training and experience revenue, secondary sparsity revenue, elementary
sparsity revenue, transportation sparsity revenue, total operating capital
revenue, equity revenue, alternative teacher compensation revenue, and
transition revenue.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Basic revenue. The basic revenue for
each district equals the formula allowance times the adjusted marginal cost
pupil units for the school year. The formula allowance for fiscal year 2005
2007 is $4,601 $4,974. The formula allowance for fiscal
year 2006 2008 is $4,783 $5,125. The formula
allowance for fiscal year 2007 2009 and subsequent years is $4,974
$5,280.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
Subd. 2a. Extended time revenue. (a) A school
district's extended time revenue is equal to the product of $4,601 the
extended time allowance and the sum of the adjusted marginal cost pupil
units of the district for each pupil in average daily membership in excess of
1.0 and less than 1.2 1.5 according to section 126C.05,
subdivision 8. The extended time allowance is $4,601 for fiscal year 2007,
$4,740 for fiscal year 2008, and $4,880 for fiscal year 2009 and subsequent
years.
(b) A school district's
extended time revenue may be used for extended day programs, extended week
programs, summer school, and other programming authorized under the
learning year program, and for additional pupil transportation costs
attributable to these programs. Not more than five percent of the extended time
revenue may be used for administrative and oversight services.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
Subd. 2b. Gifted and talented revenue. Gifted and
talented revenue for each district equals $4 times the district's
adjusted marginal cost pupil units for fiscal year 2006 and $9 for fiscal
year 2007 and later that school year times $13 for fiscal year 2008 and
later. A school district must reserve gifted and talented revenue and,
consistent with section 120B.15, must spend the revenue only to:
(1) identify gifted and
talented students;
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(2) provide education
programs for gifted and talented students; or
(3) provide staff
development to prepare teachers to best meet the unique needs of gifted and
talented students.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 2c. Location equity revenue. (a) A school district's location
equity revenue equals the product of:
(1) the basic formula
allowance for that year;
(2) the district's adjusted
marginal cost pupil units for that year; and
(3) the district's location
equity index minus one.
(b) The total annual revenue
for this subdivision must not exceed $500,000.
(c) If the revenue required
under paragraph (b) is insufficient to fund the formula in paragraph (a), the
commissioner of education must proportionately reduce each district's aid
payment.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Basic skills revenue. A school
district's basic skills revenue equals the sum of:
(1) compensatory revenue
under subdivision 3; plus
(2) limited English
proficiency revenue under section 124D.65, subdivision 5; plus
(3) $250 times the limited
English proficiency pupil units under section 126C.05, subdivision 17.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 13a, is amended to read:
Subd. 13a. Operating capital levy. To obtain
operating capital revenue for fiscal year 2007 and later, a district may levy
an amount not more than the product of its operating capital revenue for the
fiscal year times the lesser of one or the ratio of its adjusted net tax
capacity per adjusted marginal cost pupil unit to the operating capital
equalizing factor. The operating capital equalizing factor equals $22,222
for fiscal year 2006, and $10,700 for fiscal year 2007 2008 and
$33,000 for fiscal year 2009 and later.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
Subd. 18. Transportation sparsity revenue allowance.
(a) A district's transportation sparsity allowance equals the greater of zero
or the result of the following computation:
(i) Multiply the formula
allowance according to subdivision 2, by .1469 .1493.
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(ii) Multiply the result in clause (i) by the
district's sparsity index raised to the 26/100 30/100 power.
(iii) Multiply the result in clause (ii) by the district's
density index raised to the 13/100 15/100 power.
(iv) Multiply the formula allowance according to
subdivision 2, by .0485 .0416.
(v) Subtract the result in clause (iv) from the
result in clause (iii).
(b) Transportation sparsity revenue is equal to the
transportation sparsity allowance times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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) $46 times its adjusted marginal
cost pupil units.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
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Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.126, is amended to read:
126C.126 REALLOCATING GENERAL EDUCATION REVENUE FOR ALL-DAY
KINDERGARTEN EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) In order to provide
additional revenue for an optional all-day kindergarten program early
education programs including school readiness and early childhood family
education, a district may reallocate general education revenue attributable
to 12th grade students who have graduated early under section 120B.07.
(b) A school district may
spend general education revenue on extended time kindergarten and
prekindergarten programs.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.13, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. General education aid. (a) For
fiscal year 2006, a district's general education aid is the sum of the
following amounts:
(1) general education
revenue, excluding equity revenue, total operating capital, and transition
revenue;
(2) operating capital aid
according to section 126C.10, subdivision 13b;
(3) equity aid according to
section 126C.10, subdivision 30;
(4) transition aid according
to section 126C.10, subdivision 33;
(5) shared time aid
according to section 126C.01, subdivision 7;
(6) referendum aid according
to section 126C.17; and
(7) online learning aid
according to section 124D.096.
(b) For fiscal year 2007
2008 and later, a district's general education aid is the sum of the
following amounts:
(1) general education
revenue, excluding equity revenue, total operating capital revenue, alternative
teacher compensation revenue, and transition revenue;
(2) operating capital aid
under section 126C.10, subdivision 13b;
(3) equity aid under section
126C.10, subdivision 30;
(4) alternative teacher
compensation aid under section 126C.10, subdivision 36;
(5) transition aid under
section 126C.10, subdivision 33;
(6) shared time aid under
section 126C.01, subdivision 7;
(7) referendum aid under
section 126C.17, subdivisions 7 and 7a; and
(8) online learning aid
according to section 124D.096.
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Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.15, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Building allocation. (a) A district
must allocate its compensatory revenue to each school building in the district
where the children who have generated the revenue are served unless the school
district has received permission under Laws 2005, First Special Session
chapter 5, article 1, section 50 to allocate compensatory revenue according
to student performance measures developed by the school board.
(b) Notwithstanding
paragraph (a), a district may allocate up to five percent of the amount of
compensatory revenue that the district receives to school sites according to a
plan adopted by the school board. The money reallocated under this paragraph
must be spent for the purposes listed in subdivision 1, but may be spent on
students in any grade, including students attending school readiness or other
prekindergarten programs.
(c) For the purposes of this
section and section 126C.05, subdivision 3, "building" means education
site as defined in section 123B.04, subdivision 1.
(d) If the pupil is served
at a site other than one owned and operated by the district, the revenue shall
be paid to the district and used for services for pupils who generate the
revenue.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Referendum equalization levy. (a) For
fiscal year 2003 and later, A district's referendum equalization levy
equals the sum of the first tier referendum equalization levy and the second
tier referendum equalization levy.
(b) A district's first tier
referendum equalization levy equals the district's first tier referendum
equalization revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's
referendum market value per resident marginal cost pupil unit to $476,000
120 percent of the referendum market value equalizing factor.
(c) A district's second tier
referendum equalization levy equals the district's second tier referendum
equalization revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of the district's
referendum market value per resident marginal cost pupil unit to $270,000
60 percent of the referendum market value equalizing factor.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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
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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:
"BY VOTING
"YES" ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU MAY BE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY
TAX INCREASE ARE RENEWING AN EXISTING PROPERTY TAX REFERENDUM. YOU ARE
NOT CHANGING YOUR OPERATING REFERENDUM FROM ITS LEVEL IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR."
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 a change 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).
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(e) The approval of 50 percent plus one of those
voting on the question is required to pass a referendum authorized by this
subdivision.
(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 elections conducted on or after July 1, 2007.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.21,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. County
apportionment deduction. Each year the amount of money apportioned to a
district for that year pursuant to section sections 127A.34,
subdivision 2, and 272.029, subdivision 6, must be deducted from the
general education aid earned by that district for the same year or from aid
earned from other state sources.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.21,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Adjustment
for failure to meet federal maintenance of effort. (a) 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.
(b) The general education aid paid to school
districts that were members of a cooperative that failed to meet federal
special education maintenance of effort must be reduced by the amount that must
be paid to the federal government due to the shortfall. The commissioner must
apportion the aid reduction amount to the member school districts based on each
district's individual shortfall in maintaining effort, and on each member
district's proportionate share of any shortfall in expenditures made by the
cooperative. Each district's proportionate share of shortfall in expenditures
made by the cooperative must be calculated using the adjusted marginal pupil
units of each member school district.
(c) 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, or cooperative's
failure to meet federal special education maintenance of effort.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.44, is
amended to read:
126C.44 SAFE
SCHOOLS LEVY.
(a) 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 $30 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, voluntary
opt-in suicide prevention tools, and violence prevention measures taken by
the school district; or (6) to pay costs for licensed school counselors,
licensed school nurses, licensed school social workers, licensed school
psychologists, and licensed alcohol and chemical dependency counselors to help
provide early responses to problems. For expenditures under clause (1), the
district must initially attempt to contract for
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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.
(b) A school district that is a member of an
intermediate school district may include in its authority under this section
the costs associated with safe schools activities authorized under paragraph
(a) for intermediate school district programs. This authority must not exceed
$5 times the adjusted marginal cost pupil units of the member districts. This
authority is in addition to any other authority authorized under this section.
Revenue raised under this paragraph must be transferred to the intermediate
school district.
(c) If a school district spends safe schools levy
proceeds under paragraph (a), clause (6), the district must annually certify
that its total spending on services provided by the employees listed in
paragraph (a), clause (6), is not less than the sum of its expenditures for
these purposes in the previous year plus the amount spent under this section.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.441,
is amended to read:
127A.441 AID
REDUCTION; LEVY REVENUE RECOGNITION CHANGE.
Each year, the state aids payable to any school
district for that fiscal year that are recognized as revenue in the school
district's general and community service funds shall be adjusted by an amount
equal to (1) the amount the district recognized as revenue for the prior fiscal
year pursuant to section 123B.75, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c),
minus (2) the amount the district recognized as revenue for the current fiscal
year pursuant to section 123B.75, subdivision 5, paragraph (c) (b).
For purposes of making the aid adjustments under this section, the amount the
district recognizes as revenue for either the prior fiscal year or the current
fiscal year pursuant to section 123B.75, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c),
shall not include any amount levied pursuant 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.
Payment from the permanent school fund shall not be adjusted pursuant to this
section. The school district shall be notified of the amount of the adjustment
made to each payment pursuant to this section.
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.47,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Alternative
attendance programs. The general education aid and special education aid
for districts must be adjusted for each pupil attending a nonresident district
under sections 123A.05 to 123A.08, 124D.03, 124D.06, 124D.08, and 124D.68. The
adjustments must be made according to this subdivision.
(a) General education aid paid to a resident
district must be reduced by an amount equal to the referendum equalization aid
attributable to the pupil in the resident district.
(b) General education aid paid to a district serving
a pupil in programs listed in this subdivision must be increased by an amount
equal to the greater of (1) the referendum equalization aid attributable
to the pupil in the nonresident district; or (2) the product of the
district's open enrollment concentration index, the maximum amount of
referendum revenue in the first tier, and the district's net open enrollment
pupil units for that year. A district's open enrollment concentration index
equals the greater of: (i) zero, or (ii) the lesser of 1.0, or the difference
between the district's ratio of open enrollment pupil units served to its
resident pupil units for that year and 0.2. This clause does not apply to a
school district where more than 50 percent of the open enrollment students are
enrolled solely in online learning courses.
(c) If the amount of the reduction to be made from
the general education aid of the resident district is greater than the amount
of general education aid otherwise due the district, the excess reduction must
be made from other state aids due the district.
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(d) For fiscal year 2006, the district of residence
must pay tuition to a district or an area learning center, operated according
to paragraph (f), providing special instruction and services to a pupil with a
disability, as defined in section 125A.02, or a pupil, as defined in section
125A.51, who is enrolled in a program listed in this subdivision. The tuition
must be 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, minus (2) 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 attributable to that pupil for the portion of time the pupil
receives special instruction and services outside of the regular classroom,
excluding portions attributable to district and school administration, district
support services, operations and maintenance, capital expenditures, and pupil
transportation, minus (3) special education aid attributable to that pupil,
that is received by the district providing special instruction and services.
For purposes of this paragraph, general education revenue and referendum aid
attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the serving district's average
general education revenue and referendum aid per adjusted pupil unit.
(e) For fiscal year 2007 and later, special
education aid paid to a resident district must be reduced by an amount equal to
(1) the actual cost of providing special instruction and services, including
special transportation and unreimbursed building lease and debt service costs
for facilities used primarily for special education, for a pupil with a
disability, as defined in section 125A.02, or a pupil, as defined in section
125A.51, who is enrolled in a program listed in this subdivision, minus (2) 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 attributable to that pupil for the portion
of time the pupil receives special instruction and services outside of the
regular classroom, excluding portions attributable to district and school
administration, district support services, operations and maintenance, capital
expenditures, and pupil transportation, minus (3) special education aid
attributable to that pupil, that is received by the district providing special
instruction and services. For purposes of this paragraph, general education
revenue and referendum aid attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the
serving 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, or to the fiscal
agent district for a cooperative, must be increased by the amount of the
reduction in the aid paid to the resident district. If the resident district's
special education aid is insufficient to make the full adjustment, the
remaining adjustment shall be made to other state aids due to the district.
(f) An area learning center operated by a service
cooperative, intermediate district, education district, or a joint powers
cooperative may elect through the action of the constituent boards to charge
the resident district tuition for pupils rather than to have the general
education revenue paid to a fiscal agent school district. Except as provided in
paragraph (d) or (e), the district of residence must pay tuition equal to at
least 90 percent of the district average general education revenue per pupil
unit minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance according to
section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0485, calculated without basic skills
revenue and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of pupil units
for pupils attending the area learning center, plus the amount of compensatory
revenue generated by pupils attending the area learning center.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.47,
subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Charter
schools. (a) The general education aid for districts must be adjusted for
each pupil attending a charter school under section 124D.10. The adjustments
must be made according to this subdivision.
(b) General education aid paid to a district in
which a charter school not providing transportation according to section
124D.10, subdivision 16, is located must be increased by an amount equal to the
sum of:
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(1) the product of: (i) the sum of an amount equal
to the product of the formula allowance according to section 126C.10,
subdivision 2, times .0485 .0416, plus the transportation
sparsity allowance for the district; times (ii) the adjusted marginal cost
pupil units attributable to the pupil; plus
(2) the product of $223 and for fiscal
year 2007, $198 for fiscal year 2008, and $203 for fiscal year 2009 and later,
times the extended time marginal cost pupil units attributable to the
pupil.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.49,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Abatements.
Whenever by virtue of chapter 278, sections 270C.86, 375.192, or otherwise, the
net tax capacity or referendum market value of any district for any
taxable year is changed after the taxes for that year have been spread by the
county auditor and the local tax rate as determined by the county auditor based
upon the original net tax capacity is applied upon the changed net tax
capacities, the county auditor shall, prior to February 1 of each year, certify
to the commissioner of education the amount of any resulting net revenue loss
that accrued to the district during the preceding year. Each year, the
commissioner shall pay an abatement adjustment to the district in an amount
calculated according to the provisions of this subdivision. This amount shall
be deducted from the amount of the levy authorized by section 126C.46. The
amount of the abatement adjustment must be the product of:
(1) the net revenue loss as certified by the county
auditor, times
(2) the ratio of:
(i) the sum of the amounts of the district's certified
levy in the third preceding year according to the following:
(A) section 123B.57, if the district received health
and safety aid according to that section for the second preceding year;
(B) section 124D.20, if the district received aid
for community education programs according to that section for the second
preceding year;
(C) section 124D.135, subdivision 3, if the district
received early childhood family education aid according to section 124D.135 for
the second preceding year; and
(D) section 126C.17, subdivision 6, if the district
received referendum equalization aid according to that section for the second
preceding year;
(E) section 126C.10, subdivision 13a, if the
district received operating capital aid according to section 126C.10,
subdivision 13b, in the second preceding year;
(F) section 126C.10, subdivision 29, if the district
received equity aid according to section 126C.10, subdivision 30, in the second
preceding year;
(G) section 126C.10, subdivision 32, if the district
received transition aid according to section 126C.10, subdivision 33, in the
second preceding year;
(H) section 123B.53, subdivision 5, if the district
received debt service equalization aid according to section 123B.53,
subdivision 6, in the second preceding year;
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(I) section 124D.22,
subdivision 3, if the district received school-age care aid according to
section 124D.22, subdivision 4, in the second preceding year;
(J) section 123B.591,
subdivision 3, if the district received deferred maintenance aid according to
section 123B.591, subdivision 4, in the second preceding year; and
(K) section 126C.10,
subdivision 35, if the district received alternative teacher compensation equalization
aid according to section 126C.10, subdivision 36, paragraph (a), in the second
preceding year; to
(ii) the total amount of the
district's certified levy in the third preceding December, plus or minus
auditor's adjustments.
Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 127A.49, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Excess tax increment. (a) If a return
of excess tax increment is made to a district pursuant to sections 469.176,
subdivision 2, and 469.177, subdivision 9, or upon decertification of a tax
increment district, the school district's aid and levy limitations must be
adjusted for the fiscal year in which the excess tax increment is paid under
the provisions of this subdivision.
(b) An amount must be
subtracted from the district's aid for the current fiscal year equal to the
product of:
(1) the amount of the
payment of excess tax increment to the district, times
(2) the ratio of:
(i) the sum of the amounts
of the district's certified levy for the fiscal year in which the excess tax
increment is paid according to the following:
(A) section 123B.57, if the
district received health and safety aid according to that section for the
second preceding year;
(B) section 124D.20, if the
district received aid for community education programs according to that
section for the second preceding year;
(C) section 124D.135,
subdivision 3, if the district received early childhood family education aid
according to section 124D.135 for the second preceding year; and
(D) section 126C.17,
subdivision 6, if the district received referendum equalization aid according
to that section for the second preceding year;
(E) section 126C.10,
subdivision 13a, if the district received operating capital aid according to
section 126C.10, subdivision 13b, in the second preceding year;
(F) section 126C.10,
subdivision 29, if the district received equity aid according to section
126C.10, subdivision 30, in the second preceding year;
(G) section 126C.10,
subdivision 32, if the district received transition aid according to section
126C.10, subdivision 33, in the second preceding year;
(H) section 123B.53,
subdivision 5, if the district received debt service equalization aid according
to section 123B.53, subdivision 6, in the second preceding year;
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(I) section 124D.22, subdivision 3, if the district
received school-age care aid according to section 124D.22, subdivision 4, in
the second preceding year;
(J) section 123B.591, subdivision 3, if the district
received deferred maintenance aid according to section 123B.591, subdivision 4,
in the second preceding year; and
(K) section 126C.10, subdivision 35, if the district
received alternative teacher compensation equalization aid according to section
126C.10, subdivision 36, paragraph (a), in the second preceding year; to
(ii) the total amount of the district's certified
levy for the fiscal year, plus or minus auditor's adjustments.
(c) An amount must be subtracted from the school
district's levy limitation for the next levy certified equal to the difference
between:
(1) the amount of the distribution of excess
increment; and
(2) the amount subtracted from aid pursuant to
clause (a).
If the aid and levy reductions required by this
subdivision cannot be made to the aid for the fiscal year specified or to the
levy specified, the reductions must be made from aid for subsequent fiscal
years, and from subsequent levies. The school district must use the payment of
excess tax increment to replace the aid and levy revenue reduced under this
subdivision.
(d) This subdivision applies only to the total
amount of excess increments received by a district for a calendar year that
exceeds $25,000.
Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 272.029,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 6a. Report to
commissioner of education. The county auditor, on the first
Wednesday after such settlement, shall report to the commissioner the amount distributed
to each school district under subdivision 6.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2008, for settlements made during fiscal year
2009.
Sec. 37. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 50, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Application
process. Independent School Districts Nos. 11, Anoka-Hennepin; 279, Osseo;
281, Robbinsdale; 286, Brooklyn Center; 535, Rochester; and 833, South
Washington may submit an application to the commissioner of education by
August 15, 2005, for a plan to allocate compensatory revenue to school
sites based on student performance. The application must include a written
resolution approved by the school board that: (1) identifies the test results
that will be used to assess student performance; (2) describes the method for
distribution of compensatory revenue to the school sites; and (3) summarizes
the evaluation procedure the district will use to determine if the
redistribution of compensatory revenue improves overall student performance.
The application must be submitted in the form and manner specified by the
commissioner. The commissioner must notify the selected school districts by
September 1, 2005 within 90 days of receipt of their application.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 38. Laws 2006, chapter
282, article 3, section 4, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Onetime energy assistance aid. For
onetime energy assistance aid under section 3:
$3,495,000 . . . . . 2007 2006
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment and applies retroactively to fiscal
year 2006.
Sec. 39. SCHOOL FINANCE REFORM; TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED.
Subdivision 1. Task force established. A School Finance Reform Task
Force is established.
Subd. 2. Task force goals. The goals of the School Finance Reform
Task Force include:
(1) creating a standard and
index to ensure that the formula remains adequate over time;
(2) simplifying the
remaining school formulas;
(3) analyzing categorical
funding formulas, including but not limited to pupil transportation,
compensatory revenue, and limited English proficiency revenue;
(4) establishing a schedule
for implementation of the other new formulas; and
(5) examining the role of
the regional delivery structure including the functions performed by
intermediate school districts, service cooperatives, education districts, and
other cooperative organizations.
Subd. 3. Task force members. The task force consists of nine
members. Membership includes the commissioner of education, four members
appointed according to the rules of the senate by the Senate Committee on Rules
and Administration Subcommittee on Committees, and four members appointed by
the speaker of the house.
Subd. 4. Task force recommendations. The task force must submit a
report to the education committees of the legislature by January 15, 2008,
describing the formula recommendations according to the goals it has
established.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 40. CHARTER SCHOOL PUPIL TRANSPORTATION.
The commissioner of
education shall undertake a study and make recommendations to the legislature
on the organization, delivery, and financing of transportation services for
students attending public charter schools. The study must be undertaken with
affected stakeholders including school districts, charter schools, parents of
charter school students, pupil transportation providers and others with
expertise in arranging and financing pupil transportation services. The study
must be completed and reported to the house and senate Education Policy and
Finance Committees no later than December 31, 2007.
Sec. 41. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department of Education. The sums indicated in this
section are appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education
for the fiscal years designated.
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Subd. 2. General education aid. For general education aid under
Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.13, subdivision 4:
$5,654,187,000 . . . . . 2008
$5,977,201,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $531,733,000 for 2007 and $5,122,454,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $550,550,000 for 2008 and $5,426,651,000 for 2009.
Subd. 3. Referendum tax base replacement aid. For referendum tax
base replacement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.17, subdivision 7a:
$870,000 . . . . . 2008
The 2008 appropriation
includes $870,000 for 2007 and $0 for 2008.
Subd. 4. Enrollment options transportation. For transportation of
pupils attending postsecondary institutions under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.09, or for transportation of pupils attending nonresident districts under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.03:
$95,000 . . . . . 2008
$97,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 5. Abatement revenue. For abatement aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 127A.49:
$1,343,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,347,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $76,000 for 2007 and $1,267,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $140,000 for 2008 and $1,207,000 for 2009.
Subd. 6. Consolidation transition. For districts consolidating
under Minnesota Statutes, section 123A.485:
$565,000 . . . . . 2008
$212,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $43,000 for 2007 and $522,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $57,000 for 2008 and $155,000 for 2009.
Subd. 7. Nonpublic pupil education aid. For nonpublic pupil
education aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 123B.87 and 123B.40 to
123B.43:
$16,349,000 . . . . . 2008
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$16,803,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $1,606,000 for 2007
and $14,743,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $1,638,000 for 2008
and $15,165,000 for 2009.
Subd. 8. Nonpublic
pupil transportation. For nonpublic pupil transportation aid under
Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.92, subdivision 9:
$21,747,000 . . . . . 2008
$21,993,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $2,124,000 for 2007
and $19,623,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $2,180,000 for 2008
and $19,813,000 for 2009.
Subd. 9. One-room
schoolhouse. For a grant to Independent School District No. 690,
Warroad, to operate the Angle Inlet School:
$50,000 . . . . . 2008
$50,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 10. Declining
pupil aid; Browns Valley. For declining pupil aid for Independent
School District No. 801, Browns Valley, due to the March 2007 flood:
$120,000 . . . . . 2008
$100,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 11. Declining
pupil aid McGregor. For declining pupil aid for Independent School
District No. 4, McGregor:
$100,000 . . . . . 2008
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 12. Compensatory
revenue pilot project. For grants for participation in the
compensatory revenue pilot program under Laws 2005, First Special Session
chapter 5, article 1, section 50:
$2,175,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,175,000 . . . . . 2009
Of this amount, $1,500,000 in each year is for a
grant to Independent School District No. 11, Anoka-Hennepin; $210,000 in each
year is for a grant to Independent School District No. 279, Osseo; $160,000 in
each year is for a grant to Independent School District No. 281, Robbinsdale;
$75,000 in each year is for a grant to Independent School District No. 286,
Brooklyn Center; $165,000 in each year is for a grant to Independent School
District No. 535, Rochester; and $65,000 in each year is for a grant to
Independent School District No. 833, South Washington.
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If a grant to a specific school district is not
awarded, the commissioner may increase the aid amounts to any of the remaining
participating school districts.
This appropriation is part of the base budget for
subsequent fiscal years.
Subd. 13. School
Finance Reform Task Force. For the school finance reform task force
under section 39:
$100,000 . . . . . 2008
This is a onetime appropriation.
Sec. 42. REVISOR'S
INSTRUCTION.
In Minnesota Statutes, the revisor of statutes shall
correct any incorrect cross references resulting from the repeal of Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.06.
Sec. 43. REPEALER.
(a) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.06, is
repealed effective June 30, 2007.
(b) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.081,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9, are repealed effective for revenue for
fiscal year 2009.
ARTICLE 2
EDUCATION EXCELLENCE
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.32,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 8a. Access to
student records; school conferences. (a) A parent or guardian of a
student may designate one "significant individual," defined under paragraph
(c), to participate in a school conference involving the child of the parent or
guardian. The parent or guardian must provide the school with prior written
consent allowing the significant individual to participate in the conference
and to receive any data on the child of the consenting parent or guardian that
is necessary and relevant to the conference discussions. The consenting parent
or guardian may withdraw consent, in writing, at any time.
(b) A school may accept the following form, or another
consent to release student data form, as sufficient to meet the requirements of
this subdivision:
"CONSENT
TO PARTICIPATE IN CONFERENCES AND RECEIVE STUDENT DATA
I, ........................................... (Name
of parent or guardian), as parent or guardian of
........................................... (Name of child), consent to allow
........................................... (Name of significant individual) to
participate in school conferences and receive student data relating to the
above-named child, consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 13.32,
subdivision 8a. I understand that I may withdraw my consent, upon written
request, at any time.
......................................... (Signature of parent or guardian)
......................................... (Date)"
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(c) For purposes of this section, "significant
individual" means one additional adult designated by a child's parent or
guardian to attend school-related activities and conferences. The significant
individual must reside with the child and participate actively in the child's
care and upbringing.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119A.50, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 3. Early
childhood literacy programs. (a) A research-based early childhood
literacy program premised on actively involved parents, ongoing professional
staff development, and high quality early literacy program standards is
established to increase the literacy skills of children participating in Head
Start to prepare them to be successful readers and to increase families'
participation in providing early literacy experiences to their children.
Program providers must:
(1) work to prepare children to be successful
learners;
(2) work to close the achievement gap for at-risk
children;
(3) use an integrated approach to early literacy
that daily offers a literacy-rich classroom learning environment composed of
books, writing materials, writing centers, labels, rhyming, and other related
literacy materials and opportunities;
(4) support children's home language while helping
the children master English and use multiple literacy strategies to provide a
cultural bridge between home and school;
(5) use literacy mentors, ongoing literacy groups,
and other teachers and staff to provide appropriate, extensive professional
development opportunities in early literacy and classroom strategies for
preschool teachers and other preschool staff;
(6) use ongoing data-based assessments that enable preschool
teachers to understand, plan, and implement literacy strategies, activities,
and curriculum that meet children's literacy needs and continuously improve
children's literacy; and
(7) foster participation by parents, community
stakeholders, literacy advisors, and evaluation specialists.
Program providers are
encouraged to collaborate with qualified, community-based early childhood
providers in implementing this program and to seek nonstate funds to supplement
the program.
(b) Program providers under paragraph (a) interested
in extending literacy programs to children in kindergarten through grade 3 may
elect to form a partnership with an eligible organization under section
124D.38, subdivision 2, or 124D.42, subdivision 6, clause (3), schools
enrolling children in kindergarten through grade 3, and other interested and
qualified community-based entities to provide ongoing literacy programs that
offer seamless literacy instruction focused on closing the literacy achievement
gap. To close the literacy achievement gap by the end of third grade,
partnership members must agree to use best efforts and practices and to work
collaboratively to implement a seamless literacy model from age three to grade
3, consistent with paragraph (a). Literacy programs under this paragraph must
collect and use literacy data to:
(1) evaluate children's literacy skills; and
(2) formulate specific intervention strategies to
provide reading instruction to children premised on the outcomes of formative
and summative assessments and research-based indicators of literacy
development.
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The literacy programs under this paragraph also must
train teachers and other providers working with children to use the assessment
outcomes under clause (2) to develop and use effective, long-term literacy
coaching models that are specific to the program providers.
(c) The commissioner must collect and evaluate
literacy data on children from age three to grade 3 who participate in literacy
programs under this section to determine the efficacy of early literacy
programs on children's success in developing the literacy skills that they need
for long-term academic success and the programs' success in closing the
literacy achievement gap. Annually by February 1, the commissioner must report
to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature on the
ongoing impact of these programs.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120A.22,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Education
records. (a) A district, a charter school, or a nonpublic school that
receives services or aid under sections 123B.40 to 123B.48 from which a
student is transferring must transmit the student's educational records, within
ten business days of a request, to the district, the charter school, or the
nonpublic school in which the student is enrolling. Districts, charter
schools, and nonpublic schools that receive services or aid under sections
123B.40 to 123B.48 must make reasonable efforts to determine the district,
the charter school, or the nonpublic school in which a transferring student
is next enrolling in order to comply with this subdivision.
(b) A closed charter school must transfer the
student's educational records, within ten business days of the school's
closure, to the student's school district of residence where the records must
be retained unless the records are otherwise transferred under this
subdivision.
(c) A school district, a charter school, or a
nonpublic school that receives services or aid under sections 123B.40 to
123B.48 that transmits a student's educational records to another school
district or other educational entity, charter school, or nonpublic school
to which the student is transferring must include in the transmitted records
information about any formal suspension, expulsion, and exclusion
disciplinary action taken as a result of any incident in which the student
possessed or used a dangerous weapon under sections 121A.40 to 121A.56.
The district, the charter school, or the nonpublic school that receives
services or aid under sections 123B.40 to 123B.48 must provide notice to a
student and the student's parent or guardian that formal disciplinary records
will be transferred as part of the student's educational record, in accordance
with data practices under chapter 13 and the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974, United States Code, title 20, section 1232(g).
(c) (d) Notwithstanding section 138.17, a principal or
chief administrative officer must remove from a student's educational record
and destroy a probable cause notice received under section 260B.171,
subdivision 5, or paragraph (d), if one year has elapsed since the date of the
notice and the principal or chief administrative officer has not received a
disposition or court order related to the offense described in the notice. This
paragraph does not apply if the student no longer attends the school when this
one-year period expires.
(d) (e) A principal or chief administrative officer who
receives a probable cause notice under section 260B.171, subdivision 5, or a
disposition or court order, must include a copy of that data in the student's
educational records if they are transmitted to another school, unless the data
are required to be destroyed under paragraph (c) or section 121A.75.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.021,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Required
academic standards. The following subject areas are required for statewide
accountability:
(1) language arts;
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(2) mathematics;
(3) science;
(4) social studies,
including history, geography, economics, and government and citizenship;
(5) health and physical
education, for which locally developed health academic standards apply;
and
(6) the arts, for which
statewide or locally developed academic standards apply, as determined by the
school district. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three
and require at least two of the following four arts areas: dance; music;
theater; and visual arts. Public high schools must offer at least three and require
at least one of the following five arts areas: media arts; dance; music;
theater; and visual arts.
To satisfy state graduation
requirements under section 120B.024, paragraph (a), clause (6), the physical education
standards under clause (5) must be consistent with either the (i) six physical
education standards developed by the department's quality teaching network or
the (ii) six National Physical Education Standards developed by the National
Association for Sport and Physical Education. To satisfy federal reporting
requirements for continued funding under Title VII of the Physical Education
for Progress Act, a school district, if applicable, must notify the department
by March 15, in the form and manner the department prescribes, of its intent to
comply with the National Physical Education Standards in the next school year.
The commissioner must submit
proposed standards in science and social studies to the legislature by February
1, 2004.
For purposes of applicable
federal law, the academic standards for language arts, mathematics, and science
apply to all public school students, except the very few students with extreme
cognitive or physical impairments for whom an individualized education plan
team has determined that the required academic standards are inappropriate. An
individualized education plan team that makes this determination must establish
alternative standards.
A school district, no later
than the 2007-2008 school year, must adopt graduation requirements that meet or
exceed state graduation requirements established in law or rule. A school
district that incorporates these state graduation requirements before the
2007-2008 school year must provide students who enter the 9th grade in or before
the 2003-2004 school year the opportunity to earn a diploma based on existing
locally established graduation requirements in effect when the students entered
the 9th grade. District efforts to develop, implement, or improve instruction
or curriculum as a result of the provisions of this section must be consistent
with sections 120B.10, 120B.11, and 120B.20.
The commissioner must
include the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities
as they relate to each of the academic standards during the review and revision
of the required academic standards.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment, except that clause (5) applies to
students entering the ninth grade in the 2008-2009 school year and later.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 120B.023, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
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 office of
educational accountability under section 120B.31, subdivision 3, in
collaboration with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must
determine and the commissioner must set a passing score for the statewide 11th
grade mathematics test that represents readiness for college so that a student
who achieves a passing score on this test, upon graduation, is immediately
ready to take college courses for college credit in a two-year or a four-year
institution, consistent with section 135A.104. 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
office of educational accountability under section 120B.31, subdivision 3, in
collaboration with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must
determine and the commissioner must set a passing score for the statewide tenth
grade reading and language arts test that represents readiness for college so
that a student who achieves a passing score on this test, upon graduation, is
immediately ready to take college courses for college credit in a two-year or a
four-year institution, consistent with section 135A.104. 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) The commissioner in the 2011-2012 school year
must revise and align the state's standards and high school graduation
requirements in physical education, consistent with the requirements governing
sections 120B.021, subdivision 1, clause (5), and 120B.024, paragraph (a),
clause (6), to require students to satisfactorily complete the revised physical
education standards beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. The commissioner
must implement a review of the standards and related benchmarks in physical
education beginning in the 2020-2021 school year.
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(g) (h) 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 and applies to students
entering the ninth grade in the 2008-2009 school year and later.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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) one-half credit in physical education; and
(7) a minimum of seven six 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).
(c) The commissioner, in collaboration with the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must develop and implement a statewide
plan to communicate with all Minnesota high school students no later than the
beginning of 9th grade the state's expectations for college readiness,
consistent with section 120B.023, subdivision 2, paragraphs (b) and (e), and
section 135A.104.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment. Paragraph (a) applies
to students entering the ninth grade in the 2008-2009 school year and later.
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Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.11,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Report.
(a) By October 1 of each year, the school board shall use standard statewide
reporting procedures the commissioner develops and adopt a report that includes
the following:
(1) student achievement goals for meeting state
academic standards;
(2) results of local assessment data, and any
additional test data;
(3) description of student achievement in subject
areas under section 120B.021, subdivision 1, for which locally developed
academic standards apply and statewide assessments are not developed;
(3) (4) the annual school district improvement plans
including staff development goals under section 122A.60;
(4) (5) information about district and learning site
progress in realizing previously adopted improvement plans; and
(5) (6) the amount and type of revenue attributed to each
education site as defined in section 123B.04.
(b) The school board shall publish the report in the
local newspaper with the largest circulation in the district, by mail, or by
electronic means such as the district Web site. If electronic means are used,
school districts must publish notice of the report in a periodical of general
circulation in the district. School districts must make copies of the report
available to the public on request. The board shall make a copy of the report
available to the public for inspection. The board shall send a copy of the
report to the commissioner of education by October 15 of each year.
(c) The title of the report shall contain the name
and number of the school district and read "Annual Report on Curriculum,
Instruction, and Student Achievement." The report must include at least
the following information about advisory committee membership:
(1) the name of each committee member and the date
when that member's term expires;
(2) the method and criteria the school board uses to
select committee members; and
(3) the date by which a community resident must
apply to next serve on the committee.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.132,
is amended to read:
120B.132 RAISED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT; ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment;
eligibility. A program is established to raise kindergarten through grade
12 academic achievement through increased student participation in preadvanced
placement and, advanced placement, and international
baccalaureate programs, consistent with section 120B.13. Schools and
charter schools eligible to participate under this section:
(1) must have a three-year plan approved by the
local school board to establish a new international baccalaureate program
leading to international baccalaureate authorization, expand an existing
program that leads to international baccalaureate authorization, or expand an
existing authorized international baccalaureate program; or
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(2) must have a three-year plan approved by the local
school board to create a new or expand an existing program to implement the
college board advanced placement courses and exams or preadvanced placement courses
initiative; and
(2) (3) must propose to further raise students' academic
achievement by:
(i) increasing the availability of and all students'
access to advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses or
programs;
(ii) expanding the breadth of advanced placement or
international baccalaureate courses or programs that are available to
students;
(iii) increasing the number and the diversity of the
students who participate in advanced placement or international
baccalaureate courses or programs and succeed;
(iv) providing low-income and other disadvantaged
students with increased access to advanced placement or international
baccalaureate courses and programs; or
(v) increasing the number of high school students,
including low-income and other disadvantaged students, who receive college
credit by successfully completing advanced placement or international
baccalaureate courses or programs and achieving satisfactory scores on
related exams.
Subd. 2. Application
and review process; funding priority. (a) Charter schools and school districts
in which eligible schools under subdivision 1 are located may apply to the
commissioner, in the form and manner the commissioner determines, for
competitive funding to further raise students' academic achievement. The
application must detail the specific efforts the applicant intends to undertake
in further raising students' academic achievement, consistent with subdivision
1, and a proposed budget detailing the district or charter school's current and
proposed expenditures for advanced placement or, preadvanced
placement, and international baccalaureate courses and programs. The
proposed budget must demonstrate that the applicant's efforts will supplement
but not supplant any expenditures for advanced placement and preadvanced
placement courses and programs the applicant currently makes available to
students support implementation of advanced placement, preadvanced
placement, and international baccalaureate courses and programs.
Expenditures for administration must not exceed five percent of the proposed
budget. The commissioner may require an applicant to provide additional
information.
(b) When reviewing applications, the commissioner
must determine whether the applicant satisfied all the requirements in this
subdivision and subdivision 1. The commissioner may give funding priority to an
otherwise qualified applicant that demonstrates:
(1) a focus on developing or expanding preadvanced
placement, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate
courses and or programs or increasing students' participation in,
access to, or success with the courses or programs, including the
participation, access, or success of low-income and other disadvantaged
students;
(2) a compelling need for access to preadvanced
placement, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate courses or
programs;
(3) an effective ability to actively involve local
business and community organizations in student activities that are integral to
preadvanced placement, advanced placement, or international
baccalaureate courses and or programs;
(4) access to additional public or nonpublic funds
or in-kind contributions that are available for preadvanced placement, advanced
placement, or international baccalaureate courses or programs; or
(5) an intent to implement activities that target
low-income and other disadvantaged students.
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Subd. 3. Funding; permissible funding uses. (a)
The commissioner shall award grants to applicant school districts and charter
schools that meet the requirements of subdivisions 1 and 2. The commissioner
must award grants on an equitable geographical basis to the extent feasible and
consistent with this section. Grant awards must not exceed the lesser of:
(1) $85 times the number of
pupils enrolled at the participating sites on October 1 of the previous fiscal
year; or
(2) the approved
supplemental expenditures based on the budget submitted under subdivision 2.
For charter schools in their first year of operation, the maximum grant
funding award must be calculated using the number of pupils enrolled on
October 1 of the current fiscal year. The commissioner may adjust the maximum grant
funding award computed using prior year data for changes in enrollment
attributable to school closings, school openings, grade level reconfigurations,
or school district reorganizations between the prior fiscal year and the
current fiscal year.
(b) School districts and
charter schools that submit an application and receive funding under this
section must use the funding, consistent with the application, to:
(1) provide teacher training
and instruction to more effectively serve students, including low-income and
other disadvantaged students, who participate in preadvanced and placement,
advanced placement, or international baccalaureate courses or
programs;
(2) further develop preadvanced
placement, advanced placement, or international baccalaureate
courses or programs;
(3) improve the transition
between grade levels to better prepare students, including low-income and other
disadvantaged students, for succeeding in preadvanced placement, advanced
placement, or international baccalaureate courses or programs;
(4) purchase books and
supplies;
(5) pay course or program
fees;
(6) increase students'
participation in and success with preadvanced placement, advanced
placement, or international baccalaureate courses or programs;
(7) expand students' access
to preadvanced placement or, advanced placement, or
international baccalaureate courses or programs through online learning;
(8) hire appropriately
licensed personnel to teach additional advanced placement or international
baccalaureate courses or programs; or
(9) engage in other activity
directly related to expanding students' access to, participation in, and
success with preadvanced placement or, advanced placement, or
international baccalaureate courses and or programs,
including low-income and other disadvantaged students.
Subd. 4. Annual reports. (a) Each school
district and charter school that receives a grant under this section annually
must collect demographic and other student data to demonstrate and measure the
extent to which the district or charter school raised students' academic
achievement under this program and must report the data to the commissioner in
the form and manner the commissioner determines. The commissioner annually by
February 15 must make summary data about this program available to the
education policy and finance committees of the legislature.
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(b) Each school district and charter school that
receives a grant under this section annually must report to the commissioner,
consistent with the Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards, its
actual expenditures for advanced placement and, preadvanced
placement, and international baccalaureate courses and programs. The
report must demonstrate that the school district or charter school has
maintained its effort from other sources for advanced placement and,
preadvanced placement, and international baccalaureate courses and
programs compared with the previous fiscal year, and the district or charter
school has expended all grant funds, consistent with its approved budget.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to the
2007-2008 school year and later.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.15, is
amended to read:
120B.15 GIFTED
AND TALENTED STUDENTS PROGRAMS.
(a) School districts may identify students, locally
develop programs, provide staff development, and evaluate programs to provide
gifted and talented students with challenging educational programs.
(b) School districts may adopt guidelines for assessing
and identifying students for participation in gifted and talented programs. The
guidelines should include the use of:
(1) multiple and objective criteria; and
(2) assessments and procedures that are valid and
reliable, fair, and based on current theory and research.
(c) School districts must adopt policies and
procedures for the academic acceleration of gifted and talented students. These
policies and procedures must include how the district will:
(1) assess a student's readiness and motivation for
acceleration; and
(2) match the level, complexity, and pace of the
curriculum to a student to achieve the best type of academic acceleration for
that student.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.30,
is amended to read:
120B.30
STATEWIDE TESTING AND REPORTING SYSTEM.
Subdivision 1. Statewide
testing. (a) The commissioner, with advice from experts with appropriate
technical qualifications and experience and stakeholders, consistent with subdivision
1a, shall include in the comprehensive assessment system, for each grade level
to be tested, state-constructed tests developed from and aligned with the
state's required academic standards under section 120B.021 and administered
annually to all students in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level. A
state-developed test in a subject other than writing, developed after the
2002-2003 school year, must include both machine-scoreable and constructed
response questions. The commissioner shall establish one or more months during
which schools shall administer the tests to students each school year. For
students enrolled in grade 8 before the 2005-2006 school year, only Minnesota
basic skills tests in reading, mathematics, and writing shall fulfill students'
basic skills testing requirements for a passing state notation. The passing
scores of the state basic skills tests in reading and mathematics
are the equivalent of:
(1) 70 percent correct for students entering grade 9
in 1996; and
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(2) 75 percent correct for students entering grade 9 in
1997 and thereafter, as based on the first uniform test administration of
February 1998.
(b) For students enrolled in grade 8 in the 2005-2006
school year and later, only the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments Second
Edition (MCA-IIs) in reading, mathematics, and writing following options
shall fulfill students' academic standard state graduation test
requirements.:
(1) for reading and mathematics:
(i) obtaining an achievement level equivalent to or
greater than proficient as determined through a standard setting process on the
Minnesota comprehensive assessments in grade 10 for reading and grade 11 for
mathematics or achieving a passing score as determined through a standard
setting process on the graduation-required assessment for diploma in grade 10
for reading and grade 11 for mathematics or subsequent retests;
(ii) achieving a passing score as determined through
a standard setting process on the state-identified language proficiency test in
reading and the mathematics test for English language learners or the
graduation-required assessment for diploma equivalent of those assessments for
students designated as English language learners;
(iii) achieving an individual passing score on the
graduation-required assessment for diploma as determined by appropriate state
guidelines for students with an individual education plan or 504 plan;
(iv) obtaining achievement level equivalent to or
greater than proficient as determined through a standard setting process on the
state-identified alternate assessment or assessments in grade 10 for reading
and grade 11 for mathematics for students with an individual education plan; or
(v) achieving an individual passing score on the
state-identified alternate assessment or assessments as determined by
appropriate state guidelines for students with an individual education plan;
and
(2) for writing:
(i) achieving a passing score on the graduation-required
assessment for diploma;
(ii) achieving a passing score as determined through
a standard setting process on the state-identified language proficiency test in
writing for students designated as English language learners;
(iii) achieving an individual passing score on the
graduation-required assessment for diploma as determined by appropriate state
guidelines for students with an individual education plan or 504 plan; or
(iv) achieving an individual passing score on the state-identified
alternate assessment or assessments as determined by appropriate state
guidelines for students with an individual education plan.
(b) (c) The third 3rd through 8th grade and
high school level test results shall be available to districts for diagnostic
purposes affecting student learning and district instruction and curriculum,
and for establishing educational accountability. The commissioner must
disseminate to the public the test results upon receiving those results.
(c) (d) State tests must be constructed and aligned with
state academic standards. The testing process and the order of administration
shall be determined by the commissioner. The statewide results shall be
aggregated at the site and district level, consistent with subdivision 1a.
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(d) (e) In addition to the testing
and reporting requirements under this section, the commissioner shall include
the following components in the statewide public reporting system:
(1) uniform statewide
testing of all students in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level that
provides appropriate, technically sound accommodations, alternate
assessments, or exemptions consistent with applicable federal law,
only with parent or guardian approval, for those very few students for whom the
student's individual education plan team under sections 125A.05 and 125A.06,
determines that the general statewide test is inappropriate for a student
is incapable of taking a statewide test, or for a limited English
proficiency student under section 124D.59, subdivision 2, if the student has
been in the United States for fewer than three years;
(2) educational indicators
that can be aggregated and compared across school districts and across time on
a statewide basis, including average daily attendance, high school graduation
rates, and high school drop-out rates by age and grade level;
(3) students' scores
state results on the American College Test; and
(4) state results from
participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress so that the
state can benchmark its performance against the nation and other states, and,
where possible, against other countries, and contribute to the national effort
to monitor achievement.
(e) Districts must report
exemptions under paragraph (d), clause (1), to the commissioner consistent with
a format provided by the commissioner.
Subd. 1a. Statewide and local assessments; results.
(a) The commissioner must develop reading, mathematics, and science assessments
aligned with state academic standards that districts and sites must use to
monitor student growth toward achieving those standards. The commissioner must
not develop statewide assessments for academic standards in social studies,
health and physical education, and the arts. The commissioner must require:
(1) annual reading and
mathematics assessments in grades 3 through 8 and at the high school level for
the 2005-2006 school year and later; and
(2) annual science assessments
in one grade in the grades 3 through 5 span, the grades 6 through 9 span, and a
life sciences assessment in the grades 10 through 12 span for the 2007-2008
school year and later.
(b) The commissioner must
ensure that all statewide tests administered to elementary and secondary
students measure students' academic knowledge and skills and not students'
values, attitudes, and beliefs.
(c) Reporting of assessment
results must:
(1) provide timely, useful,
and understandable information on the performance of individual students,
schools, school districts, and the state;
(2) include, by the
2006-2007 no later than the 2008-2009 school year, a value-added
component to that is in addition to a measure for student
achievement growth over time; and
(3)(i) for students enrolled
in grade 8 before the 2005-2006 school year, determine whether students have
met the state's basic skills requirements; and
(ii) for students enrolled
in grade 8 in the 2005-2006 school year and later, determine whether students have
met the state's academic standards.
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(d) Consistent with applicable federal law and
subdivision 1, paragraph (d), clause (1), the commissioner must include appropriate,
technically sound accommodations or alternative assessments for the very
few students with disabilities for whom statewide assessments are inappropriate
and for students with limited English proficiency.
(e) A school, school district, and charter school
must administer statewide assessments under this section, as the assessments
become available, to evaluate student progress in achieving the academic
standards. If a state assessment is not available, a school, school district,
and charter school must determine locally if a student has met the required
academic standards. A school, school district, or charter school may use a
student's performance on a statewide assessment as one of multiple criteria to
determine grade promotion or retention. A school, school district, or charter
school may use a high school student's performance on a statewide assessment as
a percentage of the student's final grade in a course, or place a student's
assessment score on the student's transcript except as required under paragraph
(f).
(f) A school district or charter school must place a
student's assessment score for 9th grade writing, 10th grade language arts, and
11th grade mathematics on the student's transcript.
Subd. 2. Department
of Education assistance. The Department of Education shall contract for
professional and technical services according to competitive bidding procedures
under chapter 16C for purposes of this section.
Subd. 3. Reporting.
The commissioner shall report test data publicly and to stakeholders, including
the three performance baselines performance achievement levels
developed from students' unweighted mean test scores in each tested
subject and a listing of demographic factors that strongly correlate with
student performance. The commissioner shall also report data that compares
performance results among school sites, school districts, Minnesota and other
states, and Minnesota and other nations. The commissioner shall disseminate to
schools and school districts a more comprehensive report containing testing
information that meets local needs for evaluating instruction and curriculum.
Subd. 4. Access
to tests. The commissioner must adopt and publish a policy to provide
public and parental access for review of basic skills tests, Minnesota
Comprehensive Assessments, or any other such statewide test and assessment.
Upon receiving a written request, the commissioner must make available to
parents or guardians a copy of their student's actual answer sheet responses
to the test questions to be reviewed by the parent.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 120B.31,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Educational
accountability. (a) The Independent Office of Educational Accountability,
as authorized by Laws 1997, First Special Session chapter 4, article 5, section
28, subdivision 2, is established, and shall be funded through the Board of
Regents of the University of Minnesota. The office shall advise the
education committees of the legislature and the commissioner of education, at
least on a biennial basis, on the degree to which the statewide educational
accountability and reporting system includes a comprehensive assessment
framework that measures school accountability for students achieving the goals
described in the state's results-oriented graduation rule. The office shall consider
determine and annually report to the legislature whether and how
effectively:
(1) the statewide system of educational accountability
utilizes multiple indicators to provide valid and reliable comparative and
contextual data on students, schools, districts, and the state, and if not,
recommend ways to improve the accountability reporting system.;
(2) the commissioner makes statistical adjustments
when reporting student data over time, consistent with clause (4);
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(3) the commissioner uses
indicators of student achievement growth over time and a value-added assessment
model that estimates the effects of the school and school district on student
achievement to measure school performance, consistent with section 120B.36,
subdivision 1; and
(4) the commissioner makes
data available on students who do not pass one or more of the state's required
GRAD tests and do not receive a diploma as a consequence, and categorizes these
data according to gender, race, eligibility for free or reduced lunch, and
English language proficiency.
(b) When the office reviews
the statewide educational accountability and reporting system, it shall also
consider:
(1) the objectivity and
neutrality of the state's educational accountability system; and
(2) the impact of a testing
program on school curriculum and student learning.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 120B.36, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. School performance report cards. (a)
The commissioner shall use objective criteria based on levels of student
performance to identify four to six designations applicable to high and low
performing public schools. The objective criteria shall include report
at least student academic performance, school safety, student-to-teacher
ratios that clearly indicate the definition of teacher for purposes of
determining these ratios, and staff characteristics, with a value-added growth
component added by the 2006-2007 no later than the 2008-2009
school year. The report must indicate a school's adequate yearly progress
status.
(b) The commissioner shall
develop, annually update, and post on the department Web site school
performance report cards. A school's designation must be clearly stated on
each school performance report card.
(c) The commissioner must
make available the first school designations and school performance
report cards by November 2003, and during the beginning of each school year
thereafter.
(d) A school or district may
appeal its adequate yearly progress status in writing a designation
under this section to the commissioner within 30 days of receiving the designation
notice of its status. The commissioner's decision to uphold or deny an
appeal is final.
(e) School performance
report cards data are nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9,
until not later than ten days after the appeal procedure described in paragraph
(d) concludes. The department shall annually post school performance report
cards to its public Web site no later than September 1.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment and applies to the school
performance report cards for the 2006-2007 school year and later.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 121A.22, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Applicability. (a) This section
applies only:
(1) when the parent of a
pupil requests school personnel to administer drugs or medicine, including
physician-prescribed naturopathic medicine, to the pupil; or
(2) when administration is
allowed by the individual education plan of a child with a disability.
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The request of a parent may
be oral or in writing. An oral request must be reduced to writing within two
school days, provided that the district may rely on an oral request until a
written request is received.
(b)
"Physician-prescribed naturopathic medicine" under this section means
naturopathic medicine, as defined by the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,
that is prescribed by a licensed physician in consultation with a
board-certified naturopathic physician.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 121A.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Labeling. Drugs or medicine subject to
this section, except physician-prescribed and labeled naturopathic medicine,
must be in a container with a label prepared by a pharmacist according to
section 151.212 and applicable rules.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 121A.22, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Administration. (a) Drugs and
medicine subject to this section, except physician-prescribed naturopathic
medicine, must be administered in a manner consistent with instructions on
the label. Physician-prescribed naturopathic medicine must be administered
according to the order of the prescribing physician.
(b) Drugs and medicine subject
to this section must be administered, to the extent possible, according to school
board procedures that must be developed in consultation:
(1) with a school nurse, in
a district that employs a school nurse;
(2) with a licensed school
nurse, in a district that employs a licensed school nurse;
(3) with a public or private
health or health-related organization, in a district that contracts with a
public or private health or health-related organization, according to section
121A.21; or
(4) with the appropriate
party, in a district that has an arrangement approved by the commissioner of
education, according to section 121A.21.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 16. [121A.231] RESPONSIBLE FAMILY LIFE AND
SEXUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) "Responsible family life and
sexuality education" means education in grades 7 through 12 that:
(1) respects community
values and encourages family communication;
(2) develops skills in
communication, decision making, and conflict resolution;
(3) contributes to healthy
relationships;
(4) provides human
development and sexuality education that is age appropriate and medically
accurate;
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(5) includes an abstinence-first approach to
delaying initiation of sexual activity that emphasizes abstinence while also
including education about the use of protection and contraception; and
(6) promotes individual responsibility.
(b) "Age appropriate" refers to topics,
messages, and teaching methods suitable to particular ages or age groups of
children and adolescents, based on developing cognitive, emotional, and
behavioral capacity typical for the age or age group.
(c) "Medically accurate" means verified or
supported by research conducted in compliance with scientific methods and
published in peer-reviewed journals, where appropriate, and recognized as
accurate and objective by professional organizations and agencies in the
relevant field, such as the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or
the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Subd. 2. Curriculum
requirements. (a) A school district must offer and may independently
establish policies, procedures, curriculum, and services for providing
responsible family life and sexuality education that is age appropriate and
medically accurate for grades 7 through 12.
(b) A school district must consult with parents or
guardians of enrolled students when establishing policies, procedures,
curriculum, and services under this subdivision.
Subd. 3. Notice
and parental options. (a) It is the legislature's intent to
encourage pupils to communicate with their parents or guardians about human
sexuality and to respect rights of parents or guardians to supervise their
children's education on these subjects.
(b) Parents or guardians may excuse their children
from all or part of a responsible family life and sexuality education program.
(c) A school district must establish policies and
procedures consistent with paragraph (e) and this section for providing parents
or guardians reasonable notice with the following information:
(1) if the district is offering a responsible family
life and sexuality education program to the parents' or guardians' child during
the course of the year;
(2) how the parents or guardians may inspect the
written and audio/visual educational materials used in the program and the
process for inspection;
(3) if the program is presented by school district
personnel or outside consultants, and if outside consultants are used, who they
may be; and
(4) parents' or guardians' right to choose not to
have their child participate in the program and the procedure for exercising that
right.
(d) A school district must establish policies and
procedures for reasonably restricting the availability of written and
audio/visual educational materials from public view of students who have been
excused from all or part of a responsible family life and sexuality education
program at the request of a parent or guardian, consistent with paragraph (e)
and this section.
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(e) A school district may offer a responsible family
life and sexuality education program under this section to a pupil only with
the prior written consent of the pupil's parent or guardian. A school district
must make reasonable arrangements with school personnel for alternative
instruction for those pupils whose parents or guardians refuse to give their
consent, and must not impose an academic or other penalty upon a pupil merely
for arranging the alternative instruction. School personnel may evaluate and
assess the quality of the pupil's work completed as part of the alternative
instruction.
Subd. 4. Assistance
to school districts. (a) The Department of Education may offer
services to school districts to help them implement effective responsible
family life and sexuality education programs. In making these services
available the department may provide:
(1) training for teachers, parents, and community
members in the development of responsible family life and sexuality education
curriculum or services and in planning for monitoring and evaluation activities;
(2) resource staff persons to provide expert
training, curriculum development and implementation, and evaluation services;
(3) technical assistance to promote and coordinate
community, parent, and youth forums in communities identified as having high
needs for responsible family life and sexuality education;
(4) technical assistance for issue management and
policy development training for school boards, superintendents, principals, and
administrators across the state; and
(b) Technical assistance in accordance with National
Health Education Standards provided by the department to school districts may:
(1) promote instruction and use of materials that
are age appropriate;
(2) provide information that is medically accurate and
objective;
(3) provide instruction and promote use of materials
that are respectful of marriage and commitments in relationships;
(4) provide instruction and promote use of materials
that are appropriate for use with pupils and family experiences based on race,
gender, sexual orientation, ethnic and cultural background, and appropriately
accommodate alternative learning based on language or disability;
(5) provide instruction and promote use of materials
that encourage pupils to communicate with their parents or guardians about
human sexuality;
(6) provide instruction and promote use of
age-appropriate materials that teach abstinence from sexual intercourse as the
only certain way to prevent unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV and HPV, and provide information about the role and
value of abstinence while also providing medically accurate information on
other methods of preventing and reducing risk for unintended pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections;
(7) provide instruction and promote use of
age-appropriate materials that are medically accurate in explaining
transmission modes, risks, symptoms, and treatments for sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV and HPV;
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(8) provide instruction and
promote use of age-appropriate materials that address varied societal views on
sexuality, sexual behaviors, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV and HPV, in an age-appropriate manner;
(9) provide instruction and
promote use of age-appropriate materials that provide information about the
effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved methods for preventing and
reducing risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV and HPV;
(10) provide instruction and
promote use of age-appropriate materials that provide instruction in skills for
making and implementing responsible decisions about sexuality;
(11) provide instruction and
promote use of age-appropriate materials that provide instruction in skills for
making and implementing responsible decisions about finding and using health
services; and
(12) provide instruction and
promote use of age-appropriate materials that do not teach or promote religious
doctrine or bias against a religion or reflect or promote bias against any
person on the basis of any category protected under the Minnesota Human Rights
Act, chapter 363A.
Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.16, is amended to read:
122A.16 HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEACHER DEFINED.
(a) A qualified teacher is
one holding a valid license, under this chapter, to perform the particular
service for which the teacher is employed in a public school.
(b) For the purposes of the
federal No Child Left Behind Act, a highly qualified teacher is one who
holds a valid license under this chapter to perform the particular service for
which the teacher is employed in a public school or who meets the requirements
of a highly objective uniform state standard of evaluation (HOUSSE)
means a teacher who:
(1) has obtained full state
certification or passed the state teacher licensing examination and holds a
license to teach in the state;
(2) does not have
certification or licensure requirements waived on an emergency, temporary, or
provisional basis;
(3) holds a minimum of a
bachelor's degree; and
(4) has demonstrated subject
matter competency in core academic subjects.
All Minnesota teachers
teaching in a core academic subject area, as defined by the federal No Child
Left Behind Act, in which they are not fully licensed may complete the
following HOUSSE process in the core subject area for which the teacher is
requesting highly qualified status by completing an application, in the form
and manner described by the commissioner, that includes:
(1) documentation of student
achievement as evidenced by norm-referenced test results that are objective and
psychometrically valid and reliable;
(2) evidence of local,
state, or national activities, recognition, or awards for professional
contribution to achievement;
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(3) description of teaching experience in the
teachers' core subject area in a public school under a waiver, variance,
limited license or other exception; nonpublic school; and postsecondary
institution;
(4) test results from the Praxis II content test;
(5) evidence of advanced certification from the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
(6) evidence of the successful completion of course
work or pedagogy courses; and
(7) evidence of the successful completion of high
quality professional development activities.
Districts must assign a school administrator to
serve as a HOUSSE reviewer to meet with teachers under this paragraph and,
where appropriate, certify the teachers' applications. Teachers satisfy the
definition of highly qualified when the teachers receive at least 100 of the
total number of points used to measure the teachers' content expertise under
clauses (1) to (7). Teachers may acquire up to 50 points only in any one clause
(1) to (7). Teachers may use the HOUSSE process to satisfy the definition of
highly qualified for more than one subject area.
(c) Achievement of the HOUSSE criteria is not
equivalent to a license. A teacher must obtain permission from the Board of
Teaching in order to teach in a public school Subject matter competency
to meet federal highly qualified teacher requirements is determined by the
state.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.18,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 2c. Determining
passing scores. The passing score on the examination of skills in
reading, writing, and mathematics required as a condition of granting an initial
teaching license under subdivision 2, paragraph (b), is the passing score in
effect at the time the person takes the examination and not the time the person
applies for the initial teaching license.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to all
persons enrolled in a teacher preparation program on that date and later.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.20,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Grounds
for revocation, suspension, or denial. (a) The Board of Teaching or Board
of School Administrators, whichever has jurisdiction over a teacher's
licensure, may, on the written complaint of the school board employing a
teacher, a teacher organization, or any other interested person, refuse to
issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a teacher's license to teach for any
of the following causes:
(1) immoral character or conduct;
(2) failure, without justifiable cause, to teach for
the term of the teacher's contract;
(3) gross inefficiency or willful neglect of duty;
(4) failure to meet licensure requirements; or
(5) fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a
license.
The written complaint must specify the nature and
character of the charges.
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(b) The Board of Teaching or
Board of School Administrators, whichever has jurisdiction over a teacher's
licensure, shall refuse to issue, refuse to renew, or automatically revoke a
teacher's license to teach without the right to a hearing upon receiving a
certified copy of a conviction showing that the teacher has been convicted of
child abuse, as defined in section 609.185, or sexual abuse under
section 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.3451, subdivision 3, or 617.23,
subdivision 3, or using minors in a sexual performance under section
617.246, or possessing pornographic works involving a minor under section
617.247, or under a similar law of another state or the United States. The
board shall send notice of this licensing action to the district in which the
teacher is currently employed.
(c) A person whose license
to teach has been revoked, not issued, or not renewed under paragraph (b), may
petition the board to reconsider the licensing action if the person's
conviction for child abuse or sexual abuse is reversed by a final decision of
the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court or if the person has received a
pardon for the offense. The petitioner shall attach a certified copy of the
appellate court's final decision or the pardon to the petition. Upon receiving
the petition and its attachment, the board shall schedule and hold a
disciplinary hearing on the matter under section 214.10, subdivision 2, unless
the petitioner waives the right to a hearing. If the board finds that,
notwithstanding the reversal of the petitioner's criminal conviction or the
issuance of a pardon, the petitioner is disqualified from teaching under
paragraph (a), clause (1), the board shall affirm its previous licensing
action. If the board finds that the petitioner is not disqualified from
teaching under paragraph (a), clause (1), it shall reverse its previous
licensing action.
(d) For purposes of this
subdivision, the Board of Teaching is delegated the authority to suspend or
revoke coaching licenses.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.414, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Restructured pay system. A restructured
alternative teacher professional pay system that may include experience and
educational credits is established under subdivision 2 to provide
incentives to encourage teachers to improve their knowledge and instructional
skills in order to improve student learning and for school districts,
intermediate school districts, and charter schools to recruit and retain highly
qualified teachers, encourage highly qualified teachers to undertake challenging
assignments, and support teachers' roles in improving students' educational
achievement.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for the 2007-2008 school year and later.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.414, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Alternative teacher professional pay
system. (a) To participate in this program, a school district, intermediate
school district, school site, or charter school must have an educational
improvement plan under section 122A.413 and an alternative teacher professional
pay system agreement under paragraph (b). A charter school participant also
must comply with subdivision 2a.
(b) The alternative teacher
professional pay system agreement must:
(1) describe how teachers
can achieve career advancement and additional compensation;
(2) describe how the school
district, intermediate school district, school site, or charter school will
provide teachers with career advancement options that allow teachers to retain
primary roles in student instruction and facilitate site-focused professional
development that helps other teachers improve their skills;
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(3) reform the "steps and lanes" salary
schedule, prevent any teacher's compensation paid before implementing the pay
system from being reduced as a result of participating in this system, and base
at least 60 percent of any compensation increase funded by alternative
compensation revenue on teacher performance using:
(i) schoolwide student achievement gains under
section 120B.35 or locally selected standardized assessment outcomes, or both;
(ii) measures of student achievement; and
(iii) an objective evaluation program that includes:
(A) individual teacher evaluations aligned with the
educational improvement plan under section 122A.413 and the staff development
plan under section 122A.60; and
(B) objective evaluations using multiple criteria
conducted by a locally selected and periodically trained evaluation team that
understands teaching and learning;
(4) provide integrated ongoing site-based
professional development activities to improve instructional skills and
learning that are aligned with student needs under section 122A.413, consistent
with the staff development plan under section 122A.60 and led during the school
day by trained teacher leaders such as master or mentor teachers;
(5) allow any teacher in a participating school
district, intermediate school district, school site, or charter school that
implements an alternative pay system to participate in that system without any
quota or other limit; and
(6) encourage collaboration rather than competition
among teachers.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for the 2007-2008 school year and later.
Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.415,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Revenue
amount. (a) A school district, intermediate school district, school site,
or charter school that meets the conditions of section 122A.414 and submits an
application approved by the commissioner is eligible for alternative teacher
compensation revenue.
(b) For school district and intermediate school
district applications, the commissioner must consider only those applications
to participate that are submitted jointly by a district and the exclusive
representative of the teachers. The application must contain an alternative
teacher professional pay system agreement that:
(1) implements an alternative teacher professional
pay system consistent with section 122A.414; and
(2) is negotiated and adopted according to the
Public Employment Labor Relations Act under chapter 179A, except that
notwithstanding section 179A.20, subdivision 3, a district may enter into a
contract for a term of two or four years.
Alternative teacher compensation revenue for a
qualifying school district or site in which the school board and the exclusive
representative of the teachers agree to place teachers in the district or at
the site on the alternative teacher professional pay system equals $260 times
the number of pupils enrolled at the district or site on October 1 of the
previous fiscal year. Alternative teacher compensation revenue for a qualifying
intermediate school district must be calculated under section 126C.10, subdivision
34, paragraphs (a) and (b) paragraph (c).
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(c) For a newly combined or
consolidated district, the revenue shall be computed using the sum of pupils
enrolled on October 1 of the previous year in the districts entering into the
combination or consolidation. The commissioner may adjust the revenue computed
for a site using prior year data to reflect changes attributable to school
closings, school openings, or grade level reconfigurations between the prior
year and the current year.
(d) The revenue is available
only to school districts, intermediate school districts, school sites, and
charter schools that fully implement an alternative teacher professional pay
system by October 1 of the current school year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.60, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Staff development outcomes. The
advisory staff development committee must adopt a staff development plan for
improving student achievement. The plan must be consistent with education
outcomes that the school board determines. The plan must include ongoing staff
development activities that contribute toward continuous improvement in
achievement of the following goals:
(1) improve student
achievement of state and local education standards in all areas of the
curriculum by using best practices methods;
(2) effectively meet the
needs of a diverse student population, including at-risk children, children
with disabilities, and gifted children, within the regular classroom and other
settings;
(3) provide an inclusive
curriculum for a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse student
population that is consistent with the state education diversity rule and the
district's education diversity plan;
(4) improve staff
collaboration and develop mentoring and peer coaching programs for teachers new
to the school or district;
(5) effectively teach and model
violence prevention policy and curriculum that address early intervention
alternatives, issues of harassment, and teach nonviolent alternatives for
conflict resolution; and
(6) provide teachers and
other members of site-based management teams with appropriate management and
financial management skills; and
(7) improve and increase
teachers' knowledge of the academic subjects they teach.
Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.61, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Staff development revenue. A district
is required to reserve an amount equal to at least two percent of the basic
revenue under section 126C.10, subdivision 2, for in-service education for
programs under section 120B.22, subdivision 2, for staff development plans, including
plans for challenging instructional activities and experiences under section
122A.60, and for curriculum development and programs, other in-service
education, teachers' workshops, teacher conferences, the cost of substitute
teachers staff development purposes, preservice and in-service education for
special education professionals and paraprofessionals, higher education
courses and programs in teachers' areas of licensure, and other related
costs for staff development efforts. A district may annually waive the
requirement to reserve their basic revenue under this section if a majority
vote of the licensed teachers in the district and a majority vote of the school
board agree to a resolution to waive the requirement. A district in statutory
operating debt is exempt from reserving basic revenue according to this
section. Districts may expend an additional amount of unreserved revenue for
staff development based on their needs. With the exception of amounts reserved
for staff development from revenues allocated directly to school sites, the
board must initially
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allocate 50 percent of the
reserved revenue to each school site in the district on a per teacher basis,
which must be retained by the school site until used. The board may retain 25
percent to be used for district wide staff development efforts. The remaining
25 percent of the revenue must be used to make grants to school sites for best
practices methods. A grant may be used for any purpose authorized under section
120B.22, subdivision 2, 122A.60, or for the costs of curriculum development and
programs, other in-service education, teachers' workshops, teacher conferences,
substitute teachers for staff development purposes, and other staff development
efforts, and determined by the site professional development team. The site
professional development team must demonstrate to the school board the extent to
which that staff at the site have met the outcomes of the program.
The board may withhold a portion of initial allocation of revenue if the staff
development outcomes are not being met.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 25. [122A.633] SCHOLAR LOANS TO PREPARE
TEACHERS OF COLOR.
Subdivision 1. Establishment; definitions. (a) A scholar loan program is
established to encourage academically talented postsecondary students of color
to become teachers of early childhood, elementary, or secondary education.
(b) For the purposes of this
section, the following terms have the meanings given them:
(1) "student of
color" means a student who is African American, American Indian, Alaskan
native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic; and
(2) "director"
means the director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Subd. 2. Eligibility. To be eligible for a scholar loan, a student
of color must:
(1) be an American citizen
residing in Minnesota;
(2) be registered as a junior
or senior in a Minnesota public or private postsecondary institution and
enrolled in a teacher preparation program approved by the Board of Teaching at
that postsecondary institution;
(3) be making satisfactory
progress towards a baccalaureate degree with a major in education;
(4) agree to teach in a
Minnesota school district with a student of color population of at least 15
percent or a desegregation/integration plan approved by the commissioner of
education; and
(5) meet academic criteria
specified by the director in consultation with the commissioner.
Subd. 3. Application process; awarding scholar loans. (a) The
director, in consultation with the commissioner of education, shall award
scholar loans to eligible students of color. A student of color must submit an
application for a scholar loan to the director in the form and manner
determined by the director in consultation with the commissioner. The
application must include the criteria in subdivision 2 and any other
information required by the director.
(b) A student of color may
receive scholar loans for two consecutive academic years if the student of
color remains enrolled full time in a teacher preparation program and continues
to make satisfactory progress toward the baccalaureate degree. For each
academic year, a loan may not exceed the lesser of the cost of tuition, fees,
books, and on-campus housing, if applicable, or a maximum amount of $10,000.
The director must award ten percent of the scholar loans to students of color
who transfer from a Minnesota public community or technical college to a
Minnesota public or private college or university with an approved teacher
preparation program.
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(c) The director must spend
up to five percent of any appropriation for promotion of the scholar loan
program, recruitment of students of color to the program, and retention and
mentoring of students of color while attending a teacher preparation program and
teaching in an eligible Minnesota public school under subdivision 2, clause
(4). The director must consult with the commissioner to consider the use of
existing state programs, as appropriate, to provide the services under this
paragraph.
Subd. 4. Loan forgiveness; deferral; repayment. (a) A scholar loan
may be forgiven if a recipient is employed as a teacher under section 122A.40
or 122A.41 in an eligible school under subdivision 2, clause (4). The director
shall forgive up to $2,500 of the principal of the outstanding loan amount for
successful completion of each school year of full-time teaching up to four
school years of teaching in an eligible school or a pro rata amount of the
principal for eligible employment during part of a school year, part-time
employment as a substitute, or other part-time teaching.
(b) If there is no eligible
employment available, the director may grant an exemption from the 15 percent
district student of color teaching requirement or a deferral from payment of
principal and interest on the loan. The director may also grant a deferral of
payment of principal and interest on the loan during any time period the
recipient is enrolled at least one-half time in an advanced degree program in a
field that leads to employment by a school district. The recipient shall apply
for a loan deferral by submitting written notification to the director in a
form and manner established by the director.
(c) A recipient with an
outstanding scholar loan amount who is not having the loan forgiven under
paragraph (a) or deferred under paragraph (b) must repay the principal of the
loan plus interest at the rate of six percent. The interest rate must begin
accruing the first day of the first month following the last month of the
period of forgiveness or deferral. Interest does not accrue during the period
of forgiveness or deferral.
(d) The director shall
establish repayment procedures for scholar loans including, at least, variable repayment
schedules consistent with the need and anticipated income streams of loan
recipients. The repayment period begins the first day of the first month after:
(1) the recipient terminates
full-time enrollment in an approved teacher preparation program;
(2) the recipient completes
an approved teacher preparation program and does not teach in an eligible
school under subdivision 2, clause (4), or have an exemption under paragraph
(b);
(3) the period of
forgiveness under paragraph (a) ends; or
(4) the period of deferral
under paragraph (b) ends.
Subd. 5. Revolving fund. The scholar loan repayment revolving
account is established in the state treasury. Any amounts repaid by a loan
recipient shall be deposited in the account. All money in the account is
annually appropriated to the director for the purposes of the scholar loan
program under this section.
Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 122A.72, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Center functions. (a) A teacher
center shall perform functions according to this subdivision. The center shall
assist teachers, diagnose learning needs, experiment with the use of multiple
instructional approaches, assess pupil outcomes, assess staff development needs
and plans, and teach school personnel about effective pedagogical approaches.
The center shall develop and produce curricula and curricular materials
designed to meet the educational needs of pupils being served, by applying
educational research and new and improved methods, practices, and techniques.
The center shall provide programs to improve the skills of teachers to meet the
special educational needs of pupils. The center shall provide programs to
familiarize teachers with developments in
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curriculum formulation and
educational research, including how research can be used to improve teaching
skills. The center shall facilitate sharing of resources, ideas, methods, and
approaches directly related to classroom instruction and improve teachers'
familiarity with current teaching materials and products for use in their
classrooms. The center shall provide in-service programs.
(b) Each teacher center must provide a professional
development program to train interested and highly qualified elementary,
middle, and secondary teachers, selected by the employing school district, to
assist other teachers in that district with mathematics and science curriculum,
standards, and instruction so that all teachers have access to:
(1) high quality professional development programs
in mathematics and science that address curriculum, instructional methods,
alignment of standards, and performance measurements, enhance teacher and
student learning, and support state mathematics and science standards; and
(2) research-based mathematics and science programs
and instructional models premised on best practices that inspire teachers and
students and have practical classroom application.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for the 2007-2008 school year and later.
Sec. 27. [122A.95]
VETERAN'S DAY RECOGNITION.
(a) Every independent, special, and common school
district and every charter school shall honor the federal Veteran's Day holiday
by:
(1) granting to each staff member who is a veteran
the option of using Veteran's Day as a personal leave day; and
(2) if the school district or school is open and
providing instruction on Veteran's Day, instructing the students about
Veteran's Day and the significance to our nation of the service provided by
veterans. The instruction must be given in each school for at least 30 minutes
or one school period, whichever is longer.
(b) In recognition of the educational value of
observing Veteran's Day and honoring the service provided by all our veterans,
Minnesota institutions, organizations, and other entities are encouraged to
honor the federal Veteran's Day holiday by granting to each employee who is a
veteran a day off with pay on that holiday.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.02,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 16a. Membership
in economic development, community, and civic organizations. The
board may authorize payment of a district administrator's membership fee to
local economic development associations or other community or civic
organizations.
Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.03,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Definitions.
For purposes of this section:
(a) "School" means a school as defined in
section 120A.22, subdivision 4, except a home school, and includes a school
receiving tribal contract or grant school aid under section 124D.83; school,
for the purposes of this section, also means a service cooperative, a special
education cooperative, or an education district under Minnesota Statutes 1997
Supplement, section 123.35, a charter school under section 124D.10, and a joint
powers district under section 471.59.
(b) "School hiring authority" means the
school principal or other person having general control and supervision of the
school.
(c) "Security violations" means the
failure to prevent or failure to institute safeguards to prevent access, use,
retention, or dissemination of information in violation of the security and management
control outsourcing standard.
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Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.03,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Third-party
handling of criminal history record information. (a) For purposes of
this section, a school hiring authority may contract with a third party to
conduct background checks required in subdivision 1. Prior to engaging in the
contract the school hiring authority shall:
(1) request and receive written permission from the
state compact officer as defined in section 299C.58, article I, paragraph (2),
item (B);
(2) provide the state compact officer a copy of the
contract; and
(3) inquire of the state compact officer whether a
prospective contractor has any security violations.
(b) The contract shall specifically describe the
purposes for which the background check information may be made available,
consistent with applicable data practices law, and shall incorporate by
reference a security and management control outsourcing standard approved by
the state compact officer.
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.37,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Boards
shall not charge certain fees. (a) A board is not authorized to charge fees
in the following areas:
(1) textbooks, workbooks, art materials, laboratory
supplies, towels;
(2) supplies necessary for participation in any
instructional course except as authorized in sections 123B.36 and 123B.38;
(3) field trips that are required as a part of a
basic education program or course;
(4) graduation caps, gowns, any specific form of
dress necessary for any educational program, and diplomas;
(5) instructional costs for necessary school
personnel employed in any course or educational program required for
graduation;
(6) library books required to be utilized for any
educational course or program;
(7) admission fees, dues, or fees for any activity
the pupil is required to attend;
(8) any admission or examination cost for any
required educational course or program;
(9) locker rentals;
(10) transportation to and from school of pupils
living two miles or more from school.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clauses (1) and
(6), a board may charge fees for textbooks, workbooks, and library books, lost
or destroyed by students. The board must annually notify parents or guardians
and students about its policy to charge a fee under this paragraph.
(c) A school board must not charge a fee to a person
serving in active military service under section 190.05, subdivision 5, who
requests that the school district or charter school transmit a copy of the
person's transcript to a postsecondary institution or prospective employer. The
school district or charter school may request reasonable proof of the service
member's current military duty status.
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Sec. 32. [123B.485]
NONPUBLIC SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS.
A nonpublic school that receives services or aid
under sections 123B.40 to 123B.48 must not charge a fee to a person serving in
active military service under section 190.05, subdivision 5, who requests that
the nonpublic school transmit a copy of the person's transcript to a
postsecondary institution or prospective employer. The nonpublic school may
request reasonable proof of the service member's current military status.
Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.92,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Alternative
attendance programs. (a) A district that enrolls nonresident pupils
in programs under sections 124D.03, 124D.06, 124D.08, 123A.05 to 123A.08, and
124D.68, must provide authorized transportation to the pupil within the attendance
area for the school that the pupil attends at the same level of service that is
provided to resident pupils within the attendance area. The resident district
need not provide or pay for transportation between the pupil's residence and
the district's border.
(b) A district may provide transportation to allow a
student who attends a high-need English language learner program and who
resides within the transportation attendance area of the program to continue in
the program until the student completes the highest grade level offered by the
program.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 34. [124D.091]
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT PROGRAM AID.
Subdivision 1. Accreditation.
To establish a uniform standard by which concurrent enrollment courses and
professional development activities may be measured, postsecondary institutions
are encouraged to apply for accreditation by the National Alliance of
Concurrent Enrollment Partnership.
Subd. 2. Eligibility.
A district that offers a concurrent enrollment course according to an
agreement under section 124D.09, subdivision 10, is eligible to receive aid for
the costs of providing postsecondary courses at the high school. Beginning in
fiscal year 2011, districts only are eligible for aid if the college or
university concurrent enrollment courses offered by the district are accredited
by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnership, in the process
of being accredited, or are shown by clear evidence to be of comparable
standard to accredited courses.
Subd. 3. Aid.
An eligible district shall receive $150 per pupil enrolled in a concurrent
enrollment course. The money must be used to defray the cost of delivering the
course at the high school. The commissioner shall establish application
procedures and deadlines for receipt of aid payments.
Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.095,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Definitions.
For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.
(a) "Online learning" is an interactive
course or program that delivers instruction from a teacher to a student by
computer; is combined with other traditional delivery methods that include
frequent student assessment and may include actual teacher contact time; and
meets or exceeds state academic standards.
(b) "Online learning provider" is a school
district, an intermediate school district, an organization of two or more
school districts operating under a joint powers agreement, or a charter school
located in Minnesota that provides online learning to students.
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(c) "Student" is a
Minnesota resident enrolled in a school under section 120A.22, subdivision 4,
in kindergarten through grade 12.
(d) "Online learning
student" is a student enrolled in an online learning course or program
delivered by an online provider under paragraph (b).
(e) "Enrolling district"
means the school district or charter school in which a student is enrolled
under section 120A.22, subdivision 4, for purposes of compulsory attendance.
(f) "Supplemental
online learning" means an online course taken in place of a course period
during the regular school day at a local district school.
(g) "Full-time online
provider" means an enrolling school authorized by the department to
deliver comprehensive public education at any or all of the elementary, middle,
or high school levels.
Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.095, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Authorization; notice; limitations on
enrollment. (a) A student may apply to an online learning provider to
enroll in online learning for full-time enrollment in an approved online
learning program under section 124D.03, 124D.08 or 124D.10, or for supplemental
online learning. Notwithstanding sections 124D.03, 124D.08, and 124D.10,
procedures for enrolling in online learning shall be as provided in this
subdivision. A student age 17 or younger must have the written consent of a
parent or guardian to apply. No school district or charter school may prohibit
a student from applying to enroll in online learning. An online learning
provider that accepts a student under this section must, within ten days,
notify the student and the enrolling district if the enrolling district is not
the online learning provider. The notice must report the student's course or
program and hours of instruction. In order that a student may enroll in
online learning, the student and the student's parents must submit an
application to the online learning provider and identify the reason for
enrolling in online learning. The online learning provider that accepts a
student under this section must within ten days notify the student and the
enrolling district in writing if the enrolling district is not the online
learning provider. The student and family must notify the online learning
provider of their intent to enroll in online learning within ten days of
acceptance, at which time the student and parent must sign a statement of
assurance that they have reviewed the online course or program and understand
the expectations of online learning enrollment. The online learning provider
must notify the enrolling district of the student's enrollment in online
learning in writing on a form provided by the department.
(b) Supplemental online
learning notification to the enrolling district upon student enrollment in the
online learning program will include the courses or program, credits to be
awarded, the start date of online enrollment, and confirmation that the courses
will meet the student's graduation plan. A student may enroll in supplemental
online learning courses up to the midpoint of the enrolling district's term.
The enrolling district may waive this requirement for special circumstances and
upon acceptance by the online provider.
(b) An online learning
student must notify the enrolling district at least 30 days before taking an
online learning course or program if the enrolling district is not providing
the online learning. (c)
An online learning provider must notify the commissioner that it is delivering
online learning and report the number of online learning students it is
accepting and the online learning courses and programs it is delivering.
(c) (d) An online learning provider
may limit enrollment if the provider's school board or board of directors
adopts by resolution specific standards for accepting and rejecting students'
applications.
(d) (e) An enrolling district may
reduce an online learning student's regular classroom instructional membership
in proportion to the student's membership in online learning courses.
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Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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. An online learning provider must
make available to the enrolling district the course syllabus, standard alignment,
content outline, assessment requirements, and contact information for
supplemental online courses taken by students in 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 course schedule 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 in
supplemental online learning courses 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 to a maximum of 50 percent
of the student's full schedule of courses per term. A student may exceed the
supplemental online learning registration limit if the enrolling district
grants permission for supplemental online learning enrollment above the limit,
or if an agreement is made between the enrolling district and the online
learning provider for instructional services;
(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) 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.
(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.
(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.
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(f) To enroll in more than
50 percent of the student's full schedule of courses per term in online
learning, the student must qualify to exceed the supplemental online learning
registration limit under paragraph (b) or apply for enrollment to an approved
full-time online learning program following appropriate procedures in
subdivision 3, paragraph (a). Full-time online learning students may enroll in
classes at a local school per contract for instructional services between the
online learning provider and the school district.
Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.095, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Department of Education. (a) The
department must review and certify online learning providers. The online
learning courses and programs must be rigorous, aligned with state academic
standards, and contribute to grade progression in a single subject. Online
learning providers must affirm demonstrate to the commissioner
that online learning courses have equivalent standards or instruction,
curriculum, and assessment requirements as other courses offered to enrolled
students. The online learning provider must also demonstrate expectations for
actual teacher contact time or other student-to-teacher communication. Once an
online learning provider is approved under this paragraph, all of its online
learning course offerings are eligible for payment under this section unless a
course is successfully challenged by an enrolling district or the department
under paragraph (b).
(b) An enrolling district
may challenge the validity of a course offered by an online learning provider.
The department must review such challenges based on the certification
procedures under paragraph (a). The department may initiate its own review of
the validity of an online learning course offered by an online learning
provider.
(c) The department may
collect a fee not to exceed $250 for certifying online learning providers or
$50 per course for reviewing a challenge by an enrolling district.
(d) The department must
develop, publish, and maintain a list of approved online learning providers and
online learning courses and programs that it has reviewed and certified.
Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.10, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Formation of school. (a) A sponsor may
authorize one or more licensed teachers under section 122A.18, subdivision 1,
to operate a charter school subject to approval by the commissioner. A board
must vote on charter school application for sponsorship no later than 90 days
after receiving the application. After 90 days, the applicant may apply to
the commissioner. If a board elects not to sponsor a charter school, the
applicant may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner who may elect to
assist the applicant in finding an eligible sponsor. The school must be
organized and operated as a cooperative under chapter 308A or nonprofit
corporation under chapter 317A and the provisions under the applicable chapter
shall apply to the school except as provided in this section. Notwithstanding
sections 465.717 and 465.719, a school district may create a corporation for
the purpose of creating a charter school.
(b) Before the operators may
form and operate a school, the sponsor must file an affidavit with the
commissioner stating its intent to authorize a charter school. The affidavit
must state the terms and conditions under which the sponsor would authorize a
charter school and how the sponsor intends to oversee the fiscal and student
performance of the charter school and to comply with the terms of the written
contract between the sponsor and the charter school board of directors under
subdivision 6. The commissioner must approve or disapprove the sponsor's
proposed authorization within 90 days of receipt of the affidavit. Failure to
obtain commissioner approval precludes a sponsor from authorizing the charter
school that was the subject of the affidavit.
(c) The operators authorized
to organize and operate a school, before entering into a contract or other
agreement for professional or other services, goods, or facilities, must incorporate
as a cooperative under chapter 308A or as a nonprofit corporation under chapter
317A and must establish a board of directors composed of at least five members
until a timely election for members of the charter school board of directors is
held according to the school's articles
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and bylaws. A charter school
board of directors must be composed of at least five members. Any staff members
who are employed at the school, including teachers providing instruction under
a contract with a cooperative, and all parents of children enrolled in the
school may participate in the election for members of the school's board of
directors. Licensed teachers employed at the school, including teachers
providing instruction under a contract with a cooperative, must be a majority
of the members of the board of directors before the school completes its third
year of operation, unless the commissioner waives the requirement for a
majority of licensed teachers on the board. Board of director meetings must
comply with chapter 13D.
(d) The granting or renewal
of a charter by a sponsoring entity must not be conditioned upon the bargaining
unit status of the employees of the school.
(e) A sponsor may authorize
the operators of a charter school to expand the operation of the charter school
to additional sites or to add additional grades at the school beyond those
described in the sponsor's application as approved by the commissioner only
after submitting a supplemental application to the commissioner in a form and
manner prescribed by the commissioner. The supplemental application must
provide evidence that:
(1) the expansion of the
charter school is supported by need and projected enrollment;
(2) the charter school is
fiscally sound;
(3) the sponsor supports the
expansion; and
(4) the building of the
additional site meets all health and safety requirements to be eligible for
lease aid.
(f) The commissioner annually
must provide timely financial management training to newly elected members of a
charter school board of directors and ongoing training to other members of a
charter school board of directors. Training must address ways to:
(1) proactively assess opportunities
for a charter school to maximize all available revenue sources;
(2) establish and maintain
complete, auditable records for the charter school;
(3) establish proper filing
techniques;
(4) document formal actions
of the charter school, including meetings of the charter school board of
directors;
(5) properly manage and
retain charter school and student records;
(6) comply with state and
federal payroll record-keeping requirements; and
(7) address other similar
factors that facilitate establishing and maintaining complete records on the
charter school's operations.
Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.10, subdivision 23a, is amended to read:
Subd. 23a. Related party lease costs. (a) A
charter school is prohibited from entering a lease of real property with a
related party as defined in this subdivision 26, unless the
lessor is a nonprofit corporation under chapter 317A or a cooperative under
chapter 308A, and the lease cost is reasonable under section 124D.11, subdivision
4, clause (1).
(b) For purposes of this subdivision
section and section 124D.11:
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(1) A "related
party" is an affiliate or close relative of the other party in question,
an affiliate of a close relative, or a close relative of an affiliate.
(2) "Affiliate"
means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries,
controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another person.
(3) "Close
relative" means an individual whose relationship by blood, marriage, or
adoption to another individual is no more remote than first cousin.
(4) "Person" means
an individual or entity of any kind.
(5) "Control"
includes the terms "controlling," "controlled by," and
"under common control with" and means the possession, direct or
indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management,
operations, or policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract, or otherwise.
(c) A lease of real property
to be used for a charter school, not excluded in paragraph (b) (a),
must contain the following statement: "This lease is subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.10, subdivision 23a."
(d) If a charter school
enters into as lessee a lease with a related party and the charter school
subsequently closes, the commissioner has the right to recover from the lessor
any lease payments in excess of those that are reasonable under section
124D.11, subdivision 4, clause (1).
Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.10, subdivision 24, is amended to read:
Subd. 24. Pupil enrollment upon nonrenewal or
termination of charter school contract. If a contract is not renewed or is
terminated according to subdivision 23, a pupil who attended the school,
siblings of the pupil, or another pupil who resides in the same place as the
pupil may enroll in the resident district or may submit an application to a
nonresident district according to section 124D.03 at any time. Applications and
notices required by section 124D.03 must be processed and provided in a prompt
manner. The application and notice deadlines in section 124D.03 do not apply
under these circumstances. The closed charter school must transfer the
student's educational records within ten business days of closure to the
student's school district of residence where the records must be retained or
transferred under section 120A.22, subdivision 7.
Sec. 42. [124D.645] MULTIRACIAL DIVERSITY.
(a) Notwithstanding other
law or rule to the contrary and in order to effectively meet students'
educational needs and foster parents' meaningful participation in their
children's education, a school district may apply to the commissioner for a
waiver from the requirement to maintain racial balance within a district school
if the racial imbalance in that school results from:
(1) the enrollment of
protected multiracial students and the proportion of enrolled multiracial
students reflects the proportion of multiracial students who reside in the
school attendance area or who are enrolled in the grade levels served by the
district; or
(2) the enrollment of
limited English proficiency students in a transition program that includes an
intensive English component.
The commissioner must grant
the waiver if the district in which the school is located offers the
multiracial students or the limited English proficiency students, as
appropriate, the option of enrolling in another school with the requisite racial
balance, and the students' parents choose not to pursue that option.
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(b) This section is
effective for the 2006-2007 through 2010-2011 school years or until amended
rules are adopted under Minnesota Rules, chapter 3535, pertaining to racial
diversity, whichever comes first.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.84, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Awards. The commissioner may award
shall establish procedures for the distribution of scholarships to any
Minnesota resident student who is of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry, who
has applied for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant
programs, and who, in the opinion of the commissioner, based upon
postsecondary institution recommendations, has the capabilities to benefit
from further education. Scholarships must be for accredited degree programs in
accredited Minnesota colleges or universities or for courses in accredited
Minnesota business, technical, or vocational schools. Scholarships may also be
given to students attending Minnesota colleges that are in candidacy status for
obtaining full accreditation, and are eligible for and receiving federal
financial aid programs. Students are also eligible for scholarships when
enrolled as students in Minnesota higher education institutions that have joint
programs with other accredited higher education institutions. Scholarships
shall be used to defray the total cost of education including tuition,
incidental fees, books, supplies, transportation, other related school costs
and the cost of board and room and shall be paid directly to the college or
school concerned where the student receives federal financial aid. The total
cost of education includes all tuition and fees for each student enrolling in a
public institution and the portion of tuition and fees for each student
enrolling in a private institution that does not exceed the tuition and fees at
a comparable public institution. Each student shall be awarded a
scholarship based on the total cost of the student's education and a
federal standardized need analysis after application of federal Pell money,
state grant money, and other scholarships. Depending upon students' unmet
needs, the Minnesota Indian scholarship program may award up to the current
federal Pell grant allowable maximum student award per school year.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for all other sources of financial aid.
When an Indian student
satisfactorily completes the work required by a certain college or school in a
school year the student is eligible for additional scholarships, if additional
training is necessary to reach the student's educational and vocational
objective. Scholarships may not be given to any Indian student for more than
five years of study at the undergraduate level and five years at the
graduate level. Students may acquire only one degree per level and one terminal
degree.
Sec. 44. [124D.8955] PARENT AND FAMILY
INVOLVEMENT POLICY.
(a) In order to promote and
support student achievement, a local school board must formally adopt and
implement a parent and family involvement policy that promotes and supports:
(1) communication between
home and school that is regular, two-way, and meaningful;
(2) parenting skills;
(3) parents and caregivers
who play an integral role in assisting student learning and learn about fostering
students' academic success and learning at home and school;
(4) welcoming parents in the
school and seeking their support and assistance;
(5) partnerships with
parents in the decisions that affect children and families in the schools; and
(6) providing community
resources to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.
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(b) The school board must
convene an advisory committee composed of an equal number of resident parents
who are not district employees and school staff to make recommendations to the
board on developing and evaluating the board's parent and family involvement
policy. If possible, the advisory committee must represent the diversity of the
district. The advisory committee must consider the district's demographic
diversity and barriers to parent involvement when developing its
recommendations. The advisory committee must present its recommendations to the
board for board consideration.
(c) The board must consider
best practices when implementing this policy.
(d) The board periodically
must review this policy to determine whether it is aligned with the most
current research findings on parent involvement policies and practices and how
effective the policy is in supporting increased student achievement.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008, and later.
Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 126C.10, subdivision 34, is amended to read:
Subd. 34. Basic alternative teacher compensation aid.
(a) For fiscal year 2006, the basic alternative teacher compensation aid for
a school district or an intermediate school district with a plan approved under
section 122A.414, subdivision 2b, equals the alternative teacher compensation
revenue under section 122A.415, subdivision 1. The basic alternative teacher
compensation aid for a charter school with an approved plan under section
122A.414, subdivision 2b, equals $260 times the number of pupils enrolled in
the school on October 1 of the previous school year, or on October 1 of the
current fiscal year for a charter school in the first year of operation.
(b) For fiscal year 2007 and
later, the basic alternative teacher compensation aid for a school district
with a plan approved under section 122A.414, subdivision 2b, equals 73.1
percent of the alternative teacher compensation revenue under section 122A.415,
subdivision 1. The basic alternative teacher compensation aid for an
intermediate school district or a charter school with a plan
approved under section 122A.414, subdivisions 2a and 2b, if the recipient is
a charter school, equals $260 times the number of pupils enrolled in the
school on October 1 of the previous fiscal year, or on October 1 of the current
fiscal year for a charter school in the first year of operation, times the
ratio of the sum of the alternative teacher compensation aid and alternative
teacher compensation levy for all participating school districts to the maximum
alternative teacher compensation revenue for those districts under section
122A.415, subdivision 1.
(b) The basic alternative
teacher compensation aid for an intermediate school district with a plan
approved under section 122A.414, subdivision 2b, equals $3,800 times the number
of licensed teachers teaching in the school on October 1 of the previous fiscal
year.
(c) Notwithstanding
paragraphs (a) and (b), and section 122A.415, subdivision 1, the state
total basic alternative teacher compensation aid entitlement must not exceed
$19,329,000 for fiscal year 2006 and $75,636,000 for fiscal year 2007 and
later. The commissioner must limit the amount of alternative teacher
compensation aid approved under section 122A.415 so as not to exceed these
limits.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective
for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 46. [135A.104] COLLEGE READINESS.
(a) The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
must collaborate with the office of educational accountability under section 120B.31,
subdivision 3, in determining passing scores on the Minnesota comprehensive
assessments in reading and language arts for grade 10 and in mathematics for
grade 11 under section 120B.30 so that "passing score" performances
on those two assessments represent a student's college readiness. For purposes
of this section
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and chapter 120B,
"college readiness" means that a student who graduates from a public
high school is immediately ready to take college courses for college credit in
a two-year or a four-year institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities system. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities also must
collaborate with the commissioner of education to develop and implement a
statewide plan to communicate the state's expectations for college readiness to
all Minnesota high school students no later than the beginning of ninth grade.
(b) The entrance and admission materials that the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities provide to prospective students must
clearly indicate the level of academic preparation that students must have in
order to be ready to immediately take college courses for college credit in
two-year and four-year institutions.
Sec. 47. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 81, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 263, article 2, section
20, is amended to read:
Sec. 81. BOARD
OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS; RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
On or before June 30, 2007 2008, the
Board of School Administrators may adopt rules 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. 48. GRANT
PROGRAM TO PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment.
A grant program to promote professional teaching standards through the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is established to provide
teachers with the opportunity to receive National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards certification and to reward teachers who have already
received this certification.
Subd. 2. Eligibility.
An applicant for a grant must:
(1) be a licensed teacher employed in a Minnesota
public school;
(2) have a minimum of five school years' classroom
teaching experience; and
(3) demonstrate acceptance by the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards as a candidate for board certification or as a
recipient of board certification.
Subd. 3. Application
process. To obtain a grant to participate in the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards certification process or to receive a reward
for already completing the board certification process, a teacher must submit
an application to the commissioner of education in the form and manner
established by the commissioner. The commissioner shall consult with the Board
of Teaching when reviewing the applications. The commissioner shall also
provide program support to assist applicants during the national board
certification process.
Subd. 4. Grant
awards; proceeds. (a) The commissioner may award grants of $1,000 to
eligible teachers accepted as candidates for the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards certification or for national board
certification renewal for partial payment of the teacher's candidate
application fee.
(b) The commissioner shall award grants of $3,000 to
all eligible teacher applicants who hold certification from the National Board
for Professional Teaching Standards and $2,000 for renewal of their national
board certification.
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(c) The commissioner shall also award grants to
eligible teachers who have received National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards certification within one year prior to the date of the teacher's
application for a grant to use for educational purposes, including purchasing
instructional materials, equipment, or supplies, and pursuing professional
development opportunities. The commissioner, under this paragraph, may award
grants not to exceed $1,000 after consulting with interested stakeholders
regarding the grant amount.
Sec. 49. EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS.
Any rules adopted by the Board of School
Administrators governing principal licensure must require that a person
applying for a principal license have at least three years of successful teaching
experience gained while holding a classroom teaching license valid for the
positions in which the applicant taught.
Sec. 50. RULEMAKING
AUTHORITY.
The commissioner of education shall adopt rules for
implementing and administering the graduation-required assessment for diploma
(GRAD) in reading and mathematics and in writing, consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, section 120B.30, subdivision 1, and for public review of the GRAD
test. The rules must specify the GRAD requirements that apply to students in
unique circumstances including dual enrolled students, English language
learners, foreign exchange students, home school students, open enrollment
students, Minnesota postsecondary enrollment options students, shared-time
students, transfer students from other states, and district-placed students and
students attending school under a tuition agreement. The rules must establish
the criteria for determining individualized GRAD passing scores for students
with an individual education plan or a Section 504 plan and for using an
alternative assessment when a student's individual education plan team decides
to replace the GRAD test.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 51. RULEMAKING
REQUIRED.
(a) Notwithstanding the time limit in Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.125, the Board of Teaching must adopt the rules it was
mandated to adopt under Laws 2003, chapter 129, article 1, section 10. The
board must publish a notice of intent to adopt rules or a notice of hearing for
rules subject to this section before January 1, 2008.
(b) The failure of a board member to comply with
paragraph (a) is a willful failure to perform a specific act that is a required
part of the duties of a public official and is cause for removal under
Minnesota Statutes, section 15.0575, subdivision 4.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 52. RULEMAKING
AUTHORIZED; SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION SERVICE PROVIDERS.
The commissioner of education must amend Minnesota
Rules, part 3512.5400, consistent with the requirements under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 14, to include specifications that provide the basis for
withdrawing Department of Education approval from supplemental education
service providers that fail to increase students' academic proficiency for two
consecutive school years. The amended rule also must clearly indicate:
(1) how the Department of Education will disentangle
the impact of supplemental education from the impact of regular school
instruction on students' academic performance; and
(2) whether the Department of Education will assess
effectiveness of the supplemental education service providers using an absolute
measure, such as percent of "proficient" students or measure individual
students' growth toward proficiency over time.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 53. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.
(a) The commissioner of
education shall adopt rules under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, for physical
education standards required for high school graduation, consistent with
requirements governing Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.021, subdivision 1, clause
(5)(i), and 120B.024, paragraph (a), clause (6), after reviewing the six
physical education standards developed by the Department of Education's health
and physical education quality teaching network and consulting with interested
and qualified stakeholders and members of the public about the proposed
substance of the physical education standards.
(b) Consistent with the
requirements governing Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.021, subdivision 1,
clause (5)(ii), and 120B.024, paragraph (a), clause (6), the commissioner of
education must use the expedited rulemaking process under Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.389, to adopt a rule governing physical education standards that
contains the six National Physical Education Standards developed by the National
Association for Sport and Physical Education requiring a physically educated
person to:
(1) demonstrate competency
in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical
activities;
(2) demonstrate
understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they
apply to learning and performance of physical activities;
(3) participate regularly in
physical education;
(4) achieve and maintain a
health-enhancing level of physical fitness;
(5) exhibit responsible personal
and social behavior that respects one's self and others in physical activity
settings; and
(6) value physical activity
for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 54. WORLD LANGUAGES RESOURCES.
(a) The commissioner of
education shall employ a full-time state coordinator for world languages
education within the department by July 1, 2007. The commissioner shall seek
advice from the quality teaching network before assigning or hiring the
coordinator. The coordinator, at a minimum, shall:
(1) assist charter schools
and school districts in planning to develop or enhance their capacity to offer
world languages courses and programs;
(2) collaborate with
Minnesota world languages professionals and charter schools and school
districts and continuously seek their advice in developing all aspects of world
languages programs;
(3) survey Minnesota charter
schools and school districts to (i) determine the types of existing world
languages programs including, among others, those that use information
technology to provide high-quality world languages instruction, (ii) identify
exemplary model world languages programs, and (iii) identify and address staff
development needs of current world languages teachers, preservice teachers, and
teacher preparation programs;
(4) identify successful
world languages programs in other states;
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(5) consult with interested stakeholders to prepare
a report for the commissioner of education to submit by February 15, 2008, to
the education policy and finance committees of the legislature assessing the
feasibility and structure of a statewide world languages graduation requirement
under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.021, subdivision 1; and
(6) beginning February 1, 2008, and until February
1, 2012, report annually to the education policy and finance committees of the
legislature on the status of world languages in Minnesota and the programmatic
needs identified by charter school and school district surveys, and make
recommendations on how to address the identified needs.
(b) After carefully examining existing world languages
assessments, including among other considerations the ease or difficulty with
which the assessments may be adapted to world languages not currently assessed,
the commissioner, by July 1, 2009, shall recommend an assessment tool for
charter schools and school districts to use in measuring student progress in
acquiring proficiency in world languages.
(c) Beginning July 1, 2008, the department shall
assist world languages teachers and other school staff in developing and
implementing world languages programs that acknowledge and reinforce the
language proficiency and cultural awareness that non-English language speakers
already possess, and encourage students' proficiency in multiple world
languages. Programs under this paragraph must encompass indigenous American
Indian languages and cultures, among other world languages and cultures. The
department shall consult with postsecondary institutions in developing related
professional development opportunities
(d) The commissioner, upon request, must evaluate
the plans of charter schools and school districts to develop or enhance their
capacity to offer world languages courses and programs and continue to offer
technical assistance to districts in developing or enhancing world languages
programs. The department shall assist districts in monitoring local assessment
results.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 55. WORLD
LANGUAGES PILOT PROGRAM GRANTS.
(a) A pilot program awarding five world languages
grants of $50,000 per grant to interested and qualified school sites and school
districts is established for fiscal year 2009 to develop and implement
sustainable, high-quality model world languages programs and to enhance
existing world languages programs at various grade levels for students in
kindergarten through grade 12. Program participants must simultaneously support
both non-English language learners in maintaining their native language while
mastering English and native English speakers in learning other languages.
(b) Interested school sites and school districts
must apply to the commissioner of education in the form and manner the
commissioner determines. The application must indicate whether the applicant
intends to develop a new world languages program or expand an existing world
languages program and whether the applicant intends to offer more intensive
programs or programs that are readily accessible to larger numbers of students.
Applicants must agree to disseminate information about their programs to interested
school sites and school districts.
(c) The commissioner must award grants to qualified
applicants that satisfy the requirements in paragraphs (a) and (b). To the
extent there are qualified applicants, the commissioner must award grants to qualified
applicants on an equitable geographic basis to the extent feasible. The
commissioner must award three grants to kindergarten through grade 8 sites, one
grant to a qualified site interested in developing or enhancing a sustainable
Mandarin Chinese program, and one grant to an indigenous American Indian world
languages program. Grantees must expend the grant consistent with the content
of their application and this section.
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(d) The commissioner shall provide for an evaluation
of the grantees to identify exemplary model world languages programs and the
staff development needs of world languages teachers and report the findings of
the evaluation to the education policy and finance committees of the
legislature by February 15, 2010.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for the 2007-2008 school year.
Sec. 56. BILINGUAL
AND MULTILINGUAL CERTIFICATES; DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
The Department of Education, in consultation with
interested stakeholders, must develop and recommend to the legislature by
February 15, 2008, the standards and process for awarding bilingual and
multilingual certificates to those kindergarten through grade 12 students who
demonstrate and maintain a requisite level of proficiency in multiple
languages.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 57. MASTER
TEACHER TRAINING IN ECONOMICS AND PERSONAL FINANCE.
The commissioner of education must contract with the
Minnesota Council on Economic Education to allow 20 highly qualified economics
and personal finance teachers throughout the state to participate in a
week-long summer training program that offers content, skills for teaching
adults, mentoring, and workshop planning and delivery. The program must enable
participants, as master teachers, to provide professional development to other
teachers interested in improving their teaching of economics and personal
finance. Successful master teachers may co-teach teacher workshops with members
of the statewide network of centers for economic education and provide
professional development workshops as part of school districts' professional
development programs.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 58. SCHOOL
PERFORMANCE REPORT CARDS; ADVISORY GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) To sustain equity and excellence in education,
the Independent Office of Educational Accountability under Minnesota Statutes,
section 120B.31, subdivision 3, must convene and facilitate an advisory group
of measurement experts to consider and recommend how to structure school
performance data and school performance report cards under Minnesota Statutes,
section 120B.36, subdivision 1, to fully, fairly, and accurately report student
achievement and emphasize school excellence under Minnesota's system of
educational accountability and public reporting. The advisory group at least
must consider and recommend how to: evaluate student achievement using multiple
measures of growth that take into account student demographic characteristics,
consistent with Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 4; and
identify outstanding schools based on student achievement and achievement
growth and using multiple performance measures that are objective and
consistent with the highest standards in the field of educational measurements
and accountability. The advisory group, at its discretion, may also consider
and make recommendations on other related statewide accountability and
reporting matters.
(b) Advisory group members
under paragraph (a) include: two qualified experts in measurement in education
selected by the State Council on Measurement in Education; three regionally diverse
school district research and evaluation directors selected by the Minnesota
Assessment Group; one school superintendent selected by the Minnesota
Association of School Administrators; one University of Minnesota faculty
selected by the dean of the College of Education and Human Development; one
licensed teacher selected by Education Minnesota; two parents selected by the
Minnesota Parent Teachers Association with expertise in measurement in
education; and the director of evaluation and testing at the Minnesota
Department of Education. Advisory group members' terms and other
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advisory group matters are
subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6. The Independent
Office of Educational Accountability must present the advisory group's
recommendations under paragraph (a) to the education policy and finance
committees of the legislature by February 15, 2008. The advisory group expires
February 16, 2008.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 59. ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL CALENDAR PILOT
PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Establishment. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 120A.41 or 120A.415, or other law to the contrary, but consistent with
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.128, an alternative school calendar pilot
program is established to examine the impact of school calendar arrangements on
student learning by comparing students' academic gains in school districts and
charter schools that use traditional and nontraditional school calendars. The
commissioner of education must structure the program and select elementary and
secondary program participants with the purpose of comparing the impact of
traditional and nontraditional school calendars on:
(1) the amount of
educational material students retain after school vacations;
(2) the educational
enrichment opportunities and remedial help available to students throughout the
school year;
(3) the impact of the
calendar on student attendance, student disciplinary actions, and student
achievement test scores; and
(4) the amount of time
available to students and school staff for out-of-school learning, vacations,
and recreation.
Subd. 2. Eligibility; application. An interested school district,
charter school, or groups of school districts or charter schools that
participate for a particular purpose may apply to the commissioner of education
to participate in the pilot program in the form and manner the commissioner
determines. An applicant must identify in its application the internal and
external factors that it anticipates may determine its preference for a
traditional or nontraditional school calendar, including the impact of the
school calendar on: costs related to employee compensation, transportation,
food, facility use throughout the calendar year, and facility maintenance;
needs of at-risk students; number of instructional and staff development days;
and the availability of extracurricular activities, community resources, and before-
and after-school care and child care. The commissioner may require an applicant
to provide additional information.
Subd. 3. Application review; grant awards. When reviewing an
application, the commissioner must determine whether the applicant met the
requirements in subdivisions 1 and 2, and only an applicant that satisfies all
the requirements is eligible to receive a grant under this section. The
commissioner must equitably distribute grant awards, to the extent feasible, on
the basis of geography and must consider grant applications from existing and
proposed flexible learning year programs under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.12. The commissioner must base the amount of the grant award on the number
of students the grantee has enrolled in school and the length and structure of
the grantee's school calendar. Grant expenditures must be consistent with
budget information the grantee periodically submits to the commissioner.
Subd. 4. Evaluation. The commissioner must provide for an ongoing annual
evaluation of the impact of school calendar arrangements on student learning
under subdivision 1, clauses (1) to (4). Within 180 days of when the pilot
program terminates, the commissioner must recommend to the education policy and
finance committees of the legislature preferred school calendars based upon
demonstrated student achievement and the criteria listed in subdivision 1.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 60. AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP.
Administration of the
American Indian scholarship program under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.84,
is transferred from the Department of Education to the Minnesota Office of
Higher Education. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education must maintain an
office at no cost to the scholarship program that employs at least one person
in the Bemidji area for distributing scholarships under this section. Office
space and support may be provided by Bemidji State University at no cost to the
scholarship program.
Sec. 61. TEACHER TRAINING TO INTEGRATE LEARNING
TECHNOLOGIES INTO K-12 CLASSROOMS.
(a) The commissioner of
education must contract with the University of Minnesota for qualified experts
to provide teacher training in effectively using computers and related
technologies in kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms. The experts must
provide professional development opportunities to teachers throughout the state
and enable participants to successfully use technology-related instructional
resources to help diverse students meet state and local academic standards and
graduation requirements and achieve educational excellence, and enhance
teachers' learning and curriculum content and instruction. The experts also
must enable participants to serve as master teachers to provide professional
development to other teachers interested in better integrating the use of
learning technologies into kindergarten through grade 12 classrooms.
Participants who serve as master teachers may co-teach teacher workshops with
other qualified professional development providers and participate in
professional development workshops as part of school districts' professional
development programs.
(b) The commissioner of
education must provide for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the teacher
training program under paragraph (a) and recommend to the education policy and
finance committees of the legislature by February 15, 2010, whether or not to
make the program available statewide.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 62. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ON MINNESOTA
AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES AND COMMUNITIES AND K-12 STANDARDS-BASED REFORM.
(a) The commissioner of
education shall appoint an advisory task force on Minnesota American Indian
tribes and communities and kindergarten through grade 12 standards-based reform
that is composed of the following representatives: Department of Education
staff experienced in working with American Indian students and programs;
Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities; Minnesota School Board
Association; school administrators; Education Minnesota; the state Board of
Teaching; the Minnesota Council on Indian Affairs; postsecondary faculty who serve
as instructors in teacher preparation programs; local community service
providers who work with Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities; and
other representatives recommended by task force members. Task force members'
terms and other task force matters are subject to Minnesota Statutes, section
15.059, subject to the limits of available appropriations. The task force must
submit a written report to the education policy and finance committees of the
legislature by February 15, 2008, that includes any recommended changes to the
state's performance standards, content requirements, assessments measures, and
teacher preparation programs to most effectively meet the educational needs of
American Indian students enrolled in Minnesota schools.
(b) Upon request, the
commissioner of education must provide the task force with technical, fiscal,
and other support.
(c) The task force expires
on February 16, 2008.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 63. REVISOR'S
INSTRUCTION.
The revisor of statutes shall renumber Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.84 to section 136A.126, correct cross-references, and
make other necessary corrections to implement section 58.
Sec. 64. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Minnesota
Office of Higher Education. The sums indicated in this section are
appropriated from the general fund to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
for the fiscal years designated.
Subd. 2. American
Indian scholarships. For American Indian scholarships under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.84:
$1,950,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,950,000 . . . . . 2009
Of this appropriation, $75,000 per year is for administration
under section 58.
Sec. 65. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota. The sums indicated in
this section are appropriated from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the
University of Minnesota for the fiscal years designated.
Subd. 2. Independent
Office of Educational Accountability. For the Independent Office of
Educational Accountability under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31,
subdivision 3:
$200,000 . . . . . 2008
$200,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Sec. 66. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department.
The sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund to
the Department of Education for the fiscal years designated.
Subd. 2. Charter
school building lease aid. For building lease aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.11, subdivision 4:
$31,875,000 . . . . . 2008
$36,193,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $2,814,000 for 2007
and $29,061,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $3,229,000 for 2008
and $32,964,000 for 2009.
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Subd. 3. Charter school startup cost aid. For charter school startup
cost aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.11:
$1,896,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,161,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $241,000 for 2007 and $1,655,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes
$183,000 for 2008 and $1,978,000 for 2009.
Subd. 4. Integration aid. For integration aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.86, subdivision 5:
$61,769,000 . . . . . 2008
$61,000,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $5,824,000 for 2007 and $55,945,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $6,216,000 for 2008 and $54,784,000 for 2009.
Subd. 5. Magnet school program grants. For magnet school program
grants:
$750,000 . . . . . 2008
$750,000 . . . . . 2009
These amounts may be used
for magnet school programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.88.
Up to $100,000 each year is
available for site-based decision-making grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 123B.04, subdivision 2, clause (g).
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
Subd. 6. Interdistrict desegregation or integration transportation grants.
For interdistrict desegregation or integration transportation grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.87:
$9,639,000 . . . . . 2008
$11,567,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 7. Success for the future. For American Indian success for
the future grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.81:
$2,137,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,137,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $213,000 for 2007 and $1,924,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $213,000 for 2008 and $1,924,000 for 2009.
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Subd. 8. American Indian
teacher preparation grants. For joint grants to assist American
Indians to become teachers under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.63:
$190,000 . . . . . 2008
$190,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 9. Tribal
contract schools. For tribal contract school aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.83:
$2,251,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,463,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $204,000 for 2007
and $2,047,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $227,000 for 2008
and $2,236,000 for 2009.
Subd. 10. Early
childhood family education programs at tribal contract schools. For
early childhood family education programs at tribal contract schools under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.83, subdivision 4:
$68,000 . . . . . 2008
$68,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 11. Statewide
testing and reporting system. For the statewide testing and
reporting system under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.30:
$12,650,000 . . . . . 2008
$12,650,000 . . . . . 2009
$11,500,000 each year is to continue the general administration
and reporting of the statewide testing program.
$1,150,000 each year is for the value-added index
assessment model.
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
The base for this program in fiscal year 2010 and
later is $12,650,000.
Subd. 12. First
grade preparedness. For first grade preparedness grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.081:
$7,250,000 . . . . . 2008
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 . . . . . 2008
$4,500,000 . . . . . 2009
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(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.
(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.
Subd. 14. Preadvanced placement, advanced placement, international
baccalaureate, and concurrent enrollment programs. For preadvanced
placement, advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and concurrent
enrollment programs under Minnesota Statutes, sections 120B.132 and 124D.091:
$7,740,000 . . . . . 2008
$8,600,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $0 for fiscal year 2007 and $7,740,000 for fiscal year 2008. The 2009
appropriation includes $860,000 for fiscal year 2008 and $7,740,000 for fiscal
year 2009.
Of this amount, $2,500,000
each year is for concurrent enrollment program aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.091. If the appropriation is insufficient, the commissioner must
proportionately reduce the aid payment to each district.
Subd. 15. Collaborative urban educator. For collaborative urban
educator grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.641:
$1,301,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,301,000 . . . . . 2009
$500,000 each year is for
the Southeast Asian teacher program at Concordia University, St. Paul; $400,000
each year is for the collaborative urban educator program at the University of
St. Thomas; and $400,000 each year is for the Center for Excellence in Urban
Teaching at Hamline University. Grant recipients must collaborate with urban
and nonurban school districts.
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
Subd. 16. Youth works program. For funding youth works programs
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.37 to 124D.45:
$900,000 . . . . . 2008
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$900,000 . . . . . 2009
A grantee organization may provide health and child
care coverage to the dependents of each participant enrolled in a full-time
youth works program to the extent the coverage is not otherwise available.
Subd. 17. Early childhood
literacy programs. For early childhood literacy programs under
Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.50, subdivision 3:
$1,500,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,500,000 . . . . . 2009
$1,000,000 each year is for leveraging federal and
private funding to support AmeriCorps members serving in the Minnesota Reading
Corps program established by Serve Minnesota, including costs associated with
the training and teaching of early literacy skills to children age three to
grade 3 and the evaluation of the impact of the program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.42, subdivision 8.
$500,000 each year is for grants for early childhood
literacy programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.50, subdivision 3,
paragraph (a).
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 18. St. Croix
River Education District. For a grant to the St. Croix River
Education District:
$500,000 . . . . . 2008
$500,000 . . . . . 2009
These funds must be used to:
(1) deliver standardized research-based professional
development in problem-solving, including response to intervention,
scientifically based reading instruction, and standards-aligned instruction and
assessment;
(2) provide coaching to targeted districts
throughout the state;
(3) deliver large scale training throughout the
state;
(4) provide ongoing technical assistance to schools;
(5) assist with implementing professional
development content into higher education instructional curricula; and
(6) evaluate the effectiveness of project
activities.
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 19. Student
organizations. For student organizations:
$725,000 . . . . . 2008
$725,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
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Subd. 20. College level examination program (CLEP). For the college
level examination program (CLEP) under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.131:
$1,650,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,650,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
Subd. 21. Education planning and assessment (EPAS) program. For the
educational planning and assessment (EPAS) program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 120B.128:
$829,000 . . . . . 2008
$829,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
The base for this program in
fiscal year 2010 and later is $829,000.
Subd. 22. 21st century high schools. (a) For 21st century high
schools:
$1,920,000 . . . . . 2008
$6,843,000 . . . . . 2009
(b) $1,000,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for grants for alternative school calendar pilot programs under section
59. Grant funds may be used for pupil transportation costs.
(c) $6,443,000 in fiscal
year 2009 is for Career and Technical Aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.4531. The 2009 appropriation includes $0 for fiscal year 2008 and
$6,443,000 for fiscal year 2009.
(d) $500,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for professional teacher licensure.
(e) $150,000 each year is
for the quantum opportunities program.
(f) $250,000 each year is
for world languages resources for developing and implementing world languages
programs.
(g) $20,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for the committee on American Indian education under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.805.
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
The base for this
appropriation for fiscal year 2010 is $7,352,000 and $7,572,000 for fiscal year
2011.
Subd. 23. Minnesota
teacher development. (a) Effective, well prepared, fully engaged,
and adequately supported kindergarten through grade 12 classroom teachers,
along with parents, are critical partners in helping the many diverse student
populations realize meaningful academic achievement. To afford students needed
opportunities to learn effectively without remediation; to acknowledge and
reinforce the language proficiency and
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cultural awareness that
diverse language speakers possess; to encourage students' proficiency in
science, technology, mathematics, engineering, economics, civics, and foreign
languages; and to provide new and experienced teachers with sufficient staff
development resources and support to effectively work to close the student
achievement gap, the following resources are provided:
$4,950,000 . . . . . 2008
$4,000,000 . . . . . 2009
(b) $400,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Humanities Commission under Minnesota Statutes, section 138.911.
(c) $150,000 each year is for a grant to the
Minnesota Historical Society.
(d) $400,000 each year is for the Principals'
Leadership Institute under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.74. Any balance in
the first year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
(e) $1,300,000 each year is for teachers of color
scholarships under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.633.
(f) $2,600,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $1,750,000 in
fiscal year 2009 are for professional development programs. Of this amount: $1,667,000
in fiscal year 2008 and $1,125,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for grants for up to
five teacher centers under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.72, subdivision 5,
for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiative including
teacher workshops and expanded outreach programs in classrooms; $333,000 in
fiscal year 2008 and $225,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for a grant to the
Science Museum of Minnesota for the science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics initiative; $200,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for a grant to the
Minnesota Council on Economic Education for master teacher training in
economics and personal finance; and $400,000 each year is for teacher
technology training grants under section 61.
(g) $100,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for a grant to
the commissioner of education for a grant to the Learning Law and Democracy
Foundation for the development and electronic collection, review, and
distribution of educational materials supporting Minnesota's kindergarten
through grade 12 education standards for civics and government.
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
The base for the appropriations contained in this
subdivision for fiscal year 2010 and later is $800,000 per year.
Sec. 67. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 121A.23; and
124D.62, are repealed.
ARTICLE 3
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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:
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(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.
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
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(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.
For purposes of computing special education base
revenue initial aid 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).
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(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 for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.454, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Definitions. For the purposes of this
section, the definitions in this subdivision apply.
(a) "Base year"
means the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which aid will be
paid.
(b) "Basic revenue"
has the meaning given it in section 126C.10, subdivision 2. For the purposes of
computing basic revenue pursuant to this section, each child with a disability
shall be counted as prescribed in section 126C.05, subdivision 1.
(c) "Average daily
membership" has the meaning given it in section 126C.05.
(d) "Program growth
factor" means 1.00 for fiscal year 1998 and later.
(e) "Aid percentage
factor" means 100 percent for fiscal year 2000 and later.
(f) (b) "Essential
personnel" means a licensed teacher, licensed support services staff
person, paraprofessional providing direct services to students, or licensed
personnel under subdivision 12. This definition is not intended to change or
modify the definition of essential employee in chapter 179A.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.454, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Base revenue Initial aid.
(a) The transition-disabled program base revenue initial aid
equals the sum of the following amounts computed using base current
year data:
(1) 68 percent of the salary
of each essential licensed person or approved paraprofessional who provides
direct instructional services to students employed during that fiscal year for
services rendered in that district's transition program for children with a
disability;
(2) 47 percent of the costs
of necessary equipment for transition programs for children with a disability;
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(3) 47 percent of the costs of necessary travel
between instructional sites by transition program teachers of children with a
disability but not including travel to and from local, regional, district,
state, or national career and technical student organization meetings;
(4) 47 percent of the costs of necessary supplies
for transition programs for children with a disability but not to exceed an
average of $47 in any one school year for each child with a disability
receiving these services;
(5) for transition programs for children with
disabilities provided by a contract approved by the commissioner with public,
private, or voluntary agencies other than a Minnesota school district or
cooperative center, in place of programs provided by the district, 52 percent
of the difference between the amount of the contract and the basic revenue of
the district for that pupil for the fraction of the school day the pupil
receives services under the contract;
(6) for transition programs for children with disabilities
provided by a contract approved by the commissioner with public, private, or
voluntary agencies other than a Minnesota school district or cooperative
center, that are supplementary to a full educational program provided by the
school district, 52 percent of the amount of the contract; and
(7) for a contract approved by the commissioner with
another Minnesota school district or cooperative center for vocational
evaluation services for children with a disability for children that are not
yet enrolled in grade 12, 52 percent of the amount of the contract.
(b) If requested by a school district for transition
programs during the base year for less than the full school year, the
commissioner may adjust the base revenue to reflect the expenditures that would
have occurred during the base year had the program been operated for the full
year.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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 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 equalization aid attributable to a
pupil must be calculated using the resident district's average general
education revenue and referendum revenue equalization aid
per adjusted pupil unit.
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(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 equalization
aid attributable to that pupil, calculated using the resident district's
average general education revenue and referendum equalization aid per adjusted
pupil unit excluding basic skills revenue, elementary sparsity revenue and
secondary sparsity revenue, 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 equalization 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 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 excluding basic skills revenue, elementary sparsity
revenue and secondary sparsity revenue and the serving district's basic skills
revenue, elementary sparsity revenue and secondary sparsity revenue per
adjusted pupil unit. Notwithstanding clauses (1) and (4), for pupils served by
a cooperative unit without a fiscal agent school district, the general
education revenue and referendum equalization aid attributable to a pupil must
be calculated using the resident district's average general education revenue
and referendum equalization aid excluding elementary sparsity revenue and
secondary sparsity revenue. 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, a site approved under section 125A.515, an intermediate
district, 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 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 equalization aid" means the sum of the general
education revenue according to section 126C.10, subdivision 1, excluding
alternative teacher compensation revenue, plus the referendum equalization
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 the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.13, is
amended to read:
125A.13 SCHOOL
OF PARENTS' CHOICE.
(a) Nothing in this chapter must be construed as
preventing parents of a child with a disability from sending the child to a school
of their choice, if they so elect, subject to admission standards and policies
adopted according to sections 125A.62 to 125A.64 and 125A.66 to 125A.73, and
all other provisions of chapters 120A to 129C.
(b) The parent of a student with a disability not
yet enrolled in kindergarten and not open enrolled in a nonresident district
may request that the resident district enter into a tuition agreement with the
nonresident district if:
(1) the child is enrolled in a Head Start program or
a licensed child care setting in the nonresident district; and
(2) the child can be served in the same setting as
other children in the nonresident district with the same level of disability.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.14, is
amended to read:
125A.14 SUMMER
PROGRAMS EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR.
A district may provide summer programs extended
school year services for children with a disability living within the
district and nonresident children temporarily placed in the district pursuant
to section 125A.15 or 125A.16. Prior to March 31 or 30 days after the child
with a disability is placed in the district, whichever is later, the providing
district shall give notice to the district of residence of any nonresident
children temporarily placed in the district pursuant to section 125A.15 or
125A.16, of its intention to provide these programs. Notwithstanding any
contrary provisions in sections 125A.15 and 125A.16, the district providing the
special instruction and services must apply for special education aid for the summer
program extended school year services. The unreimbursed actual cost
of providing the program for nonresident children with a disability, including
the cost of board and lodging, may be billed to the district of the child's
residence and must be paid by the resident district. Transportation costs must
be paid by the district responsible for providing transportation pursuant to
section 125A.15 or 125A.16 and transportation aid must be paid to that
district.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.63, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 5. Statewide
hearing loss early education intervention coordinator. (a) The
coordinator shall:
(1) collaborate with the early hearing detection and
intervention coordinator for the Department of Health, the director of the
Department of Education Resource Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and the
Department of Health Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Advisory Council;
(2) coordinate and support Department of Education
early hearing detection and intervention teams;
(3) leverage resources by serving as a liaison
between interagency early intervention committees; part C coordinators from the
Departments of Education, Health, and Human Services; Department of Education
regional low-incidence facilitators; service coordinators from school
districts; Minnesota children with special health needs in the Department of
Health; public health nurses; child find; Department of Human Services Deaf and
Hard-of-Hearing Services Division; and others as appropriate;
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(4) identify, support, and
promote culturally appropriate and evidence-based early intervention practices
for infants with hearing loss, and provide training, outreach, and use of
technology to increase consistency in statewide service provision;
(5) identify culturally
appropriate specialized reliable and valid instruments to assess and track the
progress of children with hearing loss and promote their use;
(6) ensure that early
childhood providers, parents, and members of the individual family service and
intervention plan are provided with child progress data resulting from
specialized assessments;
(7) educate early childhood
providers and teachers of the deaf and hard-of-hearing to use developmental
data from specialized assessments to plan and adjust individual family service
plans; and
(8) make recommendations
that would improve educational outcomes to the early hearing detection and
intervention committee, the commissioners of education and health, the
Minnesota Commission Serving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing People, and the advisory
council of the Minnesota Department of Education Resource Center for the Deaf
and Hard-of-Hearing.
(b) The Department of
Education must provide aggregate data regarding outcomes of deaf and
hard-of-hearing children who receive early intervention services within the
state in accordance with the state performance plan.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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 or
community-based services to children with a disability under age five and
their families.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.75, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Program
and aid approval. Before June 1 of each year, each district providing
special instruction and services to children with a disability, including
children eligible for Part C, as defined in sections 125A.02, subdivision 1,
and 125A.27, subdivision 8, must submit to the commissioner an application
for approval of these programs and their budgets for the next fiscal year. The
application must include an enumeration of the costs proposed as eligible for
state aid pursuant to this section and of the estimated number and grade level
of children with a disability in the district who will receive special
instruction and services during the regular school year and in summer school
programs during the next fiscal year. The application must also include any
other information deemed necessary by the commissioner for the calculation of
state aid and for the evaluation of the necessity of the program, the necessity
of the personnel to be employed in the program, for determining the amount
which the program will receive from grants from federal funds, or special
grants from other state sources, and the program's compliance with the rules
and standards of the Department of Education. The commissioner shall review
each application to determine whether the program and the personnel to be
employed in the program are actually necessary and essential to meet the
district's obligation to provide special instruction and services to children
with a disability pursuant to sections 125A.03 to 125A.24, 125A.259 to 125A.48,
and 125A.65. The commissioner shall not approve aid pursuant to this section
for any program or for the salary of any personnel determined to be unnecessary
or unessential on the basis of this review. The commissioner may withhold all
or any portion of the aid for programs which receive grants from federal funds,
or special grants from other state sources. By August 31 the commissioner shall
approve, disapprove, or modify each application, and notify each applying
district of the action and of the estimated amount of aid for the programs. The
commissioner shall provide procedures for districts to submit additional
applications for program and budget approval during the fiscal year, for
programs needed to meet any substantial changes in the needs of children with a
disability in the district. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 127A.42,
the commissioner may modify or withdraw the program or aid approval and
withhold aid pursuant
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to this section without
proceeding according to section 127A.42 at any time the commissioner determines
that the program does not comply with rules of the Department of Education or
that any facts concerning the program or its budget differ from the facts in
the district's approved application.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.76, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this
section, the definitions in this subdivision apply.
(a) "Base year"
for fiscal year 1998 and later fiscal years means the second fiscal year
preceding the fiscal year for which aid will be paid.
(b) "Basic revenue"
has the meaning given it in section 126C.10, subdivision 2. For the purposes of
computing basic revenue pursuant to this section, each child with a disability
shall be counted as prescribed in section 126C.05, subdivision 1.
(c) (b) "Essential
personnel" means teachers, cultural liaisons, related services, and support
services staff providing direct services to students. Essential personnel may
also include special education paraprofessionals or clericals providing support
to teachers and students by preparing paperwork and making arrangements related
to special education compliance requirements, including parent meetings and
individual education plans.
(d) (c) "Average daily
membership" has the meaning given it in section 126C.05.
(e) (d) "Program growth
factor" means 1.046 for fiscal year 2003, and 1.0 for fiscal year 2004 and
later.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.76, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Special education base revenue
initial aid. (a) The special education base revenue
initial aid equals the sum of the following amounts computed using base
current year data:
(1) 68 percent of the salary
of each essential person employed in the district's program for children with a
disability during the fiscal year, whether the person is employed by one or
more districts or a Minnesota correctional facility operating on a
fee-for-service basis;
(2) for the Minnesota State
Academy for the Deaf or the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, 68 percent
of the salary of each instructional aide assigned to a child attending the
academy, if that aide is required by the child's individual education plan;
(3) for special instruction
and services provided to any pupil by contracting with public, private, or
voluntary agencies other than school districts, in place of special instruction
and services provided by the district, 52 percent of the difference between the
amount of the contract and the amount of the basic revenue, as defined in
section 126C.10, subdivision 2, special education aid, and any other aid earned
on behalf of the child the general education revenue, excluding basic
skills revenue and alternative teacher compensation revenue, and referendum
equalization aid attributable to a pupil, calculated using the resident
district's average general education revenue and referendum equalization aid
per adjusted pupil unit for the fraction of the school day the pupil
receives services under the contract. This includes children who are residents
of the state, receive services under section 125A.76, subdivisions 1 and 2, and
are placed in a care and treatment facility by court action in a state that
does not have a reciprocity agreement with the commissioner under section
125A.155 as provided for in section 125A.79, subdivision 8;
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(4) for special instruction and services provided to
any pupil by contracting for services with public, private, or voluntary
agencies other than school districts, that are supplementary to a full
educational program provided by the school district, 52 percent of the amount
of the contract for that pupil;
(5) for supplies and equipment purchased or rented
for use in the instruction of children with a disability, an amount equal to 47
percent of the sum actually expended by the district, or a Minnesota
correctional facility operating on a fee-for-service basis, but not to exceed
an average of $47 in any one school year for each child with a disability
receiving instruction;
(6) for fiscal years 1997 and later, special
education base revenue shall include amounts under clauses (1) to (5) for
special education summer programs provided during the base year for that fiscal
year; and
(7) for fiscal years 1999 and later, the cost
of providing transportation services for children with disabilities under
section 123B.92, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clause (4).
The department shall establish procedures through
the uniform financial accounting and reporting system to identify and track all
revenues generated from third-party billings as special education revenue at
the school district level; include revenue generated from third-party billings
as special education revenue in the annual cross-subsidy report; and exclude
third-party revenue from calculation of excess cost aid to the districts;
and
(8) the district's transition-disabled program
initial aid according to section 124D.454, subdivision 3.
(b) If requested by a school district operating a
special education program during the base year for less than the full fiscal
year, or a school district in which is located a Minnesota correctional
facility operating on a fee-for-service basis for less than the full fiscal
year, the commissioner may adjust the base revenue to reflect the expenditures
that would have occurred during the base year had the program been operated for
the full fiscal year.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the portion
of a school district's base revenue attributable to a Minnesota correctional
facility operating on a fee-for-service basis during the facility's first year
of operating on a fee-for-service basis shall be computed using current year
data.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.76,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. State
total special education aid. The state total special education aid for
fiscal year 2004 equals $530,642,000. The state total special education aid
for fiscal year 2005 equals $529,164,000 $572,297,000 for
fiscal year 2008, $573,122,000 for fiscal year 2009, $574,696,000 for fiscal
year 2010, and $576,653,000 for fiscal year 2011. The state total special
education aid for later fiscal years equals:
(1) the state total special education aid for the
preceding fiscal year; times
(2) the program growth factor; times
(3) the greater of one, or the ratio of the state
total average daily membership for the current fiscal year to the state total
average daily membership for the preceding fiscal year.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.76,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. School
district special education aid. (a) A school district's special
education aid for fiscal year 2000 2008 and later equals the
state total special education aid, minus the amount determined under
paragraphs (b) and (c), times the ratio of the district's adjusted
initial special education base revenue aid to the state total
adjusted initial special education base revenue aid.
If the commissioner of education modifies its rules for special education in
a
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manner that increases a
district's special education obligations or service requirements, the
commissioner shall annually increase each district's special education aid by
the amount necessary to compensate for the increased service requirements. The
additional aid equals the cost in the current year attributable to rule changes
not reflected in the computation of special education base revenue, multiplied
by the appropriate percentages from subdivision 2.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if the special
education base revenue for a district equals zero, the special education aid
equals the amount computed according to subdivision 2 using current year data.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), if the special
education base revenue for a district is greater than zero, and the base year
amount for the district under subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (7), equals
zero, the special education aid equals the sum of the amount computed according
to paragraph (a), plus the amount computed according to subdivision 2,
paragraph (a), clause (7), using current year data.
(d) A charter school under section 124D.10 shall
generate state special education aid based on current year expenditures for its
first four years of operation and only in its fifth and later years shall
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) apply.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.76,
is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 8. Special
education forecast maintenance of effort. (a) If, on the basis of a
forecast of general fund revenues and expenditures under section 16A.103, the
state's expenditures for special education and related services for children with
disabilities from nonfederal sources for a fiscal year, including special
education aid under section 125A.76; special education excess cost aid under
section 125A.76, subdivision 7; travel for home-based services under section
125A.75, subdivision 1; aid for students with disabilities under section
125A.75, subdivision 3; court-placed special education under section 125A.79,
subdivision 4; out-of-state tuition under section 125A.79, subdivision 8; and
direct expenditures by state agencies are projected to be less than the amount
required to meet federal special education maintenance of effort, the
additional amount required to meet federal special education maintenance of
effort is added to the state total special education aid in section 125A.76,
subdivision 4.
(b) If, on the basis of a forecast of general fund
revenues and expenditures under section 16A.103, expenditures in the programs
in paragraph (a) 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 in section 125A.76,
subdivision 4.
(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.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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:
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(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, and
transportation services 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.
(b) "General
revenue" means the sum of the general education revenue according to
section 126C.10, subdivision 1, excluding alternative teacher compensation
revenue, plus the total qualifying referendum revenue specified in paragraph
(e) minus transportation sparsity revenue minus total operating capital
revenue.
(c) "Average daily
membership" has the meaning given it in section 126C.05.
(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.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.79, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Initial excess cost aid. For fiscal
years 2002 2008 and later, a district's initial excess cost aid
equals the greatest greater of:
(1) 75 percent of the
difference between (i) the district's unreimbursed special education cost and
(ii) 4.36 percent of the district's general revenue; or
(2) 70 percent of the
difference between (i) the increase in the district's unreimbursed special
education cost between the base year as defined in section 125A.76, subdivision
1, and the current year and (ii) 1.6 percent of the district's general revenue;
or
(3) zero.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.79, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. State total special education excess cost
aid. The state total special education excess cost aid for fiscal year
2005 equals $91,811,000 $128,341,000 for fiscal year 2008,
$129,523,000 for fiscal year 2009, $129,801,000 for fiscal year 2010, and
$130,193,000 for fiscal year 2011. The state total special education
excess cost aid equals $103,600,000 for fiscal year 2006 and $104,700,000 for
fiscal year 2007. The state total special education excess cost aid for fiscal
year 2008 and later fiscal years equals:
(1) the state total special
education excess cost aid for the preceding fiscal year; times
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(2) the program growth
factor; times
(3) the greater of one, or
the ratio of the state total average daily membership for the current fiscal
year to the state total average daily membership for the preceding fiscal year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.79, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Out-of-state tuition. For children who
are residents of the state, receive services under section 125A.76,
subdivisions 1 and 2, and are placed in a care and treatment facility by court
action in a state that does not have a reciprocity agreement with the
commissioner under section 125A.155, the resident school district shall submit
the balance of the tuition bills, minus the amount of the basic revenue, as defined
by section 126C.10, subdivision 2, of the district for the child and
general education revenue, excluding basic skills revenue and alternative
teacher compensation revenue, and referendum equalization aid attributable to
the pupil, calculated using the resident district's average general education
revenue and referendum equalization aid per adjusted pupil unit minus the
special education aid, and any other aid earned on behalf of the child
contracted services initial aid attributable to the pupil.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 127A.47, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Alternative attendance programs. The
general education aid and special education aid for districts must be adjusted
for each pupil attending a nonresident district under sections 123A.05 to
123A.08, 124D.03, 124D.06, 124D.08, and 124D.68. The adjustments must be made
according to this subdivision.
(a) General education aid paid
to a resident district must be reduced by an amount equal to the referendum
equalization aid attributable to the pupil in the resident district.
(b) General education aid
paid to a district serving a pupil in programs listed in this subdivision must be
increased by an amount equal to the referendum equalization aid attributable to
the pupil in the nonresident district.
(c) If the amount of the
reduction to be made from the general education aid of the resident district is
greater than the amount of general education aid otherwise due the district,
the excess reduction must be made from other state aids due the district.
(d) For fiscal year 2006,
the district of residence must pay tuition to a district or an area learning
center, operated according to paragraph (f), providing special instruction and
services to a pupil with a disability, as defined in section 125A.02, or a
pupil, as defined in section 125A.51, who is enrolled in a program listed in
this subdivision. The tuition must be 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, minus (2) 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 equalization aid attributable to that pupil for
the portion of time the pupil receives special instruction and services outside
of the regular classroom, excluding portions attributable to district and
school administration, district support services, operations and maintenance,
capital expenditures, and pupil transportation, minus (3) special education aid
attributable to that pupil, that is received by the district providing special
instruction and services. For purposes of this paragraph, general education
revenue and referendum equalization aid attributable to a pupil must be
calculated using the serving district's average general education revenue and
referendum equalization aid per adjusted pupil unit.
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(e) For fiscal year 2007 and
later, special education aid paid to a resident district must be reduced by an
amount equal to (1) the actual cost of providing special instruction and
services, including special transportation and unreimbursed building lease and
debt service costs for facilities used primarily for special education, for a
pupil with a disability, as defined in section 125A.02, or a pupil, as defined
in section 125A.51, who is enrolled in a program listed in this subdivision,
minus (2) 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 equalization aid attributable
to that pupil for the portion of time the pupil receives special instruction
and services outside of the regular classroom, excluding portions attributable
to district and school administration, district support services, operations
and maintenance, capital expenditures, and pupil transportation, minus (3)
special education aid attributable to that pupil, that is received by the
district providing special instruction and services. For purposes of this
paragraph, general education revenue and referendum equalization aid
attributable to a pupil must be calculated using the serving district's average
general education revenue and referendum equalization aid per adjusted
pupil unit. Special education aid paid to the district or cooperative providing
special instruction and services for the pupil, or to the fiscal agent district
for a cooperative, must be increased by the amount of the reduction in the aid
paid to the resident district. If the resident district's special education aid
is insufficient to make the full adjustment, the remaining adjustment shall be
made to other state aids due to the district.
(f) An area learning center
operated by a service cooperative, intermediate district, education district,
or a joint powers cooperative may elect through the action of the constituent
boards to charge the resident district tuition for pupils rather than to have
the general education revenue paid to a fiscal agent school district. Except as
provided in paragraph (d) or (e), the district of residence must pay tuition
equal to at least 90 percent of the district average general education revenue
per pupil unit minus an amount equal to the product of the formula allowance
according to section 126C.10, subdivision 2, times .0485, calculated without
basic skills revenue and transportation sparsity revenue, times the number of
pupil units for pupils attending the area learning center, plus the amount of
compensatory revenue generated by pupils attending the area learning center.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 20. Laws 2006, chapter
263, article 3, section 15, is amended to read:
Sec. 15. SPECIAL EDUCATION TUITION BILLING FOR
FISCAL YEARS 2006 AND, 2007, AND 2008.
(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, special education cooperative,
or school district.
(b) Notwithstanding
Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), for fiscal
year 2007 only, an applicant district agency exempted from the
uniform special education tuition billing calculations for fiscal year 2006
under paragraph (a) may apply to the commissioner for a waiver an
exemption 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 exemption within 30 days of receiving the
following information from the intermediate district, special education
cooperative, or school 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;
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(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.
(c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), for fiscal year 2008 only, an agency
granted an exemption from the uniform special education tuition billing
calculations and aid adjustments for fiscal year 2007 under paragraph (b) may
apply to the commissioner for a one-year extension of the exemption granted
under paragraph (b). The commissioner must grant the extension within 30 days
of receiving the request.
(d) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) and (b), and section 127A.47,
subdivision 7, paragraphs (d) and (e), for fiscal year 2007 only, a school
district or charter school not eligible for a waiver under Minnesota Statutes,
section 125A.11, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), may apply to the commissioner
for authority to charge the resident district an additional amount to recover
any remaining unreimbursed costs of serving 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 Minnesota
Statutes, section 127A.47, subdivision 7, paragraph (d) or (e), as applicable.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 21. TASK
FORCE TO COMPARE FEDERAL AND STATE SPECIAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment;
duties. A task force is established to recommend which state laws
and rules that exceed or expand upon minimum federal special education
requirements for providing special education programs and services to eligible
students should be amended to conform with minimum federal requirements. The
commissioner of the Bureau of Mediation Services under Minnesota Statutes,
section 179.02, after consulting with interested stakeholders, shall appoint a
ten-member task force composed of equal numbers of providers, advocates,
regulators, consumers of special education services, lawyers who practice in
the field of special education and represent either parents or school
districts, special education teachers, and school officials. The commissioner
must convene the task force by August 1, 2007, which shall meet regularly and
shall review the January 25, 2006, report prepared by the Minnesota Department
of Education Office of Compliance and Assistance and other relevant studies and
resources analyzing differences between federal and state special education
requirements. The terms and compensation of task force members are governed by
Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6.
Subd. 2. Report.
The task force must submit to the education policy and finance committees of
the legislature by February 15, 2008, a report that identifies and clearly and
concisely explains each provision in state law or rule that exceeds or expands
upon a minimum federal requirement contained in law or regulation for providing
special education programs and services to eligible students. The report also
must recommend which state provisions that exceed or expand upon a minimum
federal requirement may be amended to conform with minimum federal
requirements. The task force expires when it submits its report to the
legislature.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 22. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department
of Education. The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
Subd. 2. Special
education; regular. For special education aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 125A.75:
$568,034,000 . . . . . 2008
$573,040,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $52,965,000 for 2007
and $515,069,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $57,228,000 for 2008
and $515,812,000 for 2009.
Subd. 3. Aid for children
with disabilities. For aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
125A.75, subdivision 3, for children with disabilities placed in residential
facilities within the district boundaries for whom no district of residence can
be determined:
$1,538,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,729,000 . . . . . 2009
If the appropriation for either year is
insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available.
Subd. 4. Travel
for home-based services. For aid for teacher travel for home-based
services under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 1:
$254,000 . . . . . 2008
$284,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $22,000 for 2007 and
$232,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $26,000 for 2008 and
$258,000 for 2009.
Subd. 5. Special
education; excess costs. For excess cost aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 7:
$120,445,000 . . . . . 2008
$129,128,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $34,969,000 for 2007
and $85,476,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $42,865,000 for 2008
and $86,263,000 for 2009.
Subd. 6. Transition
for disabled students. For aid for transition programs for children
with disabilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.454:
$879,000 . . . . . 2008
The 2008 appropriation includes $879,000 for 2007
and $0 for 2008.
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Subd. 7. Court-placed
special education revenue. For reimbursing serving school districts for
unreimbursed eligible expenditures attributable to children placed in the
serving school district by court action under Minnesota Statutes, section
125A.79, subdivision 4:
$72,000 . . . . . 2008
$74,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 8. Special education
out-of-state tuition. For special education out-of-state tuition
according to Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.79, subdivision 8:
$250,000 . . . . . 2008
$250,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 9. Special
education task force. For the commissioner to contract with the
Bureau of Mediation Services for costs related to the work of the special
education task force under section 21:
$20,000 . . . . . 2008
Sec. 23. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 124D.454,
subdivisions 4, 5, 6, and 7; 125A.10; 125A.75, subdivision 6; and 125A.76,
subdivision 3, are repealed effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
ARTICLE 4
FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.53,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Definitions.
(a) For purposes of this section, the eligible debt service revenue of a
district is defined as follows:
(1) the amount needed to produce between five and
six percent in excess of the amount needed to meet when due the principal and
interest payments on the obligations of the district for eligible projects
according to subdivision 2, including the amounts necessary for repayment of
energy loans according to section 216C.37 or sections 298.292 to 298.298, debt
service loans and capital loans, lease purchase payments under section 126C.40,
subdivision 2, alternative facilities levies under section 123B.59, subdivision
5, paragraph (a), minus
(2) the amount of debt service excess levy reduction
for that school year calculated according to the procedure established by the
commissioner.
(b) The obligations in this paragraph are excluded
from eligible debt service revenue:
(1) obligations under section 123B.61;
(2) the part of debt service principal and interest
paid from the taconite environmental protection fund or Douglas J. Johnson
economic protection trust;
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(3) obligations issued under Laws 1991, chapter 265,
article 5, section 18, as amended by Laws 1992, chapter 499, article 5, section
24; and
(4) obligations under section 123B.62.
(c) For purposes of this section, if a preexisting
school district reorganized under sections 123A.35 to 123A.43, 123A.46, and
123A.48 is solely responsible for retirement of the preexisting district's
bonded indebtedness, capital loans or debt service loans, debt service
equalization aid must be computed separately for each of the preexisting
districts.
(d) For purposes of this section, the adjusted net
tax capacity determined according to section 127A.48 shall be adjusted to
include a portion of the tax capacity of property generally exempted from ad
valorem taxes under section 272.02, subdivisions 64 and 65, equal to the
product of that tax capacity times the ratio of the eligible debt service
revenue attributed to general obligation bonds to the total eligible debt
service revenue of the district.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.53,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Debt
service equalization revenue. (a) The debt service equalization
revenue of a district equals the sum of the first tier debt service
equalization revenue and the second tier debt service equalization revenue.
(b) The first tier debt service equalization revenue
of a district equals the greater of zero or the eligible debt service revenue minus the amount
raised by a levy of 15 percent times the adjusted debt service net tax
capacity of the district minus the second tier debt service equalization
revenue of the district.
(c) The second tier debt service equalization
revenue of a district equals the greater of zero or the eligible debt service
revenue, excluding alternative facilities levies under section 123B.59, subdivision
5, minus the amount raised by a levy of 25 percent times the adjusted net tax
capacity of the district.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.53,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Equalized
debt service levy. (a) The equalized debt service levy of a district
equals the sum of the first tier equalized debt service levy and the second
tier equalized debt service levy.
(b) A district's first tier equalized debt
service levy equals the district's first tier debt service equalization
revenue times the lesser of one or the ratio of:
(1) the quotient derived by dividing the adjusted
debt service net tax capacity of the district for the year before the year
the levy is certified by the adjusted pupil units in the district for the
school year ending in the year prior to the year the levy is certified; to
(2) $3,200 100 percent of the statewide
adjusted net tax capacity equalizing factor.
(c) A district's second tier equalized debt service
levy equals the district's second tier debt service equalization revenue times
the lesser of one or the ratio of:
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(1) the quotient derived by dividing the adjusted
net tax capacity of the district for the year before the year the levy is
certified by the adjusted pupil units in the district for the school year
ending in the year prior to the year the levy is certified; to
(2) $8,000.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.54, is
amended to read:
123B.54 DEBT
SERVICE AND SCHOOL BOND AGRICULTURAL CREDIT APPROPRIATION.
(a) $21,624,000 $14,813,000 in fiscal
year 2008 and $20,403,000, $26,100,000 in fiscal year 2009,
$29,816,000 in fiscal year 2010, and $30,538,000 in fiscal year 2011 and
later are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of education
for payment of debt service equalization aid under section 123B.53.
(b) $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2009, $10,475,000 in
fiscal year 2010, and $10,948,000 in fiscal year 2011 and each year thereafter
are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of education for
payment of school bond agricultural credit aid under section 123B.555.
(b) (c) The appropriations in paragraph
paragraphs (a) and (b) must be reduced by the amount of any money
specifically appropriated for the same purpose in any year from any state fund.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 5. [123B.555]
SCHOOL BOND AGRICULTURAL CREDIT.
Subdivision 1. Eligibility.
All class 2 property under section 273.13, subdivision 23, except for (1)
property consisting of the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre
of land of an agricultural homestead, and (2) property classified under section
273.13, subdivision 23, paragraph (b), clause (4), is eligible to receive the
credit under this section.
Subd. 2. Credit
amount. For each qualifying property, the school bond agricultural
credit is equal to 20 percent of the property's eligible net tax capacity
multiplied by the school debt tax rate determined under section 275.08,
subdivision 1b.
Subd. 3. Credit
reimbursements. The county auditor shall determine the tax
reductions allowed under this section within the county for each taxes payable
year and shall certify that amount to the commissioner of revenue as a part of
the abstracts of tax lists submitted under section 275.29. Any prior year adjustments
shall also be certified on the abstracts of tax lists. The commissioner shall
review the certifications for accuracy, and may make such changes as are deemed
necessary, or return the certification to the county auditor for correction.
The credit under this section must be used to reduce the school district net
tax capacity-based property tax as provided in section 273.1393.
Subd. 4. Payment.
The commissioner of revenue shall certify the total of the tax reductions
granted under this section for each taxes payable year within each school
district to the commissioner of education, who shall pay the reimbursement
amounts to each school district as provided in section 273.1392.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for taxes payable in 2008.
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Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.57,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Health
and safety revenue. A district's health and safety revenue for a fiscal
year equals the district's alternative facilities levy under section
123B.59, subdivision 5, paragraph (b), plus the greater of zero or:
(1) the sum of (a) the total approved cost of the
district's hazardous substance plan for fiscal years 1985 through 1989, plus
(b) the total approved cost of the district's health and safety program for
fiscal year 1990 through the fiscal year to which the levy is attributable,
excluding expenditures funded with bonds issued under section 123B.59 or
123B.62, or chapter 475; certificates of indebtedness or capital notes under
section 123B.61; levies under section 123B.58, 123B.59, 123B.63, or 126C.40,
subdivision 1 or 6; and other federal, state, or local revenues, minus
(2) the sum of (a) the district's total hazardous
substance aid and levy for fiscal years 1985 through 1989 under sections
124.245 and 275.125, subdivision 11c, plus (b) the district's health and safety
revenue under this subdivision, for years before the fiscal year to which the
levy is attributable.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2009.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.63,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Capital
project levy referendum. A district may levy the local tax rate approved by
a majority of the electors voting on the question to provide funds for an
approved project. The election must take place no more than five years before
the estimated date of commencement of the project. The referendum must be held
on a date set by the board. A referendum for a project not receiving a positive
review and comment by the commissioner under section 123B.71 must be approved
by at least 60 percent of the voters at the election. The referendum may be
called by the school board and may be held:
(1) separately, before an election for the issuance
of obligations for the project under chapter 475; or
(2) in conjunction with an election for the issuance
of obligations for the project under chapter 475; or
(3) notwithstanding section 475.59, as a conjunctive
question authorizing both the capital project levy and the issuance of
obligations for the project under chapter 475. Any obligations authorized for a
project may be issued within five years of the date of the election.
The ballot must provide a general description of the
proposed project, state the estimated total cost of the project, state whether
the project has received a positive or negative review and comment from the
commissioner, state the maximum amount of the capital project levy as a
percentage of net tax capacity, state the amount that will be raised by that
local tax rate in the first year it is to be levied, and state the maximum
number of years that the levy authorization will apply.
The ballot must contain a textual portion with the
information required in this section and a question stating substantially the
following:
"Shall the capital project levy proposed by the
board of .......... School District No. .......... be approved?"
If approved, the amount provided by the approved
local tax rate applied to the net tax capacity for the year preceding the year
the levy is certified may be certified for the number of years, not to
exceed ten, approved.
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In the event a conjunctive question proposes to authorize both
the capital project levy and the issuance of obligations for the project,
appropriate language authorizing the issuance of obligations must also be
included in the question.
The district must notify the commissioner of the
results of the referendum.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007, for elections conducted on or after that
day.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.01, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 2a. Statewide
adjusted net tax capacity equalizing factor. The statewide adjusted
net tax capacity equalizing factor equals the quotient derived by dividing the
total adjusted net tax capacity of all school districts in the state for the
year before the year the levy is certified by the total number of adjusted
pupil units in the state for the fiscal year preceding the year the levy is
certified.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 127A.48, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 17. Adjusted
debt service net tax capacity. To calculate each district's adjusted
debt service net tax capacity, the commissioner of revenue must recompute the
amounts in this section using an alternative sales ratio comparing the sales
price to the estimated market value of the property.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment for computing taxes
payable in 2008.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 128D.11,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. No
election. Subject to the provisions of subdivisions 7 to 10, the school
district may also by a two-thirds majority vote of all the members of its board
of education and without any election by the voters of the district, issue and
sell in each calendar year general obligation bonds of the district in an
amount not to exceed 5-1/10 per cent of the net tax capacity of the taxable
property in the district (plus, for calendar years 1990 to 2003, an amount not
to exceed $7,500,000, and for calendar years 2004 to 2008 an amount not
to exceed $15,000,000, and for each calendar year after 2008, an amount not
to exceed $15,000,000; with an additional provision that any amount of
bonds so authorized for sale in a specific year and not sold can be carried
forward and sold in the year immediately following).
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 273.11,
subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Limited
market value. In the case of all property classified as agricultural
homestead or nonhomestead, residential homestead or nonhomestead, timber, or
noncommercial seasonal residential recreational, the assessor shall compare the
value with the taxable portion of the value determined in the preceding
assessment.
For assessment years 2004, 2005, and 2006, the
amount of the increase shall not exceed the greater of (1) 15 percent of the
value in the preceding assessment, or (2) 25 percent of the difference between
the current assessment and the preceding assessment.
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For assessment year 2007,
the amount of the increase shall not exceed the greater of (1) 15 percent of
the value in the preceding assessment, or (2) 33 percent of the difference
between the current assessment and the preceding assessment.
For assessment year 2008,
the amount of the increase shall not exceed the greater of (1) 15 percent of
the value in the preceding assessment, or (2) 50 percent of the difference
between the current assessment and the preceding assessment.
This limitation shall not apply
to increases in value due to improvements. For purposes of this subdivision,
the term "assessment" means the value prior to any exclusion under
subdivision 16.
The provisions of this
subdivision shall be in effect through assessment year 2008 as provided in this
subdivision.
For purposes of the
assessment/sales ratio study conducted under section 127A.48, and the
computation of state aids paid under chapters 122A, 123A, 123B, excluding
section 123B.53, 124D, 125A, 126C, 127A, and 477A, market values and net
tax capacities determined under this subdivision and subdivision 16, shall be
used.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment for computing taxes payable in
2008.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 273.1393, is amended to read:
273.1393 COMPUTATION OF NET PROPERTY TAXES.
Notwithstanding any other
provisions to the contrary, "net" property taxes are determined by
subtracting the credits in the order listed from the gross tax:
(1) disaster credit as provided
in section 273.123;
(2) powerline credit as
provided in section 273.42;
(3) agricultural preserves
credit as provided in section 473H.10;
(4) enterprise zone credit
as provided in section 469.171;
(5) disparity reduction
credit;
(6) conservation tax credit
as provided in section 273.119;
(7) homestead and
agricultural credits as provided in section 273.1384;
(8) school bond agricultural
credit as provided in section 123B.555;
(8) (9) taconite homestead
credit as provided in section 273.135; and
(9) (10) supplemental
homestead credit as provided in section 273.1391.
The combination of all
property tax credits must not exceed the gross tax amount.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 275.065,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Notice
of proposed property taxes. (a) The county auditor shall prepare and the
county treasurer shall deliver after November 10 and on or before November 24
each year, by first class mail to each taxpayer at the address listed on the
county's current year's assessment roll, a notice of proposed property taxes.
(b) The commissioner of revenue shall prescribe the
form of the notice.
(c) The notice must inform taxpayers that it
contains the amount of property taxes each taxing authority proposes to collect
for taxes payable the following year. In the case of a town, or in the case of
the state general tax, the final tax amount will be its proposed tax. In the
case of taxing authorities required to hold a public meeting under subdivision
6, the notice must clearly state that each taxing authority, including regional
library districts established under section 134.201, and including the
metropolitan taxing districts as defined in paragraph (i), but excluding all
other special taxing districts and towns, will hold a public meeting to receive
public testimony on the proposed budget and proposed or final property tax
levy, or, in case of a school district, on the current budget and proposed
property tax levy. It must clearly state the time and place of each taxing
authority's meeting, a telephone number for the taxing authority that taxpayers
may call if they have questions related to the notice, and an address where
comments will be received by mail.
(d) The notice must state for each parcel:
(1) the market value of the property as determined under
section 273.11, and used for computing property taxes payable in the following
year and for taxes payable in the current year as each appears in the records
of the county assessor on November 1 of the current year; and, in the case of
residential property, whether the property is classified as homestead or
nonhomestead. The notice must clearly inform taxpayers of the years to which
the market values apply and that the values are final values;
(2) the items listed below, shown separately by
county, city or town, and state general tax, net of the residential and
agricultural homestead credit under section 273.1384 and the school bond
agricultural credit under section 123B.555, voter approved school levy,
other local school levy, and the sum of the special taxing districts, and as a
total of all taxing authorities:
(i) the actual tax for taxes payable in the current
year; and
(ii) the proposed tax amount.
If the county levy under clause (2) includes an
amount for a lake improvement district as defined under sections 103B.501 to
103B.581, the amount attributable for that purpose must be separately stated
from the remaining county levy amount.
In the case of a town or the state general tax, the
final tax shall also be its proposed tax unless the town changes its levy at a
special town meeting under section 365.52. If a school district has certified
under section 126C.17, subdivision 9, that a referendum will be held in the
school district at the November general election, the county auditor must note
next to the school district's proposed amount that a referendum is pending and
that, if approved by the voters, the tax amount may be higher than shown on the
notice. In the case of the city of Minneapolis, the levy for the Minneapolis
Library Board and the levy for Minneapolis Park and Recreation shall be listed
separately from the remaining amount of the city's levy. In the case of the
city of St. Paul, the levy for the St. Paul Library Agency must be listed
separately from the remaining amount of the city's levy. In the case of Ramsey
County, any amount levied under section 134.07 may be listed separately from
the remaining amount of the county's levy. In the case of a parcel where tax
increment or the fiscal disparities areawide tax under chapter 276A or 473F
applies, the proposed tax levy on the captured value or the proposed tax levy
on the tax capacity subject to the areawide tax must each be stated separately
and not included in the sum of the special taxing districts; and
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(3) the increase or decrease between the total taxes
payable in the current year and the total proposed taxes, expressed as a
percentage.
For purposes of this section, the amount of the tax
on homesteads qualifying under the senior citizens' property tax deferral
program under chapter 290B is the total amount of property tax before
subtraction of the deferred property tax amount.
(e) The notice must clearly state that the proposed
or final taxes do not include the following:
(1) special assessments;
(2) levies approved by the voters after the date the
proposed taxes are certified, including bond referenda and school district levy
referenda;
(3) a levy limit increase approved by the voters by the
first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the levy year as provided
under section 275.73;
(4) amounts necessary to pay cleanup or other costs
due to a natural disaster occurring after the date the proposed taxes are
certified;
(5) amounts necessary to pay tort judgments against
the taxing authority that become final after the date the proposed taxes are
certified; and
(6) the contamination tax imposed on properties
which received market value reductions for contamination.
(f) Except as provided in subdivision 7, failure of
the county auditor to prepare or the county treasurer to deliver the notice as
required in this section does not invalidate the proposed or final tax levy or
the taxes payable pursuant to the tax levy.
(g) If the notice the taxpayer receives under this
section lists the property as nonhomestead, and satisfactory documentation is
provided to the county assessor by the applicable deadline, and the property
qualifies for the homestead classification in that assessment year, the
assessor shall reclassify the property to homestead for taxes payable in the
following year.
(h) In the case of class 4 residential property used
as a residence for lease or rental periods of 30 days or more, the taxpayer
must either:
(1) mail or deliver a copy of the notice of proposed
property taxes to each tenant, renter, or lessee; or
(2) post a copy of the notice in a conspicuous place
on the premises of the property.
The notice must be mailed or posted by the taxpayer
by November 27 or within three days of receipt of the notice, whichever is
later. A taxpayer may notify the county treasurer of the address of the
taxpayer, agent, caretaker, or manager of the premises to which the notice must
be mailed in order to fulfill the requirements of this paragraph.
(i) For purposes of this subdivision, subdivisions
5a and 6, "metropolitan special taxing districts" means the following
taxing districts in the seven-county metropolitan area that levy a property tax
for any of the specified purposes listed below:
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(1) Metropolitan Council
under section 473.132, 473.167, 473.249, 473.325, 473.446, 473.521, 473.547, or
473.834;
(2) Metropolitan Airports
Commission under section 473.667, 473.671, or 473.672; and
(3) Metropolitan Mosquito
Control Commission under section 473.711.
For purposes of this
section, any levies made by the regional rail authorities in the county of
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington under chapter
398A shall be included with the appropriate county's levy and shall be
discussed at that county's public hearing.
(j) The governing body of a
county, city, or school district may, with the consent of the county board,
include supplemental information with the statement of proposed property taxes
about the impact of state aid increases or decreases on property tax increases
or decreases and on the level of services provided in the affected
jurisdiction. This supplemental information may include information for the
following year, the current year, and for as many consecutive preceding years
as deemed appropriate by the governing body of the county, city, or school
district. It may include only information regarding:
(1) the impact of inflation
as measured by the implicit price deflator for state and local government
purchases;
(2) population growth and
decline;
(3) state or federal
government action; and
(4) other financial factors
that affect the level of property taxation and local services that the
governing body of the county, city, or school district may deem appropriate to
include.
The information may be
presented using tables, written narrative, and graphic representations and may
contain instruction toward further sources of information or opportunity for
comment.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 275.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. School district in more than one county
levies; special requirements. (a) In school districts lying in
more than one county, the clerk shall certify the tax levied to the auditor of
the county in which the administrative offices of the school district are
located.
(b) The clerk shall identify
the portion of the school district levy that is levied for the purposes
specified in section 123B.53, subdivision 5, as the school debt levy at the
time that the levy is certified under this section.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 275.08, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:
Subd. 1b. Computation of tax rates. (a) The
amounts certified to be levied against net tax capacity under section 275.07 by
an individual local government unit shall be divided by the total net tax
capacity of all taxable properties within the local government unit's taxing
jurisdiction. The resulting ratio, the local government's local tax rate,
multiplied by each property's net tax capacity shall be each property's net tax
capacity tax for that local government unit before reduction by any credits.
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(b) The auditor shall also
determine the school debt tax rate for each school district equal to the school
debt levy certified under section 275.07 divided by the total net tax capacity
of all taxable property within the district.
(c) Any amount certified to the county
auditor to be levied against market value shall be divided by the total
referendum market value of all taxable properties within the taxing district.
The resulting ratio, the taxing district's new referendum tax rate, multiplied
by each property's referendum market value shall be each property's new
referendum tax before reduction by any credits. For the purposes of this
subdivision, "referendum market value" means the market value as
defined in section 126C.01, subdivision 3.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 276.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Contents of tax statements. (a) The
treasurer shall provide for the printing of the tax statements. The commissioner
of revenue shall prescribe the form of the property tax statement and its
contents. The statement must contain a tabulated statement of the dollar amount
due to each taxing authority and the amount of the state tax from the parcel of
real property for which a particular tax statement is prepared. The dollar
amounts attributable to the county, the state tax, the voter approved school
tax, the other local school tax, the township or municipality, and the total of
the metropolitan special taxing districts as defined in section 275.065,
subdivision 3, paragraph (i), must be separately stated. The amounts due all
other special taxing districts, if any, may be aggregated except that any
levies made by the regional rail authorities in the county of Anoka, Carver,
Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington under chapter 398A shall be
listed on a separate line directly under the appropriate county's levy. If the
county levy under this paragraph includes an amount for a lake improvement
district as defined under sections 103B.501 to 103B.581, the amount
attributable for that purpose must be separately stated from the remaining
county levy amount. In the case of Ramsey County, if the county levy under this
paragraph includes an amount for public library service under section 134.07,
the amount attributable for that purpose may be separated from the remaining
county levy amount. The amount of the tax on homesteads qualifying under the
senior citizens' property tax deferral program under chapter 290B is the total
amount of property tax before subtraction of the deferred property tax amount.
The amount of the tax on contamination value imposed under sections 270.91 to
270.98, if any, must also be separately stated. The dollar amounts, including
the dollar amount of any special assessments, may be rounded to the nearest
even whole dollar. For purposes of this section whole odd-numbered dollars may
be adjusted to the next higher even-numbered dollar. The amount of market value
excluded under section 273.11, subdivision 16, if any, must also be listed on
the tax statement.
(b) The property tax
statements for manufactured homes and sectional structures taxed as personal
property shall contain the same information that is required on the tax
statements for real property.
(c) Real and personal
property tax statements must contain the following information in the order
given in this paragraph. The information must contain the current year tax
information in the right column with the corresponding information for the
previous year in a column on the left:
(1) the property's estimated
market value under section 273.11, subdivision 1;
(2) the property's taxable
market value after reductions under section 273.11, subdivisions 1a and 16;
(3) the property's gross tax,
calculated by adding the property's total property tax to the sum of the aids
enumerated in clause (4);
(4) a total of the following
aids:
(i) education aids payable
under chapters 122A, 123A, 123B, 124D, 125A, 126C, and 127A;
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(ii) local government aids
for cities, towns, and counties under sections 477A.011 to 477A.04; and
(iii) disparity reduction
aid under section 273.1398;
(5) for homestead
residential and agricultural properties, the credits under section
sections 123B.555 and 273.1384;
(6) any credits received
under sections 273.119; 273.123; 273.135; 273.1391; 273.1398, subdivision 4;
469.171; and 473H.10, except that the amount of credit received under section
273.135 must be separately stated and identified as "taconite tax
relief"; and
(7) the net tax payable in
the manner required in paragraph (a).
(d) If the county uses
envelopes for mailing property tax statements and if the county agrees, a
taxing district may include a notice with the property tax statement notifying
taxpayers when the taxing district will begin its budget deliberations for the
current year, and encouraging taxpayers to attend the hearings. If the county
allows notices to be included in the envelope containing the property tax
statement, and if more than one taxing district relative to a given property
decides to include a notice with the tax statement, the county treasurer or
auditor must coordinate the process and may combine the information on a single
announcement.
The commissioner of revenue
shall certify to the county auditor the actual or estimated aids enumerated in
paragraph (c), clause (4), that local governments will receive in the following
year. The commissioner must certify this amount by January 1 of each year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 17. SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AID.
Subdivision 1. Advisory task force established. An advisory task force
on school technology standards is established to develop and recommend to the
commissioner of education and the education policy and finance committees of
the legislature school technology standards and systems. At a minimum, the
advisory task force must propose:
(1) minimum standards for
technology infrastructure and capacity;
(2) standards for local and
state online student assessments;
(3) standards for electronic
student records;
(4) school interoperability
frameworks;
(5) policies and procedures
that ensure instructional resource availability to help students successfully
achieve education excellence and state standards;
(6) databases that are
accessible to and within each district and on the Internet;
(7) policies, procedures,
and systems that stimulate and promote teacher and student curriculum and
learning collaboration;
(8) uniform technology
standards;
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(9) adequate Internet and bandwith capacity; and
(10) the Department of Education data collection
procedures under each of the department's major data reporting systems, and
recommendations for streamlining the reporting of school district data and
eliminating duplication.
Subd. 2. Advisory
task force members. (a) The commissioner of education shall appoint
as members to the advisory task force a representative from each of the
following:
(1) one member from the Department of Education who
shall serve as chair;
(2) one member from the Office of Enterprise
Technology;
(3) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by Education Minnesota;
(4) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Minnesota School Boards
Association;
(5) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Association of Metropolitan School
Districts;
(6) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Minnesota Rural Education
Association;
(7) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Schools for Equity in Education;
(8) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the service cooperatives;
(9) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Minnesota Association of School
Administrators;
(10) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by Minnesota Educational Media
Organization;
(11) one member from a list of school technology
experts submitted to the commissioner by the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities;
(12) one member from a list of school technology experts
submitted to the commissioner by the president of the University of Minnesota;
and
(13) one member from a list of technology experts
submitted to the commissioner by the online advisory council.
(b) The commissioner of education shall provide needed
materials and assistance to the task force upon request.
(c) Advisory task force members' terms and other
task force matters are subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059. The
advisory task force must submit by February 15, 2008, to the commissioner of
education and the education policy and finance committees of the legislature a
written report that includes the recommendations under subdivision 1.
(d) The advisory task force expires on February 16,
2008.
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Subd. 3. Funding. A school technology funding program is
established to assist school districts, consortiums of school districts, and
charter schools to achieve the school technology standards proposed in subdivision
1.
School technology aid equals
$30 times the district's adjusted marginal cost pupil units for fiscal year
2009.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 18. ADMINISTRATIVE LEASE LEVY; SPRING LAKE PARK.
Notwithstanding the
instructional purposes limitation of Minnesota Statutes, section 126C.40,
subdivision 1, Independent School District No. 16, Spring Lake Park, may lease
a building for administrative purposes and include the lease under Minnesota
Statutes, section 126C.40, subdivision 1.
Sec. 19. BONDING AUTHORIZATION.
To provide funds for the
acquisition or betterment of school facilities, Independent School District No.
625, St. Paul, may by two-thirds majority vote of all the members of the board
of directors issue general obligation bonds in one or more series for each
calendar year following 2008, as provided in this section. The aggregate
principal amount of any bonds issued under this section for each calendar year
must not exceed $15,000,000. Issuance of the bonds is not subject to Minnesota
Statutes, section 475.58 or 475.59. The bonds must otherwise be issued as
provided in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 475. The authority to issue bonds under
this section is in addition to any bonding authority authorized by Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 123B, or other law. The amount of bonding authority
authorized under this section must be disregarded in calculating the bonding
limit of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 123B, or any other law other than
Minnesota Statutes, section 475.53, subdivision 4.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 20. TAX LEVY FOR DEBT SERVICE.
To pay the principal of and
interest on bonds issued under section 19, Independent School District No. 625,
St. Paul, must levy a tax annually in an amount sufficient under Minnesota
Statutes, section 475.61, subdivisions 1 and 3, to pay the principal of and
interest on the bonds. The tax authorized under this section is in addition to
the taxes authorized to be levied under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 123B, 124D,
or 126C, or other law.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 21. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department of Education. The sums indicated in this
section are appropriated from the general fund to the Department of Education
for the fiscal years designated.
Subd. 2. Health and safety revenue. For health and safety aid according
to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.57, subdivision 5:
$190,000 . . . . . 2008
$179,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation
includes $20,000 for 2007 and $170,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation
includes $18,000 for 2008 and $161,000 for 2009.
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Subd. 3. Debt
service equalization. For debt service aid according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 123B.53, subdivision 6:
$14,813,000 . . . . . 2008
$26,100,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $1,767,000 for 2007
and $13,046,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $1,450,000 for 2008
and $24,650,000 for 2009.
Subd. 4. School
bond agricultural credit aid. For school bond agricultural credit aid:
$10,000,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 5. Alternative
facilities bonding aid. For alternative facilities bonding aid,
according to Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.59, subdivision 1:
$19,287,000 . . . . . 2008
$19,287,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $1,928,000 for 2007
and $17,359,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $1,928,000 for 2008
and $17,359,000 for 2009.
Subd. 6. Equity in
telecommunications access. For equity in telecommunications access:
$7,622,000 . . . . . 2008
$8,743,000 . . . . . 2009
If the appropriation amount is insufficient, the
commissioner shall reduce the reimbursement rate in Minnesota Statutes, section
125B.26, subdivisions 4 and 5, and the revenue for fiscal years 2008 and 2009
shall be prorated.
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
The base appropriation for fiscal year 2010 and
later is $3,750,000.
Subd. 7. Deferred
maintenance aid. For deferred maintenance aid, according to
Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.591, subdivision 4:
$3,290,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,667,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $0 for 2007 and
$3,290,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $365,000 for 2008
and $2,302,000 for 2009.
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Subd. 8. Red Lake
security reimbursement aid. For Independent School District No. 38,
Red Lake, for onetime security reimbursement aid to improve infrastructure
needs in the Red Lake School District as a result of the March 21, 2005, school
shooting:
$132,000 . . . . . 2008
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 9. Rocori
school district. For Rocori, Independent School District No. 750,
for Project Serv:
$53,000 . . . . . 2008
Subd. 10. School
technology grants. For school technology grants under section 17:
$29,100,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 11. School
Technology Advisory Task Force expenses. For expenses of the School
Technology Advisory Task Force under section 17:
$20,000 . . . . . 2008
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 12. Eden
Valley-Watkins; environmental remediation. For a grant to
Independent School District No. 463, Eden Valley-Watkins, to recover the amount
actually spent on environmental remediation efforts related to the cleanup of a
mercury spill.
$126,000 . . . . . 2008
ARTICLE 5
NUTRITION AND ACCOUNTING
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.10,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Budgets.
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 2006, section 123B.10, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 1a. Form of
notification. A school board annually must notify the public of its
revenue, expenditures, fund balances, and other relevant budget information.
The board must include the budget information required by this section in the
materials provided as a part of its truth in taxation hearing, post the
materials in a conspicuous place on the district's official Web site, including
a link to the district's school report card on the Department of Education's
Web site, and publish the information in a qualified newspaper of general
circulation in the district.
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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 123B.143, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Contract; duties. All districts maintaining
a classified secondary school must employ a superintendent who shall be an ex
officio nonvoting member of the school board. The authority for selection and
employment of a superintendent must be vested in the board in all cases. An
individual employed by a board as a superintendent shall have an initial
employment contract for a period of time no longer than three years from the
date of employment. Any subsequent employment contract must not exceed a period
of three years. A board, at its discretion, may or may not renew an employment
contract. A board must not, by action or inaction, extend the duration of an
existing employment contract. Beginning 365 days prior to the expiration date
of an existing employment contract, a board may negotiate and enter into a
subsequent employment contract to take effect upon the expiration of the
existing contract. A subsequent contract must be contingent upon the employee
completing the terms of an existing contract. If a contract between a board and
a superintendent is terminated prior to the date specified in the contract, the
board may not enter into another superintendent contract with that same
individual that has a term that extends beyond the date specified in the
terminated contract. A board may terminate a superintendent during the term of
an employment contract for any of the grounds specified in section 122A.40,
subdivision 9 or 13. A superintendent shall not rely upon an employment
contract with a board to assert any other continuing contract rights in the position
of superintendent under section 122A.40. Notwithstanding the provisions of
sections 122A.40, subdivision 10 or 11, 123A.32, 123A.75, or any other law to
the contrary, no individual shall have a right to employment as a
superintendent based on order of employment in any district. If two or more
districts enter into an agreement for the purchase or sharing of the services
of a superintendent, the contracting districts have the absolute right to
select one of the individuals employed to serve as superintendent in one of the
contracting districts and no individual has a right to employment as the
superintendent to provide all or part of the services based on order of
employment in a contracting district. The superintendent of a district shall
perform the following:
(1) visit and supervise the
schools in the district, report and make recommendations about their condition
when advisable or on request by the board;
(2) recommend to the board
employment and dismissal of teachers;
(3) superintend school grading
practices and examinations for promotions;
(4) make reports required by
the commissioner; and
(5) by January 10, submit
an annual report to the commissioner in a manner prescribed by the
commissioner, in consultation with school districts, identifying the
expenditures that the district requires to ensure an 80 percent student passage
rate on the basic standards test taken in the eighth grade, identifying the
highest student passage rate the district expects it will be able to attain on
the basic standards test by grade 12, the amount of expenditures that the
district requires to attain the targeted student passage rate, and how much the
district is cross-subsidizing programs with special education, basic skills,
and general education revenue; and
(6) perform other duties
prescribed by the board.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 123B.77, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Budget approval. Prior to July 1 of
each year, the board of each district must approve and adopt its revenue and
expenditure budgets for the next school year. The budget document so adopted
must be considered an expenditure-authorizing or appropriations document. No
funds shall be expended by any board or district for any purpose in any school
year prior to the adoption of the budget document which authorizes that
expenditure, or prior to an amendment to the budget document by the board to
authorize the expenditure. Expenditures of funds in violation of this
subdivision shall be considered unlawful expenditures. Prior to the
appropriation of revenue for the
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next school year in the
initial budget, the board shall inform the principal or other responsible
administrative authority of each site of the amount of general education and
referendum revenue that the Department of Education estimates will be generated
by the pupils in attendance at each site. For purposes of this subdivision, a
district may adjust the department's estimates for school building openings,
school building closings, changes in attendance area boundaries, or other
changes in programs or student demographics not reflected in the department's
calculations. A district must report to the department any adjustments it makes
according to this subdivision in the department's estimates of compensatory
revenue generated by the pupils in attendance at each site, and the department
must use the adjusted compensatory revenue estimates in preparing the report
required under section 123B.76, subdivision 3, paragraph (c).
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.79,
subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Account
transfer for reorganizing districts. A district that has reorganized
according to sections 123A.35 to 123A.43, 123A.46, or 123A.48, or has conducted
a successful referendum on the question of combination under section 123A.37,
subdivision 2, or consolidation under section 123A.48, subdivision 15, or has
been assigned an identification number by the commissioner under section
123A.48, subdivision 16, may make permanent transfers between any of the funds or
accounts in the newly created or enlarged district with the exception of
the debt redemption fund, food service fund, and health and safety account of
the capital expenditure fund. Fund transfers under this section may be made for
up to one year prior to the effective date of combination or consolidation by
the consolidating boards and during the year following the effective date
of reorganization by the consolidated board. The newly formed board of the
combined district may adopt a resolution on or before August 30 of the year of
the reorganization authorizing a transfer among accounts or funds of the
previous independent school districts which transfer or transfers shall be
reported in the affected districts' audited financial statements for the year
immediately preceding the consolidation.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.79, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 9. Elimination
of reserve accounts. A school board shall eliminate all reserve
accounts established in the school district's general fund under Minnesota Statutes
before July 1, 2006, for which no specific authority remains in statute as of
June 30, 2007. Any balance in the district's reserved for bus purchases account
as of June 30, 2007, shall be transferred to the reserved account for operating
capital in the school district's general fund. Any balance in other reserved
accounts established in the school district's general fund under Minnesota
Statutes before July 1, 2006, for which no specific authority remains in
statute as of June 30, 2007, shall be transferred to the school district's
unreserved general fund balance. A school board may, upon adoption of a
resolution by the school board, establish a designated account for any program
for which a reserved account has been eliminated.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective June 30, 2007.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.111,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. School
lunch aid computation. Each school year, the state must pay participants in
the national school lunch program the amount of 10.5 12 cents for
each full paid, reduced, and free student lunch served to students.
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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.15,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Building
allocation. (a) A district must allocate its compensatory revenue to each
school building in the district where the children who have generated the
revenue are served unless the school district has received permission under
section 50 to allocate compensatory revenue according to student performance
measures developed by the school board.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a district may
allocate up to five percent of the amount of compensatory revenue that the
district receives to school sites according to a plan adopted by the school
board.
(c) For the purposes of this section and section
126C.05, subdivision 3, "building" means education site as defined in
section 123B.04, subdivision 1.
(d) If the pupil is served at a site other than one
owned and operated by the district, the revenue shall be paid to the district
and used for services for pupils who generate the revenue.
(e) A district with school building openings, school
building closings, changes in attendance area boundaries, or other changes in
programs or student demographics between the prior year and the current year
may reallocate compensatory revenue among sites to reflect these changes. A
district must report to the department any adjustments it makes according to
this paragraph and the department must use the adjusted compensatory revenue
allocations in preparing the report required under section 123B.76, subdivision
3, paragraph (c).
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.41, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 6. Levy
authority for unfunded severance and retirement costs. (a) A school
district qualifies for eligibility under this section if the district:
(1) participated in the cooperative secondary
facilities program;
(2) consolidated with at least two other school
districts; and
(3) has unfunded severance or retirement costs.
(b) An eligible school district may annually levy up
to $150,000 for unfunded severance or retirement costs. This levy authority
expires after taxes payable in 2017.
(c) A school district that levies under this section
must reserve the proceeds of the levy and spend those amounts only for unfunded
severance or retirement costs.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for taxes payable in 2008.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.48,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Notice
to commissioner; forms. By October 7 of each year each district must notify
the commissioner of the proposed levies in compliance with the levy limitations
of this chapter and chapters 120B, 122A, 123A, 123B, 124D, 125A, 127A, and
136D. A school district that has reached an agreement with its home county
auditor to extend the date of certification of its proposed levy under section
275.065, subdivision 1, must submit its notice of proposed levies to the
commissioner no later than October 10 of each year. By January 7 of each
year each district must notify the commissioner of the final levies certified.
The commissioner shall prescribe the form of these notifications and may
request any additional information necessary to compute certified levy amounts.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
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Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.03,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Required
Resolution requiring primary in certain circumstances. In The
school board of a school district election, may, by resolution adopted
by June 1 of any year, decide to choose nominees for school board by a primary
as provided in this section. The resolution, when adopted, is effective for all
ensuing elections of board members in that school district until it is revoked.
If the board decides to choose nominees by primary and if there are more
than two candidates for a specified school board position or more than twice as
many school board candidates as there are at-large school board positions
available, a the school district must hold a primary.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and applies for school
board elections held in 2007 and thereafter.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.06,
subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Filing
period. In school districts that have adopted a resolution to choose
nominees for school board by a primary election, affidavits of candidacy
must be filed with the school district clerk no earlier than the 70th day and
no later than the 56th day before the first Tuesday after the second Monday in
September in the year when the school district general election is held. In
all other school districts, affidavits of candidacy must be filed no earlier
than the 70th day and no later than the 56th day before the school district
general election.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and applies for school
board elections held in 2007 and thereafter.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 275.065,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Proposed
levy. (a) Notwithstanding any law or charter to the contrary, on or before
September 15, each taxing authority, other than a school district, shall adopt
a proposed budget and shall certify to the county auditor the proposed or, in
the case of a town, the final property tax levy for taxes payable in the
following year.
(b) On or before September 30, each school district that
has not mutually agreed with its home county to extend this date shall
certify to the county auditor the proposed property tax levy for taxes payable
in the following year. Each school district that has agreed with its home
county to delay the certification of its proposed property tax levy must certify
its proposed property tax levy for the following year no later than October 7. The
school district shall certify the proposed levy as:
(1) a specific dollar amount by school district
fund, broken down between voter-approved and non-voter-approved levies and
between referendum market value and tax capacity levies; or
(2) the maximum levy limitation certified by the
commissioner of education according to section 126C.48, subdivision 1.
(c) If the board of estimate and taxation or any
similar board that establishes maximum tax levies for taxing jurisdictions
within a first class city certifies the maximum property tax levies for funds
under its jurisdiction by charter to the county auditor by September 15, the
city shall be deemed to have certified its levies for those taxing
jurisdictions.
(d) For purposes of this section, "taxing
authority" includes all home rule and statutory cities, towns, counties,
school districts, and special taxing districts as defined in section 275.066.
Intermediate school districts that levy a tax under chapter 124 or 136D, joint
powers boards established under sections 123A.44 to 123A.446, and Common School
Districts No. 323, Franconia, and No. 815, Prinsburg, are also special taxing
districts for purposes of this section.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 275.065, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Overlapping jurisdictions. In the case
of a taxing authority lying in two or more counties, the home county auditor
shall certify the proposed levy and the proposed local tax rate to the other
county auditor by October 5, unless the home county has agreed to delay the
certification of its proposed property tax levy, in which case the home county
auditor shall certify the proposed levy and the proposed local tax rate to the
other county auditor by October 10. The home county auditor must estimate
the levy or rate in preparing the notices required in subdivision 3, if the
other county has not certified the appropriate information. If requested by the
home county auditor, the other county auditor must furnish an estimate to the
home county auditor.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 15. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REPORT.
The Department of Education
must provide a report to the education committees of the legislature by January
15, 2008. The report must analyze the department's data collection procedures
under each of the department's major data reporting systems and recommend a
streamlined, Web-based system of reporting school district data. The report
must also analyze any stand-alone school district reporting requirements and
recommend elimination of any district reports that are duplicative of other
data already collected by the department.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 16. PLAINVIEW-ELGIN-MILLVILLE; CONSOLIDATED
DISTRICT FUND BALANCE CALCULATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Fiscal year 2007 replacement aid. Independent School
District No. 2899, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, is eligible for replacement aid
to offset its excess fund balance penalty for fiscal year 2007.
Subd. 2. Fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Upon receipt of appropriate
documentation from Independent School District No. 2899,
Plainview-Elgin-Millville, the Department of Education must adjust the
district's three-year adjusted average fund balances required under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 124D.135, 124D.16 and 124D.20. The department shall adjust
the fiscal year 2006 account balances reported by former Independent School
Districts Nos. 806, Elgin-Millville, and 810, Plainview, to reflect any
permanent account of fund transfers made under Minnesota Statutes, section
123B.79.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 17. FUND TRANSFERS.
Subdivision 1. Brainerd. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
123B.79 or 123B.80, Independent School District No. 181, Brainerd, on June 30,
2007, may permanently transfer up to $750,000 from the reserved for operating
capital account to the undesignated balance in its general fund.
Subd. 2. Campbell-Tintah. Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
123B.79 or 123B.80, on June 30, 2007, Independent School District No. 852,
Campbell-Tintah, may permanently transfer up to $100,000 from its reserved for
operating capital account to the undesignated balance in its general fund.
Subd. 3. Jackson County Central. Notwithstanding Minnesota
Statutes, section 123B.79 or 123B.80, on June 30, 2007, Independent School
District No. 2895, Jackson County Central, may permanently transfer up to
$300,000 from its reserved for operating capital account to the undesignated
balance in its general fund.
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Subd. 4. Comfrey.
Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.79 or 123B.80, Independent
School District No. 81, Comfrey, on June 30, 2007, may permanently transfer up
to $250,000 from its reserved for operating capital account to the undesignated
balance in its general fund.
Sec. 18. APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department
of Education. The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
Subd. 2. School
lunch. For school lunch aid according to Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.111, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 210.17:
$12,022,000 . . . . . 2008
$12,166,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 3. Traditional
school breakfast; kindergarten milk. For traditional school
breakfast aid and kindergarten milk under Minnesota Statutes, sections
124D.1158 and 124D.118:
$5,460,000 . . . . . 2008
$5,695,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 4. Summer
food service replacement aid. For summer food service replacement
aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.119:
$150,000 . . . . . 2008
$150,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 5. Plainview-Elgin-Millville
fund balance replacement aid. For fund balance replacement aid for
Independent School District No. 2899, Plainview-Elgin-Millville:
$17,000 . . . . . 2008
This is a onetime appropriation.
Sec. 19. REVISOR'S
INSTRUCTION.
In Minnesota Statutes, the revisor of statutes shall
renumber Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.10, subdivision 1, as 123B.10,
subdivision 1b, and make necessary cross-reference changes consistent with the
renumbering.
ARTICLE 6
LIBRARIES
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 134.31, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4a. Services
to the blind and physically handicapped. The Minnesota Department of
Education shall provide specialized services to the blind and physically
handicapped through the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped under a cooperative plan with the National Library Services for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress.
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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 134.34,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Limitation.
A regional library basic system support grant shall not be made to a regional
public library system for a participating city or county which decreases the
dollar amount provided for support for operating purposes of public library
service below the amount provided by it for the second preceding year. For
purposes of this subdivision and subdivision 1, any funds provided under
section 473.757, subdivision 2, for extending library hours of operation shall
not be considered amounts provided by a city or county for support for
operating purposes of public library service. This subdivision shall not
apply to participating cities or counties where the adjusted net tax capacity
of that city or county has decreased, if the dollar amount of the reduction in
support is not greater than the dollar amount by which support would be
decreased if the reduction in support were made in direct proportion to the
decrease in adjusted net tax capacity.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 3. COMPREHENSIVE
LIBRARY STRUCTURE STUDY.
The commissioner of education must contract with an
independent consultant that has extensive experience working with libraries to
evaluate the structure of the library system and services provided by Minnesota
libraries that receive public funding. The study must include all types of
libraries in the state such as academic, government, special, school, and
public libraries, including collaborative entities such as MINITEX and state
library services. The consultant must:
(1) conduct an in-depth analysis of the current
library system structure and services, identifying best practices, duplication
of services, and opportunities to improve efficiency; and
(2) prepare a report to be submitted to the
Department of Education, documenting and reporting findings, and recommending,
where necessary, changes to increase efficiency and cooperation in the delivery
of service and use of public funds.
The commissioner must report the findings of the
study to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over kindergarten
through grade 12 finance before January 15, 2009, and shall recommend any required
changes in statute that will result in a more streamlined and efficient library
structure.
Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION; LIBRARY APPROPRIATIONS.
Subdivision 1. Department
of Education. The sums indicated in this section are appropriated from
the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
Subd. 2. Basic
system support. For basic system support grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 134.355:
$9,182,000 . . . . . 2008
$13,138,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $857,000 for 2007
and $8,325,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $925,000 for 2008
and $12,213,000 for 2009.
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Subd. 3. Multicounty,
multitype library systems. For grants under Minnesota Statutes,
sections 134.353 and 134.354, to multicounty, multitype library systems:
$1,260,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,300,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $90,000 for 2007 and
$1,170,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $130,000 for 2008
and $1,170,000 for 2009.
Subd. 4. Electronic
library for Minnesota. For statewide licenses to online databases
selected in cooperation with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for
school media centers, public libraries, state government agency libraries, and
public or private college or university libraries:
$900,000 . . . . . 2008
$900,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 5. Regional
library telecommunications aid. For regional library
telecommunications aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355:
$2,190,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,300,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $120,000 for 2007
and $2,070,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $230,000 for 2008
and $2,070,000 for 2009.
Subd. 6. Hennepin
County and Minneapolis library systems merger. For costs
attributable to the library system merger:
$4,500,000 . . . . . 2008
If the Hennepin County and Minneapolis city library
systems do not merge, any unexpended balance remaining in this appropriation
must be allocated to increase the fiscal year 2008 entitlement for Basic System
Support Grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 134.355.
This appropriation is available through June 30,
2009.
This is a onetime appropriation.
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ARTICLE 7
STATE AGENCIES
Section 1. [124D.805]
COMMITTEES ON AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment.
The commissioner of education shall create one or more American Indian
education committees. Members must include representatives of tribal bodies,
community groups, parents of children eligible to be served by the programs for
American Indian children in American Indian schools, American Indian
administrators and teachers, persons experienced in training teachers for
American Indian education programs, persons involved in programs for American
Indian children in American Indian schools, and persons knowledgeable about
American Indian education. The commissioner of education shall appoint members
who are representative of significant segments of the American Indian
population.
Subd. 2. Committee
to advise commissioner. Each committee on American Indian education
programs shall advise the commissioner regarding the commissioner's duties
under sections 124D.71 to 124D.82 and other programs for educating American
Indian people as determined by the commissioner.
Subd. 3. Expenses.
Each committee must be reimbursed for expenses under section 15.059,
subdivision 6. The commissioner must determine the membership terms and the
duration of each committee, which must expire no later than June 30, 2020.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 517.08,
subdivision 1c, is amended to read:
Subd. 1c. Disposition
of license fee. (a) Of the marriage license fee collected pursuant to
subdivision 1b, paragraph (a), $15 must be retained by the county. The local registrar
must pay $85 to the commissioner of finance to be deposited as follows:
(1) $50 in the general fund;
(2) $3 in the state government special
revenue fund to be appropriated to the commissioner of education
public safety for parenting time centers under section 119A.37;
(3) $2 in the special revenue fund to be
appropriated to the commissioner of health for developing and implementing the
MN ENABL program under section 145.9255;
(4) $25 in the special revenue fund is appropriated
to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the displaced
homemaker program under section 116L.96; and
(5) $5 in the special revenue fund is appropriated
to the commissioner of human services for the Minnesota Healthy Marriage and
Responsible Fatherhood Initiative under section 256.742.
(b) Of the $30 fee under subdivision 1b, paragraph
(b), $15 must be retained by the county. The local registrar must pay $15 to
the commissioner of finance to be deposited as follows:
(1) $5 as provided in paragraph (a), clauses (2) and
(3); and
(2) $10 in the special revenue fund is appropriated
to the commissioner of employment and economic development for the displaced
homemaker program under section 116L.96.
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(c) The increase in the
marriage license fee under paragraph (a) provided for in Laws 2004, chapter
273, and disbursement of the increase in that fee to the special fund for the
Minnesota Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiative under
paragraph (a), clause (5), is contingent upon the receipt of federal funding
under United States Code, title 42, section 1315, for purposes of the
initiative.
Sec. 3. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY; CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
The commissioner of
education shall adopt rules under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, for the
administration of career and technical education programs for grades 7 through
12 under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.452, 124D.4531, and 124D.454, to
ensure that the career and technical levy and programs can be administered to
serve students under the current state and local organizational structures.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 4. APPROPRIATIONS; DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Subdivision 1. Department of Education. Unless otherwise indicated, the
sums indicated in this section are appropriated from the general fund to the
Department of Education for the fiscal years designated.
Subd. 2. Department. (a) For the Department of Education:
$22,003,000 . . . . . 2008
$22,309,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first
year does not cancel but is available in the second year.
(b) $260,000 each year is
for the Minnesota Children's Museum.
(c) $41,000 each year is for
the Minnesota Academy of Science.
(d) $614,000 in fiscal year
2008 and $622,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for the Board of Teaching.
(e) $162,000 in fiscal year
2008 and $165,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for the Board of School
Administrators.
(f) $7,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for GRAD test rulemaking.
(g) $7,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for rulemaking under section 3.
(h) $7,000 in fiscal year
2008 is for rulemaking for health and physical education standards.
(i) $40,000 each year is for
an early hearing loss intervention coordinator under Minnesota Statutes,
section 125A.63, subdivision 5.
(j) The expenditures of
federal grants and aids as shown in the biennial budget document and its
supplements are approved and appropriated and shall be spent as indicated.
(k) $260,000 per year is for
the Minnesota Children's Museum.
(l) $41,000 per year is for
the Academy of Science.
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Sec. 5. APPROPRIATIONS;
MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMIES.
The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the general fund to the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and the
Blind for the fiscal years designated:
$11,504,000 . . . . . 2008
$11,527,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Sec. 6. APPROPRIATIONS;
PERPICH CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION.
The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the general fund to the Perpich Center for Arts Education for the fiscal
years designated:
$6,727,000 . . . . . 2008
$6,833,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Sec. 7. APPROPRIATIONS;
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the state government special revenue fund to the Department of Public
Safety for the fiscal years designated to fund parenting time centers as
described in Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.37:
$96,000 . . . . . 2008
$96,000 . . . . . 2009
ARTICLE 8
EDUCATION FORECAST ADJUSTMENTS
A. GENERAL EDUCATION
Section 1. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter
5, article 1, section 54, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 3, section 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. General
education aid. For general education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
126C.13, subdivision 4:
$5,819,153,000 . . . . . 2006
$
5,472,238,000 5,453,693,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $787,978,000 for
2005 and $5,031,175,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $513,848,000
$518,218,000 for 2006 and $4,958,390,000 $4,935,475,000 for
2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 2. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 54, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Enrollment
options transportation. For transportation of pupils attending
postsecondary institutions under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09, or for
transportation of pupils attending nonresident districts under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.03:
$55,000 . . . . . 2006
$
55,000 93,000 .
. . . . 2007
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 3. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 54, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Abatement
revenue. For abatement aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 127A.49:
$909,000 . . . . . 2006
$
1,026,000 765,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $187,000 for 2005
and $722,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $80,000 for 2006 and
$946,000 $685,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 4. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 54, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Consolidation
transition. For districts consolidating under Minnesota Statutes, section
123A.485:
$
527,000 388,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2007 appropriation includes $0 for 2006 and $527,000
$388,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 5. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 54, subdivision 7, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Nonpublic
pupil education aid. For nonpublic pupil education aid under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 123B.87 and 123B.40 to 123B.43:
$15,458,000 . . . . . 2006
$
15,991,000 15,972,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $1,864,000 for 2005
and $13,594,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $1,510,000 for 2006
and $14,481,000 $14,462,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 6. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 1, section 54, subdivision 8, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Nonpublic
pupil transportation. For nonpublic pupil transportation aid under
Minnesota Statutes, section 123B.92, subdivision 9:
$21,371,000 . . . . . 2006
$
20,843,000 21,133,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $3,274,000 for 2005
and $18,097,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $2,010,000 for 2006
and $18,833,000 $19,123,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
B. EDUCATION EXCELLENCE
Sec. 7. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 84, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Charter
school building lease aid. For building lease aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.11, subdivision 4:
$25,331,000 . . . . . 2006
$
27,806,000 27,795,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $3,173,000 for 2005
and $22,158,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $2,462,000 for 2006
and $25,344,000 $25,333,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 8. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 84, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Charter
school startup aid. For charter school startup cost aid under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.11:
$1,291,000 . . . . . 2006
$
2,347,000 2,316,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $0 for 2005 and
$1,291,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $143,000 for 2006
and $2,204,000 $2,173,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 9. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 84, subdivision 4, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 8, is amended to read:
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Subd. 4. Integration
aid. For integration aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.86,
subdivision 5:
$59,404,000 . . . . . 2006
$
58,405,000 58,075,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $8,545,000 for 2005
and $50,859,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $5,650,000 for 2006
and $52,755,000 $52,425,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 10. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 84, subdivision 6, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 9, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Interdistrict
desegregation or integration transportation grants. For interdistrict
desegregation or integration transportation grants under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.87:
$6,032,000 . . . . . 2006
$
10,134,000 8,169,000 .
. . . . 2007
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 11. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 2, section 84, subdivision 10, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 11, is amended to read:
Subd. 10. Tribal
contract schools. For tribal contract school aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.83:
$2,338,000 . . . . . 2006
$
2,357,000 2,060,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $348,000 for 2005
and $1,990,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $221,000 for 2006
and $2,136,000 $1,839,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
C. SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Sec. 12. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 3, section 18, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 12, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Special
education; regular. For special education aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 125A.75:
$559,485,000 . . . . . 2006
$
528,106,000 529,257,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $83,078,000 for 2005
and $476,407,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $52,934,000 for 2006
and $475,172,000 $476,323,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 13. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 18, subdivision 3, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 7, section 13, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Aid for children with disabilities. For
aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 125A.75, subdivision 3, for children with
disabilities placed in residential facilities within the district boundaries for
whom no district of residence can be determined:
$1,527,000 . . . . . 2006
$ 1,624,000 1,410,000 . . . . . 2007
If the appropriation for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 14. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 18, subdivision 4, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 7, section 14, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Travel for home-based services. For aid
for teacher travel for home-based services under Minnesota Statutes, section
125A.75, subdivision 1:
$198,000 . . . . . 2006
$ 195,000 224,000 . . . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation
includes $28,000 for 2005 and $170,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation
includes $18,000 for 2006 and $177,000 $206,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 15. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 3, section 18, subdivision 6, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 7, section 16, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Transition for disabled students. For
aid for transition programs for children with disabilities under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.454:
$9,300,000 . . . . . 2006
$ 8,781,000 8,800,000 . . . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation
includes $1,380,000 for 2005 and $7,920,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation
includes $880,000 for 2006 and $7,901,000 $7,920,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
D. FACILITIES
Sec. 16. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 4, section 25, subdivision 2, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 7, section 18, is amended to read:
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Subd. 2. Health
and safety revenue. For health and safety aid according to Minnesota
Statutes, section 123B.57, subdivision 5:
$823,000 . . . . . 2006
$
352,000 249,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $211,000 for 2005
and $612,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $68,000 for 2006 and
$284,000 $181,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 17. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 4, section 25, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 5, section 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Debt
service equalization. For debt service aid according to Minnesota Statutes,
section 123B.53, subdivision 6:
$27,206,000 . . . . . 2006
$
18,410,000 18,395,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $4,654,000 for 2005
and $22,552,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $2,504,000 for 2006
and $15,906,000 15,891,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
E. NUTRITION
Sec. 18. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 5, section 17, subdivision 3, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 20, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Traditional
school breakfast; kindergarten milk. For traditional school breakfast aid
and kindergarten milk under Minnesota Statutes, sections 124D.1158 and
124D.118:
$4,856,000 . . . . . 2006
$
5,044,000 5,175,000 .
. . . . 2007
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
F. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Sec. 19. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 7, section 20, subdivision 2, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 24, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. School
readiness. For revenue for school readiness programs under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 124D.15 and 124D.16:
$9,528,000 . . . . . 2006
$
9,020,000 9,087,000 .
. . . . 2007
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The 2006 appropriation
includes $1,415,000 for 2005 and $8,113,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation
includes $901,000 for 2006 and $8,119,000 $8,186,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 20. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 7, section 20, subdivision 3, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 2, section 24, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Early childhood family education aid. For
early childhood family education aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.135:
$15,105,000 . . . . . 2006
$ 17,792,000 17,639,000 . . . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation
includes $1,859,000 for 2005 and $13,246,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation
includes $1,471,000 for 2006 and $16,321,000 $16,168,000 for
2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 21. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 7, section 20, subdivision 4, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 2, section 25, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Health and developmental screening aid. For
health and developmental screening aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections
121A.17 and 121A.19:
$3,000,000 . . . . . 2006
$ 2,997,000 2,880,000 . . . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation
includes $417,000 for 2005 and $2,583,000 for 2006
The 2007 appropriation
includes $287,000 for 2006 and $2,710,000 $2,593,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 22. Laws 2006, chapter
282, article 2, section 28, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Early childhood Part C. For the
expansion of early childhood Part C services:
$ 400,000 -0- . . . . . 2007
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
G. PREVENTION
Sec. 23. Laws 2005, First
Special Session chapter 5, article 8, section 8, subdivision 2, as amended by
Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 7, section 25, is amended to read:
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Subd. 2. Community
education aid. For community education aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.20:
$2,043,000 . . . . . 2006
$
1,949,000 1,942,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $385,000 for 2005
and $1,658,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $184,000 for 2006
and $1,765,000 $1,758,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 24. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 8, section 8, subdivision 5, as amended by Laws 2006, chapter 282,
article 7, section 27, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. School-age
care revenue. For extended day aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.22:
$17,000 . . . . . 2006
$
4,000 6,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $4,000 for 2005 and
$13,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $1,000 for 2006 and $3,000
$5,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
H. SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND LIFELONG LEARNING
Sec. 25. Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5,
article 9, section 4, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Adult
basic education aid. For adult basic education aid under Minnesota
Statutes:
$36,518,000 . . . . . 2006
$
36,540,000 37,486,000 .
. . . . 2007
The 2006 appropriation includes $5,707,000 for 2005
and $30,811,000 for 2006.
The 2007 appropriation includes $5,737,000
$3,654,000 for 2006 and $30,803,000 $33,832,000 for 2007.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
ARTICLE 9
TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section
122A.628, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Revenue.
A school district that is selected to participate in the schools mentoring
schools program under this section may utilize its professional compensation
revenue under section 122A.4142 122A.414, subdivision 4, to pay
regional training sites for staff development and training services.
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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123A.73,
subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Taxable
property. As of the effective date of a consolidation of districts or the
dissolution of a district and its attachment to one or more existing districts
pursuant to chapter 123A, and subject to the conditions of section 126C.42,
subdivision 1, all the taxable property which is in the newly created or
enlarged district and which was previously taxable for the payment of any
statutory operating debt theretofore incurred by any preexisting district of
which the taxable property was a part prior to the consolidation or dissolution
and attachment shall remain taxable for the payment of that debt and shall not
become taxable for the payment of any statutory operating debt theretofore
incurred by any preexisting district of which the taxable property was not a
part prior to the consolidation or dissolution and attachment. The amount of
statutory operating debt attributable to that taxable property and to the newly
created or enlarged district in which it is located, and the amount of a
preexisting district's reserved fund balance reserve account for purposes of
statutory operating debt reduction attributable to the newly created or
enlarged district, shall be apportioned according to the proportion which the
adjusted net tax capacity of that part of the preexisting district bears to the
total adjusted net tax capacity of the entire preexisting district at the time
of the consolidation or dissolution and attachment. This apportionment shall be
made by the county auditor and shall be incorporated as an annex to the order
of the commissioner dividing the assets and liabilities of the component
districts. As used in this section, "statutory operating debt" shall
have the meaning given it in section 123B.81.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.79,
subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Account
transfer for statutory operating debt. On June 30 of each year, a district
may make a permanent transfer from the general fund account entitled "net
unreserved general fund balance since statutory operating debt" to the
account entitled "reserved fund balance reserve account for purposes of
statutory operating debt reduction." The amount of the transfer is limited
to the lesser of (a) the net unreserved general fund balance, or (b)
the sum of the remaining statutory operating debt levies authorized for all
future years according to section 126C.42, subdivision 1. If the net
unreserved general fund balance is less than zero, the district may not make a
transfer.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.81,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Statutory
operating debt. If the amount of the operating debt is more than 2-1/2
percent of the most recent fiscal year's expenditure amount for the funds
considered under subdivision 1, the net negative undesignated fund balance is
defined as "statutory operating debt" for the purposes of this
section and sections section 123B.83 and 126C.42, subdivision
1.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.81,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Debt
elimination. If an audit or other verification procedure conducted pursuant
to subdivision 3 determines that a statutory operating debt exists, a district
must follow the procedures set forth in this section 126C.42,
subdivision 1, to eliminate this statutory operating debt.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.81,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Applicability.
This section and the provisions of section 126C.42, subdivision 1, are
is applicable only to common, independent, and special school districts and
districts formed pursuant to Laws 1967, chapter 822, as amended, and Laws 1969,
chapters 775 and 1060, as amended. This section and the provisions of
section 126C.42, subdivision 1, do does not apply to Independent
School District No. 625.
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Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.83,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Net
unreserved general fund balances. A school district must limit its expenditures
so that its net unreserved general fund balance does not constitute statutory
operating debt as defined in section 126C.42 under section 123B.81.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.34,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Foundation
staff. The commissioner of education shall appoint the executive director
of the foundation from three candidates nominated and submitted by the
foundation board of directors and, as necessary, other staff who shall perform
duties and have responsibilities solely related to the foundation. The
employees appointed are not state employees under chapter 43A, but are covered
under section 3.736. The employees may participate in the state health and
state insurance plans for employees in unclassified service. The employees
shall be supervised by the executive director.
The commissioner shall appoint from the Office of
Lifework Development a liaison to the foundation board from the division
in the department responsible for career and technical education.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.65,
subdivision 11, is amended to read:
Subd. 11. Allocations
from cooperative units. For the purposes of this section and section
125A.77, pupils of limited English proficiency enrolled in a cooperative or
intermediate school district unit shall be counted by the school district of
residence, and the cooperative unit shall allocate its approved expenditures
for limited English proficiency programs among participating school districts.
Limited English proficiency aid for services provided by a cooperative or
intermediate school district shall be paid to the participating school
districts.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.39, is
amended to read:
125A.39 LOCAL
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS.
School boards and the county board may enter into
agreements to cooperatively serve and provide funding for children with
disabilities, under age five, and their families within a specified geographic
area.
The local interagency agreement must address, at a
minimum, the following issues:
(1) responsibilities of local agencies on local
interagency early intervention committees (IEIC's), consistent with section
125A.38;
(2) assignment of financial responsibility for early
intervention services;
(3) methods to resolve intraagency and interagency
disputes;
(4) identification of current resources and
recommendations about the allocation of additional state and federal early intervention
funds under the auspices of United States Code, title 20, section 1471 et seq.
(Part C, Public Law 102-119 108-446) and United States Code,
title 20, section 631, et seq. (Chapter I, Public Law 89-313);
(5) data collection; and
(6) other components of the local early intervention
system consistent with Public Law 102-119.
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Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.42,
is amended to read:
125A.42
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS; PARENT AND CHILD RIGHTS.
(a) This section applies to local school and county
boards for children from birth through age two who are eligible for Part H
C, Public Law 102-119 108-446, and their families. This
section must be consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act, United States Code, title 20, sections 1471 to 1485 (Part H C,
Public Law 102-119 108-446), regulations adopted under United
States Code, title 20, sections 1471 to 1485, and sections 125A.259 to 125A.48.
(b) A parent has the right to:
(1) inspect and review early intervention records;
(2) prior written notice of a proposed action in the
parents' native language unless it is clearly not feasible to do so;
(3) give consent to any proposed action;
(4) selectively accept or decline any early
intervention service; and
(5) resolve issues regarding the identification,
evaluation, or placement of the child, or the provision of appropriate early intervention
services to the child and the child's family through an impartial due process
hearing pursuant to section 125A.46.
(c) The eligible child has the right to have a
surrogate parent appointed by a school district as required by section 125A.07.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 125A.44,
is amended to read:
125A.44
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE.
(a) An individual or organization may file a written
signed complaint with the commissioner of the state lead agency alleging that
one or more requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, part
303, is not being met. The complaint must include:
(1) a statement that the state has violated the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, United States Code, title 20,
section 1471 et seq. (Part C, Public Law 102-119 108-446) or Code
of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 303; and
(2) the facts on which the complaint is based.
(b) The commissioner of the state lead agency shall
receive and coordinate with other state agencies the review and resolution of a
complaint within 60 calendar days according to the state interagency agreement
required under section 125A.48. The development and disposition of corrective
action orders for nonschool agencies shall be determined by the State Agency Committee
(SAC). Failure to comply with corrective orders may result in fiscal actions or
other measures.
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Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125A.45, is amended to read:
125A.45 INTERAGENCY DISPUTE PROCEDURE.
(a) A dispute between a
school board and a county board that is responsible for implementing the
provisions of section 125A.29 regarding early identification, child and family
assessment, service coordination, and IFSP development and implementation must
be resolved according to this subdivision when the dispute involves services
provided to children and families eligible under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, United States Code, title 20, section 1471 et seq.
(Part C, Public Law 102-119 108-446).
(b) A dispute occurs when
the school board and county board are unable to agree as to who is responsible
to coordinate, provide, pay for, or facilitate payment for services from public
and private sources.
(c) Written and signed
disputes must be filed with the local primary agency.
(d) The local primary agency
must attempt to resolve the matter with the involved school board and county
board and may request mediation from the commissioner of the state lead agency
for this purpose.
(e) When interagency
disputes have not been resolved within 30 calendar days, the local primary
agency must request the commissioner of the state lead agency to review the
matter with the commissioners of health and human services and make a decision.
The commissioner must provide a consistent process for reviewing those
procedures. The commissioners' decision is binding subject to the right of an
aggrieved party to appeal to the state Court of Appeals.
(f) The local primary agency
must ensure that eligible children and their families receive early
intervention services during resolution of a dispute. While a local dispute is
pending, the local primary agency must either assign financial responsibility to
an agency or pay for the service from the early intervention account under
section 125A.35. If in resolving the dispute, it is determined that the
assignment of financial responsibility was inappropriate, the responsibility
for payment must be reassigned to the appropriate agency and the responsible
agency must make arrangements for reimbursing any expenditures incurred by the
agency originally assigned financial responsibility.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 125B.15, is amended to read:
125B.15 INTERNET ACCESS FOR STUDENTS.
(a) Recognizing the
difference between school libraries, school computer labs, and school media
centers, which serve unique educational purposes, and public libraries, which
are designed for public inquiry, all computers at a school site with access to
the Internet available for student use must be equipped to restrict, including
by use of available software filtering technology or other effective methods,
all student access to material that is reasonably believed to be obscene or
child pornography or material harmful to minors under federal or state law.
(b) A school site is not
required to purchase filtering technology if the school site would incur more
than incidental expense in making the purchase.
(c) A school district
receiving technology revenue under section 125B.25 125B.26 must
prohibit, including through use of available software filtering technology or
other effective methods, adult access to material that under federal or state
law is reasonably believed to be obscene or child pornography.
(d) A school district, its
agents or employees, are immune from liability for failure to comply with this
section if they have made a good faith effort to comply with the requirements
of this section.
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(e) "School site" means an education site
as defined in section 123B.04, subdivision 1, or charter school under section
124D.10.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.01, subdivision
9, is amended to read:
Subd. 9. Training
and experience index. "Training and experience index" means a
measure of a district's teacher training and experience relative to the
education and experience of teachers in the state. The measure must be
determined pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 1996, section 126C.11.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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 disabled 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. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 126C.48,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Reporting.
For each tax settlement, the county auditor shall report to each school district
by fund, the district tax settlement revenue defined in section 123B.75,
subdivision 5, paragraph (a), and the amount levied pursuant to section
126C.42, subdivision 1, on the form specified in section 276.10. The county
auditor shall send to the district a copy of the spread levy report specified
in section 275.124.
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Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 134.355, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
Subd. 9. Telecommunications aid. An application
for regional library telecommunications aid must, at a minimum, contain
information to document the following:
(1) the connections are
adequate and employ an open network architecture that will ensure
interconnectivity and interoperability with school districts, postsecondary
education, or other governmental agencies;
(2) that the connection is
established through the most cost-effective means and that the regional library
has explored and coordinated connections through school districts,
postsecondary education, or other governmental agencies;
(3) that the regional
library system has filed an e-rate application; and
(4) other information, as
determined by the commissioner of children, families, and learning
education, to ensure that connections are coordinated, efficient, and
cost-effective, take advantage of discounts, and meet applicable state
standards.
The library system may
include costs associated with cooperative arrangements with postsecondary
institutions, school districts, and other governmental agencies.
Sec. 19. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 123A.22, subdivision 11; and 123B.81, subdivision 8, are repealed.
ARTICLE 10
PUPIL TRANSPORTATION
STANDARDS
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 123B.88, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
Subd. 12. Early childhood family education
participants. Districts may provide bus transportation along regular
school bus routes when space is available for participants in early childhood
family education programs and school readiness programs if these services do
not result in an increase in the district's expenditures for transportation.
The costs allocated to these services, as determined by generally accepted accounting
principles, shall be considered part of the authorized cost for regular
transportation for the purposes of section 123B.92.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment and applies for fiscal year 2007
and later.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 123B.90, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Student training. (a) Each district
must provide public school pupils enrolled in kindergarten through grade 10
with age-appropriate school bus safety training, as described in this section,
of the following concepts:
(1) transportation by school
bus is a privilege and not a right;
(2) district policies for
student conduct and school bus safety;
(3) appropriate conduct
while on the school bus;
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(4) the danger zones surrounding a school bus;
(5) procedures for safely boarding and leaving a
school bus;
(6) procedures for safe street or road crossing; and
(7) school bus evacuation.
(b) Each nonpublic school located within the
district must provide all nonpublic school pupils enrolled in kindergarten
through grade 10 who are transported by school bus at public expense and attend
school within the district's boundaries with training as required in paragraph
(a).
(c) Students enrolled in kindergarten through grade
6 who are transported by school bus and are enrolled during the first or second
week of school must receive the school bus safety training competencies by the
end of the third week of school. Students enrolled in grades 7 through 10 who
are transported by school bus and are enrolled during the first or second week
of school and have not previously received school bus safety training must
receive the training or receive bus safety instructional materials by the end
of the sixth week of school. Students taking driver's training instructional
classes and other students in grades 9 and 10 must receive training in
the laws and proper procedures when operating a motor vehicle in the vicinity
of a school bus as required by section 169.446, subdivisions 2 and 3.
Students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 10 who enroll in a school after
the second week of school and are transported by school bus and have not
received training in their previous school district shall undergo school bus
safety training or receive bus safety instructional materials within four weeks
of the first day of attendance. Upon request of the superintendent of
schools, the school transportation safety director in each district must
certify to the superintendent of schools annually that all students
transported by school bus within the district have received the school bus
safety training according to this section. Upon request of the superintendent
of the school district where the nonpublic school is located, the principal
or other chief administrator of each nonpublic school must certify annually
to the school transportation safety director of the district in which the
school is located that the school's students transported by school bus at
public expense have received training according to this section.
(d) A district and a nonpublic school with students
transported by school bus at public expense may provide kindergarten pupils with
bus safety training before the first day of school.
(e) A district and a nonpublic school with students
transported by school bus at public expense may also provide student safety
education for bicycling and pedestrian safety, for students enrolled in kindergarten
through grade 5.
(f) A district and a nonpublic school with students
transported by school bus at public expense must make reasonable accommodations
for the school bus safety training of pupils known to speak English as a second
language and pupils with disabilities.
(g) The district and a nonpublic school with
students transported by school bus at public expense must provide students
enrolled in kindergarten through grade 3 school bus safety training twice
during the school year.
(h) A district and a nonpublic school with students
transported by school bus at public expense must conduct a school bus
evacuation drill at least once during the school year.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, 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 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 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.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraph (d), districts
contracting for transportation services are exempt from the standard cost
allocation method for authorized and nonauthorized transportation categories if
the district (1) bid its contracts separately for authorized and nonauthorized
transportation categories, (2) received bids or quotes from more than one vendor
for these transportation categories or can demonstrate that efforts were made
to solicit bids or quotes through advertising, and (3) the district's
cost-per-mile, cost-per-hour, or cost-per-route does not vary more than ten
percent among authorized transportation categories, excluding expenditures for
capital outlay, leased buses, student board and lodging, crossing guards,
special equipment, and aides on buses. If the costs reported by the district
for contractor-owned operations vary more than the parameters outlined above,
the department shall require the district to reallocate its transportation
costs, excluding salaries and fringe benefits of bus aids, among all
categories.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and applies for fiscal
year 2007 and later.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01,
subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. School
bus. "School bus" means a motor vehicle used to transport pupils
to or from a school defined in section 120A.22, or to or from school-related
activities, by the school or a school district, or by someone under an
agreement with the school or a school district. A school bus does not include a
motor vehicle transporting children to or from school for which parents or
guardians receive direct compensation from a school district, a motor coach
operating under charter carrier authority, a transit bus providing services as
defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7, a multifunction school activity
bus as defined by federal motor vehicle safety standards, or a vehicle
otherwise qualifying as a type III vehicle under paragraph (5) (6),
when the vehicle is properly registered and insured and being driven by an
employee or agent of a school district for nonscheduled or nonregular
transportation. A school bus may be type A, type B, type C, or type D, a
multifunctional school activity bus, or type III as follows:
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(1) A "type A school bus" is a van
conversion or bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front section vehicle
with a left-side driver's door. The entrance door is behind the front
wheels. This definition includes two classifications: type A-I, with a
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than or equal to 10,000
14,500 pounds or less; and type A-II, with a GVWR greater than 10,000
14,500 pounds and less than or equal to 21,500 pounds.
(2) A "type B school bus" is constructed
utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is behind the front wheels.
This definition includes two classifications: type B-I, with a GVWR less than
or equal to 10,000 pounds; and type B-II, with a GVWR greater than 10,000
pounds.
(3) A "type C school bus" is constructed utilizing
a chassis with a hood and front fender assembly. The entrance door is behind
the front wheels. A "type C school bus" also includes a cutaway
truck chassis or truck chassis with cab with or without a left side door and
with a GVWR greater than 21,500 pounds.
(4) A "type D school bus" is constructed
utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.
(5) A "multifunctional school activity
bus" is a bus that meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards
definition, except for vehicles classified as type III school buses according
to paragraph (6).
(6) Type III school buses and type III Head Start buses
are restricted to passenger cars, station wagons, vans, and buses having a
maximum manufacturer's rated seating capacity of ten or fewer people, including
the driver, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. In this
subdivision, "gross vehicle weight rating" means the value specified
by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle. A "type III
school bus" and "type III Head Start bus" must not be outwardly
equipped and identified as a type A, B, C, or D school bus or type A, B, C, or
D Head Start bus. A van or bus converted to a seating capacity of ten or fewer
and placed in service on or after August 1, 1999, must have been originally
manufactured to comply with the passenger safety standards.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.01, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 92. Cellular
phone. "Cellular phone" means a cellular, analog,
wireless, or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone or
text messages without an access line for service.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.443, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 9. Personal
cellular phone call prohibition. A school bus driver may not operate
a school bus while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular phone
for personal reasons, whether hand-held or hands free, when the vehicle is in
motion.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.447,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Driver
seat belt. New School buses and Head Start buses manufactured
after December 31, 1994, must be equipped with driver seat belts and seat
belt assemblies of the type described in section 169.685, subdivision 3. School
bus drivers and Head Start bus drivers must use these seat belts.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
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Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.4501,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. National
standards adopted. Except as provided in sections 169.4502 and 169.4503,
the construction, design, equipment, and color of types A, B, C, and D and
multifunctional school activity bus school buses used for the transportation
of school children shall meet the requirements of the "bus chassis
standards" and "bus body standards" in the 2000 2005
edition of the "National School Transportation Specifications and
Procedures" adopted by the National Conference Congress on
School Transportation. Except as provided in section 169.4504, the
construction, design, and equipment of types A, B, C, and D and
multifunctional school activity bus school buses used for the
transportation of students with disabilities also shall meet the requirements
of the "specially equipped school bus standards" in the 2000
2005 National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures. The
"bus chassis standards," "bus body standards," and
"specially equipped school bus standards" sections of the 2000
2005 edition of the "National School Transportation Specifications and
Procedures" are incorporated by reference in this chapter.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.4501,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Applicability.
(a) The standards adopted in this section and sections 169.4502 and 169.4503,
govern the construction, design, equipment, and color of school buses used for
the transportation of school children, when owned or leased and operated by a
school or privately owned or leased and operated under a contract with a
school. Each school, its officers and employees, and each person employed under
the contract is subject to these standards.
(b) The standards apply to school buses manufactured
after October 31, 2004 December 31, 2007. Buses complying with
the standards when manufactured need not comply with standards established
later except as specifically provided for by law.
(c) A school bus manufactured on or before October
31, 2004 December 31, 2007, must conform to the Minnesota standards
in effect on the date the vehicle was manufactured except as specifically
provided for in law.
(d) A new bus body may be remounted on a used
chassis provided that the remounted vehicle meets state and federal standards
for new buses which are current at the time of the remounting. Permission must
be obtained from the commissioner of public safety before the remounting is
done. A used bus body may not be remounted on a new or used chassis.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.4502,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Electrical
system; battery. (a) The storage battery, as established by the manufacturer's
rating, must be of sufficient capacity to care for starting, lighting, signal
devices, heating, and other electrical equipment. In a bus with a gas-powered
chassis, the battery or batteries must provide a minimum of 800 cold cranking
amperes. In a bus with a diesel-powered chassis, the battery or batteries must
provide a minimum of 1050 cold cranking amperes.
(b) In a type B bus with a gross vehicle weight
rating of 15,000 pounds or more, and type C and D buses, the battery shall be
temporarily mounted on the chassis frame. The final location of the battery and
the appropriate cable lengths in these buses must comply with the SBMI design
objectives booklet.
(c) All batteries shall be mounted according to
chassis manufacturers' recommendations.
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(d) In a type C bus, other
than are powered by diesel fuel, a battery providing at least 550 cold cranking
amperes may be installed in the engine compartment only if used in combination
with a generator or alternator of at least 120 130 amperes.
(e) A bus with a gross
vehicle weight rating of 15,000 pounds or less may be equipped with a battery
to provide a minimum of 550 cold cranking amperes only if used in combination
with an alternator of at least 80 130 amperes. This paragraph
does not apply to those buses with wheelchair lifts or diesel engines.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 169.4503, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
Subd. 13. Identification. (a) Each bus shall, in
the beltline, identify the school district serviced, or company name, or owner
of the bus. Numbers necessary for identification must appear on the sides and
rear of the bus. Symbols or letters may be used on the outside of the bus near
the entrance door for student identification. A manufacturer's nameplate or
logo may be placed on the bus.
(b) Effective December 31,
1994, all type A, B, C, and D buses sold must display lettering
"Unlawful to pass when red lights are flashing" on the rear of the
bus. The lettering shall be in two-inch black letters on school bus yellow
background. This message shall be displayed directly below the upper window of
the rear door. On rear engine buses, it shall be centered at approximately the
same location. Only signs and lettering approved or required by state law may
be displayed.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 169.4503, subdivision 20, is amended to read:
Subd. 20. Seat and crash barriers. (a) All
restraining barriers and passenger seats shall be covered with a material that
has fire retardant or fire block characteristics.
(b) All seats must have a
minimum cushion depth of 15 inches and a seat back height of at least 20 inches
above the seating reference point.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 171.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Driver's license classifications,
endorsements, exemptions. (a) Drivers' licenses are classified according to
the types of vehicles that may be driven by the holder of each type or class of
license. The commissioner may, as appropriate, subdivide the classes listed in
this subdivision and issue licenses classified accordingly.
(b) Except as provided in
paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2), and subdivision 2a, no class of license is
valid to operate a motorcycle, school bus, tank vehicle, double-trailer or
triple-trailer combination, vehicle transporting hazardous materials, or bus,
unless so endorsed. There are four general classes of licenses as described in
paragraphs (c) through (f).
(c) Class D drivers'
licenses are valid for:
(1) operating all farm
trucks if the farm truck is:
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(i) controlled and operated
by a farmer, including operation by an immediate family member or an employee
of the farmer;
(ii) used to transport
agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies, including hazardous
materials, to or from a farm;
(iii) not used in the
operations of a common or contract motor carrier as governed by Code of Federal
Regulations, title 49, part 365; and
(iv) used within 150 miles
of the farm;
(2) notwithstanding
paragraph (b), operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section
169.01, subdivision 5, whether or not in excess of 26,000 pounds gross vehicle
weight;
(3) operating a recreational
vehicle as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 25, that is operated for
personal use;
(4) operating all
single-unit vehicles except vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than
26,000 pounds, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the
driver, and vehicles that carry hazardous materials;
(5) notwithstanding
paragraph (d), operating a type A school bus or a multifunctional school
activity bus without a school bus endorsement if:
(i) the bus has a gross
vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less;
(ii) the bus is designed to
transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver; and
(iii) (ii) the requirements of
subdivision 2a are satisfied, as determined by the commissioner; and
(iii) the type A school bus
or a multifunctional school activity bus has a gross vehicle weight of 14,500
pounds or less;
(6) operating any vehicle or
combination of vehicles when operated by a licensed peace officer while on
duty; and
(7) towing vehicles if:
(i) the towed vehicles have
a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less; or
(ii) the towed vehicles have
a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds and the combination of
vehicles has a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less.
(d) Class C drivers'
licenses are valid for:
(1) operating class D motor
vehicles;
(2) with a hazardous
materials endorsement, transporting hazardous materials in class D vehicles;
and
(3) with a school bus
endorsement, operating school buses designed to transport 15 or fewer
passengers, including the driver.
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(e) Class B drivers'
licenses are valid for:
(1) operating all class C
motor vehicles, class D motor vehicles, and all other single-unit motor
vehicles including, with a passenger endorsement, buses; and
(2) towing only vehicles
with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.
(f) Class A drivers'
licenses are valid for operating any vehicle or combination of vehicles.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 171.02, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:
Subd. 2a. Exception for certain school bus drivers.
Notwithstanding subdivision 2, paragraph (c), the holder of a class D driver's
license, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a type A school bus or
a multifunctional school activity bus described in subdivision 2, paragraph
(b), under the following conditions:
(a) The operator is an
employee of the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus and
is not solely hired to provide transportation services under this subdivision.
(b) The operator drives the
school bus only from points of origin to points of destination, not including
home-to-school trips to pick up or drop off students.
(c) The operator is
prohibited from using the type A school bus eight-light system.
Violation of this paragraph is a misdemeanor.
(d) The operator's employer
has adopted and implemented a policy that provides for annual training and
certification of the operator in:
(1) safe operation of the
type of school bus the operator will be driving;
(2) understanding student
behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities;
(3) encouraging orderly
conduct of students on the bus and handling incidents of misconduct
appropriately;
(4) knowing and
understanding relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety
policies;
(5) handling emergency
situations; and
(6) safe loading and
unloading of students.
(e) A background check or
background investigation of the operator has been conducted that meets the
requirements under section 122A.18, subdivision 8, or 123B.03 for teachers;
section 144.057 or chapter 245C for day care employees; or section 171.321,
subdivision 3, for all other persons operating a type A school bus
vehicle under this subdivision.
(f) Operators shall submit
to a physical examination as required by section 171.321, subdivision 2.
(g) The operator's driver's
license is verified annually by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for
the school bus vehicle.
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(h) A person who sustains a conviction, as defined
under section 609.02, of violating section 169A.25, 169A.26, 169A.27, 169A.31,
169A.51, or 169A.52, or a similar statute or ordinance of another state is
precluded from operating a school bus for five years from the date of
conviction.
(i) A person who has ever been convicted of a disqualifying
offense as defined in section 171.3215, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), may not
operate a school bus under this subdivision.
(j) A person who sustains a conviction, as defined
under section 609.02, of a fourth moving offense in violation of chapter 169 is
precluded from operating a school bus for one year from the date of the last
conviction.
(k) Students riding the school bus vehicle
must have training required under section 123B.90, subdivision 2.
(l) An operator must be trained in the proper use of
child safety restraints as set forth in the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's "Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age
Children in School Buses.," if child safety restraints
are used by the passengers.
(m) Annual certification of the requirements listed
in this subdivision must be maintained under separate file at the business
location for each operator licensed under this subdivision and subdivision 2,
paragraph (b), clause (5). The business manager, school board, governing body
of a nonpublic school, or any other entity that owns, leases, or contracts for
the school bus operating under this subdivision is responsible for maintaining
these files for inspection.
(n) The school bus vehicle must bear a
current certificate of inspection issued under section 169.451.
(o) On a type A school bus, the word
"School" on the front and rear of the bus must be covered by a sign
that reads "Activities" when the bus is being operated under
authority of this subdivision.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 171.321,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Training.
(a) No person shall drive a class A, B, C, or D school bus when transporting
school children to or from school or upon a school-related trip or activity
without having demonstrated sufficient skills and knowledge to transport
students in a safe and legal manner.
(b) A bus driver must have training or experience
that allows the driver to meet at least the following competencies:
(1) safely operate the type of school bus the driver
will be driving;
(2) understand student behavior, including issues
relating to students with disabilities;
(3) encourage orderly conduct of students on the bus
and handle incidents of misconduct appropriately;
(4) know and understand relevant laws, rules of the
road, and local school bus safety policies;
(5) handle emergency situations; and
(6) safely load and unload students.
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(c) The commissioner of public safety shall develop
a comprehensive model school bus driver training program and model assessments
for school bus driver training competencies, which are not subject to chapter 14.
A school district, nonpublic school, or private contractor may use
alternative assessments for bus driver training competencies with the approval
of the commissioner of public safety. A driver may receive at least eight
hours of school bus in-service training any year, as an alternative to being
assessed for bus driver competencies after the initial year of being assessed
for bus driver competencies. The employer shall keep the assessment or a
record of the in-service training for the current period available for
inspection by representatives of the commissioner.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 16. RULES
REVISED: COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
Subdivision 1. Rules
revised under the good cause exemption. The commissioner of public
safety must amend and adopt the revisions to the rules listed in subdivisions 2
to 8 under the good cause exemption to the rulemaking process under Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3).
Subd. 2. Minnesota
Rules, part 7470.0500. The commissioner of public safety must amend
Minnesota Rules, part 7470.0500, by replacing two obsolete references to the
Department of Children, Families, and Learning, with a reference to the
Department of Public Safety and removing references to specifically repealed
rules.
Subd. 3. Minnesota
Rules, part 7470.0700. The commissioner of public safety must amend
Minnesota Rules, part 7470.0700, as follows:
(1) for the points assigned to school bus equipment
defects, strike the reference to "orange" school buses and include a
new school bus color exemption for multifunctional school activity buses;
(2) replace the references to type I and type II
school buses with type A, B, C, or D school buses;
(3) exempt multifunctional school activity buses from
the point reduction for not having a stop arm; and
(4) exempt multifunctional school activity buses
from the point reduction for not having an eight-lamp warning lamp system.
Subd. 4. Minnesota
Rules, part 7470.1000. The commissioner of public safety must amend
Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1000, to:
(1) include multifunctional school activity buses in
the headnote;
(2) update subpart 1 to include multifunctional
school activity buses as a type of school bus listed after bus types A, B, C,
and D;
(3) modify subpart 2 to clarify that the prohibition
against loading or unloading while adjacent to a turn lane applies only when it
is a right-hand turn lane and does not prohibit a bus from loading or unloading
at the side of the road when there is a center turn lane; and
(3) expand the exception that allows service dogs on
school buses to include all companion animals.
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Subd. 5. Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1100. The commissioner of
public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1100, to include
multifunctional school activity buses in the headnote and amend subpart 1 to
include multifunctional school activity buses as a type of school bus listed
after bus types A, B, C, and D. The commissioner must also amend item B of this
part to require drivers to use prewarning flashing signals, flashing red
signals, and stop signals arms on buses that are equipped with those signals.
Subd. 6. Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1400. The commissioner of
public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1400, to clarify that the
operating rules in parts 7470.1000 to 7470.1500 apply to buses that are leased
and rented as well as to school buses that are owned by a school district, a
nonpublic school, or a private operator under contract to a school district or
nonpublic school.
Subd. 7. Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1500. The commissioner of
public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1500, to:
(1) clarify that the prohibition
against loading or unloading while adjacent to a turn lane applies only when it
is a right-hand turn lane and does not prohibit a bus from loading or unloading
at the side of the road when there is a center turn lane; and
(2) delete item H because it
is obsolete.
Subd. 8. Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1700. The commissioner of
public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1700, subpart 2, to:
(1) clarify that the bus
driver and the bus aide must have access to emergency health care information
for the students with disabilities transported on the bus; and
(2) add an item E that
allows the health information to be maintained either in a hard copy on the
vehicle or immediately accessible through a two-way communications system.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 17. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 169.4502, subdivision 15; and 169.4503, subdivisions 17, 18, and 26,
are repealed.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
ARTICLE 11
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ADULT
PROGRAMS
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 119A.52, is amended to read:
119A.52 DISTRIBUTION OF APPROPRIATION.
(a) The commissioner of education must distribute money appropriated
for that purpose to federally designated Head Start programs to expand services
and to serve additional low-income children. Migrant and Indian reservation
programs must be initially allocated money based on the 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
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served. A Head Start grantee
program must be funded at a per child rate equal to its contracted,
federally funded base level at the start of the fiscal year. In allocating
funds under this paragraph, the commissioner of education must assure that each
Head Start program in existence in 1993 is allocated no less funding in any
fiscal year than was allocated to that program in fiscal year 1993. Before
paying money to the programs, the commissioner must notify each program of its
initial allocation, how the money must be used, and the number of low-income
children to be served with the allocation based upon the federally funded per
child rate. Each program must present a plan under section 119A.535. For any grantee
program that cannot utilize its full allocation at the beginning of the
fiscal year, the commissioner must reduce the allocation proportionately.
Money available after the initial allocations are reduced must be redistributed
to eligible grantees programs.
(b) The commissioner must develop procedures to make
payments to programs based upon the number of children reported to be enrolled
during the required time period of program operations. Enrollment is defined by
federal Head Start regulations. The procedures must include a reporting
schedule, corrective action plan requirements, and financial consequences to be
imposed on programs that do not meet full enrollment after the period of
corrective action. Programs reporting chronic underenrollment, as defined by
the commissioner, will have their subsequent program year allocation reduced
proportionately. Funds made available by prorating payments and allocations to
programs with reported underenrollment will be made available to the extent funds
exist to fully enrolled Head Start programs through a form and manner
prescribed by the department.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119A.535,
is amended to read:
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
providing Head Start services in conjunction with full-day child care programs
to minimize child transitions, increase program intensity and duration, and
improve child and family outcomes as required in section 119A.5411; and
(5) identification of regular Head Start, early Head
Start, full-day services identified in section 119A.5411, and innovative
services based upon demonstrated needs to be provided.
Sec. 3. [119A.5411]
FULL-DAY REQUIREMENTS.
The following phase-in of full-day services in Head
Start programs or licensed child care as defined in chapter 245A is required:
(1) by fiscal year 2009, a minimum of 25 percent of
the total state-funded enrollment throughout the state must be provided in
full-day services;
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(2) by fiscal year 2011, a
minimum of 40 percent of the total state-funded enrollment throughout the state
must be provided in full-day services; and
(3) by fiscal year 2013, a
minimum of 50 percent of the total state-funded enrollment throughout the state
must be provided in full-day services.
Head Start programs may
provide full-day services as part of their own program model or through
agreements with licensed full-day child care programs. If licensed child care
providers do not exist in a geographic area, choose not to participate, cannot
meet the federal Head Start performance standards after sufficient opportunity,
or a Head Start program is unable to establish the full-day services as a part
of their own program model, the Head Start program may request exemption from
the commissioner.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Establishment; purpose. A
district that provides a community education program under sections 124D.18 and
124D.19 may establish an early childhood family education program. Two or more
districts, each of which provides a community education program, may cooperate
to jointly provide an early childhood family education program. The purpose
of the early childhood family education program is to provide parenting
education to support children's learning and development.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Program characteristics
requirements. (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 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 children from birth to age three, and encourage
parents and other relatives to for children at risk of not being ready
for kindergarten and the children's parents. Program providers also are
encouraged to involve four- and five-year-old children and their
families in school readiness programs, and other public and nonpublic early
learning programs. A district may not limit participation to school district
residents. Early childhood family education programs may include the
following must provide:
(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 structured learning activities requiring
interaction between children and their parents or relatives;
(3) structured learning
experiences activities for children and parents and other
relatives that promote children's development and positive interaction
with peers, which are held while parents or relatives attend parent education
classes;
(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) (4) information on related
community resources;
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(8) programs to prevent (5) information, materials,
and activities that support the safety of children, including prevention of child abuse and neglect;
and
(9) other programs or activities to improve the
health, development, and school readiness of children; or
(10) activities designed to maximize development
during infancy.
(6) a community outreach plan to ensure participation
by families who reflect the racial, cultural, and economic diversity of the
school district.
The programs must not include activities for
children that do not require substantial involvement of the children's parents
or other relatives. The programs program 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.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.13,
subdivision 11, is amended to read:
Subd. 11. Teachers
and coordinators. A school board must employ necessary qualified
teachers licensed in early childhood or parent education for its early
childhood family education programs. Coordinators of early childhood family
education programs shall meet, as a minimum, the licensure requirements for a
teacher within the ECFE program.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.13, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 13. Plan and
program data submission requirements. (a) An early childhood family
education program must submit a biennial plan addressing the requirements of
subdivision 2 for approval by the commissioner. The plan must also describe how
the program provides parenting education and ensures participation of families
representative of the school district. A school district must submit the plan
for approval by the commissioner in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.
One-half of districts, as determined by the commissioner, must first submit a
biennial plan by April 1, 2009, and the remaining districts must first submit a
plan by April 1, 2010.
(b) Districts receiving early childhood family
education revenue under section 124D.135 must submit annual program data to the
department by July 15 in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.
(c) Beginning with levies for fiscal year 2011, a
school district must submit its annual program data to the department before it
may certify a levy under section 124D.135. Districts selected by the
commissioner to submit a biennial plan by April 1, 2010, must also have an
approved plan on file with the commissioner before certifying a levy under
section 124D.135 for fiscal year 2011. Beginning with levies for fiscal year
2012, all districts must submit annual program data and have an approved
biennial plan on file with the commissioner before certifying a levy under
section 124D.135.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.135,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Revenue.
The revenue for early childhood family education programs for a school district
equals $112 for fiscal year 2007 and $120 for fiscal year 2008 and
later, times the greater of:
(1) 150; or
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(2) the number of people
under five years of age residing in the district on October 1 of the previous
school year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective
for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.135, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Early childhood family education levy. For
fiscal year 2001 to obtain early childhood family education revenue, a district
may levy an amount equal to the tax rate of .5282 percent times the adjusted
tax capacity of the district for the year preceding the year the levy is
certified. Beginning with levies for fiscal year 2002, By September 30 of
each year, the commissioner shall establish a tax rate for early childhood
family education revenue that raises $21,027,000 for fiscal year 2002
and $22,135,000 in each fiscal year 2003 and each subsequent year.
If the amount of the early childhood family education levy would exceed the
early childhood family education revenue, the early childhood family education
levy must equal the early childhood family education revenue. Beginning with
levies for fiscal year 2011, a district may not certify an early childhood
family education levy unless it has met the annual program data reporting and
biennial plan requirements under section 124D.13, subdivision 13.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.135, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Use of revenue restricted. (a) Early
childhood family education revenue may be used only for early childhood family
education programs.
(b) Not more than five percent
of early childhood family education revenue, as defined in subdivision 7, may
be used to administer early childhood family education programs.
(c) An early childhood
family education program may use up to ten percent of its early childhood
family education revenue as defined in subdivision 1, including revenue from
participant fees, for equipment that is used in the early childhood family
education program. This revenue may only be used for the following purposes:
(1) to purchase or lease
computers and related materials; and
(2) to purchase or lease
equipment for instruction for participating children and their families.
If a district anticipates an
unusual circumstance requiring its early childhood family education program
capital expenditures to exceed the ten percent limitation, prior approval to
exceed the limit must be obtained in writing from the commissioner.
Sec. 11. [124D.141] STATE ADVISORY BOARD ON
SCHOOL READINESS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment. A 13-member State Advisory Board on School
Readiness is established in the Office of the Governor to advise the governor and
the legislature on developing a coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective
system for delivering throughout Minnesota early childhood programs that focus
on early care and education, health care, and family support.
Subd. 2. Board members; terms. (a) The advisory board includes the
following 13 members:
(1) the commissioner of
employment and economic development or the commissioner's designee;
(2) the commissioner of
health or the commissioner's designee;
(3) the commissioner of
education or the commissioner's designee;
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(4) the commissioner of human services or the
commissioner's designee;
(5) six public members, one of whom is the parent of
a child currently enrolled in an early care and education program, five of whom
are recognized experts in early care and education, one of whom is a higher
education representative, one of whom is a licensed professional who currently
provides student support services, and one of whom is a currently practicing
early childhood educator, appointed jointly by the majority and minority
leaders in the house of representatives and senate; and
(6) three public members who are community or
business leaders, one of whom is a member of the Minnesota Early Learning
Foundation board of directors under section 124D.175, appointed jointly by the
speaker and minority leader in the house of representatives and the majority
and minority leaders in the senate.
(b) Members appointed by the speaker and minority
leader in the house of representatives and the majority and minority leaders in
the senate serve staggered three-year terms. Board members must nominate and
elect a chair and other officers from among the public members. Members
initially appointed to the board shall assign themselves by lot to terms of
one, two, or three years. The chair must notify the governor on the assignment
of these terms. The board shall meet regularly at the times and places the
board determines. Meetings shall be called by the chair or at the written
request of any three members. Members' terms, compensation, removal, and
vacancies are governed by section 15.0575.
Subd. 3. Duties.
(a) The board shall recommend to the governor and the legislature:
(1) the most effective method to improve the
coordination and delivery of early care and education services that integrates
child care, early care and education programs, and family support services and
programs;
(2) a multiyear plan for effectively and efficiently
coordinating and integrating state services for early care and education,
improving service delivery and standards of care, avoiding duplication and
fragmentation of service, and enhancing public and private investment;
(3) methods for measuring the quality, quantity, and
effectiveness of early care and education programs throughout the state;
(4) how to identify and measure school readiness
indicators on a regular basis;
(5) how to track, enhance, integrate, and coordinate
federal, state, and local funds allocated for early care and education and
related family support services;
(6) policy changes to improve children's ability to
start school ready to learn; and
(7) how to provide technical assistance to community
efforts that promote school readiness and encourage community organizations to
collaborate in promoting school readiness.
(b) In developing recommendations for the governor
and the legislature under this section, the board must evaluate on an ongoing
basis:
(1) what government can do to enhance families'
capacity to help themselves and others; and
(2) the positive or negative effects of policies and
programs recommended under this section on families affected by these programs.
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(c) The board shall convene policy work groups as
necessary to make recommendations to the governor and the legislature on:
(1) financing early childhood programs;
(2) building a coordinated service delivery system
based on an assessment of early childhood systems and available state and
federal funding;
(3) integrating a coordinated, collaborative health
care component, including medical homes, parent education, family support,
developmental health and early education, into early childhood programs and
avoiding duplication of services;
(4) enhancing the quality and measuring the cost of
child care and preschool programs; and
(5) improving the wages, benefits, and supply of
early childhood professionals.
Subd. 4. Report.
The task force annually by February 15 must report to the education policy
and finance committees of the legislature on the recommendations the task force
made during the preceding calendar year.
Subd. 5. Board
expiration. The State Advisory Board on School Readiness expires
January 1, 2013.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.16,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Amount
of aid. (a) A district is eligible to receive school readiness aid for
eligible prekindergarten pupils enrolled in a school readiness program under
section 124D.15 if the biennial plan required by section 124D.15, subdivision
3a, has been approved by the commissioner.
(b) For fiscal year 2002 and thereafter, A
district must receive school readiness aid equal to:
(1) the number of four-year-old children in the
district on October 1 for the previous school year times the ratio of 50 percent
of the total school readiness aid entitlement for that year to the total
number of four-year-old children reported to the commissioner for the previous
school year; plus
(2) the number of pupils enrolled in the school
district from families eligible for the free or reduced school lunch program
for the previous school year times the ratio of 50 percent of the total school
readiness aid entitlement for that year to the total number of pupils in
the state from families eligible for the free or reduced school lunch program
for the previous school year.
(c) For fiscal year 2008 and later, the total
statewide school readiness aid entitlement equals $10,095,000.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 13. [124D.1625]
EXPANDING DEPARTMENT DEVELOPMENTAL ASSESSMENT ADMINISTERED TO ENTERING
KINDERGARTNERS.
(a) The commissioner of education shall encourage
school districts to implement the voluntary school readiness kindergarten
assessment initiative in the 2008-2009 school year, to assess up to 30 percent
of children.
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(b) The commissioner must
report the assessment results for the current school year to the legislature by
January 1 of the next year.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2007.
Sec. 14. [124D.163] TARGETED TRAINING OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS TO IMPROVE SCHOOL READINESS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment; purpose. The commissioner of education
shall provide a training program for the purpose of improving the school
readiness of prekindergarten children.
Subd. 2. Eligible participants. The training program is available
to all staff in school readiness programs as defined in section 124D.15, Head
Start programs as defined in section 119A.50, and child care centers as defined
in chapter 245A. The commissioner of education shall cooperate with the
commissioner of human services to identify child care center program and
licensed family child care provider participants and implement the training
program for them.
Subd. 3. Training content. The commissioner shall develop three
foundational and sequential training modules on child observation, child and
program assessment, and curriculum planning.
Subd. 4. Availability. To the extent practical, the training must
be made available throughout the state on an ongoing basis. In addition to the
geographic availability, the commissioner shall consider the availability of
training to meet the needs of diverse cultural groups. Training materials may
be translated and training may be delivered in other languages as determined by
the commissioner. The training may be provided through a variety of methods
that may include on-site and Web-based delivery.
Sec. 15. [124D.165] EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOLARSHIPS.
Subdivision 1. Purpose. The commissioner must establish an early
childhood scholarship fund to improve the school readiness of prekindergarten
children at risk of being unprepared for kindergarten. Scholarships are
available for the purpose of participating in an approved program as specified
in subdivision 4 the year prior to kindergarten entrance.
Subd. 2. Eligibility. A parent or legal guardian of a
four-year-old child with a household income that does not exceed 185 percent of
the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted for family size, is eligible to apply
for an annual scholarship of up to $4,000 for each eligible child.
Subd. 3. Scholarship application, award, and process. Parents or
guardians meeting the eligibility requirements defined in subdivision 2 may
apply for a scholarship certificate. Application must be made according to the
form and manner prescribed by the commissioner. The certificates must be
redeemable for instruction at an approved early childhood program, as specified
in subdivision 4, for up to one year from the date of issue or until the child
for whom the scholarship is designated enrolls in kindergarten, whichever
occurs first. The commissioner shall annually award scholarship certificates to
eligible applicants in the order applications are received until all funds
available for the year have been obligated. Recipients may not transfer a
scholarship certificate to another person. The parent or guardian may transfer
the scholarship certificate to another approved early childhood program
according to requirements established by the commissioner.
Subd. 4. Program approval. A program must be approved by the
commissioner to be eligible to receive state early childhood scholarship
program funds on behalf of an enrolled scholarship certificate recipient. Early
childhood programs must apply for approval in the form and manner prescribed by
the commissioner and must be:
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(1) a federally designated
Head Start program as defined in section 119A.50;
(2) a school readiness
program as defined in section 124D.15; or
(3) a licensed child care
program as defined in chapter 245A.
The application must include
evidence that the program provides research-based instruction to support school
readiness. Programs must submit any program changes related to approval as they
occur and must reapply for approval every three years.
Subd. 5. Payments to approved programs. The commissioner shall
issue payments of scholarship funds on a reimbursement basis to approved
programs as defined in subdivision 4 for services provided that are comparable
to service costs for program participants who do not receive a scholarship.
Scholarship funds may not be used for services that are available at no cost to
nonscholarship recipient families. Approved programs must maintain
documentation of services provided and the commissioner shall verify
information submitted by approved programs to ensure appropriate services were
provided to eligible recipients for whom state early childhood scholarship
funds are paid. Scholarship funds awarded to families receiving other forms of
assistance, such as child care assistance, must be used to supplement and may
not be used to supplant services provided through that assistance.
Subd. 6. Scholarship not income for purposes of other publicly funded
programs. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the receipt of a
scholarship does not count as earned income for the purposes of medical
assistance, MinnesotaCare, MFIP, child care assistance, or Head Start programs.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.175, is amended to read:
124D.175 MINNESOTA EARLY LEARNING FOUNDATION.
(a) The commissioner must
make a grant to the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation to may
implement an early childhood development grant program for low-income and other
challenged families that increases the effectiveness and expands the capacity
of public and nonpublic early childhood development programs, which may include
child care programs, and leads to improved early childhood parent education and
children's kindergarten readiness. The program must may include:
(1) grant awards to existing
early childhood development program providers that also provide parent
education programs and to qualified providers proposing to implement pilot
programs for this same purpose;
(2) grant awards to enable
low-income families to participate in these programs;
(3) grant awards to improve
overall programmatic quality; and
(4) an evaluation of the
programmatic and financial efficacy of all these programs, which may be
performed using measures of services, staffing, and management systems that
provide consistent information about system performance, show trends, confirm
successes, and identify potential problems in early childhood development
programs.
This grant program must not
supplant existing early childhood development programs or child care funds.
(b) The commissioner must
make a grant to a private nonprofit, section 501(c)(3) organization to
implement the requirements of paragraph (a). The private nonprofit organization
must be governed by a board of directors composed of members from the public
and nonpublic sectors, where the nonpublic sector members compose a simple
majority of board members and where the public sector members are state and
local government officials,
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kindergarten through grade
12 or postsecondary educators, and early childhood providers appointed by the
governor. Membership on the board of directors by a state agency official are
work duties for the official and are not a conflict of interest under section
43A.38. The board of directors must appoint an executive director and must seek
advice from geographically and ethnically diverse parents of young children and
representatives of early childhood development providers, kindergarten through
grade 12 and postsecondary educators, public libraries, and the business
sector.
The board of directors is
subject to the open meeting law under chapter 13D. All other terms and
conditions under which board members serve and operate must be described in the
articles and bylaws of the organization. The private nonprofit organization is
not a state agency and is not subject to laws governing public agencies except
the provisions of chapter 13, salary limits under section 15A.0815, subdivision
2, and audits by the legislative auditor under chapter 3 apply.
(c) (b) In addition to the duties
under paragraph (a), the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) shall
evaluate the effectiveness of the a voluntary NorthStar
quality Improvement and rating system. The NorthStar Quality
Improvement and Rating System quality rating system must:
(1) provide consumer
information for parents on child care and early education program quality and
ratings;
(2) set indicators to
identify quality in care and early education settings, including licensed
family child care and centers, tribal providers and programs, and Head
Start and school-age programs, and identify quality programs through
ratings and ongoing monitoring of programs;
(3) provide funds
resources and incentives for provider improvement grants and quality
achievement grants;
(4) require participating
providers to incorporate the state's early learning standards in their
curriculum activities and develop appropriate child assessments aligned with the
kindergarten readiness assessment implement a curriculum and child
assessments that align with the kindergarten through grade 2 standards;
(5) provide accountability
for the NorthStar Quality Improvement and Rating System's effectiveness in
improving child outcomes and kindergarten readiness an evaluation of the
quality rating system; and
(6) align current and new
state investments to improve the quality of child care with the NorthStar
quality Improvement and rating system framework, by providing
accountability and informed parent choice.
(c) The Minnesota Early Learning
Foundation shall report back to the legislature by January 15, 2008,
annually on the progress being made under this paragraph
paragraphs (a) and (b).
(d) This section expires
June 30, 2011 2012. If no state appropriation is made for
purposes of this section, the commissioner must not implement paragraphs (a)
and (b).
(e) A legislative advisory
task force shall be established to meet with MELF regarding pilot projects for
scholarship programs, and regarding other programs and pilot projects of a
similar nature conducted in Minnesota or elsewhere. The task force shall have
eight members, appointed as follows: two members from the majority party of the
house of representatives, appointed by the speaker, one of whom shall be
designated the house of representatives cochair, and two from nonmajority
members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker with advice
from the minority leader; two members from the majority party in the senate,
one of whom shall be designated the senate cochair, and two from nonmajority
members of the senate, appointed by the senate subcommittee on committees.
Appointments shall be balanced geographically, with at least two members from
substantially suburban districts and four members from nonmetropolitan
districts. The task force shall meet at least twice per year.
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Sec. 17. [124D.2211]
AFTER-SCHOOL COMMUNITY LEARNING PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment.
A competitive statewide after-school community learning grant program is
established to provide grants to community or nonprofit organizations, political
subdivisions, for-profit or nonprofit child care centers, or school-based
programs that serve youth after school or during nonschool hours. The
commissioner shall develop criteria for after-school community learning
programs.
Subd. 2. Program
outcomes. The expected outcomes of the after-school community
learning programs are to increase:
(1) school connectedness of participants;
(2) academic achievement of participating students
in one or more core academic areas;
(3) the capacity of participants to become
productive adults; and
(4) prevent truancy from school and prevent juvenile
crime.
Subd. 3. Grants.
An applicant shall submit an after-school community learning program
proposal to the commissioner. The submitted plan must include:
(1) collaboration with and leverage of existing
community resources that have demonstrated effectiveness;
(2) outreach to children and youth; and
(3) involvement of local governments, including park
and recreation boards or schools, unless no government agency is appropriate.
Proposals will be reviewed and approved by the
commissioner.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.531,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. State
total adult basic education aid. (a) The state total adult basic education
aid for fiscal year 2005 is $36,509,000. The state total adult basic education
aid for fiscal year 2006 equals $36,587,000 plus any amount that is not paid
for during the previous fiscal year, as a result of adjustments under
subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3. The state
total adult basic education aid for fiscal year 2007 equals $37,673,000 plus
any amount that is not paid for during the previous fiscal year, as a result of
adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section 124D.52, subdivision
3. The state total adult basic education aid for fiscal year 2008 equals
$40,650,000, plus any amount that is not paid during the previous fiscal year
as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph (a), or section
124D.52, subdivision 3. The state total adult basic education aid for later
fiscal years equals:
(1) the state total adult basic education aid for
the preceding fiscal year plus any amount that is not paid for during the
previous fiscal year, as a result of adjustments under subdivision 4, paragraph
(a), or section 124D.52, subdivision 3; times
(2) the lesser of:
(i) 1.03; or
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(ii) the greater of 1.00 or
the ratio of the state total contact hours in the first prior program year to
the state total contact hours in the second prior program year.
Beginning in fiscal year
2002, two percent of the state total adult basic education aid must be set
aside for adult basic education supplemental service grants under section
124D.522.
(b) The state total adult
basic education aid, excluding basic population aid, equals the difference
between the amount computed in paragraph (a), and the state total basic
population aid under subdivision 2.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.531, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Adult basic education program aid limit.
(a) Notwithstanding subdivisions 2 and 3, the total adult basic education aid
for a program per prior year contact hour must not exceed $21 $22
per prior year contact hour computed under subdivision 3, clause (2).
(b) For fiscal year 2004,
the aid for a program under subdivision 3, clause (2), adjusted for changes in
program membership, must not exceed the aid for that program under subdivision
3, clause (2), for fiscal year 2003 by more than the greater of eight percent
or $10,000.
(c) For fiscal year 2005,
the aid for a program under subdivision 3, clause (2), adjusted for changes in
program membership, must not exceed the sum of the aid for that program under
subdivision 3, clause (2), and Laws 2003, First Special Session chapter 9,
article 9, section 8, paragraph (a), for the preceding fiscal year by more than
the greater of eight percent or $10,000.
(d) For fiscal year years
2006 and later 2007, the aid for a program under subdivision
3, clause (2), adjusted for changes in program membership, must not exceed the
aid for that program under subdivision 3, clause (2), for the first preceding
fiscal year by more than the greater of eight percent or $10,000.
(e) For fiscal year 2008,
the aid for a program under subdivision 3, clause (2), adjusted for changes in
program membership, shall not be limited.
(f) For fiscal year 2009 and
later, the aid for a program under subdivision 3, clause (2), adjusted for
changes in program membership, must not exceed the aid for that program under
subdivision 3, clause (2), for the first preceding fiscal year by more than the
greater of 11 percent or $10,000.
(e) (g) Adult basic education aid
is payable to a program for unreimbursed costs occurring in the program year as
defined in section 124D.52, subdivision 3.
(f) (h) Any adult basic education
aid that is not paid to a program because of the program aid limitation under
paragraph (a) must be added to the state total adult basic education aid for
the next fiscal year under subdivision 1. Any adult basic education aid that is
not paid to a program because of the program aid limitations under paragraph
(b), (c), or (d), must be reallocated among programs by adjusting the rate per
contact hour under subdivision 3, clause (2).
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 124D.55, is amended to read:
124D.55 GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) TEST FEES.
(a) The commissioner shall pay 60
75 percent of the fee that is charged to an eligible individual for the
full battery of a general education development (GED) test, but not more than $20
$75 for an eligible individual.
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(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), the commissioner
shall pay 100 percent of the initial fee for an eligible individual who is
homeless or precariously housed, as determined by the commissioner.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.56,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Revenue
amount. A district that is eligible according to section 124D.20,
subdivision 2, may receive revenue for a program for adults with disabilities.
Revenue for the program for adults with disabilities for a district or a group
of districts equals the lesser of:
(1) the actual expenditures for approved programs
and budgets; or
(2) $60,000 $75,000.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.56,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Aid.
Program aid for adults with disabilities equals the lesser of:
(1) one-half of the actual expenditures for approved
programs and budgets; or
(2) $30,000 $37,500.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.56,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Levy.
A district may levy for a program for adults with disabilities an amount up
to the amount designated not to exceed the difference between the
revenue amount calculated in subdivision 1 and the aid amount calculated in
subdivision 2. In the case of a program offered by a group of districts, the
levy amount must be apportioned among the districts according to the agreement
submitted to the department.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective for revenue for fiscal year 2008.
Sec. 24. EARLY
CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY HUB PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS.
Subdivision 1. Establishment.
(a) A two-year grant program is established to increase children's school
readiness and success using early childhood community hubs. An early childhood
community hub must promote children's school readiness from before birth to
kindergarten by coordinating and improving families' access to:
(1) community early care and education services;
(2) school;
(3) health services; and
(4) other family support services that stabilize, support,
and assist families in meeting their children's health and developmental needs.
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(b) The commissioner of
education shall designate at least four hubs to be established under this
section. One hub must be located in a rural area of the state, one must be in a
suburban area, and one must be in an urban area. The commissioner shall
consider other demographic and cultural factors to ensure that hubs are
selected in diverse areas of the state, and shall ensure that a significant
number of participants in each area are eligible for free or reduced-price
lunch.
Subd. 2. Eligibility; application. (a) An applicant for a grant
must be a school district, a consortium of school districts, or a tribal school
interested in collaborating with community-based early childhood care and
education providers to maximize the services available to eligible families.
(b) An interested applicant
must submit a plan to the commissioner of education, in the form and manner the
commissioner determines, to implement an early childhood community hub that is
located in a public school, a tribal school, or other appropriate community
location. An applicant must include in the plan a community-based assessment of
the existing resources and needs for providing high quality early care and
education services, health and mental health services, and other social
services that support healthy families and safe neighborhoods. A district
superintendent or a designated representative, or a tribal school principal or
a designated representative, must oversee the community collaboration.
Subd. 3. Program components. (a) Grant recipients must:
(1) provide for an ongoing
assessment of local resources and needs for high quality early care and
education services, health and mental health services, and other social
services that support safe neighborhoods and healthy families;
(2) develop and implement,
in consultation with an advisory committee under subdivision 4, a plan to
improve the healthy development and school readiness of children from before
birth to kindergarten;
(3) develop collaborative
partnerships among school-based early childhood programs, kindergarten teachers
and other school officials, community-based Head Start and child care programs
including licensed centers, family child care homes, and unlicensed family
friend and neighbor caregivers, early intervention interagency committees, and
other appropriate partners that:
(i) use the Minnesota child
care resource and referral network to provide parents with information on
quality early care and education services and financial aid options for their
children from birth to kindergarten;
(ii) provide high quality
early care and education settings for children from birth to kindergarten;
(iii) connect families to
health, mental health, adult basic education, English language learning, family
literacy programs, and other relevant social services; and
(iv) promote shared
professional development activities in early care and education settings that
integrate curriculum, assessment, and instruction and are aligned with
kindergarten through grade 12 standards;
(4) provide meaningful
kindergarten transition services for families that begin one school year before
a child enters kindergarten;
(5) develop and implement an
evaluation plan to determine the effectiveness of the collaboration, the level
of parent satisfaction, and children's kindergarten readiness before and after
participating in the program; and
(6) assign an unduplicated
MARSS number to each child participating in the program.
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(b) An applicant must agree to contract with a
qualified person to coordinate the hub who, at a minimum, must have:
(1) a bachelor's degree in early childhood
development or a related field;
(2) experience working with low-income families from
diverse cultural communities; and
(3) experience working with state and community
school readiness providers.
(c) An applicant must agree to provide a 15 percent
local match for any grant money it receives, of which five percent may be
in-kind contributions. A grant recipient must use the grant, including the
local match, to supplement but not supplant existing state-funded early
childhood initiatives in the community.
Subd. 4. Advisory
committees. Each early childhood community hub grantee must have an advisory
committee, which may be a preexisting early childhood committee or a newly
formed early childhood advisory committee. A newly formed early childhood
advisory committee must include at least the following members selected by the
school administrator who oversees the community collaboration:
(1) 30 percent parents;
(2) the school administrator who oversees the
community collaboration;
(3) licensed teachers for kindergarten through grade
3;
(4) licensed child care providers that include
family child care and center-based providers;
(5) Head Start providers;
(6) early childhood family education and school
readiness providers;
(7) early childhood special education providers;
(8) a child care resource and referral agency;
(9) community business leaders;
(10) an early intervention interagency committee
liaison;
(11) other appropriate community members serving
young children and their families; and
(12) an official from a county-recognized labor
organization that serves as a partner with licensed family day care providers.
Subd. 5. Evaluation.
The commissioner must provide for an evaluation of this grant program and
must recommend to the education policy and finance committees of the legislature
by February 15, 2010, whether or not to expand the program throughout the
state.
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Sec. 25. PROVISIONAL QUALITY RATING SYSTEM,
LICENSED CHILD CARE.
For fiscal year 2009 only, a
licensed child care program shall receive a provisional quality rating system
approval if the provider certifies to the Department of Human Services that it
uses curricula and child assessment instruments approved by the Department of
Human Services, provides opportunities for parent involvement and parent
education, proves a program with sufficient intensity and duration to improve
school readiness of participating children, and meets other criteria determined
necessary by the commissioner of human services.
Sec. 26. PROVISIONAL QUALITY RATING SYSTEM,
SCHOOL READINESS.
For fiscal year 2009 only, a
school readiness program shall receive a provisional quality rating system
approval if the provider certifies to the Department of Education that it uses
curricula and child assessment instruments approved by the Department of
Education, provides opportunities for parent involvement and parent education,
proves a program with sufficient intensity and duration to improve school
readiness of participating children, and meets other criteria determined
necessary by the commissioner of education.
Sec. 27. SCHOLARSHIP DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
Subdivision 1. Early childhood allowance. The commissioners of human
services and education shall establish two scholarship demonstration projects
to be conducted in partnership with the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation to
promote children's school readiness. The demonstration projects shall be
designed and evaluated by the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation in consultation
with the legislative advisory group. The programs shall be conducted in
nonurban areas outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
Subd. 2. Family eligibility. Parents or legal guardians with
incomes less than or equal to 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are
eligible to receive allowances to pay for their children's education in a
quality early education program, in an amount not to exceed $4,000 per child
per year. The allowance must be used during the 12 months following receipt of
the allowance by the claimant for a child who is age 3 or 4 on August 31, to
pay for services designed to promote school readiness in a quality early
education setting. A quality program is one that meets the standards in
subdivision 3.
Subd. 3. Quality standards. (a) A quality early care and education
setting is any service or program that receives a quality rating from the
Department of Human Services under the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation
quality rating system administered by the Department of Human Services and
agrees to accept a prekindergarten education allowance to pay for services. For
fiscal year 2008 and 2009 only, a provider may satisfy the quality rating
system requirements and be deemed eligible to participate in this program if the
provider has received a provisional quality rating system approval from either
the Department of Human Services or the Department of Education.
(b) For the purposes of
receiving a provisional quality rating, a child care program or provider must
be approved by the commissioner of human services and a school readiness
program or a Head Start program must be approved by the commissioner of
education. Programs and providers must apply for approval in the form and
manner prescribed by the commissioners. To receive approval, the commissioners
must determine that applicants:
(1) use research-based
curricula that are aligned with the education standards under Minnesota
Statutes, section 120B.021, instruction, and child assessment instruments
approved by the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services,
in consultation with the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation;
(2) provide a program of
sufficient intensity and duration to improve the school readiness of
participating children;
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(3) provide opportunities for parent involvement;
and
(4) meet other research-based criteria determined
necessary by the commissioners.
(c) For 2008 and 2009, notwithstanding paragraph
(b), Head Start programs meeting Head Start performance standards and
accredited child care centers are granted a provisional quality rating for the
purposes of receiving a prekindergarten education allowance under this statute.
(d) A provider deemed eligible to receive a
prekindergarten education allowance under paragraphs (a) to (c) may use the
allowance to enhance services above the current quality levels, increase the
duration of services provided, or expand the number of children to whom services
are provided.
(e) For fiscal years 2008 and 2009 only, when no
quality program is available, a recipient may direct the prekindergarten
education allowance to a provider or program for school readiness quality
improvements that will make the provider or program eligible for a quality
rating according to the quality rating system. Allowable expenditures that will
increase the capacity of the provider or program to help children be ready for
school include purchase of curricula and assessment tools, training on the use
of curriculum and assessment tools, purchase of materials to improve the
learning environment, or other expenditures approved by the commissioner of
human services for child care providers and the commissioner of education for
school readiness programs.
Subd. 4. Eligibility;
applications. The Department of Human Services and Department of
Education shall, in cooperation with the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation,
develop an application process for eligible families. Eligible families must
have incomes less than or equal to 185 percent of the federal poverty
guidelines. Allowances paid to families under this program may not be counted
as earned income for the purposes of medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, MFIP,
child care assistance, or Head Start programs.
Subd. 5. Expenditures.
This program shall operate during fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment and its provisions
sunset on January 1, 2012.
Sec. 28. GRANT
PROGRAM TO PROMOTE THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH WITHIN THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
(a) The commissioner of education must contract with
the Search Institute to help local communities develop, expand, and maintain the
tools, training, and resources needed to foster positive child and youth
development and effectively engage young people in their communities. The
Search Institute must educate individuals and community-based organizations to
adequately understand and meet the development needs of their children and
youth, use best practices to promote the healthy development of children and
youth, share best program practices with other interested communities, and
create electronic and other opportunities for communities to share experiences
in and resources for promoting the healthy development of children and youth.
(b) The commissioner of education must provide for
an evaluation of the effectiveness of this program and must recommend to the
education policy and finance committees of the legislature by February 15,
2010, whether or not to make the program available statewide. The Search
Institute annually must report to the commissioner of education on the services
it provided and the grant money it expended under this section.
EFFECTIVE
DATE. This
section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 29. APPROPRIATION.
Subdivision 1. Department
of Education. The sums indicated in this section are appropriated
from the general fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal years
designated.
Subd. 2. Early
childhood family education aid. For early childhood family education
aid under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.135:
$21,106,000 . . . . . 2008
$21,888,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $1,796,000 for 2007
and $19,310,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $2,145,000 for 2008
and $19,743,000 for 2009.
Subd. 3. Targeted
training of early childhood professionals. For the targeted training
of early childhood professionals under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.163:
$155,000 . . . . . 2008
$70,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year. The base for this program in fiscal year 2010 and
later is $70,000.
Subd. 4. Early
childhood community hub planning and implementation grants. For
planning and implementation grants under section 24:
$1,000,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,000,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 5. Early
childhood scholarships. For early childhood scholarships under
section 15:
$392,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,108,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 6. School
readiness. For revenue for school readiness programs under Minnesota
Statutes, sections 124D.15 and 124D.16:
$9,995,000 . . . . . 2008
$10,095,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $909,000 for 2007
and $9,086,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $1,009,000 for 2008
and $9,086,000 for 2009.
Journal of the House - 47th
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Subd. 7. State
Advisory Board on School Readiness. For the State Advisory Board on
School Readiness under section 11:
$46,000 . . . . . 2008
$40,000 . . . . . 2009
The base for this program is $40,000 per year for
fiscal year 2010 and later.
Subd. 8. Lifetrack
Resources. For a contract with Lifetrack Resources to provide a
program in Ramsey County to expand school readiness and home visiting services
for children from birth to kindergarten who are at risk of or have been
diagnosed with mental illness or developmental delays due to fetal alcohol or
drug exposure, child neglect, or abuse, and their families in order to ensure
the children's school readiness:
$500,000 . . . . . 2008
$500,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 9. Minnesota
Learning Resource Center. For a grant to A Chance to Grow/New Visions
for the Minnesota Learning Resource Center's comprehensive training program for
education professionals charged with helping children acquire learning
readiness skills:
$75,000 . . . . . 2008
$75,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
The Minnesota Learning Resource Center shall issue a
report by January 15, 2009, to the committees of the house of representatives
and senate responsible for early childhood programs. The report shall describe
the conduct of the training provided to the A Chance to Grow/New Visions
program, and any findings or lessons learned that might prove useful to the
training of education professionals or the improvement of learning readiness
services for children from such training.
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 10. Health
and developmental screening aid. For health and developmental
screening aid under Minnesota Statutes, sections 121A.17 and 121A.19:
$3,159,000 . . . . . 2008
$3,330,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $288,000 for 2007
and $2,871,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $319,000 for 2008
and $3,011,000 for 2009.
Journal of the House - 47th
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Subd. 11. Educate parents
partnership. For the educate parents partnership under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.129:
$50,000 . . . . . 2008
$50,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 12. Kindergarten
entrance assessment initiative and intervention program. For the
kindergarten entrance assessment initiative and intervention program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.162:
$584,000 . . . . . 2008
$776,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 13. Head
Start programs. For Head Start programs under Minnesota Statutes,
section 119A.52:
$20,100,000 . . . . . 2008
$20,100,000 . . . . . 2009
Of these amounts, up to 10 percent of the funds
allocated to local Head Start programs annually may be used for innovative
services designed either to target Head Start resources to particular at-risk
groups of children or to provide services in addition to those currently
allowable under federal Head Start regulations. Head Start programs must submit
a plan for innovative services as part of the application process described
under Minnesota Statutes, section 119A.535.
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 14. Community
education aid. For community education aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.20:
$1,307,000 . . . . . 2008
$816,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $195,000 for 2007
and $1,112,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $123,000 for 2008
and $693,000 for 2009.
Subd. 15. Adults
with disabilities program aid. For adults with disabilities programs
under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.56:
$881,000 . . . . . 2008
$900,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $71,000 for 2007 and
$810,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $90,000 for 2008 and
$810,000 for 2009.
Journal of the House - 47th
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School districts operating existing adults with
disabilities programs that are not fully funded shall receive full funding for
the program beginning in fiscal year 2008 before the commissioner awards grants
to other districts.
Subd. 16. Hearing-impaired
adults. For programs for hearing-impaired adults under Minnesota
Statutes, section 124D.57:
$70,000 . . . . . 2008
$70,000 . . . . . 2009
Subd. 17. School-age
care revenue. For extended day aid under Minnesota Statutes, section
124D.22:
$1,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,000 . . . . . 2009
The 2008 appropriation includes $0 for 2007 and
$1,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $0 for 2008 and
$1,000 for 2009.
Subd. 18. After-school
community learning grants. For after-school community learning
grants:
$2,775,000 . . . . . 2008
$2,600,000 . . . . . 2009
The commissioner may hire one full-time equivalent
staff person to administer the statewide after-school community learning grant
program.
The Department of Education shall give strong
consideration to an application for a grant under this subdivision by
Independent School District No. 625, St. Paul, on behalf of the city of St.
Paul to increase the number and quality of after school and school release time
activities for children within the school district. A grant provided under this
subdivision to Independent School District No. 625, St. Paul, in partnership
with the city of St. Paul must improve opportunities for learning provided by
the district and by nonprofit programs serving youth, and for staff development
for library and park and recreation workers who have frequent contact with
children.
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 19. Children
and youth healthy development grant. For children and youth healthy
development grant under section 28:
$250,000 . . . . . 2008
$250,000 . . . . . 2009
This is a onetime appropriation.
Subd. 20. Adult
basic education aid. For adult basic education aid under Minnesota Statutes,
section 124D.531:
$40,347,000 . . . . . 2008
$41,745,000 . . . . . 2009
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3228
The 2008 appropriation includes $3,759,000 for 2007
and $36,588,000 for 2008.
The 2009 appropriation includes $4,065,000 for 2008
and $37,680,000 for 2009.
Subd. 21. GED test
fees. For GED test fees under Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.55:
$300,000 . . . . . 2008
$200,000 . . . . . 2009
$100,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for GED test fees for
homeless persons.
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
Subd. 22. Adult
literacy grants for recent immigrants. For adult literacy grants for
recent immigrants to Minnesota under Laws 2006, chapter 282, article 2, section
26:
$1,250,000 . . . . . 2008
Subd. 23. Minnesota
Early Learning Foundation. For a grant to the Minnesota Early
Learning Foundation for the scholarship demonstration projects in section 27:
$1,250,000 . . . . . 2008
$1,250,000 . . . . . 2009
Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is
available in the second year.
This is a onetime appropriation.
Sec. 30. DEPARTMENT
OF HEALTH.
$100,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $100,000 in fiscal
year 2009 are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of health
for lead hazard reduction.
Sec. 31. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 124D.531,
subdivision 5, is repealed."
Delete the title and insert:
"A bill for an act
relating to education; providing for early childhood, family, adult, and
prekindergarten through grade 12 education including general education,
education excellence, special programs, facilities and technology, nutrition
and accounting, libraries, state agencies, forecast adjustments, technical and
conforming amendments, pupil transportation standards, and early childhood and
adult programs; providing for task force and advisory groups; requiring school
districts to give employees who are veterans the option to take personal leave
on Veteran's Day and encouraging private employers to give employees who are
veterans a day off with pay on Veteran's Day; requiring reports; authorizing
rulemaking; funding parenting time centers; funding lead hazard reduction;
appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.32, by
adding a subdivision; 16A.152,
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3229
subdivision 2; 119A.50, by
adding a subdivision; 119A.52; 119A.535; 120A.22, subdivision 7; 120B.021,
subdivision 1; 120B.023, subdivision 2; 120B.024; 120B.11, subdivision 5;
120B.132; 120B.15; 120B.30; 120B.31, subdivision 3; 120B.36, subdivision 1;
121A.22, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; 122A.16; 122A.18, by adding a subdivision;
122A.20, subdivision 1; 122A.414, subdivisions 1, 2; 122A.415, subdivision 1;
122A.60, subdivision 3; 122A.61, subdivision 1; 122A.628, subdivision 2;
122A.72, subdivision 5; 123A.73, subdivision 8; 123B.02, by adding a
subdivision; 123B.03, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 123B.10,
subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 123B.143, subdivision 1; 123B.37,
subdivision 1; 123B.53, subdivisions 1, 4, 5; 123B.54; 123B.57, subdivision 3;
123B.63, subdivision 3; 123B.77, subdivision 4; 123B.79, subdivisions 6, 8, by
adding a subdivision; 123B.81, subdivisions 2, 4, 7; 123B.83, subdivision 2;
123B.88, subdivision 12; 123B.90, subdivision 2; 123B.92, subdivisions 1, 3, 5;
124D.095, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 7; 124D.10, subdivisions 4, 23a, 24; 124D.11,
subdivision 1; 124D.111, subdivision 1; 124D.128, subdivisions 1, 2, 3;
124D.13, subdivisions 1, 2, 11, by adding a subdivision; 124D.135, subdivisions
1, 3, 5; 124D.16, subdivision 2; 124D.175; 124D.34, subdivision 7; 124D.4531;
124D.454, subdivisions 2, 3; 124D.531, subdivisions 1, 4; 124D.55; 124D.56,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3; 124D.59, subdivision 2; 124D.65, subdivisions 5, 11;
124D.84, subdivision 1; 125A.11, subdivision 1; 125A.13; 125A.14; 125A.39;
125A.42; 125A.44; 125A.45; 125A.63, by adding a subdivision; 125A.75,
subdivisions 1, 4; 125A.76, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5, by adding a subdivision;
125A.79, subdivisions 1, 5, 6, 8; 125B.15; 126C.01, subdivision 9, by adding
subdivisions; 126C.05, subdivisions 1, 8, 15; 126C.10, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 2b,
4, 13a, 18, 24, 34, by adding a subdivision; 126C.126; 126C.13, subdivision 4;
126C.15, subdivision 2; 126C.17, subdivisions 6, 9; 126C.21, subdivisions 3, 5;
126C.41, by adding a subdivision; 126C.44; 126C.48, subdivisions 2, 7;
127A.441; 127A.47, subdivisions 7, 8; 127A.48, by adding a subdivision;
127A.49, subdivisions 2, 3; 128D.11, subdivision 3; 134.31, by adding a
subdivision; 134.34, subdivision 4; 134.355, subdivision 9; 169.01, subdivision
6, by adding a subdivision; 169.443, by adding a subdivision; 169.447,
subdivision 2; 169.4501, subdivisions 1, 2; 169.4502, subdivision 5; 169.4503,
subdivisions 13, 20; 171.02, subdivisions 2, 2a; 171.321, subdivision 4;
205A.03, subdivision 1; 205A.06, subdivision 1a; 272.029, by adding a
subdivision; 273.11, subdivision 1a; 273.1393; 275.065, subdivisions 1, 1a, 3;
275.07, subdivision 2; 275.08, subdivision 1b; 276.04, subdivision 2; 517.08,
subdivision 1c; Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter 5, article 1, sections
50, subdivision 2; 54, subdivisions 2, as amended, 4, 5, as amended, 6, as
amended, 7, as amended, 8, as amended; article 2, sections 81, as amended; 84,
subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as amended, 4, as amended, 6, as amended, 10, as
amended; article 3, section 18, subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as amended, 4,
as amended, 6, as amended; article 4, section 25, subdivisions 2, as amended,
3, as amended; article 5, section 17, subdivision 3, as amended; article 7,
section 20, subdivisions 2, as amended, 3, as amended, 4, as amended; article
8, section 8, subdivisions 2, as amended, 5, as amended; article 9, section 4,
subdivision 2; Laws 2006, chapter 263, article 3, section 15; Laws 2006,
chapter 282, article 2, section 28, subdivision 4; article 3, section 4,
subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters
119A; 121A; 122A; 123B; 124D; 135A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections
121A.23; 123A.22, subdivision 11; 123B.81, subdivision 8; 124D.06; 124D.081,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9; 124D.454, subdivisions 4, 5, 6, 7; 124D.531,
subdivision 5; 124D.62; 125A.10; 125A.75, subdivision 6; 125A.76, subdivision
3; 169.4502, subdivision 15; 169.4503, subdivisions 17, 18, 26."
With the recommendation that
when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means.
The report was adopted.
Carlson from the Committee
on Finance to which was referred:
H. F. No. 854, A bill for an
act relating to environment; providing for collection, transportation, and
recycling of video display devices; providing civil penalties; proposing coding
for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 115A.
Reported the same back with
the following amendments:
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3230
Delete everything after the
enacting clause and insert:
"Section 1. [115A.1310] DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of sections 115A.1310 to
115A.1330, the following terms have the meanings given.
Subd. 2. Cathode-ray tube or CRT. "Cathode-ray tube" or
"CRT" means a vacuum tube or picture tube used to convert an
electronic signal into a visual image.
Subd. 3. Collection. "Collection" means the aggregation
of covered electronic devices from households and includes all the activities
up to the time the covered electronic devices are delivered to a recycler.
Subd. 4. Collector. "Collector" means a public or
private entity that receives covered electronic devices from households and
arranges for the delivery of the devices to a recycler.
Subd. 5. Computer. "Computer" means an electronic,
magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high-speed data processing device
performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, but does not include an
automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand-held calculator or device,
or other similar device.
Subd. 6. Computer monitor. "Computer monitor" means an
electronic device that is a cathode-ray tube or flat panel display primarily
intended to display information from a central processing unit or the Internet.
Computer monitor includes a laptop computer.
Subd. 7. Covered electronic device. "Covered electronic
device" means computers, peripherals, facsimile machines, DVD players,
video cassette recorders, and video display devices that are sold to a
household by means of retail, wholesale, or electronic commerce.
Subd. 8. Department. "Department" means the Department
of Revenue.
Subd. 9. Dwelling unit. "Dwelling unit" has the meaning
given in section 238.02, subdivision 21a.
Subd. 10. Household. "Household" means an occupant of a
single detached dwelling unit or a single unit of a multiple dwelling unit
located in this state who has used a video display device at a dwelling unit
primarily for personal use.
Subd. 11. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" means a person
who:
(1) manufactures video
display devices to be sold under its own brand as identified by its own brand
label; or
(2) sells video display
devices manufactured by others under its own brand as identified by its own
brand label.
Subd. 12. Peripheral. "Peripheral" means a keyboard,
printer, or any other device sold exclusively for external use with a computer
that provides input or output into or from a computer.
Subd. 13. Program year. "Program year" means the period
from July 1 through June 30.
Subd. 14. Recycler. "Recycler" means a public or private
individual or entity who accepts covered electronic devices from households and
collectors for the purpose of recycling. A manufacturer who takes products for
refurbishment or repair is not a recycler.
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Subd. 15. Recycling. "Recycling" means the process of
collecting and preparing video display devices or covered electronic devices
for use in manufacturing processes or for recovery of useable materials
followed by delivery of such materials for use. Recycling does not include the
destruction by incineration or other process or land disposal of recyclable
materials nor reuse, repair, or any other process through which video display
devices or covered electronic devices are returned to use for households in
their original form.
Subd. 16. Recycling credits. "Recycling credits" means
the number of pounds of covered electronic devices recycled by a manufacturer
from households during a program year, less the product of the number of pounds
of video display devices sold to households during the same program year,
multiplied by the proportion of sales a manufacturer is required to recycle.
The calculation and uses of recycling credits are as specified in section
115A.1314, subdivision 1.
Subd. 17. Retailer. "Retailer" means a person who sells,
rents, or leases, through sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet, a video
display device to a household and not for resale in any form.
Subd. 18. Sell or sale. "Sell" or "sale" means
any transfer for consideration of title or of the right to use, by lease or
sales contract, including, but not limited to, transactions conducted through
sales outlets, catalogs, or the Internet, or any other similar electronic means
either inside or outside of the state, by a person who conducts the transaction
and controls the delivery of a video display device to a consumer in the state,
but does not include a manufacturer's or distributor's wholesale transaction
with a distributor or a retailer.
Subd. 19. Television. "Television" means an electronic
device that is a cathode-ray tube or flat panel display primarily intended to
receive video programming via broadcast, cable, or satellite transmission or
video from surveillance or other similar cameras.
Subd. 20. Video display device. "Video display device"
means a television or computer monitor, including a laptop computer, that contains
a cathode-ray tube or a flat panel screen with a screen size that is greater
than nine inches measured diagonally and that is marketed by manufacturers for
use by households. Video display device does not include any of the following:
(1) a video display device
that is part of a motor vehicle or any component part of a motor vehicle
assembled by, or for, a vehicle manufacturer or franchised dealer, including
replacement parts for use in a motor vehicle;
(2) a video display device, including
a touch-screen display, that is functionally or physically part of a larger
piece of equipment or is designed and intended for use in an industrial;
commercial, including retail; library checkout; traffic control; kiosk;
security, other than household security; border control; or medical setting,
including diagnostic, monitoring, or control equipment;
(3) a video display device
that is contained within a clothes washer, clothes dryer, refrigerator,
refrigerator and freezer, microwave oven, conventional oven or range,
dishwasher, room air conditioner, dehumidifier, or air purifier; or
(4) a telephone of any type
unless it contains a video display area greater than nine inches measured
diagonally.
Sec. 2. [115A.1312] REGISTRATION PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Requirements for sale. (a) On or after September 1, 2007,
a manufacturer must not sell or offer for sale or deliver to retailers for
subsequent sale a new video display device unless:
(1) the video display device
is labeled with the manufacturer's brand, which label is permanently affixed
and readily visible; and
Journal of the House - 47th
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(2)
the manufacturer has filed a registration with the agency, as specified in
subdivision 2.
(b)
On or after February 1, 2008, a retailer who sells or offers for sale a new
video display device to a household must, before the initial offer for sale,
review the agency Web site specified in subdivision 2, paragraph (g), to
determine that all new video display devices that the retailer is offering for
sale are labeled with the manufacturer's brands that are registered with the
agency.
(c)
A retailer is not responsible for an unlawful sale under this subdivision if
the manufacturer's registration expired or was revoked and the retailer took
possession of the video display device prior to the expiration or revocation of
the manufacturer's registration and the unlawful sale occurred within six
months after the expiration or revocation.
Subd.
2. Manufacturer's registration. (a)
A manufacturer of video display devices sold or offered for sale to households
after September 1, 2007, must submit a registration to the agency that
includes:
(1)
a list of the manufacturer's brands of video display devices offered for sale
in this state;
(2)
the name, address, and contact information of a person responsible for ensuring
compliance with this chapter; and
(3)
a certification that the manufacturer has complied and will continue to comply with
the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318.
(b)
By September 1, 2008, and each year thereafter, a manufacturer of video display
devices sold or offered for sale to a household must include in the
registration submitted under paragraph (a), a statement disclosing whether:
(1)
any video display devices sold to households exceed the maximum concentration
values established for lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium,
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
under the RoHS (restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment) Directive 2002/95/EC of the European
Parliament and Council and any amendments thereto; or
(2)
the manufacturer has received an exemption from one or more of those maximum
concentration values under the RoHS Directive that has been approved and
published by the European Commission.
(c)
A manufacturer who begins to sell or offer for sale video display devices to
households after September 1, 2007, and has not filed a registration under this
subdivision must submit a registration to the agency within ten days of
beginning to sell or offer for sale video display devices to households.
(d)
A registration must be updated within ten days after a change in the
manufacturer's brands of video display devices sold or offered for sale to
households.
(e)
A registration is effective upon receipt by the agency and is valid until
September 1 of each year.
(f)
The agency must review each registration and notify the manufacturer of any
information required by this section that is omitted from the registration.
Within 30 days of receipt of a notification from the agency, the manufacturer
must submit a revised registration providing the information noted by the agency.
(g)
The agency must maintain on its Web site the names of manufacturers and the
manufacturers' brands listed in registrations filed with the agency. The agency
must update the Web site information promptly upon receipt of a new or updated
registration. The Web site must contain prominent language stating, in effect,
that sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 are directed at household equipment and
the manufacturers' brands list is, therefore, not a list of manufacturers
qualified to sell to industrial, commercial, or other markets identified as
exempt from the requirements of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.
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Subd.
3. Collector's registration. After
August 1, 2007, no person may operate as a collector of covered electronic
devices from households unless that person has submitted a registration with
the agency on a form prescribed by the commissioner. Registration information
must include the name, address, telephone number, and location of the business
and a certification that the collector has complied and will continue to comply
with the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318. A registration is
effective upon receipt by the agency and is valid until July 1 of each year.
Subd.
4. Recycler's registration. After
August 1, 2007, no person may recycle video display devices generated by
households unless that person has submitted a registration with the agency on a
form prescribed by the commissioner. Registration information must include the
name, address, telephone number, and location of all recycling facilities under
the direct control of the recycler that may receive video display devices from
households and a certification that the recycler has complied and will continue
to comply with the requirements of sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1318. A
registered recycler may conduct recycling activities that are consistent with
this chapter. A registration is effective upon receipt by the agency and is
valid until July 1 of each year.
Sec.
3. [115A.1314] MANUFACTURER'S
REGISTRATION FEE; CREATION OF ACCOUNT.
Subdivision
1. Registration fee. (a) Each
manufacturer who registers under section 115A.1312 must, by September 1, 2007,
and each year thereafter, pay to the commissioner of revenue an annual
registration fee. The commissioner of revenue must deposit the fee in the
account established in subdivision 2.
(b)
The registration fee for the initial program year during which a manufacturer's
video display devices are sold to households is $5,000. Each year thereafter,
the registration fee is equal to a base fee of $2,500, plus a variable
recycling fee calculated according to the formula:
((A
x B) - (C + D)) x E, where:
(1)
A = the number of pounds of a manufacturer's video display devices sold to
households during the previous program year, as reported to the department
under section 115A.1316, subdivision 1;
(2)
B = the proportion of sales of video display devices required to be recycled,
set at 0.6 for the first program year and 0.8 for the second program year and
every year thereafter;
(3)
C = the number of pounds of covered electronic devices recycled by a
manufacturer from households during the previous program year, as reported to
the department under section 115A.1316, subdivision 1;
(4)
D = the number of recycling credits a manufacturer elects to use to calculate
the variable recycling fee, as reported to the department under section
115A.1316, subdivision 1; and
(5)
E = the estimated per-pound cost of recycling, initially set at $0.50 per pound
for manufacturers who recycle less than 50 percent of the product (A x B);
$0.40 per pound for manufacturers who recycle at least 50 percent but less than
90 percent of the product (A x B); and $0.30 per pound for manufacturers who recycle
at least 90 percent but less than 100 percent of the product (A x B).
(c)
If, as specified in paragraph (b), the term C - (A x B) equals a positive
number of pounds, that amount is defined as the manufacturer's recycling
credits. A manufacturer may retain recycling credits to be added, in whole or
in part, to the actual value of C, as reported under section 115A.1316,
subdivision 2, during any of the three succeeding program years. A manufacturer
may sell any portion or all of its recycling credits to another manufacturer,
at a price negotiated by the parties, who may use the credits in the same
manner.
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(d) For the purpose of
calculating a manufacturer's variable recycling fee under paragraph (b), the
weight of covered electronic devices collected from households located outside
the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), is
calculated at 1.5 times their actual weight.
(e) The registration fee for
the initial program year and the base registration fee thereafter for a
manufacturer who produces fewer than 100 video display devices for sale
annually to households is $1,250.
Subd. 2. Creation of account; appropriations. (a) The electronic
waste account is established in the environmental fund. The commissioner of
revenue must deposit receipts from the fee established in subdivision 2 in the
account. Any interest earned on the account must remain in the account. Money
from other sources may be credited to the account.
(b) Until June 30, 2009,
money in the account is annually appropriated to the Pollution Control Agency:
(1) for the purpose of
implementing sections 115A.1312 to 115A.1330, including transfer to the
commissioner of revenue to carry out the department's duties under section
115A.1320, subdivision 2; and
(2) to the commissioner of
the Pollution Control Agency to be distributed on a competitive basis through
contracts with counties outside the 11-county metropolitan area, as defined in
paragraph (c), and with private entities that collect for recycling covered
electronic devices in counties outside the 11-county metropolitan area, where
such collection and recycling is consistent with the respective county's solid
waste plan, for the purpose of carrying out the activities under sections
115A.1312 to 115A.1330. In awarding competitive grants under this clause, the
commissioner must give preference to counties and private entities that are
working cooperatively with manufacturers to help them meet their recycling
obligations under section 115A.1318, subdivision 1.
(c) The 11-county
metropolitan area consists of the counties of Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota,
Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright.
Sec. 4. [115A.1316] REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Subdivision 1. Manufacturer's reporting requirements. (a) By September 1
of each year, beginning in 2008, each manufacturer must report to the
department:
(1) the total weight of each
specific model of its video display devices sold to households during the
previous program year;
(2) the total weight of its
video display devices sold to households during the previous year; or
(3) an estimate of the total
weight of its video display devices sold to households during the previous
program year based on national sales data.
A manufacturer must submit
with the report required under this paragraph a description of how the
information or estimate was calculated.
(b) By September 1 of each
year, beginning in 2008, each manufacturer must report to the department the
total weight of covered electronic devices the manufacturer collected from
households and recycled or arranged to have collected and recycled during the
preceding program year. If a manufacturer wishes to receive the variable
recycling rate of 1.5 for covered electronic devices it recycles, the
manufacturer must report separately the total weight of covered electronic
devices collected from households located in counties specified in section
115A.1314, subdivision 1, paragraph (d), and those collected from households
located outside those counties.
Journal of the House - 47th
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(c)
By September 1 of each year, beginning in 2008, each manufacturer must report
to the department:
(1)
the number of recycling credits the manufacturer has purchased and sold during
the preceding program year;
(2)
the number of recycling credits possessed by the manufacturer that the
manufacturer elects to use in the calculation of its variable recycling fee
under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1; and
(3)
the number of recycling credits the manufacturer retains at the beginning of
the current program year.
Subd.
2. Recycler's reporting requirements.
By August 1 of each year, beginning in 2008, a recycler of covered
electronic devices must report to the agency and the department the total
weight of covered electronic devices recycled during the preceding program year
and must certify that the recycler has complied with section 115A.1318,
subdivision 2.
Subd.
3. Collector's reporting requirements.
By August 1 of each year, beginning in 2008, a collector must report
separately to the agency the total pounds of covered electronic devices
collected in the counties specified in section 115A.1314, subdivision 1,
paragraph (d), and all other Minnesota counties, and a list of all recyclers to
whom collectors delivered covered electronic devices.
Sec.
5. [115A.1318] RESPONSIBILITIES.
Subdivision
1. Manufacturer's responsibilities.
(a) In addition to fulfilling the requirements of sections 115A.1310 to
115A.1330, a manufacturer must comply with paragraphs (b) to (e).
(b)
A manufacturer must annually recycle or arrange for the collection and
recycling of an amount of covered electronic devices equal to the total weight
of its video display devices sold to households during the preceding program
year, multiplied by the proportion of sales of video display devices required
to be recycled, as established by the agency under section 115A.1320,
subdivision 1, paragraph (c).
(c)
The obligations of a manufacturer apply only to video display devices received
from households and do not apply to video display devices received from sources
other than households.
(d)
A manufacturer must conduct and document due diligence assessments of
collectors and recyclers it contracts with, including an assessment of items
specified under subdivision 2. A manufacturer is responsible for maintaining,
for a period of three years, documentation that all video display devices
recycled, partially recycled, or sent to downstream recycling operations comply
with the requirements of subdivision 2.
(e)
A manufacturer must provide the agency with contact information for a person
who can be contacted regarding the manufacturer's activities under sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1320.
Subd.
2. Recycler's responsibilities. (a)
As part of the report submitted under section 115A.1316, subdivision 2, a recycler
must certify, except as provided in paragraph (b), that facilities that recycle
video display devices, including all downstream recycling operations:
(1)
comply with all applicable health, environmental, safety, and financial
responsibility regulations;
(2)
are licensed by all applicable governmental authorities;
(3)
use no prison labor to recycle video display devices; and
Journal of the House - 47th
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(4) possess liability
insurance of not less than $1,000,000 for environmental releases, accidents,
and other emergencies.
(b) A nonprofit corporation
that contracts with a correctional institution to refurbish and reuse donated
computers in schools is exempt from paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4).
(c) Except to the extent
otherwise required by law, a recycler has no responsibility for any data that
may be contained in a covered electronic device if an information storage
device is included in the covered electronic device.
Subd. 3. Retailer's responsibilities. (a) By July 1 of each year,
beginning in 2008, a retailer must report to a manufacturer the number of video
display devices, by video display device model, labeled with the manufacturer's
brand sold to households during the previous program year.
(b) A retailer who sells new
video display devices shall provide information to households describing where
and how they may recycle video display devices and advising them of
opportunities and locations for the convenient collection of video display
devices for the purpose of recycling. This requirement may be met by providing
to households the agency's toll-free number and Web site address. Retailers
selling through catalogs or the Internet may meet this requirement by including
the information in a prominent location on the retailer's Web site.
Sec. 6. [115A.1320] AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT DUTIES.
Subdivision 1. Duties of the agency. (a) The agency shall administer
sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.
(b) The agency shall
establish procedures for:
(1) receipt and maintenance
of the registration statements and certifications filed with the agency under
section 115A.1312; and
(2) making the statements
and certifications easily available to manufacturers, retailers, and members of
the public.
(c) The agency shall
annually review the value of the following variables that are part of the
formula used to calculate a manufacturer's annual registration fee under
section 115A.1314, subdivision 1:
(1) the proportion of sales
of video display devices sold to households that manufacturers are required to
recycle;
(2) the estimated per-pound
price of recycling covered electronic devices sold to households;
(3) the base registration
fee; and
(4) the multiplier
established for the weight of covered electronic devices collected in section
115A.1314, subdivision 1, paragraph (d). If the agency determines that any of
these values must be changed in order to improve the efficiency or
effectiveness of the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to
115A.1330, it shall present those recommendations and the reasons for them to
the chairs of the senate and house of representatives committees with
jurisdiction over solid waste policy.
(d) By January 15 each year,
beginning in 2008, the agency shall calculate estimated sales of video display
devices sold to households by each manufacturer during the preceding program
year, based on national sales data, and forward the estimates to the
department.
Journal of the House - 47th
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(e) The agency shall manage
the account established in section 115A.1314, subdivision 2. If the revenues in
the account exceed the amount that the agency determines is necessary for
efficient and effective administration of the program, including any amount for
contingencies, the agency must recommend to the legislature that either the
base registration fee or the estimated per pound cost of recycling established
under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), or both, be lowered in
order to reduce revenues collected in the subsequent program year by the
estimated amount of the excess.
(f) On or before December 1,
2010, and each year thereafter, the agency shall provide a report to the governor
and the legislature on the implementation of sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330.
For each program year, the report must discuss the total weight of covered
electronic devices recycled and a summary of information in the reports
submitted by manufacturers and recyclers under section 115A.1316. The report
must also discuss the various collection programs used by manufacturers to
collect covered electronic devices; information regarding covered electronic
devices that are being collected by persons other than registered
manufacturers, collectors, and recyclers; and information about covered
electronic devices, if any, being disposed of in landfills in this state. The
report must include a description of enforcement actions under sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1330. The agency may include in its report other information
received by the agency regarding the implementation of sections 115A.1312 to
115A.1330.
(g) The agency shall promote
public participation in the activities regulated under sections 115A.1312 to
115A.1330 through public education and outreach efforts.
(h) The agency shall enforce
sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 in the manner provided by sections 115.071,
subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6; and 116.072, except for those provisions
enforced by the department, as provided in subdivision 2. The agency may revoke
a registration of a collector or recycler found to have violated sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1330.
(i) The agency shall
facilitate communication between counties, collection and recycling centers,
and manufacturers to ensure that manufacturers are aware of video display
devices available for recycling.
(j) The agency shall develop
a form retailers must use to report information to manufacturers under section
115A.1318 and post it on the agency's Web site.
(k) The agency shall post on
its Web site the contact information provided by each manufacturer under
section 115A.1318, paragraph (e).
Subd. 2. Duties of the department. (a) The department must collect
the data submitted to it annually by each manufacturer on the total weight of
each specific model of video display device sold to households, if provided;
the total weight of video display devices sold to households; the total weight
of covered electronic devices collected from households that are recycled; and
data on recycling credits, as required under section 115A.1316. The department
must use this data to review each manufacturer's annual registration fee
submitted to the department to ensure that the fee was calculated accurately
according to the formula in section 115A.1314, subdivision 1.
(b) The department must
estimate, for each registered manufacturer, the sales of video display devices
to households during the previous program year, based on:
(1) data provided by a
manufacturer on sales of video display devices to households, including
documentation describing how that amount was calculated and certification that
the amount is accurate; or
(2) if a manufacturer does
not provide the data specified in clause (1), national data on sales of video
display devices.
Journal of the House - 47th
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The department must use the
data specified in this subdivision to review each manufacturer's annual
registration fee submitted to the department to ensure that the fee was
calculated accurately according to the formula in section 115A.1314,
subdivision 1.
(c)
The department must enforce section 115A.1314, subdivision 1. The audit,
assessment, appeal, collection, enforcement, disclosure, and other
administrative provisions of chapters 270B, 270C, and 289A that apply to the
taxes imposed under chapter 297A apply to the fee imposed under section
115A.1314, subdivision 1. To enforce this subdivision, the commissioner of revenue
may grant extensions to pay, and impose and abate penalties and interest on,
the fee due under section 115A.1314, subdivision 1, in the manner provided in
chapters 270C and 289A as if the fee were a tax imposed under chapter 297A.
(d)
The department may disclose nonpublic data to the agency only when necessary
for the efficient and effective administration of the activities regulated
under sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330. Any data disclosed by the department to
the agency retains the classification it had when in the possession of the
department.
Sec.
7. [115A.1322] OTHER RECYCLING
PROGRAMS.
A
city, county, or other public agency may not require households to use public
facilities to recycle their covered electronic devices to the exclusion of other
lawful programs available. Cities, counties, and other public agencies,
including those awarded contracts by the agency under section 115A.1314,
subdivision 2, are encouraged to work with manufacturers to assist them in
meeting their recycling obligations under section 115A.1318, subdivision 1.
Nothing in sections 115A.1310 to 115A.1330 prohibits or restricts the operation
of any program recycling covered electronic devices in addition to those
provided by manufacturers or prohibits or restricts any persons from receiving,
collecting, transporting, or recycling covered electronic devices, provided
that those persons are registered under section 115A.1312.
Sec.
8. [115A.1324] REQUIREMENTS FOR
PURCHASES BY STATE AGENCIES.
(a)
The Department of Administration must ensure that acquisitions of video display
devices under chapter 16C are in compliance with or not subject to sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1318.
(b)
The solicitation documents must specify that the prospective responder is
required to cooperate fully in providing reasonable access to its records and
documents that evidence compliance with paragraph (a) and sections 115A.1310 to
115A.1318.
(c)
Any person awarded a contract under chapter 16C for purchase or lease of video
display devices that is found to be in violation of paragraph (a) or sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1318 is subject to the following sanctions:
(1)
the contract must be voided if the commissioner of administration determines
that the potential adverse impact to the state is exceeded by the benefit
obtained from voiding the contract;
(2)
the contractor is subject to suspension and disbarment under Minnesota Rules,
part 1230.1150; and
(3)
if the attorney general establishes that any money, property, or benefit was
obtained by a contractor as a result of violating paragraph (a) or sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1318, the court may, in addition to any other remedy, order
the disgorgement of the unlawfully obtained money, property, or benefit.
Sec.
9. [115A.1326] REGULATION OF VIDEO DISPLAY
DEVICES.
If
the United States Environmental Protection Agency adopts regulations under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regarding the handling, storage, or
treatment of any type of video display device being recycled, those regulations
are automatically effective in this state on the same date and supersede any
rules previously adopted by the agency regarding the handling, storage, or
treatment of all video display devices being recycled.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3239
Sec.
10. [115A.1328] MULTISTATE
IMPLEMENTATION.
The
agency and department are authorized to participate in the establishment and
implementation of a regional multistate organization or compact to assist in carrying
out the requirements of this chapter.
Sec.
11. [115A.1330] LIMITATIONS.
Sections
115A.1310 to 115A.1330 expire if a federal law, or combination of federal laws,
take effect that is applicable to all video display devices sold in the United
States and establish a program for the collection and recycling or reuse of
video display devices that is applicable to all video display devices discarded
by households.
Sec.
12. DIRECT APPROPRIATION.
Prior
to the governor making budget recommendations to the legislature in 2009, the
Pollution Control Agency must report on revenues received and expenditures made
under Minnesota Statutes, section 115A.1314, subdivision 2, during fiscal years
2008 and 2009 and request the governor to recommend a direct appropriation for
the purposes of that section.
Sec.
13. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sections
1 to 12 are effective the day following final enactment."
Delete
the title and insert:
"A
bill for an act relating to environment; providing for collection,
transportation, and recycling of video display devices; providing civil
penalties; appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 115A."
With
the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the
Committee on Taxes.
The report was adopted.
Lenczewski
from the Committee on Taxes to which was referred:
H. F.
No. 882, A bill for an act relating to metropolitan government; modifying
provisions governing metropolitan livable communities fund; authorizing a transfer
of funds between metropolitan livable communities fund accounts; authorizing a
onetime transfer from the livable communities demonstration account for local
planning assistance grants and loans; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 473.252, subdivision 3; 473.253, subdivision 2.
Reported
the same back with the following amendments:
Page
1, delete section 1
Page
2, delete section 2
Page
2, line 34, after "under" insert "Minnesota Statutes,"
Page
3, line 2, delete "Sections 1 to 3 apply" and insert "This
act applies"
Page
3, line 5, delete "Sections 1 to 4 are" and insert "This
act is"
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3240
Renumber
the sections in sequence
Amend
the title as follows:
Page
1, line 2, delete everything after the semicolon
Page
1, delete line 3
Page
1, line 4, delete everything before "authorizing"
Correct
the title numbers accordingly
With
the recommendation that when so amended the bill pass.
The report was adopted.
Solberg
from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:
H. F.
No. 1048, A bill for an act relating to state government; abolishing the
Department of Employee Relations; transferring duties; providing certain
protections for employees.
Reported
the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.
The report was adopted.
Solberg
from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:
H. F.
No. 2227, A bill for an act relating to appropriations; appropriating money for
agriculture and veterans affairs; modifying disposition of certain revenue and
funds; modifying certain grant and loan requirements; modifying use of
Minnesota grown label; modifying and creating certain funds and accounts;
eliminating the aquatic pest control license; modifying permit and safeguard
requirements; modifying and establishing certain fees and surcharges; creating
a food safety and defense task force; requiring certain studies and reports;
providing for NextGen energy; changing certain provisions related to veterans;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 3.737, subdivision 1; 3.7371,
subdivision 3; 17.03, subdivision 3; 17.101, subdivision 2; 17.102,
subdivisions 1, 3, 4, by adding subdivisions; 17.117, subdivisions 1, 4, 5a,
5b, 11; 17.983, subdivision 1; 17B.03, by adding a subdivision; 18B.065,
subdivisions 1, 2a; 18B.26, subdivision 3; 18B.33, subdivision 1; 18B.34,
subdivision 1; 18B.345; 18C.305, by adding a subdivision; 18E.02, subdivision
5, by adding a subdivision; 18E.03, subdivision 4; 25.341, subdivision 1;
28A.04, subdivision 1; 28A.06; 28A.082, subdivision 1; 32.21, subdivision 4;
32.212; 32.394, subdivision 4; 32.415; 41B.03, subdivision 1; 41B.043,
subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 41B.046, subdivision 4; 41B.047; 41B.055; 41B.06; 41C.05,
subdivision 2; 116.0714; 156.001, by adding subdivisions; 156.12, subdivision
1; 197.75; 198.002, subdivision 2; 198.004, subdivision 1; 239.7911,
subdivision 1; 343.10; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 18C; 28A; 35; 38; 41A; 192; 197; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 17.109; 18B.315; 18C.425, subdivision 5; 32.213; 35.08; 35.09; 35.10;
35.11; 35.12; 41B.043, subdivision 1a; 156.075; Laws 2006, chapter 258, section
14, subdivision 6; Minnesota Rules, parts 1705.0840; 1705.0850; 1705.0860;
1705.0870; 1705.0880; 1705.0890; 1705.0900; 1705.0910; 1705.0920; 1705.0930;
1705.0940; 1705.0950; 1705.0960; 1705.0970; 1705.0980; 1705.0990; 1705.1000;
1705.1010; 1705.1020; 1705.1030; 1705.1040; 1705.1050; 1705.1060; 1705.1070;
1705.1080; 1705.1086; 1705.1087; 1705.1088.
Reported
the same back with the recommendation that the bill pass.
The report was adopted.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3241
Carlson from the Committee
on Finance to which was referred:
S. F. No. 1989, A bill for
an act relating to higher education; appropriating money for higher education
and related purposes to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the Board of
Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the board of Regents
of the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic, with certain conditions;
requiring certain studies; making technical changes; eliminating certain report
requirements; permitting certain interest rate savings and other agreements;
requiring summary statistics in required reports; repealing certain data
sharing and collecting requirements; modifying financial aid programs;
establishing the Minnesota GI bill program; regulating private higher education
institutions; providing penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections
13.322, subdivision 3; 135A.01; 135A.031, subdivisions 1, 7; 135A.034,
subdivision 1; 135A.14, subdivision 1; 135A.52, subdivisions 1, 2; 136A.01,
subdivision 2; 136A.031, subdivision 5; 136A.0411; 136A.08, subdivision 7;
136A.101, subdivisions 4, 5a; 136A.121, subdivisions 6, 7a, by adding a
subdivision; 136A.125, subdivisions 2, 4; 136A.15, subdivisions 1, 6; 136A.16,
subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, by adding a subdivision; 136A.17, subdivision
1; 136A.1701, subdivisions 1, 2, 5; 136A.233, subdivision 3; 136A.29,
subdivision 9; 136A.62, subdivision 3; 136A.63; 136A.65, subdivision 1, by
adding a subdivision; 136A.653; 136A.657, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, by adding a
subdivision; 136A.66; 136A.67; 136A.68; 136A.69; 136A.71; 136A.861,
subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 6; 136F.02, subdivisions 1, 2; 136F.03, subdivision 3;
136F.42, subdivision 1; 136F.58; 136F.70, by adding a subdivision; 136F.71,
subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 136G.11, subdivision 5; 137.0245,
subdivision 4; 137.0246, subdivision 2; 141.21, subdivisions 1a, 5; 141.25,
subdivisions 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12; 141.255, subdivision 2; 141.265, subdivision
2; 141.271, subdivisions 10, 12; 141.28, subdivision 1; 141.32; 141.35;
197.775, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapters 135A; 136A; 141; 197; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections
135A.031, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 6; 135A.032; 135A.033; 135A.045; 135A.053;
136A.07; 136A.08, subdivision 8; 136A.1702; 136A.61; Laws 2001, First Special
Session chapter 1, article 1, sections 3, subdivision 3; 4, subdivision 5.
Reported the same back with
the following amendments:
Delete everything after the
enacting clause and insert:
"ARTICLE 1
HIGHER EDUCATION
APPROPRIATIONS
Section 1. SUMMARY OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
The amounts shown in this section summarize direct
appropriations, by fund, made in this article.
2008 2009 Total
General $1,561,448,000 $1,644,178,000 $3,205,626,000
Health Care Access 2,157,000 2,157,000 4,314,000
Total $1,563,605,000 $1,646,335,000 $3,209,940,000
Sec. 2. HIGHER
EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS.
The sums shown in the columns marked
"Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the
purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general
fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated
for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in
this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The
first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal
year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3242
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Sec. 3. MINNESOTA
OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $197,933,000 $198,654,000
The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Minnesota
GI Bill 10,000,000 10,000,000
For grants to eligible veterans or the
eligible spouses and children of veterans as provided under Minnesota Statutes,
section 197.791.
Of this appropriation, $152,000 the first
year and $104,000 the second year are for the administrative costs of operating
this program. For the 2010-2011 biennium, the base for this program's
administrative costs must be included within the agency administration program
activity.
Subd. 3. State
Grants 150,154,000 151,124,000
If the appropriation in this subdivision for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available
for it.
For the biennium, the tuition maximum for
students in four-year programs is $9,957 in each year for students in four-year
programs, and for students in two-year programs, is $4,717 in the first year
and $4,859 in the second year.
This appropriation sets the living and
miscellaneous expense allowance at $6,241 each year.
Subd. 4. Safety
Officers Survivors 100,000 100,000
This appropriation is to provide educational
benefits under Minnesota Statutes, section 299A.45, to dependent children under
age 23 and to the spouses of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.
If the appropriation in this subdivision for either
year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available for it.
Subd. 5. Interstate
Tuition Reciprocity 2,000,000 2,000,000
If the appropriation in this subdivision for
either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is available
to meet reciprocity contract obligations.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3243
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 6. State
Work Study 12,444,000 12,444,000
Subd. 7. Child
Care Grants 4,934,000 4,934,000
Subd. 8. Minitex
5,881,000 5,881,000
Subd. 9. MnLINK
Gateway 400,000 400,000
Subd. 10. Learning
Network of Minnesota 4,800,000 4,800,000
Subd. 11. Minnesota
College Savings Plan 1,020,000 1,020,000
Subd. 12. Midwest
Higher Education Compact 90,000 90,000
Subd. 13. Other
Small Programs 1,960,000 1,670,000
This appropriation includes
funding for postsecondary service learning, student and parent information, get
ready, outreach, and intervention for college attendance programs.
$265,000 each year is for
grants to increase campus-community collaboration and service learning
statewide, including operations of the Minnesota campus compact, grants to member
institutions and grants for member institution initiatives. For every $1 in
state funding, grant recipients must contribute $2 in campus or community-based
support.
$100,000 each year is for a
grant to the Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota, Inc. for loan
repayment assistance awards.
$500,000 each year is for
the teacher education and compensation helps (TEACH) and the Minnesota early
childhood teacher retention programs in Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.126.
This is a onetime appropriation.
$250,000 in the first year
is for a grant to Augsburg College for the purpose of its Step UP program to
provide educational opportunities to chemically dependent students and to work
with other public and private colleges in Minnesota to help replicate this
program. This is a onetime appropriation.
$40,000 in the first year is
for a grant to the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars for
a pilot program for scholarships for students enrolling in a Minnesota four-year
college or university beginning in the fall semester of 2007. The grant is
available only with a dollar-for-dollar match from nonstate sources.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3244
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 14. Access
to College and Helping Individuals
Everywhere Value Education and Rural Pilot Programs 1,000,000 1,000,000
For Access to College and Helping
Individuals Everywhere Value Education pilot projects that provide
distance-learning opportunities through the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities for high school students living in remote and underserved areas
where the school district lacks the resources to provide academically
challenging educational opportunities, including Advanced Placement and
International Baccalaureate programs. Students who successfully complete a
course must receive college credit at no cost to the student or the participating
school district. The office must report to the committees of the legislature
with responsibility for higher education finance by January 15, 2009, on the
program outcomes with recommendations on continuing and expanding the program.
Subd. 15. United
Family Medicine Residency Program 360,000 360,000
For a grant to the united
family medicine residency program. This appropriation must be used to support
up to 18 resident physicians each year in family practice at united family medicine
residency programs and must prepare doctors to practice family care medicine in
underserved rural and urban areas of the state. The legislature intends this
program to improve health care in underserved communities, provide affordable
access to appropriate medical care, and manage the treatment of patients in a
more cost-effective manner.
Subd. 16. Agency
Administration 2,690,000 2,731,000
Of this appropriation,
$39,000 the first year and $80,000 the second year are for compensation-related
costs associated with the delivery of the office's services and programs.
Subd. 17. Balances
Forward
A balance in the first year
under this section does not cancel, but is available for the second year.
Subd. 18. Transfers
The Minnesota Office of Higher
Education may transfer unencumbered balances from the appropriations in
subdivisions 2 to 15 to the state grant appropriation, the safety officer
survivors appropriation, the interstate tuition reciprocity appropriation, the
Minnesota college savings plan appropriation, the child care appropriation, and
the state work study appropriation.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 19. Reporting
(a) By November 1 and
February 15, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education must provide updated
state grant spending projections, taking into account the most current and
projected enrollment and tuition and fee information, economic conditions, and
other relevant factors. Before submitting state grant spending projections, the
office must meet and consult with representatives of public and private
postsecondary education, the Department of Finance, the governor's office,
legislative staff, and financial aid administrators.
(b) The Minnesota Office of
Higher Education shall report to the higher education divisions of the house
and senate finance committees on participation in postsecondary education by
income, and persistence and graduation rates of state grant recipients compared
to students who did not receive state grants. The office is authorized to match
individual student data from the student record enrollment database with
individual student data from the state grant database on data elements
necessary to perform the study.
Sec.
4. BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE MINNESOTA
STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $668,388,000 $704,288,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Central
Office and Shared Services Unit $40,170,550 $40,170,550
For the office of the
chancellor and the shared services division.
Subd. 3. Operations
and Maintenance $628,217,450 $664,118,000
(a) This appropriation includes
funding for the board's initiatives on recruiting and retaining
underrepresented students, strategic educational advancements, STEM
initiatives, and infrastructure and technology, and for the costs of inflation.
This appropriation also includes funding to reduce the tuition rate increase to
two percent from the board-approved plan of a four percent annual increase.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(b) Appropriations for technology and
infrastructure under this subdivision must not be used to increase permanent
positions in the office of the chancellor or the shared services office. Any
new positions funded from the technology and infrastructure appropriation must
be at a campus.
(c) $400,000 each year is for community-based
energy development pilot projects at Mesabi Range Technical and Community
College, the Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and Riverland Community
College. Each campus must establish partnerships for community-based energy
development pilot projects that involve students and faculty. An allocation for
the pilot project is available to the participating institutions and the
partnerships for the biennium ending June 30, 2009.
(d) $750,000 in the first year is for a
modular clean-room research and training facility at St. Paul College. This is
a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
(e) $300,000 the first year is for a grant to
the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools for a study of student
demand and employer needs for higher education in the Mesabi Range region of
northeastern Minnesota including the cities of Grand Rapids through Eveleth to
Ely. The association must coordinate and contract for a study in cooperation
with the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota and the Board of
Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The governing boards
must advise on which of the identified needs can be met by University of
Minnesota courses and which can be met by the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities, and which degree programs may be offered jointly. The final
report must be submitted to the committees of the legislature responsible for higher
education finance by January 15, 2008, with recommendations and plans for the
region.
(f) $120,000 in each year is for the Cook
County Higher Education Board to provide educational programs and academic
support services. The base appropriation for this program is $120,000 in each
year of the biennium ending June 30, 2011.
(g) $2,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000
the second year are for a pilot project with the Northeast Minnesota Higher
Education District and high schools in its area. Up to $1,200,000 of the first
year appropriation must be used to purchase equipment that is necessary to
reestablish a technical education
curriculum in the
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
area high schools to provide the students
with the technical skills necessary for the workforce. Students from area high
schools may also access the facilities and faculty of the Northeast Minnesota
Higher Education District for state-of-the-art technical education
opportunities, including MnSCU's 2+2 Pathways initiative. $1,000,000 is added
to the base for this project.
(h) $50,000 in the first year is for St. Paul
College to collaborate with the United Auto Workers Local 879 to purchase a
Ford Ranger pickup truck to retrofit to run on a battery-powered motor. This
vehicle must be retrofitted to serve as a prototype that could be mass-produced
at the St. Paul Ford assembly plant.
(i) $100,000 each year is for a grant to a
Minnesota public postsecondary institution with a total student enrollment
under 7,000 students, that has an existing women's hockey team competing in
Division I in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The institution may
use the grant for equipment, facility improvements, travel and compensation for
coaches, trainers, and other necessary personnel.
(j) $450,000 each year is to establish a
center for workforce and economic development at the Mesabi Range Community and
Technical College and to enhance eFolio Minnesota. The board, in cooperation
with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) and the
Department of Employment and Economic Development, must establish the center to
provide on-site and Internet-based support and technical assistance to users of
the state's eFolio Minnesota system to promote workforce and economic
development. The center must assist local economic development agencies and
officials to enable them to access workforce information generated through the
eFolio Minnesota system. The board must enhance the eFolio Minnesota system as
necessary to serve these purposes. The center must report annually to the IRRRB
and the Department of Employment and Economic Development on the outcomes of
the center's activities.
(k) $1,000,000 the first year is to identify
and improve on practices for selecting and purchasing textbooks and course
materials that are used by students. The board, in collaboration with the
Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) and the Minnesota State
College Student Association (MSCSA) must develop and implement pilot projects
with this appropriation to address the financial burden that textbook prices
and requirements place on students. These projects may include textbook rental programs, cooperative
purchasing efforts, training, and education
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
and awareness programs for students and
faculty on cost considerations and textbook options. The student associations
must be fully involved in the development and implementation of any project
using this appropriation. Each student association must vote to approve a
project before it is implemented. MSUSA and MSCSA must report to the committees
of the legislature responsible for higher education finance by February 15,
2009, on the success of the pilot projects. This money is available until
June 30, 2009.
Subd. 4. Board
Policies
(a) The board must adopt a policy that allows
students to add the cost of textbooks and required course materials purchased
at a campus bookstore, owned by or operated under a contract with the campus,
to the existing waivers or payment plans for tuition and fees.
(b) The board must adopt a policy setting the
maximum number of semester credits required for a baccalaureate degree at 120
semester credits or the equivalent and the number of semester credits required
for an associate degree at 60 semester credits or the equivalent.
Sec.
5. BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF MINNESOTA
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $696,082,000 $742,143,000
The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Operations
and Maintenance 611,112,000 667,550,000
(a) This appropriation includes amounts for
the board:
(1) to make investments in the university's
technology and related infrastructure;
(2) to award faculty and staff compensation
increases differentially;
(3) for the board's health workforce and
clinical sciences initiative;
(4) initiatives in science and engineering;
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(5) initiatives relating to the environment,
agriculture, and renewable energy; and
(6) for advancing education, including an
Ojibwe Indian language program on the Duluth campus.
(b) $2,250,000 each year is to establish
banded tuition at the Morris, Crookston, and Duluth campuses to reduce tuition
costs for students.
(c) $7,000,000 for the biennium is for
scholarships to mitigate the effects of rising tuition on Minnesota students
and families. This appropriation must be matched with $2 of nonstate money for
each $1 of state money.
(d) $12,404,000 in the second year is to
reduce the proposed tuition rate increase. Any of this amount that is not used by
the board to reduce tuition cancels to the general fund.
(e) $300,000 the first year is for the Center
for Transportation Studies to complete a study to assess public policy options
for reducing the volume of greenhouse gases emitted from the transportation
sector in Minnesota. The Center for Transportation Studies must report its
preliminary findings to the legislature by February 1, 2008, and must issue its
full report by June 1, 2008. This is a onetime appropriation.
(f) $250,000 each year is to establish an
India Center to improve and promote relations with India and Southeast Asia.
The center must partner with public and private organizations in Minnesota to:
(1) foster an understanding of the history,
culture, and values of India;
(2) serve as a resource and catalyst to
promote economic, governmental, and academic pursuits involving India; and
(3) facilitate educational and business
exchanges and partnerships, collaborative research, and teaching and training
activities for Minnesota students and teachers.
The Board of Regents may establish an
advisory council to facilitate the mission and objectives of the India Center
and must report on the progress of the India Center by February 15, 2008, to
the governor and chairs of the legislative committees responsible for higher
education finance. This is a onetime appropriation.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(g) $750,000 in the first year is to assist
in the formation of the neighborhood alliance and for projects identified in
section 8. The alliance, the Board of Regents, and the city of Minneapolis may
cooperate on the projects and may use a public services of other entities to
complete all or a portion of a project.
(h) $300,000 the first year is to establish a
Dakota language teacher training immersion program on the Twin Cities campus to
prepare teachers to teach in Dakota language immersion programs. This is a
onetime appropriation.
(i) $400,000 each year is for the Minnesota
Institute for Sustainable Agriculture to provide funds for on-station and
on-farm field scale research and outreach to develop and test the agronomic and
economic requirements of diverse strands of prairie plants and other perennials
for bioenergy systems including but not limited to multiple species selection
and establishment, ecological management between planting and harvest, harvest
technologies, financial and agronomic risk management, farmer goal setting and
adoption of technologies, integration of wildlife habitat into management
approaches, evaluation of carbon and other benefits, and robust polices needed to
induce farmer conversion on marginal lands.
Subd. 3. Health
Care Access Fund 2,157,000 2,157,000
This appropriation is from the health care
access fund and is for primary care education initiatives.
Subd. 4. Special
Appropriation 65,813,000 65,436,000
(a) Agriculture and Extension Service 52,625,000 52,275,000
(1) For the Agricultural Experiment Station,
Minnesota Extension Service. This appropriation includes funding to promote
alternative livestock research and outreach at the Minnesota Institute for
Sustainable Agriculture, and to promote sustainable and organic agricultural
research and education.
(2) This appropriation includes funding for
research efforts that demonstrate a renewed emphasis on the needs of the
state's production agriculture community and a continued focus on renewable
energy derived from Minnesota biomass resources including agronomic crops,
plant and animal wastes, and native plants or
trees, with priority for extending the Minnesota vegetable growing season;
fertilizer and soil fertility research and
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
development; treating and
curing human diseases utilizing plant and livestock cells; using biofuel
production coproducts as feed for livestock; and a rapid agricultural response
fund for current or emerging animal, plant, and insect problems affecting
production or food safety. In addition, the appropriation may be used to secure
a facility and retain current faculty levels for poultry research currently
conducted at UMore Park.
(3) In the area of renewable
energy, priority should be given to projects pertaining to: biofuel and other
energy production from small grains; alternative bioenergy crops and cropping
systems; and growing, harvesting, and transporting biomass plant material.
(4) This appropriation
includes funding for the college of food, agricultural, and natural resources
sciences to establish and maintain a statewide organic research and education
initiative to provide leadership for organic agronomic, horticultural,
livestock, and food systems research, education, and outreach and for the
purchase of state-of-the-art laboratory, planting, tilling, harvesting, and
processing equipment necessary for this project.
(5) By February 1, 2009, the
Board of Regents must report to the legislative committees with responsibility
for agriculture and higher education finance on the research and initiatives
under this paragraph.
(6) The base appropriation
is $51,775,000 each year of the biennium ending June 30, 2011.
(b) Health Sciences 5,275,000 5,275,000
$346,000 each year is to
support up to 12 resident physicians each year in the St. Cloud Hospital family
practice residency program. The program must prepare doctors to practice
primary care medicine in the rural areas of the state. The legislature intends
this program to improve health care in rural communities, provide affordable access
to appropriate medical care, and manage the treatment of patients in a more
cost-effective manner.
The remainder of this
appropriation is for the rural physicians associates program, the Veterinary
Diagnostic Laboratory, health sciences research, dental care, and the
Biomedical Engineering Center.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(c) Institute of Technology 1,387,000 1,387,000
For the Geological Survey
and the talented youth mathematics program.
(d) System Specials 6,526,000 6,526,000
For general research,
student loans matching money, industrial relations education, Natural Resources
Research Institute, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, and the Bell Museum
of Natural History. $100,000 is added to the base appropriation for industrial
relations education.
Subd. 5. University
of Minnesota and Mayo
Foundation Partnership 17,000,000 7,000,000
For the direct and indirect
expenses of the collaborative research partnership between the University of
Minnesota and the Mayo Foundation for research in biotechnology and medical
genomics. $7,000,000 is added to the base. This appropriation is available
until expended. An annual report on the expenditure of these funds must be
submitted to the governor and the chairs of the senate and house committees
responsible for higher education and economic development by June 30 of each
fiscal year.
Subd. 6. Academic
Health Center
The appropriation for
Academic Health Center funding under Minnesota Statutes, section 297F.10, is
$22,250,000 each year.
Sec. 6. MAYO CLINIC
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $1,202,000 $1,250,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Medical
School 591,000 615,000
The state of Minnesota must
pay a capitation each year for each student who is a resident of Minnesota. The
appropriation may be transferred between years of the biennium to accommodate
enrollment fluctuations. The funding base for this program is $640,000 in
fiscal year 2010 and $665,000 in fiscal year 2011.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
It is intended that during
the biennium the Mayo Clinic use the capitation money to increase the number of
doctors practicing in rural areas in need of doctors.
Subd. 3. Family
Practice and Graduate Residency Program 611,000 635,000
The state of Minnesota must
pay stipend support for up to 27 residents each year. The funding base for this
program is $660,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $686,000 in fiscal year 2011.
Sec. 7. LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY FUNDING.
Subdivision 1. Membership. A 12-member legislative commission on
postsecondary funding is established consisting of six members of the house of
representatives appointed by the speaker and six members of the senate
appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and
Administration. The commission may elect a chair and other officers as
necessary.
Subd. 2. Charge. The commission must develop an alternative
funding formula or funding method for postsecondary education that creates
incentives for high quality postsecondary education while maintaining access
for students. In developing the formula or funding method, the commission must
consider and address:
(1) both institutional aid
and direct student aid;
(2) the major cost drivers
in postsecondary education, such as inflation and enrollment;
(3) federal postsecondary
funding and tax incentives for postsecondary education; and
(4) funding the formula or
funding method within the projected constraints on the state budget in the
coming decade.
Subd. 3. Report. The commission must report its recommendations to
the house Division on Higher Education and Workforce Development Policy and Finance,
and the senate Higher Education Budget and Policy Division by June 30, 2008.
Subd. 4. Expiration. The commission expires June 30, 2008.
Sec. 8. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MINNEAPOLIS AREA NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE.
Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the
following terms have the meanings given them.
(b) "Alliance"
means a representative body of the constituencies, including, but not limited
to, the University of Minnesota, the city of Minneapolis, and the recognized
neighborhood organizations and business associations referenced in the report.
(c) "Board" means
the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.
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(d) "Report" means
the report and appendix entitled Moving Forward Together: University of
Minnesota Minneapolis Area Neighborhood Impact Report, submitted to the
legislature in February 2007.
(e) "University
partnership district" or "district" means the area located
within the city that includes the neighborhoods of Cedar-Riverside,
Marcy-Holmes, South East Como, Prospect Park, and University, as they are
defined by the city, and the university's Minneapolis campus.
(f) "Tier two impact
zone" means the neighborhoods of northeast Minneapolis that house
significant numbers of university students and staff. Transportation and
housing policy analysis and planning must include these areas but they must not
be included in the projects funded through the alliance.
(g) "University"
means the University of Minnesota.
Subd. 2. Alliance; functions. The alliance may facilitate,
initiate, or manage projects with the board, city, or other public or private
entities that are intended to maintain the university partnership district as a
viable place to study, research, and live. Projects may include, but are not
limited to, those outlined in the report, as well as efforts to involve
students in activities to maintain and improve the university partnership
district; cooperative university and university partnership district long-term
planning; and incentives to increase homeownership within the district with
particular emphasis on employees of the university and of other major employers
located within the district.
Subd. 3. Report. The board must report to the legislature by
January 15, 2009, on the expenditure of funds appropriated under section 3.
Sec. 9. MINNESOTA OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION FINANCIAL AID STUDY.
The Minnesota Office of
Higher Education must review and evaluate the existing financial aid programs
that provide loans and grants to students in postsecondary education and the
needs of the workforce for occupations that are currently or will be in demand.
The study must evaluate how effective the financial aid programs are at linking
the needs of the workforce with student need for financial aid. The study must
also identify options for designing financial aid programs including loan
forgiveness and loan repayment programs that target the needs of the workforce
and provide incentives to students to pursue postsecondary education in fields
with identified workforce needs. By February 15, 2008, the office must report
to the legislative committees responsible for higher education and workforce
development on the findings of the study and provide options and
recommendations on how to deliver financial aid, provide incentives for
students, and meet the needs of the workforce for occupations that include
speech pathologists and other occupations with unmet need.
ARTICLE 2
MINNESOTA GI BILL FOR
VETERANS
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 136A.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Responsibilities. The Minnesota Office
of Higher Education is responsible for:
(1) necessary state level
administration of financial aid and Minnesota GI Bill programs,
including accounting, auditing, and disbursing state and federal financial aid
funds, and reporting on financial aid programs to the governor and the
legislature;
(2) approval, registration, licensing,
and financial aid eligibility of private collegiate and career schools, under
sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 and chapter 141;
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(3) administering the
Learning Network of Minnesota;
(4) negotiating and
administering reciprocity agreements;
(5) publishing and
distributing financial aid information and materials, and other information and
materials under section 136A.87, to students and parents;
(6) collecting and maintaining
student enrollment and financial aid data and reporting data on students and
postsecondary institutions to develop and implement a process to measure and
report on the effectiveness of postsecondary institutions;
(7) administering the
federal programs that affect students and institutions on a statewide basis;
and
(8) prescribing policies,
procedures, and rules under chapter 14 necessary to administer the programs
under its supervision.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2007, and applies to qualifying coursework taken on or after
that date.
Sec. 2. [197.791] MINNESOTA GI BILL PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Policy. It is the policy of the state of Minnesota to
provide postsecondary educational assistance to Minnesota veterans who have
provided honorable service to this state and nation as members of the United
States armed forces, whether in peacetime or in war, and to the spouses and
children of Minnesota veterans who have become severely disabled or deceased
during or as the direct result of military service.
Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision
apply to this section.
(b) "Commissioner"
means the commissioner of veterans affairs, unless otherwise specified.
(c) "Cost of
attendance" for both undergraduate and graduate students has the meaning
given in section 136A.121, subdivision 6, multiplied by a factor of 1.2.
(d) "Child" means
a natural or adopted child of a person described in subdivision 5, paragraph
(a), clause (1), item (i) or (ii).
(e) "Director"
means the director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
(f) "Eligible
institution" means a postsecondary institution located in this state that
either (1) is operated by this state; or (2) is operated publicly or privately and,
as determined by the office, maintains academic standards substantially
equivalent to those of comparable institutions operated in this state.
(g) "Eligible
student" means a person who:
(1) if the student is an
undergraduate student, has applied for the federal Pell Grant and the Minnesota
State Grant;
(2) is maintaining
satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
participating in federal Title IV programs;
(3) is enrolled in an
education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an eligible
institution;
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(4) has applied for
educational assistance under the Minnesota GI Bill program prior to the end of
the academic term for which the assistance is being requested.
(5) is in compliance with
child support payment requirements under section 136A.121, subdivision 2,
clause (5).
(h) "Part-time
student" means an undergraduate student enrolled for fewer than 12 credits
in a semester or the equivalent, or a graduate student as defined by the
student's eligible institution.
(i) "Program"
means the Minnesota GI Bill program established in this section, unless
otherwise specified.
(j)
"Service-connected" has the meaning given by the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs.
(k) "Veteran" has
the meaning given in section 197.447, and also includes a service member who
has fulfilled the requirements for being a veteran but is still serving
actively in the United States armed forces.
Subd. 3. Program established. There is established a program to
provide postsecondary educational assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans and
to the children and spouses of deceased and severely disabled Minnesota
veterans. This program may be cited as the "Minnesota GI Bill
program."
The director, in
consultation with the commissioner and in cooperation with eligible
postsecondary educational institutions, shall expend a biennial appropriation for
the purpose of providing postsecondary educational assistance to eligible
persons in accordance with this program. Each public postsecondary educational
institution in the state must participate in the program and each private
postsecondary educational institution in the state is encouraged to participate
in the program. Any participating private institution may suspend or terminate
its participation in the program at the end of any semester or other academic
term.
Subd. 4. Duties; responsibilities. (a) The director, in
consultation with the commissioner, shall establish policies and procedures
including, but not limited to, procedures for student application record
keeping, information sharing, payment to participating eligible institutions,
and other procedures the director considers appropriate and necessary for
effective and efficient administration of the program established in this
section.
(b) The director, in
consultation with the commissioner, may delegate part or all of the
administrative procedures for the program to responsible representatives of
participating eligible institutions.
Subd. 5. Eligibility. (a) A person is eligible for educational
assistance under this section if:
(1) the person is:
(i) a veteran who is serving
or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United States armed forces
at any time on or after August 2, 1990;
(ii) a nonveteran who has
served honorably for a total of 16 years or more cumulatively as a member of
the Minnesota national guard or any other active or reserve component of the
United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after
August 2, 1990;
(iii) the surviving spouse
or child of a person described in (i) or (ii) who has died as a direct result
of that military service; or
(iv) the spouse or child of
a person described in (i) or (ii) who has a total and permanent
service-connected disability as rated by the United States veterans
administration;
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(2) the person described in
clause (1), item (i) or (ii), had Minnesota as the person's state of residence
at the time of the person's initial enlistment or any reenlistment in the
United States armed forces;
(3) the person receiving the
educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined in section 136A.101,
subdivision 8; and
(4) the person receiving the
educational assistance is an eligible student.
(b) A person's eligibility terminates
when the person becomes eligible for benefits under section 135A.52.
(c) As proof of honorable
service and disability or death status for a veteran or service member, the
director, by policy and in consultation with the commissioner, may require
official documentation, including the person's federal form DD-214 or other
official military discharge papers, correspondence from the United States
veterans administration, birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of
enrollment at an eligible institution, signed affidavits, proof of residency,
proof of identity, or any other official documentation the director considers
necessary to determine an applicant's eligibility status.
(d) The director, in
consultation with the commissioner, may deny eligibility or terminate benefits
under this section to any person who has not provided sufficient proof of
eligibility for the program. An applicant may appeal the director's eligibility
determination in writing to the director at any time. The director must rule on
any application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that
the director requires. Upon receiving an application with insufficient
documentation, the director must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt
of the application that the application is being suspended pending receipt by
the director of sufficient documentation from the applicant. The decision of
the director regarding an appeal is final; however, an applicant whose appeal
of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the director may submit an
additional appeal of that determination in writing to the director at any time
that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional
information relating to the person's eligibility for the program. An approval
of an applicant's eligibility by the director following an appeal by the
applicant is not retroactively effective beyond the later of one year
previously or the semester of the person's original application.
Subd. 6. Benefit amount. (a) On approval by the director of an
applicant's eligibility for the program, the applicant shall be awarded, on a
funds-available basis, the educational assistance under the program for use at
any time according to program rules at any eligible institution. Eligibility
for the program terminates upon exhaustion of a person's benefits as specified
in paragraph (c).
(b) The amount of
educational assistance in any semester or term for an eligible person must be
determined by subtracting from the eligible person's cost of attendance at that
eligible public institution, or in the case of an eligible private institution
the cost of attendance for a comparable program at the Twin Cities campus of
the University of Minnesota, the amount the person received or was eligible to
receive in that semester or term from:
(1) the federal Pell Grant;
(2) the state grant under
section 136A.121; and
(3) any federal military or
veterans educational benefits, including, but not limited to, the Montgomery GI
Bill, GI Bill Kicker, the federal tuition assistance program, vocational
rehabilitation benefits, and any other federal benefits associated with the
person's status as a veteran, except veterans disability payments from the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c) The amount of education
assistance for any eligible person must not exceed any of the following
amounts:
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(1) $1,250 per semester or
term of enrollment, or in the case of a part-time student $625 per semester or
term of enrollment;
(2) $3,570 per state fiscal
year; and
(3) $10,000 total.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2007, and applies to qualifying coursework taken on or after
that date.
Sec. 3. ANNUAL REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION.
The commissioner of veterans
affairs, in consultation with the director of higher education, must annually
review veterans' participation level in and expenditures for the Minnesota GI
Bill program in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.791, and, by January 15 each
year, must make recommendations to the chairs of the senate and house
committees having oversight responsibility for veterans affairs regarding
adjustment of individual benefit levels and program funding.
ARTICLE 3
RELATED HIGHER EDUCATION
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 13.322, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
(a) General. Data sharing involving
the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and other institutions is governed by sections
section 136A.05 and 136A.08, subdivision 8.
(b) Student financial aid. Data collected and used by the Minnesota
Office of Higher Education on applicants for financial assistance are
classified under section 136A.162.
(c) Minnesota college savings plan data. Account owner data, account
data, and data on beneficiaries of accounts under the Minnesota college savings
plan are classified under section 136G.05, subdivision 10.
(d) School financial records. Financial records submitted by schools
registering with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education are classified under
section 136A.64.
(e) Enrollment and financial aid data. Data collected from eligible
institutions on student enrollment and federal and state financial aid are
governed by sections 136A.121, subdivision 18, and 136A.1701, subdivision 11.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 16B.70, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Construction management education surcharge and account. (a)
For nonresidential construction building permits, the surcharge under
subdivision 1 is increased by an amount equal to one-quarter mill (.00025) of
the fee or 25 cents, whichever amount is greater, and designated for and
deposited in the construction management education account.
(b) The construction
management education account is created as an account in the special revenue
fund, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for the purpose
of enhancing construction management education in public postsecondary
institutions. Funds in the account are appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and
2009 to the director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for the
purposes of section 136A.127.
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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 41D.01, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Establishment; membership. (a) The
Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council is established. The council
is composed of 16 17 members as follows:
(1) the chair of the
University of Minnesota agricultural education program;
(2) a representative of the
commissioner of education;
(3) a representative of the
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities recommended by the chancellor;
(4) the president and the
president-elect of the Minnesota Association of Agriculture Educators;
(5) a representative of the
Future Farmers of America Foundation;
(6) a representative of the
commissioner of agriculture;
(7) the dean of the College
of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at the University of
Minnesota;
(8) a representative of
the Minnesota Private Colleges Council;
(9) two members representing
agriculture education and agriculture business appointed by the governor;
(9) (10) the chair of the senate
Committee on Agriculture, General Legislation and Veterans Affairs;
(10) (11) the chair of the house
Committee on Agriculture;
(11) (12) the ranking minority member
of the senate Committee on Agriculture, General Legislation and Veterans
Affairs, and a member of the senate Education Committee designated by the
Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and
(12) (13) the ranking minority member
of the house Agriculture Committee, and a member of the house Education
Committee designated by the speaker.
(b) An ex officio member of
the council under paragraph (a), clause (1), (4), (7), (9), (10), (11), or
(12), or (13), may designate a permanent or temporary replacement member
representing the same constituency.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 120B.023, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
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.
(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
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(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, in
collaboration with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must ensure
that passing score for the statewide 11th grade mathematics test represents
readiness for college so that a student who achieves a passing score on this
test, upon graduation, is immediately ready to take college courses for college
credit in a two-year or a four-year institution, consistent with section 135A.104.
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, in collaboration with the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities, must ensure that the passing score for the
statewide tenth grade reading and language arts test represents readiness for
college so that a student who achieves a passing score on this test, upon
graduation, is immediately ready to take college courses for college credit in
a two-year or a four-year institution, consistent with section 135A.104. 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.
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Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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).
(c) The commissioner, in
collaboration with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, must develop
and implement a statewide plan to communicate with all Minnesota high school
students no later than the beginning of ninth grade the state's expectations
for college readiness, consistent with sections 120B.023, subdivision 2,
paragraphs (b) and (e), and 135A.104.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 135A.031, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Reports. Instructional expenditure and
enrollment data for each instructional category shall be submitted by
the public postsecondary systems to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
and the Department of Finance and included in the biennial budget document.
The specific data shall be submitted only after the director of the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education has consulted with a data advisory task
force to determine the need, content, and detail of the information.
Sec. 7. [135A.043] RESIDENT TUITION.
(a) A student shall qualify
for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent at state universities and
colleges, including the University of Minnesota, if the student meets all of
the following requirements:
(1) high school attendance
within the state for three or more years;
(2) graduation from a state
high school or attainment within the state of the equivalent of high school graduation;
and
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(3) registration as an
entering student at, or current enrollment in, a public institution of higher
education.
(b) This section is in
addition to any other statute, rule, or higher education institution regulation
or policy providing eligibility for a resident tuition rate or its equivalent
to a student.
(c) To qualify for resident
tuition under this section an individual who is not a citizen or permanent
resident of the United States must provide the college or university with an
affidavit that the individual will file an application to become a permanent
resident at the earliest opportunity the individual is eligible to do so.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective
the day following final enactment and applies to tuition for school terms
commencing on or after that date.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 135A.053, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Performance and accountability. Higher
education systems and campuses are expected to achieve the objectives in
subdivision 1 and will be held accountable for doing so. The legislature is
increasing the flexibility of the systems and campuses to provide greater
responsibility to higher education in deciding how to achieve statewide
objectives, and to decentralize authority so that those decisions can be made
at the level where the education is delivered. To demonstrate their
accountability, the legislature expects each system and campus to measure and
report on its performance, using meaningful indicators that are critical to
achieving the objectives in subdivision 1, as provided in section 135A.033. Nothing
in this section precludes a system or campus from determining its own
objectives and performance measures beyond those identified in this section.
Sec. 9. [135A.104] COLLEGE READINESS.
(a) Minnesota State Colleges
and Universities must collaborate with the commissioner of education in
establishing passing scores on the Minnesota comprehensive assessments in
reading for grade 10 and in mathematics for grade 11 under section 120B.30 so
that "passing score" performances on those two assessments represent
a student's college readiness. For purposes of this section and chapter 120B, "college
readiness" means that a student who graduates from a public high school is
immediately ready to take college courses for college credit in a two-year or a
four-year institution. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities also must
collaborate with the commissioner of education to develop and implement a
statewide plan to communicate with all Minnesota high school students no later
than the beginning of ninth grade the state's expectations for college
readiness.
(b) The entrance and
admission materials that the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities provide
to prospective students must clearly indicate the level of academic preparation
that the students must have in order to be ready to immediately take college
courses for college credit in two-year and four-year institutions.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 135A.14, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Definitions. As used in this section,
the following terms have the meanings given them.
(a)
"Administrator" means the administrator of the institution or other
person with general control and supervision of the institution.
(b) "Public or private
postsecondary educational institution" or "institution" means
any of the following institutions having an enrollment of more than 100 persons
during any quarter, term, or semester during the preceding year: (1) the
University of Minnesota; (2) the state universities; (3) the state community
colleges; (4) public technical colleges; (5) private four-year, professional and
graduate institutions; (6) private two-year colleges; and (7) schools subject
to either chapter 141, sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71, or
schools exempt under section 136A.657, and which offer educational programs
within the state for an academic year greater than six consecutive months. An
institution's report to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or the
Minnesota Department of Education may be considered when determining
enrollment.
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(c) "Student"
means a person born after 1956 who did not graduate from a Minnesota high
school in 1997 or later, and who is (1) registering for more than one class
during a full academic term, such as a quarter or a semester or (2) housed on
campus and is registering for one or more classes. Student does not include
persons enrolled in extension classes only or correspondence classes only.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 135A.51, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Senior citizen. "Senior
citizen" means a person who has reached 62 years of age before the
beginning of any term, semester or quarter, in which a course of study is
pursued, or a person receiving a railroad retirement annuity who has reached
60 years of age before the beginning of the term.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 135A.52, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Fees and tuition. Except for an
administration fee established by the governing board at a level to recover
costs, to be collected only when a course is taken for credit, a senior citizen
who is a legal resident of Minnesota is entitled without payment of tuition or
activity fees to attend courses offered for credit, audit any courses offered
for credit, or enroll in any noncredit courses in any state supported
institution of higher education in Minnesota when space is available after all
tuition-paying students have been accommodated. A senior citizen enrolled under
this section must pay any materials, personal property, or service charges for
the course. In addition, a senior citizen who is enrolled in a course for
credit must pay an administrative fee in an amount established by the governing
board of the institution to recover the course costs. There shall be no
administrative fee charges to a senior citizen auditing a course. For the
purposes of this section and section 135A.51, the term "noncredit
courses" shall not include those courses designed and offered specifically
and exclusively for senior citizens.
The provisions of this
section and section 135A.51 do not apply to noncredit courses designed and
offered by the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities specifically and exclusively for senior citizens. Senior citizens
enrolled under the provisions of this section and section 135A.51 shall not be
included by such institutions in their computation of full-time equivalent
students when requesting staff or appropriations.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 135A.52, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Term; income of senior citizens. (a)
Except under paragraph (b), there shall be no limit to the number of terms,
quarters or semesters a senior citizen may attend courses, nor income limitation
imposed in determining eligibility.
(b) A senior citizen
enrolled in a closed enrollment contract training or professional continuing
education program is not eligible for benefits under subdivision 1.
Sec. 14. [136A.002] DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1. Scope. For purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in
this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2. Office of Higher Education or office. "Office of
Higher Education" or "office" means the Minnesota Office of
Higher Education.
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Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Responsibilities. The Minnesota Office
of Higher Education is responsible for:
(1) necessary state level
administration of financial aid programs, including accounting, auditing, and
disbursing state and federal financial aid funds, and reporting on financial
aid programs to the governor and the legislature;
(2) approval, registration,
licensing, and financial aid eligibility of private collegiate and career
schools, under sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71 and chapter
141;
(3) administering the
Learning Network of Minnesota;
(4) negotiating and
administering reciprocity agreements;
(5) publishing and
distributing financial aid information and materials, and other information and
materials under section 136A.87, to students and parents;
(6) collecting and
maintaining student enrollment and financial aid data and reporting data on
students and postsecondary institutions to develop and implement a process to
measure and report on the effectiveness of postsecondary institutions;
(7) administering the
federal programs that affect students and institutions on a statewide basis;
and
(8) prescribing policies,
procedures, and rules under chapter 14 necessary to administer the programs
under its supervision.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.031, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Expiration. Notwithstanding section
15.059, subdivision 5, the advisory groups established in this section do
not expire on June 30, 2007.
Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.0411, is amended to read:
136A.0411 COLLECTING FEES.
The office may charge fees
for seminars, conferences, workshops, services, and materials. The office may
collect fees for registration and licensure of private institutions under
sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71 and chapter 141. The money
is annually appropriated to the office.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.08, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Reporting. The Minnesota Office of
Higher Education must annually, before the last day in January, submit a report
to the committees in the house of representatives and the senate with
responsibility for higher education finance on:
(1) participation in the
tuition reciprocity program by Minnesota students and students from other
states attending Minnesota postsecondary institutions under a reciprocity
agreement;
(2) reciprocity and resident
tuition rates at each institution; and
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(3) interstate payments and
obligations for each state participating in the tuition reciprocity program in
the prior year.; and
(4) summary statistics on
number of graduates by institution, degree granted, and year of graduation for
reciprocity students who attended Minnesota postsecondary institutions.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.101, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Eligible institution. "Eligible
institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
state or in a state with which the office has entered into a higher education
reciprocity agreement on state student aid programs that either (1) is
operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, or (2) is operated publicly or privately and, as
determined by the office, meets all of the following: (i) maintains
academic standards substantially equivalent to those of comparable institutions
operated in this state; (ii) is licensed or registered as a postsecondary
institution by the office or another state agency; and (iii) by July 1, 2011,
is participating in the federal Pell Grant program under Title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.121, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Grant stipends. The grant stipend shall
be based on a sharing of responsibility for covering the recognized cost of
attendance by the applicant, the applicant's family, and the government. The
amount of a financial stipend must not exceed a grant applicant's recognized
cost of attendance, as defined in subdivision 6, after deducting the following:
(1) the assigned student
responsibility of at least 46 45.5 percent of the cost of
attending the institution of the applicant's choosing;
(2) the assigned family
responsibility as defined in section 136A.101; and
(3) the amount of a federal
Pell grant award for which the grant applicant is eligible.
The minimum financial
stipend is $100 per academic year.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Eligible students. (a) An applicant is
eligible for a child care grant if the applicant:
(1) is a resident of the
state of Minnesota;
(2) has a child 12 years of
age or younger, or 14 years of age or younger who is disabled as defined in
section 125A.02, and who is receiving or will receive care on a regular basis
from a licensed or legal, nonlicensed caregiver;
(3) is income eligible as
determined by the office's policies and rules, but is not a recipient of
assistance from the Minnesota family investment program;
(4) has not earned a
baccalaureate degree and has been enrolled full time less than eight semesters
or the equivalent;
(5) is pursuing a
nonsectarian program or course of study that applies to an undergraduate
degree, diploma, or certificate;
(6) is enrolled at least
half time in an eligible institution; and
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(7) is in good academic
standing and making satisfactory academic progress.
(b) A student who withdraws
from enrollment for active military service is entitled to an additional
semester or the equivalent of grant eligibility and will be considered to be
in continuing enrollment status upon return.
Sec. 22. [136A.126] TEACHER EDUCATION AND
COMPENSATION HELPS; MINNESOTA EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER RETENTION PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1. TEACH. The teacher education and compensation helps
program (TEACH) is established to provide tuition scholarships, education
incentives, and an early childhood teacher retention program to provide
retention incentives to early care and education providers. The director shall
make a grant with appropriations for this purpose to a nonprofit organization
licensed to administer the TEACH early childhood program.
Subd. 2. Program components. (a) The nonprofit organization must
use the grant for:
(1) tuition scholarships up
to $5,000 per year for courses leading to the nationally recognized child
development associate credential or college-level courses leading to an
associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood development and school-age
care; and
(2) education incentives of
a minimum of $100 to participants in the tuition scholarship program if they
complete a year of working in the early care and education field.
(b) Applicants for the
scholarship must be employed by a licensed early childhood or child care
program and working directly with children, a licensed family child care
provider, or an employee in a school-age program exempt from licensing under
section 245A.03, subdivision 2, clause (12). Lower wage earners must be given
priority in awarding the tuition scholarships. Scholarship recipients must
contribute ten percent of the total scholarship and must be sponsored by their
employers, who must also contribute ten percent of the total scholarship.
Scholarship recipients who are self-employed must contribute 20 percent of the
total scholarship.
(c) The organization must
also use the grant for teacher retention incentives of $1,000 to $3,500
annually to be paid biannually. Applicants for the retention incentives must be
employed by a licensed early childhood or child care program and working
directly with children, a licensed family child care provider, or an employee
in a school-age program exempt from licensing under section 245A.03,
subdivision 2, clause (12). Lower wage earners must be given priority for the
retention incentives. The amount of the retention incentive must be based on
the applicant's level of education at the time of application. A provider is
eligible for the retention incentive if the provider:
(1) has worked in the field
for at least one year and has been working at the same location for at least
one year at the time of application;
(2) agrees to remain in the
provider's current position for a period of at least one year; and
(3) has an associate's or
bachelor's degree or a child development associate's degree.
Subd. 3. Advisory committee. The TEACH early childhood and Minnesota
early childhood teacher retention programs must have an advisory board as
prescribed by the national TEACH organization.
Sec. 23. [136A.127] CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Construction Management Education Account Advisory Committee.
The director must establish an advisory committee for the construction
management education account. Members of the committee must include: the
executive vice-president of the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors association or
designee, a
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chapter manager of one of
the Minnesota chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association or
designee, the executive director of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
or designee, two members of the nonresidential construction industry, and a
construction management program coordinator or director from an accredited
construction management program in the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities. Members serve three-year terms. Advisory committee members are
reimbursed for expenses related to committee activities. The director may
accept funds from federal, state, or local public agencies, or from private
foundations or individuals for deposit into the construction management
education account under section 16B.70. All money in the account must be used
for the purposes of this section.
Subd. 2. Grants. Grants from the construction management education
account must be used to maintain and increase the quality and availability of
education programs for the construction industry by awarding grants to
accredited construction management programs in the Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities. Grants must be used to maintain and upgrade facilities and
provide greater industry access to modern construction standards and management
practices. In making grants, the director, in consultation with the committee,
must:
(1) confirm the
qualifications of any program applying for a grant;
(2) affirm applications for
American Council for Construction Education accreditation and, when funds are
available, award grants to complete the accreditation process;
(3) promote close ties
between technical and community colleges and four-year construction management
programs; and
(4) support the development
of new educational programs with specific emphasis on outreach to the
construction industry at large.
Subd. 3. Grant awards. (a) The committee may award grants to a
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institution to support construction
management education and to promote outreach and continuing education in the
construction industry.
(b) An eligible institution
must provide one of the following:
(1) a bachelor of science
construction management degree accredited by the American Council for
Construction Education;
(2) a degree with an
American Council for Construction Education accredited option, including, but
not limited to, Engineering Technology and Industrial Technology;
(3) a bachelor of science
degree program documenting placement of more than 50 percent of their graduates
with Minnesota nonresidential contractors; and
(4) the development of a
construction management curriculum to meet the American Council for
Construction Education criteria.
(c) Grant awards may be made
as follows:
(1) $3,000 per graduate
during the past academic year up to a maximum of $100,000 for institutions
qualifying under paragraph (b), clause (1);
(2) $3,000 per graduate
during the past academic year up to a maximum of $100,000 for institutions
qualifying under paragraph (b), clause (2);
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(3) $3,000 per graduate
placed with Minnesota nonresidential contractors during the past academic year
to a maximum of $20,000 for institutions qualifying under paragraph (b), clause
(3);
(4) up to $25,000 for the
purpose of becoming accredited by the American Council for Construction
Education for two years which may be renewed if the institution is continuing
progress towards accreditation; and
(5) for faculty recruitment
and development in construction management programs, including support for
postgraduate work leading to advanced degrees, visiting lecturer compensation
and expenses, teaching assistant positions, and faculty positions; and
(6) to support general
classroom and laboratory operating expenses.
Grants may only be awarded
from the construction management education account to the extent that funds are
available. No other state funding may be provided for these grants.
Subd. 4. Reports. (a) The director must annually report to the
committees of the legislature responsible for higher education finance by
January 15. The report must include the names of the public postsecondary
educational institutions receiving grants, the amount of the grant, the
purposes for each grant, the number of students served, and the number of
placements made to the construction industry for the previous academic year.
(b) After receiving an
initial grant, the president of the public postsecondary educational
institution must annually submit a report to the director listing the amount of
all past grants awarded from the construction management education account and
the uses of those funds. The report must be submitted with a request for a new
or continuing grant and at a minimum must include the following:
(1) the number of graduates
placed with the Minnesota contractors during the previous academic year;
(2) the expected enrollment in
construction management courses in the upcoming academic year; and
(3) continuing education and
extension courses offered in construction management during the previous
academic year and their enrollments.
Subd. 5. Administration. Up to $15,000 per year from the
construction management education account may be used for the administration of
this program.
Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.15, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Scope. For purposes of sections 136A.15
to 136A.1702, the terms defined in this section have the meanings ascribed
to given them.
Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.15, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Eligible institution. "Eligible
institution" means a postsecondary educational institution that either
(1) is operated or regulated by this state, or the Board of Regents
of the University of Minnesota; (2) is operated publicly or privately in
another state, is approved by the United States Secretary of Education, and, as
determined by the office, maintains academic standards substantially equal to
those of comparable institutions operated in this state; (3) is licensed or
registered as a postsecondary institution by the office or another state agency;
and (4) by July 1, 2011, is participating in the federal Pell Grant
program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. It
also includes any institution chartered in a province.
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Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.233, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Payments. Work-study payments shall be
made to eligible students by postsecondary institutions as provided in this
subdivision.
(a) Students shall be
selected for participation in the program by the postsecondary institution on
the basis of student financial need.
(b) In selecting students
for participation, priority must be given to students enrolled for at least 12
credits. In each academic year, a student may be awarded work-study payments
for one period of nonenrollment or less than half-time enrollment if the
student will enroll on at least a half-time basis during the following academic
term.
(c) Students will be paid for
hours actually worked and the maximum hourly rate of pay shall not exceed the
maximum hourly rate of pay permitted under the federal college work-study
program.
(d) Minimum pay rates will
be determined by an applicable federal or state law.
(e) The office shall
annually establish a minimum percentage rate of student compensation to be paid
by an eligible employer.
(f) Each postsecondary
institution receiving money for state work-study grants shall make a reasonable
effort to place work-study students in employment with eligible employers
outside the institution. However, a public employer other than the institution
may not terminate, lay off, or reduce the working hours of a permanent employee
for the purpose of hiring a work-study student, or replace a permanent employee
who is on layoff from the same or substantially the same job by hiring a
work-study student.
(g) The percent of the
institution's work-study allocation provided to graduate students shall not
exceed the percent of graduate student enrollment at the participating
institution.
(h) An institution may use
up to 30 percent of its allocation for student internships with private,
for-profit employers.
Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.29, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
Subd. 9. Revenue bonds; limit. The authority is
authorized and empowered to issue revenue bonds whose aggregate principal
amount at any time shall not exceed $800,000,000 $950,000,000 and
to issue notes, bond anticipation notes, and revenue refunding bonds of the
authority under the provisions of sections 136A.25 to 136A.42, to provide funds
for acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, remodeling, renovating,
improving, furnishing, or equipping one or more projects or parts thereof.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.861, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Grants. The director of the Minnesota
Office of Higher Education shall award grants to foster postsecondary
attendance and retention by providing outreach services to historically
underserved students in grades six through 12 and historically
underrepresented college students. Grants must be awarded to programs that
provide precollege services, including, but not limited to:
(1) academic counseling;
(2) mentoring;
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(3) fostering and improving
parental involvement in planning for and facilitating a college education;
(4) services for students
with English as a second language;
(5) academic enrichment
activities;
(6) tutoring;
(7) career awareness and
exploration;
(8) orientation to college
life;
(9) assistance with high
school course selection and information about college admission requirements;
and
(10) financial aid
counseling.
Grants shall be awarded to
postsecondary institutions, professional organizations, community-based
organizations, or others deemed appropriate by the director.
Grants shall be awarded for
one year and may be renewed for a second year with documentation to the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education of successful program outcomes.
Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.861, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Eligible students. Eligible students
include students in grades six through 12 who meet one or more of the following
criteria:
(1) are counted under
section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Title
I);
(2) are eligible for free or
reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Act;
(3) receive assistance under
the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Law (Title I of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996); or
(4) are a member of a group
traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Eligible undergraduate
students include those who met the student eligibility criteria as 6th through
12th graders.
Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.861, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Application process. The director of
the Minnesota Office of Higher Education shall develop a grant application
process. The director shall attempt to support projects in a manner that
ensures that eligible students throughout the state have access to precollege
program services.
The grant application must
include, at a minimum, the following information:
(1) a description of the
characteristics of the students to be served reflective of the need for
services listed in subdivision 1;
(2) a description of the
services to be provided and a timeline for implementation of the activities;
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(3) a description of how the
services provided will foster postsecondary attendance and support
postsecondary retention;
(4) a description of how the
services will be evaluated to determine whether the program goals were met; and
(5) other information as
identified by the director.
Grant recipients must
specify both program and student outcome goals, and performance measures for
each goal.
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.861, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Program evaluation. Each grant
recipient must annually submit a report to the Minnesota Office of Higher
Education delineating its program and student outcome goals, and activities
implemented to achieve the stated outcomes. The goals must be clearly stated
and measurable. Grant recipients are required to collect, analyze, and report
on participation and outcome data that enable the office to verify that the
program goals were met. The office shall maintain:
(1) information about
successful precollege program and undergraduate student retention program activities
for dissemination to individuals throughout the state interested in adopting or
replicating successful program practices; and
(2) data on the success of
the funded projects in increasing the high school graduation and,
college participation, and college graduation rates of students served
by the grant recipients. The office may convene meetings of the grant
recipients, as needed, to discuss issues pertaining to the implementation of
precollege services and undergraduate retention programs.
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136F.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Membership. The board consists of 15
17 members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the
senate. At least one member of the board must be a resident of each
congressional district. Three members must be students who are enrolled at
least half time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program or have graduated
from an institution governed by the board within one year of the date of
appointment. The student members shall include: one member from a community
college, one member from a state university, and one member from a technical
college. Two members must be members of the AFL-CIO. The remaining
members must be appointed to represent the state at large.
Sec. 33. [136F.045] UNION MEMBER SELECTION.
Notwithstanding section
136F.03, the AFL-CIO has the responsibility for recruiting, screening, and
recommending qualified candidates for their members of the board. The AFL-CIO
must develop a statement of selection criteria for board membership and a
process for recommending candidates. Beginning in 2008, and every six years
thereafter, the AFL-CIO must recommend four candidates for the two board
positions to the governor by April 15. The governor must appoint two of the
candidates to the board of trustees.
Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136F.42, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Time reporting. As provided in
Executive Order 96-2, the board, in consultation with the commissioners of employee
relations and finance, may develop policies to allow system office or campus
employees on salaries, as defined in section 43A.17, subdivision 1, to use
negative time reporting in which employees report only that time for which
leave is taken. By the end of the 1997 fiscal year, the board, in
consultation with the commissioners of employee relations and finance, shall
evaluate the use of negative time reporting and its potential for use with
other state employees.
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Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136F.71, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Activity funds. All receipts
attributable to the state colleges and universities activity funds and
deposited in the state treasury are appropriated to the board and are not
subject to budgetary control as exercised by the commissioner of finance.
Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136F.71, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Banking services. Notwithstanding section 16A.27, the
board shall have authority to control the amount and manner of deposit of all
receipts described in this section in depositories selected by the board. The
board's authority shall include specifying the considerations, financial
activities, and conditions required from the depository, including the
requirement of collateral security or a corporate surety bond as described in
section 118A.03. The board may compensate the depository, including paying a
reasonable charge to the depository, maintaining appropriate compensating
balances with the depository, or purchasing non-interest-bearing certificates
of deposit from the depository for performing depository-related services.
Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136G.11, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Amount of matching grant. The amount of
the matching grant for a beneficiary equals:
(1) if the beneficiary's
family income is $50,000 or less, 15 percent of the sum of the contributions
made to the beneficiary's account during the calendar year, not to exceed $300
$400; and
(2) if the beneficiary's
family income is more than $50,000 but not more than $80,000, five
ten percent of the sum of the contributions made to the beneficiary's
account during the calendar year, not to exceed $300 $400.
Sec. 38. MINNESOTA WEST COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL
COLLEGE AT WORTHINGTON; YMCA LEASE AGREEMENT.
(a) The Board of Trustees of
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities may enter into a lease agreement with
the YMCA not to exceed 40 years, for the lease of land on the Minnesota West
Community and Technical College at Worthington campus for the construction of a
YMCA facility. The lease may also include the city of Worthington.
(b) Siting and design of the
facility must be consistent with the college's master plan and Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities' building standards. Minnesota West Community and
Technical College may negotiate for use of the facility for college purposes.
The lease must contain a provision that the lease shall terminate if the
improved property is no longer used for the partial benefit of the students at
the Worthington campus.
Sec. 39. INTEREST RATE SWAP AND OTHER AGREEMENTS;
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.
The Minnesota Office of
Higher Education must develop a plan for implementing interest rate exchanges,
swaps, or other interest rate protection agreements for its student loan
programs. The plan must be presented in a report to the committees of
legislature responsible for higher education finance by January 15, 2008. The
report must address potential contracting arrangements and options, benefits
and risks associated with these agreements, and the potential impacts on the
student loan program, its assets, and its objectives.
Sec. 40. REPEALER.
(a) Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 135A.031, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; 135A.032; 135A.033;
136A.07; and 136A.08, subdivision 8, are repealed.
(b) Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 137.0245; and 137.0246, are repealed.
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ARTICLE 4
TEXTBOOK PRICING AND ACCESS
Section 1. [135A.25] TEXTBOOK DISCLOSURE, PRICING,
AND ACCESS.
Subdivision 1. Short title. This section may be cited as the Textbook
Disclosure, Pricing, and Access Act.
Subd. 2. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this act is to ensure
that every student in higher education is offered better and more timely access
to affordable course materials by educating and informing faculty, students,
administrators, institutions, bookstores, and publishers on all aspects of the
selection, purchase, sales, and use of the materials. It is the policy of the
state of Minnesota that all involved parties must work together to identify
ways to decrease the cost of course materials for students while protecting the
academic freedom of faculty members to provide high-quality course materials
for students.
Subd. 3. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the
following definitions have the meanings given.
(1) "Bundled"
means any course material packaged together to be sold for one price.
(2) "Bookstore"
means a store that is affiliated with a postsecondary institution or has a
contract with a postsecondary institution to sell course materials to students
enrolled at the postsecondary institution.
(3) "Course
material" means textbooks as defined in section 297A.67, subdivision 13,
custom course materials, and instructional materials as defined in section
297A.67, subdivision 13a, sold to students by a bookstore in a bundled or
unbundled form.
(4) "Custom course
materials" means any combination of textbooks, course materials, or any
part thereof that has been customized, produced, and sold by a distributor or
publisher specifically for a specific course, program, or field of study.
(5) "Distributor"
means an independent contractor, including its employees or agents, that is in
the business of selling, distributing, advertising, marketing, or maintaining
an inventory of course materials for a postsecondary institution or bookstore.
(6) "Postsecondary
institution" means a Minnesota institution defined under section 136A.101,
subdivision 4.
(7) "Publisher"
means a publishing house, firm, or business, including its employees or agents,
acting with authority of the publisher that publishes, sells, markets, or
maintains an inventory of course materials to a postsecondary institution or
bookstore.
Subd. 4. Publisher disclosures. (a) Beginning January 1, 2008, a
publisher or distributor must post on its Web site, include in a catalog, or
disclose in writing to a faculty member or other individual at a postsecondary
institution responsible for selecting course material within seven days of a
request, at least the following:
(1) the title, edition,
author, and International Standard Book Number (ISBN) of all course material
and custom course materials, if applicable;
(2) the price for the course
material;
(3) whether the required
course material is bundled with optional material, whether it can be unbundled,
and the price for each bundled and unbundled component;
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(4) whether the material is
available in an alternative format and the cost for the alternatively formatted
material; and
(5) summary of revisions to
requested course material for the previous edition or release for materials
that have been in circulation for five years or less and a detailed breakdown
of revisions must be made available in writing within seven days of the request.
(b) A publisher or
distributor must make all bundled course materials available to bookstores or
postsecondary institutions in an unbundled form or provide written or verbal
notice within seven days of a request under this subdivision if the unbundled
materials are not available.
(c) A publisher or
distributor must post on its Web site, include in its marketing materials, or
disclose in writing when a request is made under this subdivision for the
return policy for course material, including any penalties or conditions for
returns.
(d) Disclosure under this
section is not required for mass market and trade books that are not published,
marketed, or sold primarily for use in or by postsecondary institutions.
Subd. 5. Payment for course material. Each postsecondary
institution must adopt policies that allow students to add the costs of course
material purchased at a bookstore to existing waivers or payment plans for
tuition and fees.
Subd. 6. Notice to purchase. (a) An instructor shall make
reasonable efforts to notify a bookstore of the final order for required and
recommended course material including, but not limited to, alternative formats,
previous editions, or custom course materials at least 30 days prior to the
commencement of the term.
(b) The bookstore must
notify students of the following information concerning the required and
recommended course material at least 15 days prior to the commencement of the
term for which the course material is required, including, but not limited to:
(1) the title, edition,
author, and International Standard Book Number (ISBN) of the course material;
(2) the price for the course
material;
(3) whether the required course
material is bundled with optional material, whether it can be unbundled, and
the price for each bundled and unbundled component; and
(4) whether the material is
available in an alternative format and the cost for the alternatively formatted
material.
Subd. 7. Educational strategies. (a) During the biennium ending
June 30, 2009, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education shall work with
postsecondary institutions to develop educational materials based upon the
findings of the Minnesota Textbook Advisory Task Force recommendations and
other relevant information, convene and sponsor meetings and workshops, and
provide educational materials for faculty, students, administrators,
institutions, bookstores, and publishers in order to educate all interested parties
on strategies for reducing the costs of course materials for students attending
postsecondary institutions.
(b) The Minnesota Office of
Higher Education must develop and maintain a standardized request form for
publisher disclosure under this section with all required information. The
request form must be in an electronic format that can be downloaded from the
office Web site.
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ARTICLE 5
PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 136A.61, is amended to read:
136A.61 POLICY.
The legislature has found
and hereby declares that the availability of legitimate courses and programs
leading to academic degrees offered by responsible private not for profit
and for profit institutions of postsecondary education and the existence of
legitimate private colleges and universities are in the best interests of the
people of this state. The legislature has found and declares that the state can
provide assistance and protection for persons choosing private institutions and
programs, by establishing policies and procedures to assure the authenticity
and legitimacy of private postsecondary education institutions and programs.
The legislature has also found and declares that this same policy applies to
any private and public postsecondary educational institution located in
another state or country which offers or makes available to a Minnesota
resident any course, program or educational activity which does not require the
leaving of the state for its completion.
Sec. 2. [136A.615] CITATION.
Sections 136A.615 to 136A.71
may be cited as the "Minnesota Private and Out-of-State Public
Postsecondary Education Act."
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 136A.62, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. School. "School" means:
(1) any individual,
partnership, company, firm, society, trust, association, corporation, or any
combination thereof, which (a) (i) is, owns, or operates a private,
nonprofit postsecondary education institution; (b) (ii) is, owns, or
operates a private, for profit postsecondary education institution; (iii)
provides a postsecondary instructional program or course leading to a degree
whether or not for profit; (c) (iv) is, owns, or operates a
private, postsecondary education institution which uses the term
"college", "academy", "institute" or
"university" in its name; or (d) operates for profit and provides
programs or courses which are intended to allow an individual to fulfill in
part or totally the requirements necessary to maintain a license to practice an
occupation. School shall also mean
(2) any public postsecondary
educational institution located in another state or country which offers or
makes available to a Minnesota resident any course, program or educational
activity which does not require the leaving of the state for its completion;
or
(3) any individual, entity,
or postsecondary institution located in another state that contracts with any
school located within the state of Minnesota for the purpose of providing
educational programs, training programs, or awarding postsecondary credits or
continuing education credits to Minnesota residents that may be applied to a
degree program.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.63, is amended to read:
136A.63 REGISTRATION.
Subdivision 1. Annual registration. All schools located within Minnesota
and all schools located outside Minnesota which offer degree programs or
courses within Minnesota shall register annually with the office.
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Subd. 2. Sale of an institution. Within 30 days of a change of
ownership the school must submit a registration renewal application, all usual
and ordinary information and materials for an initial registration, and
applicable registration fees for a new institution. For purposes of this
subdivision, "change of ownership" means a merger or consolidation
with a corporation; a sale, lease, exchange, or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of a school; the transfer of a controlling
interest of at least 51 percent of the school's stock; or a change in the
not-for-profit or for profit status of a school.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.64, is amended to read:
136A.64 INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION.
Subdivision 1. Schools to provide information. As a
basis for registration, schools shall provide the office with such information as
the office needs to determine the nature and activities of the school,
including but not limited to, requirements for admission, enrollments,
tuition charge, refund policies, curriculum, degrees granted, and faculty
employed. The office shall have the authority to verify the accuracy of the
information submitted to it by inspection or any other means it deems
necessary. the following which shall be accompanied by an affidavit
attesting to its accuracy and truthfulness:
(1) articles of
incorporation, constitution, bylaws, or other operating documents;
(2) a duly adopted statement
of the school's mission and goals;
(3) evidence of current
school or program licenses granted by departments or agencies of any state;
(4) a fiscal balance sheet on
an accrual basis, or a certified audit of the immediate past fiscal year
including any management letters provided by the independent auditor or, if the
school is a public institution outside Minnesota, an income statement for the
immediate past fiscal year;
(5) all current promotional
and recruitment materials and advertisements; and
(6) the current school
catalog and, if not contained in the catalog:
(i) the members of the board
of trustees or directors, if any;
(ii) the current
institutional officers;
(iii) current full-time and
part-time faculty with degrees held or applicable experience;
(iv) a description of all
school facilities;
(v) a description of all
current course offerings;
(vi) all requirements for satisfactory
completion of courses, programs, and degrees;
(vii) the school's policy
about freedom or limitation of expression and inquiry;
(viii) a current schedule of
fees, charges for tuition, required supplies, student activities, housing, and
all other standard charges;
(ix) the school's policy
about refunds and adjustments;
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(x) the school's policy
about granting credit for prior education, training, and experience; and
(xi) the school's policies
about student admission, evaluation, suspension, and dismissal.
Subd. 2. Financial records. The office shall not
disclose financial records or accreditation reports provided to it by a
school pursuant to this section except for the purpose of defending, at
hearings pursuant to chapter 14, or other appeal proceedings, its decision to
approve or not to approve the granting of degrees or the use of a name by the
school. Section 15.17, subdivision 4, shall not apply to such records.
Subd. 3. Additional information. If the office is unable to
determine the nature and activities of a school on the basis of the information
in subdivision 1, the office shall notify the school of additional information
needed.
Subd. 4. Verification of information. The office may verify the
accuracy of submitted information by inspection, visitation, or any other means
it considers necessary.
Subd. 5. Public information. All information submitted to the
office is public information except financial and accreditation records and
information. The office may disclose financial records or information to defend
its decision to approve or disapprove granting of degrees or the use of a name
or its decisions to revoke the approval at a hearing under chapter 14 or other
legal proceedings.
Subd. 6. Late registration penalty. Applications for renewal for
any registration received after the deadline date specified in the renewal
materials provided by the office are subject to a late fee equal to 20 percent
of the annual registration renewal fee.
Subd. 7. Out-of-state expenses. A school shall reimburse the
office for actual costs associated with a site evaluation visit outside
Minnesota if the visit is necessary under section 136A.64, subdivision 1 or 3.
Sec. 6. [136A.645] SCHOOL CLOSURE.
(a) When a school decides to
cease postsecondary education operations, or if its registration is refused,
revoked, or suspended it must cooperate with the office in assisting students
to find alternative means to complete their studies with a minimum of
disruption, and inform the office of the following:
(1) the planned date for
termination of postsecondary education operations;
(2) the planned date for the
transfer of the student records;
(3) confirmation of the name
and address of the organization to receive and hold the student records; and
(4) the official at the
organization receiving the student records who is designated to provide
official copies of records or transcripts upon request.
(b) Upon notice from a
school of its intention to cease operations, or if a school's registration is
revoked, refused, or suspended, the office shall notify the school of the date
on which it must cease the enrollment of students and all postsecondary
educational operations.
Sec. 7. [136A.646] ADDITIONAL SECURITY.
In the event any registered
institution is notified by the United States Department of Education that it
has fallen below minimum financial standards and that its continued
participation in Title IV will be conditioned upon its satisfying either the
Zone Alternative, Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 668.175,
paragraph (f), or a
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Letter of Credit
Alternative, Code of Federal Regulations, title 34, section 668.175, paragraph
(c), the institution shall provide a surety bond conditioned upon the faithful
performance of all contracts and agreements with students in a sum equal to the
"letter of credit" required by the United States Department of
Education in the Letter of Credit Alternative, but in no event shall such bond
be less than $10,000 and not more than $250,000.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.65, is amended to read:
136A.65 APPROVAL OF DEGREES AND NAME.
Subdivision 1. Prohibition. No school subject to
registration shall grant a degree unless such degree is and its
underlying curriculum are approved by the office, nor shall any school
subject to registration use the name "college," "academy,"
"institute" or "university" in its name without approval by
the office.
Subd. 1a. Accreditation; requirement. A school must not be
registered or authorized to offer any degree at any level unless the school is
accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education
for purposes of eligibility to participate in Title IV federal financial aid
programs. Any registered school undergoing institutional accreditation shall
inform the office of site visits by the accrediting agency and provide office staff
the opportunity to attend the visits, including any exit interviews. The
institution must provide the office with a copy of the final report upon
receipt.
Subd. 2. Procedures. The office shall establish
procedures for approval, including notice and an opportunity for a hearing
pursuant to chapter 14 if such approval is not granted. If a hearing is
requested, no disapproval shall take effect until after such hearing.
Subd. 3. Application. A school subject to
registration shall be granted approval to use the term "college,"
"academy," "institute" or "university" in its
name whether or not it offers a program leading to a degree, if it was
organized, operating and using such term in its name on or before August 1,
1975, and if it meets the other policies and standards for approval established
by the office.
Subd. 4. Criteria for approval. (a) A school applying to be
registered and to have its degree or degrees and name approved must
substantially meet the following criteria:
(1) the school has an organizational
framework with administrative and teaching personnel to provide the educational
programs offered;
(2) the school has financial
resources sufficient to meet the school's financial obligations, including
refunding tuition and other charges consistent with its stated policy if the
institution is dissolved, or if claims for refunds are made, to provide service
to the students as promised, and to provide educational programs leading to
degrees as offered;
(3) the school operates in
conformity with generally accepted budgeting and accounting procedures, such as
the standards adopted by the National Association of College and University
Business Officers, located at 1 Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C., 20036;
(4) the school provides an
educational program leading to the degree it offers;
(5) the school provides
appropriate and accessible library, laboratory, and other physical facilities
to support the educational program offered;
(6) the school has a policy
on freedom or limitation of expression and inquiry for faculty and students
which is published or available on request;
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(7) the school uses only
publications and advertisements which are truthful and do not give any false,
fraudulent, deceptive, inaccurate, or misleading impressions about the school,
its personnel, programs, services, or occupational opportunities for its
graduates for promotion and student recruitment;
(8) the school's compensated
recruiting agents who are operating in Minnesota identify themselves as agents
of the school when talking to or corresponding with students and prospective
students; and
(9) the school provides
information to students and prospective students concerning:
(i) comprehensive and
accurate policies relating to student admission, evaluation, suspension, and
dismissal;
(ii) clear and accurate
policies relating to granting credit for prior education, training, and experience
and for courses offered by the school;
(iii) current schedules of
fees, charges for tuition, required supplies, student activities, housing, and
all other standard charges;
(iv) policies regarding
refunds and adjustments for withdrawal or modification of enrollment status;
and
(v) procedures and standards
used for selection of recipients and the terms of payment and repayment for any
financial aid program.
(b) An application for
degree approval must also include:
(i) title of degree and
formal recognition awarded;
(ii) location where such
degree will be offered;
(iii) proposed
implementation date of the degree;
(iv) admissions requirements
for the degree;
(v) length of the degree;
(vi) projected enrollment
for a period of five years;
(vii) the curriculum
required for the degree, including course syllabi or outlines;
(viii) statement of academic
and administrative mechanisms planned for monitoring the quality of the
proposed degree;
(ix) statement of
satisfaction of professional licensure criteria, if applicable;
(x) documentation of the
availability of clinical, internship, externship, or practicum sites, if
applicable; and
(xi) statement of how the
degree fulfills the institution's mission and goals, complements existing degrees,
and contributes to the school's viability.
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Subd. 5. Requirements for degree approval. For each degree a
school offers to a student, where the student does not leave Minnesota for the
major portion of the program or course leading to the degree, the school must
have:
(1) qualified teaching
personnel to provide the educational programs for each degree for which
approval is sought;
(2) appropriate educational
programs leading to each degree for which approval is sought;
(3) appropriate and
accessible library, laboratory, and other physical facilities to support the
educational program for each degree for which approval is sought; and
(4) a rationale showing that
degree programs are consistent with the school's mission and goals.
Subd. 6. Name. A school may use the term "academy" or
"institute" in its name without meeting any additional requirements.
A school may use the term "college" in its name if it offers at least
one program leading to an associate degree. A school may use the term
"university" in its name if it offers at least one program leading to
a master's or doctorate degree.
Subd. 7. Grandfathered names. Names used before August 1, 2007, by
a school, organized, operating, and using the term "academy,"
"institute," "college," or "university" in its
name on or before August 1, 2007, may continue using such term whether or not
it offers a program leading to a degree.
Subd. 8. Conditional approval. The office may grant conditional
approval for a degree or use of a term in its name for a period of less than
one year if doing so would be in the best interests of currently enrolled
students or prospective students.
Subd. 9. Disapproval of registration appeal. If a school's degree
or use of a term in its name is disapproved by the office, the school may
request a hearing under chapter 14. The request must be in writing and made to
the office within 30 days of the date the school is notified of the
disapproval.
(a) The office may refuse to
renew, revoke, or suspend registration, approval of a school's degree, or use
of a regulated term in its name by giving written notice and reasons to the
school. The school may request a hearing under chapter 14. If a hearing is
requested, no revocation or suspension shall take effect until after the
hearing.
(b) Reasons for revocation
or suspension of registration or approval may be for one or more of the
following reasons:
(1) violating the provisions
of sections 136A.615 to 136A.71;
(2) providing false,
misleading, or incomplete information to the office;
(3) presenting information
about the school which is false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or
inaccurate in a material respect to prospective students; or
(4) refusing to allow
reasonable inspection or to supply reasonable information after a written
request by the office has been received.
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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.653, is amended to read:
136A.653 EXEMPTIONS.
Subdivision 1. Exemption. A school that is subject to
licensing by the office under chapter 141, is exempt from the provisions of
sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71. The determination of the
office as to whether a particular school is subject to regulation under chapter
141 is final for the purposes of this exemption.
Subd. 2. Educational program; nonprofit
organizations. Educational programs which are sponsored by a bona fide and
nonprofit trade, labor, business, professional or fraternal organization, which
programs are conducted solely for that organization's membership or for the
members of the particular industries or professions served by that organization,
and which are not available to the public on a fee basis, are exempted from the
provisions of sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71.
Subd. 3. Educational program; business firms.
Educational programs which are sponsored by a business firm for the training of
its employees or the employees of other business firms with which it has
contracted to provide educational services at no cost to the employees are
exempted from the provisions of sections 136A.61 136A.615 to
136A.71.
Subd. 4. Voluntary submission. Any school or
program exempted from the provisions of sections 136A.61 136A.615 to
136A.71 by the provisions of this section may voluntarily submit to the
provisions of those sections.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.657, is amended to read:
136A.657 EXEMPTION; RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS.
Subdivision 1. Exemption. Any school or any department
or branch of a school (a) which is substantially owned, operated or supported
by a bona fide church or religious organization; (b) whose programs are
primarily designed for, aimed at and attended by persons who sincerely hold or
seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that church or
religious organization; and (c) whose programs are primarily intended to
prepare its students to become ministers of, to enter into some other vocation
closely related to, or to conduct their lives in consonance with, the
particular faith of that church or religious organization, is exempt from the
provisions of sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71.
Subd. 2. Limitation. This exemption shall not
extend to any school or to any department or branch of a school which through
advertisements or solicitations represents to any students or prospective
students that the school, its aims, goals, missions or purposes or its programs
are different from those described in subdivision 1. This exemption shall not
extend to any school which represents to any student or prospective student
that the major purpose of its programs is to prepare the student for a vocation
not closely related to that particular religious faith, or to provide the
student with a general educational program recognized by other schools or the
broader educational, business or social community as being substantially
equivalent to the educational programs offered by schools or departments or
branches of schools which are not exempt from sections 136A.61 136A.615
to 136A.71, and rules adopted pursuant thereto.
Subd. 3. Scope. Nothing in sections 136A.61
136A.615 to 136A.71, or the rules adopted pursuant thereto, shall be
interpreted as permitting the office to determine the truth or falsity of any
particular set of religious beliefs.
Subd. 4. Statement required; religious nature. Any degree awarded
upon completion of a religiously exempt program shall include descriptive
language to make the religious nature of the award clear.
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Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.66, is amended to read:
136A.66 LIST.
The office shall maintain a
list of schools registered institutions authorized to grant
degrees and schools authorized to use the name "college,"
"academy," "institute" or "university," and shall
make such list available to the public.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.67, is amended to read:
136A.67 UNAUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIONS.
No school and none of its
officials or employees shall advertise or represent in any manner that such
school is approved or accredited by the office or state of Minnesota except
that any
A school
which is duly registered with the office, or any of its officials or employees,
may represent in advertising and shall disclose in catalogues, applications,
and enrollment materials that the school is registered with the office.
by prominently displaying the following statement: "(Name of school) is
registered as a private institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher
Education pursuant to sections 136A.615 to 136A.71. Registration is not an
endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not
transfer to all other institutions."
Sec. 13. [136A.675] RISK ANALYSIS.
The office shall develop a
set of financial and programmatic evaluation metrics to aid in the detection of
the failure or potential failure of a school to meet the standards established
under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. These metrics shall include indicators of
financial stability, changes in the senior management or the financial aid and
senior administrative staff of an institution, changes in enrollment, changes
in program offerings, and changes in faculty staffing patterns. The development
of financial standards shall use industry standards as benchmarks. The
development of the nonfinancial standards shall include a measure of trends and
dramatic changes in trends or practice. The agency must specify the metrics and
standards for each area and provide a copy to each registered institution and
post them on the agency Web site. The agency shall use regularly reported data
submitted to the federal government or other regulatory or accreditation
agencies wherever possible. The agency may require more frequent data reporting
by an institution to ascertain whether the standards are being met.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.68, is amended to read:
136A.68 RECORDS.
After August 1, 1975, all
schools located in this state must maintain permanent records of all students
enrolled therein at any time. The office may require schools to provide a plan
acceptable to the office for preserving all such records for at least ten
years. The office may require that such plan include the filing of a continuous
surety bond or a deposit of funds in trust in an amount not to exceed $20,000
for the purpose of preserving records after such school ceases to exist. A registered school shall
maintain a permanent record for each student for 50 years from the last date of
the student's attendance. A registered school offering distance instruction to
a student located in Minnesota shall maintain a permanent record for each
Minnesota student for 50 years from the last date of the student's attendance.
Records include a student's academic transcript, documents, and files
containing student data about academic credits earned, courses completed,
grades awarded, degrees awarded, and periods of attendance. To preserve
permanent records, a school shall submit a plan that meets the following
requirements:
(1) at least one copy of the
records must be held in a secure, fireproof depository or duplicate records
must be maintained off site in a secure location and in a manner approved by
the office;
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(2) an appropriate official must
be designated to provide a student with copies of records or a transcript upon
request;
(3) an alternative method
approved by the office of complying with clauses (1) and (2) must be
established if the school ceases to exist; and
(4) if the school has no
binding agreement approved by the office for preserving student records, a
continuous surety bond must be filed with the office in an amount not to exceed
$20,000. The bond shall run to the state of Minnesota.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.69, is amended to read:
136A.69 FEES.
Subdivision 1. Registration fees. The office shall collect reasonable
registration fees that are sufficient to recover, but do not exceed, its costs
of administering the registration program. The office shall charge $1,100 for
initial registration fees and $950 for annual renewal fees.
Subd. 2. Degree level addition fee. The office processing fee for
adding a degree level to an existing program is $2,000 per program.
Subd. 3. Program addition fee. The office processing fee for
adding a program that represents a significant departure in the objectives,
content, or method of delivery of programs that are currently offered by the
school is $500 per program.
Subd. 4. Visit or consulting fee. If the office determines that a
fact-finding visit or outside consultant is necessary to review or evaluate any
new or revised program, the office shall be reimbursed for the expenses
incurred related to the review as follows:
(1) $300 for the team base
fee or for a paper review conducted by a consultant if the office determines
that a fact-finding visit is not required;
(2) $300 for each day or
part thereof on site per team member; and
(3) the actual cost of
customary meals, lodging, and related travel expenses incurred by team members.
Subd. 5. Modification fee. The fee for modification of any
existing program is $100 and is due if there is:
(1) an increase or decrease
of 25 percent or more from the original date of program approval, in clock hours,
credit hours, or calendar length of an existing program;
(2) a change in academic
measurement from clock hours to credit hours or vice versa; or
(3) an addition or
alteration of courses that represent a 25 percent change or more in the
objectives, content, or methods of delivery.
Sec. 16. [136A.705] PENALTY.
The director may assess
fines for violations of a provision of sections 136A.615 to 136A.71. Each day's
failure to comply with a provision of sections 136A.615 to 136A.71 shall be a
separate violation and fines shall not exceed $500 per day per violation.
Amounts received under this section must be deposited in the special revenue
fund and are appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 for the purposes in
sections 136A.615 to 136A.71.
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Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 136A.71, is amended to read:
136A.71 INJUNCTION.
Upon application of the
attorney general the district courts shall have jurisdiction to enjoin any
violations of sections 136A.61 136A.615 to 136A.71.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.21, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Office of Higher Education or office.
"Office of Higher Education" or "office" means
the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.21, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. School. "School" means any
person, within or outside the state, who maintains, advertises, administers,
solicits for, or conducts any program for profit at any
less than an associate degree level other than baccalaureate or graduate
programs, and is not specifically exempted by sections 141.21 to and is
not registered as a private institution under sections 136A.615 to 136A.71 and
is not specifically exempted by section 141.35 or 141.37.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Required. A school must not maintain,
advertise, solicit for, administer, or conduct any program in Minnesota
without first obtaining a license from the office.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Bond. (a) No license shall be issued to
any school which maintains, conducts, solicits for, or advertises within the
state of Minnesota any program, unless the applicant files with the office a
continuous corporate surety bond written by a company authorized to do business
in Minnesota conditioned upon the faithful performance of all contracts and
agreements with students made by the applicant.
(b) The amount of the surety
bond shall be ten percent of the preceding year's gross income from student
tuition, fees, and other required institutional charges, but in no event less
than $10,000 nor greater than $250,000, except that a school may deposit a
greater amount at its own discretion. A school in each annual application for
licensure must compute the amount of the surety bond and verify that the amount
of the surety bond complies with this subdivision, unless the school maintains
a surety bond equal to at least $250,000. A school that operates at two or more
locations may combine gross income from student tuition, fees, and other
required institutional charges for all locations for the purpose of determining
the annual surety bond requirement. The gross tuition and fees used to
determine the amount of the surety bond required for a school having a license
for the sole purpose of recruiting students in Minnesota shall be only that
paid to the school by the students recruited from Minnesota.
(c) The bond shall run to
the state of Minnesota and to any person who may have a cause of action against
the applicant arising at any time after the bond is filed and before it is
canceled for breach of any contract or agreement made by the applicant with any
student. The aggregate liability of the surety for all breaches of the
conditions of the bond shall not exceed the principal sum deposited by the
school under paragraph (b). The surety of any bond may cancel it upon giving 60
days' notice in writing to the office and shall be relieved of liability for
any breach of condition occurring after the effective date of cancellation.
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(d) In lieu of bond, the
applicant may deposit with the commissioner of finance a sum equal to the
amount of the required surety bond in cash, or securities as may be legally
purchased by savings banks or for trust funds in an aggregate market value equal
to the amount of the required surety bond.
(e) Failure of a school to
post and maintain the required surety bond or deposit under paragraph (d) may
shall result in denial, suspension, or revocation of the school's license.
Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Minimum standards. A license shall be
issued if the office first determines:
(1) that the applicant has a
sound financial condition with sufficient resources available to:
(i) meet the school's
financial obligations;
(ii) refund all tuition and
other charges, within a reasonable period of time, in the event of dissolution
of the school or in the event of any justifiable claims for refund against the
school by the student body;
(iii) provide adequate
service to its students and prospective students; and
(iv) maintain and support
the school;
(2) that the applicant has
satisfactory facilities with sufficient tools and equipment and the necessary
number of work stations to prepare adequately the students currently enrolled,
and those proposed to be enrolled;
(3) that the applicant
employs a sufficient number of qualified teaching personnel to provide the
educational programs contemplated;
(4) that the school has an
organizational framework with administrative and instructional personnel to
provide the programs and services it intends to offer;
(5) that the premises and
conditions under which the students work and study are sanitary, healthful, and
safe, according to modern standards;
(6) that the quality and
content of each occupational course or program of study provides education and
adequate preparation to enrolled students for entry level positions in the
occupation for which prepared;
(7) that the living quarters
which are owned, maintained, recommended, or approved by the applicant
for students are sanitary and safe;
(8) that the contract or
enrollment agreement used by the school complies with the provisions in section
141.265;
(9) that contracts and agreements
do not contain a wage assignment provision or a confession of judgment clause;
and
(10) that there has been no
adjudication of fraud or misrepresentation in any criminal, civil, or
administrative proceeding in any jurisdiction against the school or its owner,
officers, agents, or sponsoring organization.
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Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
Subd. 9. Catalog, brochure, or electronic display.
Before a license is issued to a school, the school shall furnish to the office
a catalog, brochure, or electronic display including:
(1) identifying data, such
as volume number and date of publication;
(2) name and address of the
school and its governing body and officials;
(3) a calendar of the school
showing legal holidays, beginning and ending dates of each course quarter,
term, or semester, and other important dates;
(4) the school policy and
regulations on enrollment including dates and specific entrance requirements
for each program;
(5) the school policy and
regulations about leave, absences, class cuts, make-up work, tardiness, and
interruptions for unsatisfactory attendance;
(6) the school policy and
regulations about standards of progress for the student including the grading
system of the school, the minimum grades considered satisfactory, conditions
for interruption for unsatisfactory grades or progress, a description of any
probationary period allowed by the school, and conditions of reentrance for
those dismissed for unsatisfactory progress;
(7) the school policy and
regulations about student conduct and conditions for dismissal for
unsatisfactory conduct;
(8) a detailed schedule of fees,
charges for tuition, books, supplies, tools, student activities, laboratory
fees, service charges, rentals, deposits, and all other charges;
(9) the school policy and
regulations, including an explanation of section 141.271, about refunding
tuition, fees, and other charges if the student does not enter the program,
withdraws from the program, or the program is discontinued;
(10) a description of the
available facilities and equipment;
(11) a course outline
syllabus for each course offered showing course objectives, subjects or units
in the course, type of work or skill to be learned, and approximate time,
hours, or credits to be spent on each subject or unit;
(12) the school policy and
regulations about granting credit for previous education and preparation;
(13) a notice to students
relating to the transferability of any credits earned at the school to other
institutions;
(14) a procedure for
investigating and resolving student complaints; and
(14) (15) the name and address of the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
A school that is exclusively
a distance education school is exempt from clauses (3) and (5).
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Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
Subd. 10. Placement records. (a) Before a license
is issued reissued to a school that offers, advertises or implies
a placement service, the school shall file with the office for the past year and
thereafter at reasonable intervals determined by the office, a certified copy
of the school's placement record, containing a list of graduates, a description
of their jobs, names of their employers, and other information as the office
may prescribe.
(b) Each school that offers
a placement service shall furnish to each prospective student, upon request,
prior to enrollment, written information concerning the percentage of the
previous year's graduates who were placed in the occupation for which prepared
or in related employment.
Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.25, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
Subd. 12. Permanent records. A school licensed
under this chapter and located in Minnesota shall maintain a permanent record
for each student for 50 years from the last date of the student's attendance. A
school licensed under this chapter and offering distance instruction to a
student located in Minnesota shall maintain a permanent record for each
Minnesota student for 50 years from the last date of the student's attendance.
Records include school transcripts, documents, and files containing student
data about academic credits earned, courses completed, grades awarded, degrees
awarded, and periods of attendance. To preserve permanent records, a school
shall submit a plan that meets the following requirements:
(1) at least one copy of the
records must be held in a secure, fireproof depository;
(2) an appropriate official
must be designated to provide a student with copies of records or a transcript
upon request;
(3) an alternative method,
approved by the office, of complying with clauses (1) and (2) must be
established if the school ceases to exist; and
(4) a continuous surety bond
must be filed with the office in an amount not to exceed $20,000 if the school
has no binding agreement approved by the office, for preserving student
records or a trust must be arranged if the school ceases to exist. The
bond shall run to the state of Minnesota.
Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.255, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Renewal licensure fee; late fee. (a)
The office processing fee for a renewal licensure application is:
(1) for a category A school,
as determined by the office, the fee is $865 if the school offers one program
or $1,150 if the school offers two or more programs; and
(2) for a category B or C
school, as determined by the office, the fee is $430 if the school offers one
program or $575 if the school offers two or more programs.
(b) If a license renewal
application is not received by the office by the close of business at least 60
days before the expiration of the current license, a late fee of $100 per
business day, not to exceed $3,000, shall be assessed.
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Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.265, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Contract information. A contract or
enrollment agreement used by a school must include at least the following:
(1) the name and address of
the school, clearly stated;
(2) a clear and conspicuous
disclosure that the agreement is a legally binding instrument upon written
acceptance of the student by the school unless canceled under section 141.271;
(3) the school's
cancellation and refund policy that shall be clearly and conspicuously entitled
"Buyer's Right to Cancel";
(4) a clear statement of
total cost of the program including tuition and all other charges;
(5) the name and description
of the program, including the number of hours or credits of classroom
instruction, or distance instruction, that shall be included; and
(6) a clear and conspicuous
explanation of the form and means of notice the student should use in the event
the student elects to cancel the contract or sale, the effective date of
cancellation, and the name and address of the seller to which the notice should
be sent or delivered.
The contract or enrollment
agreement must not include a wage assignment provision or a confession of
judgment clause.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.271, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
Subd. 10. Cancellation occurrence. Written notice
of cancellation shall take place on the date the letter of cancellation is
postmarked or, in the cases where the notice is hand carried, it shall occur on
the date the notice is delivered to the school. If a student has not attended classes
class for a period of 21 consecutive days without contacting the school
to indicate an intent to continue in school or otherwise making arrangements
concerning the absence, the student is considered to have withdrawn from
school for all purposes as of the student's last documented date of attendance.
Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 141.271, subdivision 12, is amended to read:
Subd. 12. Instrument not to be negotiated. A
school shall not negotiate any promissory instrument received as payment of
tuition or other charge prior to completion of 50 percent of the program.,
except that prior to that time, instruments may be transferred by
assignment to purchasers who shall be subject to all defenses available against
the school named as payee.
Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Not to advertise state approval
Disclosure required. Schools, agents of schools, and solicitors may
not advertise or represent in writing or orally that such school is approved or
accredited by the state of Minnesota, except that any A school,
agent, or solicitor may advertise represent in advertisements and
shall disclose in catalogues, applications, and enrollment materials that
the school and solicitor have been is duly licensed by the state using
by prominently displaying the following language statement:
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"(Name of school) is
licensed as a private career school with the Minnesota Office of Higher
Education. Licensure is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned
at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. The
educational programs may not meet the needs of every student or employer."
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.32, is amended to read:
141.32 PENALTY.
Violation of a provision of
this chapter shall be a misdemeanor. Each day's failure to comply with this
chapter shall be a separate violation. The office shall adopt rules
establishing a list of civil penalties and the fine associated with each
violation. Fines for violations shall not exceed $500 per day per violation. The director may assess
fines for violations of a provision of this chapter. Each day's failure to
comply with a provision of sections 136A.615 to 136A.71 shall be a separate
violation and fines shall not exceed $500 per day per violation. Amounts
received under this section must be deposited in the special revenue fund and
are appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 for the purposes of this
chapter.
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 141.35, is amended to read:
141.35 EXEMPTIONS.
Sections 141.21 to 141.35
141.32 shall not apply to the following:
(1) public postsecondary
institutions;
(2) private
postsecondary institutions registered under sections 136A.61 136A.615
to 136A.71 that are nonprofit, or that are for profit and registered
under sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 as of December 31, 1998, or are approved to
offer exclusively baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate programs;
(3) schools of nursing
accredited by the state Board of Nursing or an equivalent public board of
another state or foreign country;
(4) private schools
complying with the requirements of section 120A.22, subdivision 4;
(5) courses taught to
students in a valid apprenticeship program taught by or required by a trade
union;
(6) schools exclusively
engaged in training physically or mentally disabled persons for the state of
Minnesota;
(7) schools licensed by
boards authorized under Minnesota law to issue licenses;
(8) schools and educational
programs, or training programs, contracted for by persons, firms, corporations,
government agencies, or associations, for the training of their own employees,
for which no fee is charged the employee;
(9) schools engaged
exclusively in the teaching of purely avocational, recreational, or remedial
subjects as determined by the office;
(10) driver training
schools and instructors as defined in section 171.33, subdivisions 1 and 2;
(11) classes, courses, or
programs conducted by a bona fide trade, professional, or fraternal organization,
solely for that organization's membership;
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3290
(12) (11) programs in the fine arts
provided by organizations exempt from taxation under section 290.05 and registered
with the attorney general under chapter 309. For the purposes of this clause,
"fine arts" means activities resulting in artistic creation or
artistic performance of works of the imagination which are engaged in for the
primary purpose of creative expression rather than commercial sale or
employment. In making this determination the office may seek the advice and
recommendation of the Minnesota Board of the Arts;
(13) (12) classes, courses, or
programs intended to fulfill the continuing education requirements for
licensure or certification in a profession, that have been approved by a
legislatively or judicially established board or agency responsible for
regulating the practice of the profession, and that are offered exclusively to
an individual practicing the profession;
(14) (13) classes, courses, or
programs intended to prepare students to sit for undergraduate, graduate,
postgraduate, or occupational licensing and occupational entrance examinations;
(15) (14) classes, courses, or
programs providing 16 or fewer clock hours of instruction that are not part of
the curriculum for an occupation or entry level employment;
(16) (15) classes, courses, or
programs providing instruction in personal development, modeling, or acting;
(17) (16) training or instructional
programs, in which one instructor teaches an individual student, that are not
part of the curriculum for an occupation or are not intended to prepare a
person for entry level employment; and
(18) (17) schools with no physical
presence in Minnesota, as determined by the office, engaged exclusively in
offering distance instruction that are located in and regulated by other states
or jurisdictions.
Sec. 33. [141.37] EXEMPTION; RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS.
Subdivision 1. Exemption. Any school or any department or branch of a
school:
(1) which is substantially
owned, operated, or supported by a bona fide church or religious organization;
(2) whose programs are
primarily designed for, aimed at, and attended by persons who sincerely hold or
seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that church or
religious organization; and
(3) whose programs are
primarily intended to prepare its students to become ministers of, to enter
into some other vocation closely related to, or to conduct their lives in
consonance with the particular faith of that church or religious organization,
is exempt from the
provisions of sections 141.21 to 141.32.
Subd. 2. Limitations. (a) An exemption shall not extend to any school,
department or branch of a school, or program of a school which through
advertisements or solicitations represents to any students or prospective
students that the school, its aims, goals, missions, purposes, or programs are
different from those described in subdivision 1.
(b) An exemption shall not
extend to any school which represents to any student or prospective student
that the major purpose of its programs is to:
(1) prepare the student for
a vocation not closely related to that particular religious faith; or
Journal of the House - 47th
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(2) provide the student with
a general educational program recognized by other schools or the broader
educational, business, or social community as being substantially equivalent to
the educational programs offered by schools or departments or branches of
schools which are not religious in nature and are not exempt from chapter 141
and from rules adopted pursuant under this chapter.
Subd. 3. Scope. Nothing in this chapter or the rules adopted under
it shall be interpreted as permitting the office to determine the truth or
falsity of any particular set of religious beliefs.
Subd. 4. Descriptive language required. Any certificate, diploma,
degree, or other formal recognition awarded upon completion of any religiously
exempt program shall include such descriptive language as to make the religious
nature of the award clear.
Sec. 34. EFFECTIVE DATE; TRANSITION PROCESS.
Changes in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 141, and sections 136A.615 to 136A.71, shall be effective
July 1, 2007. Schools currently licensed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 141, that qualify for private institution registration after July 1,
2007, shall apply for and complete the process for registration prior to the
expiration of their current private career school license. Schools currently
registered as private institutions pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, sections
136A.61 to 136A.71, that are required to obtain a private career school license
after August 1, 2007, shall apply for and complete the process for licensure
prior to the expiration of the current registration, but in any event no later
than December 31, 2007. The office is authorized to extend existing license or
registration for a reasonable period of time to allow for the completion of the
new processes when necessary."
Delete the title and insert:
"A bill for an act
relating to higher education; appropriating money; establishing the Minnesota GI
Bill program; amending certain Minnesota Office of Higher Education provisions;
establishing new grant and loan repayment programs; amending higher education
programs; amending certain grant programs; amending certain higher education
provisions; eliminating obsolete references; making technical changes;
authorizing control of certain decreasing students' share of attendance;
establishing a college readiness assessment; increasing revenue bond limits;
authorizing control of certain deposits; authorizing lease agreements;
authorizing interest rate swap; providing for the Textbook Disclosure, Pricing
and Access Act; amending certain private postsecondary institution provisions;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.322, subdivision 3; 16B.70, by adding
a subdivision; 41D.01, subdivision 1; 120B.023, subdivision 2; 120B.024;
135A.031, subdivision 7; 135A.053, subdivision 2; 135A.14, subdivision 1;
135A.51, subdivision 2; 135A.52, subdivisions 1, 2; 136A.01, subdivision 2;
136A.031, subdivision 5; 136A.0411; 136A.08, subdivision 7; 136A.101,
subdivision 4; 136A.121, subdivision 5; 136A.125, subdivision 2; 136A.15,
subdivisions 1, 6; 136A.233, subdivision 3; 136A.29, subdivision 9; 136A.61;
136A.62, subdivision 3; 136A.63; 136A.64; 136A.65; 136A.653; 136A.657; 136A.66;
136A.67; 136A.68; 136A.69; 136A.71; 136A.861, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 6; 136F.02,
subdivision 1; 136F.42, subdivision 1; 136F.71, subdivision 2, by adding a
subdivision; 136G.11, subdivision 5; 141.21, subdivisions 1a, 5; 141.25,
subdivisions 1, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12; 141.255, subdivision 2; 141.265, subdivision
2; 141.271, subdivisions 10, 12; 141.28, subdivision 1; 141.32; 141.35;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 135A; 136A; 136F;
141; 197; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 135A.031, subdivisions 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 135A.032; 135A.033; 136A.07; 136A.08, subdivision 8; 137.0245;
137.0246."
With the recommendation that
when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Taxes.
The report was adopted.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3292
Lenczewski
from the Committee on Taxes to which was referred:
S. F.
No. 1997, A bill for an act relating to government operations; appropriating
money for the general legislative and administrative expenses of state
government; raising fees; regulating state and local government operations;
modifying provisions related to public employment; providing for automatic
voter registration; abolishing the Department of Employee Relations; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 4.035, subdivision 3; 5.12, subdivision 1;
15.06, subdivisions 2, 8; 15B.17, subdivision 1; 16A.1286, subdivision 2;
16B.03; 16C.08, subdivision 2; 43A.02, by adding a subdivision; 43A.03,
subdivision 3; 43A.08, subdivisions 1, 2a; 43A.24, subdivision 1; 43A.346,
subdivision 1; 45.013; 84.01, subdivision 3; 116.03, subdivision 1; 116J.01,
subdivision 5; 116J.035, subdivision 4; 174.02, subdivision 2; 201.12; 201.13,
subdivision 3; 201.161; 241.01, subdivision 2; 270B.14, by adding a
subdivision; 302A.821, subdivision 4; 321.0206; 336.1-110; 336.9-525; 471.61,
subdivision 1a; 517.08, subdivisions 1b, 1c; Laws 2005, First Special Session
chapter 1, article 4, section 121; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapters 5; 13; 16B; 16C; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections
43A.03, subdivision 4; 43A.08, subdivision 1b; Laws 2006, chapter 253, section
22.
Reported
the same back with the following amendments to the unofficial engrossment:
Page
14, line 20, delete "128,562,000" and insert "132,562,000"
Page
14, line 23, delete "124,462,000" and insert "128,462,000"
Page
14, line 32, delete "104,301,000" and insert "108,301,000"
Page
15, line 31, delete "12,000,000" and insert "16,000,000"
Page
20, line 27, delete "775,000" and insert "4,775,000"
Page
54, line 19, after the period, insert "Fees under this section must be
established under the rulemaking process in section 14.389. Section 16A.1283 does
not apply to fees established under this section. Fee revenue received under
this section is appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to the Office of
Enterprise Technology for purposes of developing and maintaining an electronic
system for business and occupational licenses."
Page
59, after line 26, insert:
"Sec.
80. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 270C.03, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Powers and duties. The
commissioner shall have and exercise the following powers and duties:
(1)
administer and enforce the assessment and collection of taxes;
(2)
make determinations, corrections, and assessments with respect to taxes,
including interest, additions to taxes, and assessable penalties;
(3)
use statistical or other sampling techniques consistent with generally accepted
auditing standards in examining returns or records and making assessments;
(4)
investigate the tax laws of other states and countries, and formulate and
submit to the legislature such legislation as the commissioner may deem
expedient to prevent evasions of state revenue laws and to secure just and
equal taxation and improvement in the system of state revenue laws;
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3293
(5) consult and confer with
the governor upon the subject of taxation, the administration of the laws in
regard thereto, and the progress of the work of the department, and furnish the
governor, from time to time, such assistance and information as the governor
may require relating to tax matters;
(6) execute and administer
any agreement with the secretary of the treasury or the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in the Department of Justice of the United
States or a representative of another state regarding the exchange of
information and administration of the state revenue laws;
(7) require town, city,
county, and other public officers to report information as to the collection of
taxes received from licenses and other sources, and such other information as
may be needful in the work of the commissioner, in such form as the
commissioner may prescribe;
(8) authorize the use of
unmarked motor vehicles to conduct seizures or criminal investigations pursuant
to the commissioner's authority; and
(9) maintain toll-free
telephone access for taxpayer assistance for calls from locations within the
state; and
(10) exercise other powers and
authority and perform other duties required of or imposed upon the commissioner
by law.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 81. [270C.21] TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
When the commissioner awards
grants to nonprofit organizations to coordinate, facilitate, encourage, and aid
in the provision of taxpayer assistance services, the commissioner must provide
public notice of the grants in a timely manner so that the grant process is
completed and grants are awarded by October 1, in order for recipient
organizations to adequately plan expenditures for the filing season. At the
time the commissioner provides public notice, the commissioner must also notify
nonprofit organizations that received grants in the previous biennium.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment."
Page 73, line 28, delete
"113" and insert "109"
Renumber the sections in
sequence
Correct the title numbers
accordingly
With the recommendation that
when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Ways and
Means.
The report was adopted.
Carlson from the Committee
on Finance to which was referred:
S. F. No. 2089, A bill for
an act relating to state government; appropriating money for jobs and economic
development purposes; establishing and modifying certain programs; regulating
certain activities and practices; providing for accounts, assessments, and
fees; modifying provisions governing contractors; requiring studies; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 13.712, by adding a subdivision; 13.7905, by
adding a subdivision;
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3294
16B.61, subdivision 1a;
16B.65, subdivisions 1, 5a; 16B.70, subdivision 2; 80A.28, subdivision 1;
116J.551, subdivision 1; 116J.554, subdivision 2; 116J.555, subdivision 1;
116J.575, subdivisions 1, 1a; 116J.966, subdivision 1; 116L.17, subdivision 1;
116L.20, subdivision 1; 116M.18, subdivision 6a; 177.27, subdivisions 1, 4;
268A.01, subdivision 13, by adding a subdivision; 268A.085, subdivision 1;
268A.15, by adding a subdivision; 298.22, subdivision 2; 298.227; 326.242,
subdivision 8, by adding a subdivision; 326.2441; 326.37, subdivision 1;
326.38; 326.40, subdivision 1; 326.401, subdivision 2; 326.42, subdivision 1;
326.46; 326.461, by adding a subdivision; 326.47, subdivisions 2, 6; 326.48,
subdivisions 1, 2; 326.50; 326.51; 326.52; 326.975, subdivision 1; 326.992;
327.33, subdivisions 2, 6; 327B.04, subdivision 7; 462A.21, subdivision 8b;
462A.33, subdivision 3; 471.471, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapters 177; 181; 182; 326; proposing coding for new law
as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 59C; 326B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 16B.747, subdivision 4; 16C.18, subdivision 2; 181.722; 183.375,
subdivision 5; 183.545, subdivision 9; 326.241; 326.44; 326.52; 326.64;
326.975.
Reported the same back with
the following amendments:
Delete everything after the
enacting clause and insert:
"ARTICLE 1
JOBS AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS SUMMARY
Section 1. SUMMARY.
The amounts shown in this section summarize direct
appropriations, by fund, made in this act.
2008 2009 Total
General $213,756,000 $156,634,000 $370,390,000
Workforce Development 15,510,000 15,526,000 31,036,000
Remediation 700,000 700,000 1,400,000
State Government Special
Revenue 1,877,000 1,925,000 3,802,000
Workers' Compensation 23,379,000 23,763,000 47,142,000
TANF 3,075,000 3,075,000 6,150,000
Total $258,297,000 $201,623,000 $459,920,000
ARTICLE 2
JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Section 1. SUMMARY OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
2008 2009 Total
General $94,685,000 $60,084,000 $154,769,000
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3295
Workforce Development 15,510,000 15,526,000 31,036,000
Remediation 700,000 700,000 1,400,000
State Government Special
Revenue 1,877,000 1,925,000 3,802,000
Workers' Compensation 23,379,000 23,763,000 47,142,000
Total $136,151,000 $101,998,000 $238,149,000
Sec. 2. JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
The sums shown in the
columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and
for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the
general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated
for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in
this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The
first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal
year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
Appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, are effective the day
following final enactment.
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Sec. 3. DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $101,587,000 $66,589,000
Appropriations by Fund
2008 2009
General 86,142,000 51,144,000
Remediation 700,000 700,000
Workforce
Development 14,745,000 14,745,000
The amounts that may be spent for each purpose are
specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Business
and Community Development 49,058,000 14,372,000
Appropriations by Fund
General 48,358,000 13,672,000
Remediation 700,000 700,000
Journal of the House - 47th
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(a)(1) $1,100,000 is for a
grant under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.421, to the Rural Policy and
Development Center at St. Peter, Minnesota. The grant shall be used for
research and policy analysis on emerging economic and social issues in rural
Minnesota, to serve as a policy resource center for rural Minnesota
communities, to encourage collaboration across higher education institutions,
to provide interdisciplinary team approaches to research and problem-solving in
rural communities, and to administer overall operations of the center.
(2) The grant shall be provided
upon the condition that each state-appropriated dollar be matched with a
nonstate dollar. Acceptable matching funds are nonstate contributions that the
center has received and have not been used to match previous state grants. Any
funds not spent the first year are available the second year.
(b) $200,000 each year is
for a grant to WomenVenture for women's business development programs.
(c) $500,000 the first year
is for a grant to University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) for its direct and
indirect expenses to support efforts to encourage the growth of early-stage and
emerging bioscience companies. UEL must provide a report by June 30 each year
to the commissioner on the expenditures until the appropriation is expended.
This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
(d) $2,180,000 the first
year is for grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.571, for the
redevelopment grant program. This is a onetime appropriation.
(e) $100,000 each year is to
the Public Facilities Authority for the small community wastewater treatment
program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 446A.
(f) $510,000 the first year
is for the urban initiative program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116M, of
which, $255,000 is for a grant to the Metropolitan Economic Development
Association for continuing minority business development programs in the
metropolitan area. This is a onetime appropriation.
(g) $85,000 each year is for
a grant to the Minnesota Inventors Congress, of which $10,000 must be used for youth
inventors.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(h) $151,000 the first year is for a grant to the
city of Faribault to design, construct, furnish, and equip renovations to
accommodate handicapped accessibility at the Paradise Center for the Arts.
(i) $3,000,000 the first year is for loans
authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.417. This appropriation is
available until expended.
(j) $1,000,000 each year is to Minnesota Technology,
Inc. for the small business growth acceleration program established under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116O.115. This is a onetime appropriation.
(k) $350,000 the first year is for a grant to the
city of Northome for the construction of a new municipal building to replace
the structures damaged by fire on July 22, 2006. This appropriation is
available when the commissioner determines that a sufficient match is available
from nonstate sources to complete the project.
(l) $325,000 each year is for a technology and
commercialization unit established under article 7, section 32. This is a
onetime appropriation.
(m) $500,000 in the first year is for a grant to the
city of Worthington for an agricultural-based bioscience training and testing
center. Funds appropriated under this section must be used to provide a
training and testing facility for incubator firms developing new agricultural
processes and products. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until
expended.
(n) $2,200,000 in the first year is for a grant to
BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota for bioscience business development programs
to promote and position the state as a global leader in bioscience business
activities. These funds may be used for:
(1) completion and periodic updating of a statewide
bioscience business industry assessment of business technology enterprises and
Minnesota's competitive position employing annual updates to federal industry
classification data;
(2) long-term strategic planning that includes
projections of market changes resulting from developments in biotechnology and
the development of 20-year goals, strategies, and identified objectives for
renewable energy, medical devices, biopharma, and biologics business
development in Minnesota;
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Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3298
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(3) the design and construction of a Minnesota
focused bioscience business model to test competing strategies and scenarios,
evaluate options, and forecast outcomes; and
(4) creation of a bioscience business resources
network that includes development of a statewide bioscience business economic
development framework to encourage bioscience business development and
encourage spin-off activities, attract bioscience business location or
expansion in Minnesota, and establish a local capability to support strategic
system level planning for industry, government, and academia.
This appropriation is available until June 30, 2009.
(o) $325,000 is for a grant to the Walker Area
Community Center, Inc., to construct, furnish, and equip the Walker Area
Community Center. This appropriation is not available until the commissioner
has determined that an amount sufficient to complete the project has been
committed from nonstate sources.
(p) $120,000 the first year is for a grant to the
Pine Island Economic Development Authority for predesign to upgrade and extend
utilities to serve Elk Run Bioscience Research Park and The Falls - Healthy
Living By Nature, an integrated medicine facility. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until expended.
(q) $300,000 the first year is for a grant to
Thomson Township for infrastructure improvements for the industrial park. This
is a onetime appropriation.
(r) $75,000 the first year for a grant to Le Sueur
County for the cost of cleaning debris from lakes in Le Sueur County, caused by
the August 24, 2006, tornado in southern Le Sueur County. This is a onetime
appropriation.
(s) $3,000,000 the second year is for bioscience
business development and commercialization grants. The commissioner shall
designate an evaluation team to accept grant applications, review and evaluate
grant proposals, and select up to five grant proposals to receive funding each
year. The evaluation team shall be comprised of not more than 12 members
including: the commissioner or the commissioner's designee; representatives of
bioscience businesses; public and private institutions of higher education;
private investment companies; a nonprofit entity that qualifies as a 501(c)6
under the Internal Revenue Code and is a trade
association representing the life sciences industry; and a bio
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3299
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
business alliance that qualifies as a 501(c)3 under
the Internal Revenue Code. The criteria used by the evaluation team in
evaluating grant proposals must include, but is not limited to: the potential
to create and sustain jobs within the state of Minnesota; the potential for long-term
business activity, growth, and expansion in Minnesota; the level of
technological maturity; the potential to attract private investment; and the
availability and readiness of markets. The commissioner must report to the
standing committees of the house of representatives and the senate having
jurisdiction over bioscience and technology issues by February 1 each year on
the number, type, and amounts of grants awarded and the activities of the grant
recipients. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
(t) $1,500,000 the first year is for the urban
challenge grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116M.18, of which
$1,000,000 is for a grant to the Neighborhood Development Center for assistance
necessary to retain minority business enterprises at the Global Market. This is
a onetime appropriation.
(u) $375,000 each year is to develop and operate a
bioscience business marketing program to market Minneota bioscience businesses
and business opportunities to other states and other countries. The bioscience
business marketing program must emphasize bioscience business location and
expansion opportunities in communities outside of the seven-county metropolitan
area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2, that
have established collaborative plans among two or more municipal units for
bioscience business activities, and that are within 15 miles of a four-year,
baccalaureate degree granting institution or a two-year technical or community
college that offers bioscience curricula. The commissioner must report to the
committees of the senate and house of representatives having jurisdiction over
bioscience and technology issues by February 1 of each year on the expenditures
of these funds and the promotional activities undertaken to market the
Minnesota bioscience industry to persons outside of the state. This is a
onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
(v) $225,000 each year is for the purposes of the
nanotechnology development fund program (NDF) established in section 12, for
grants to promote increased use of advanced instrumentation for nanomaterials
analysis, to be awarded on a one-to-one matching basis to qualifying Minnesota
small businesses. This is a onetime appropriation.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3300
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(w) $50,000 the first year is for a contract with a
public higher education institution in Minnesota jointly entered into with the
Center for Rural Development to study the needs of the renewable energy economy
for trained employees and the training required for those employees. The study
must include extensive consultation and involvement of representatives of the
renewable energy industry, environmental interests, labor, the University of
Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The commissioner
shall report the results of the study to the chairs of the finance divisions of
the legislature with jurisdiction over economic development, energy, and higher
education by November 1, 2007. This is a onetime appropriation.
(x) $25,000,000 is for the Minnesota minerals 21st
century fund created in Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423, to restore the
money unallotted by the commissioner of finance in 2003 pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 16A.152. This appropriation may be used as provided in
Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.423, subdivision 2. This appropriation is
available until expended.
(y) $900,000 each year is for a grant to the city of
St. Paul to be used to pay debt service on bond obligations issued by the city
of St. Paul in 1996 for the convention center.
(z) $189,000 each year is appropriated from the
general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for
grants of $63,000 to eligible organizations each year and for the purposes of
this paragraph. Each state grant dollar must be matched with $1 of nonstate
funds. Any balance in the first year does not cancel but is available in the
second year.
The commissioner of employment and economic
development must make grants to organizations to assist in the development of
entrepreneurs and small businesses. Three grants must be awarded to continue or
to develop a program. One grant must be awarded to the Riverbend Center for
Entrepreneurial Facilitation in Blue Earth County, and two to other
organizations serving Faribault and Martin Counties. Grant recipients must
report to the commissioner by February 1 of each year that the organization
receives a grant with the number of customers served; the number of businesses
started, stabilized, or expanded; the number of jobs created and retained; and
business success rates. The commissioner must report to the house of
representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over economic
development finance on the effectiveness of these programs for assisting in the
development of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3301
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(aa) $10,000 for the biennium is to the commissioner
of employment and economic development for the Minnesota investment fund. This
grant is not subject to grant limitations under section 116J.8731, subdivision
5.
Subd. 3. Workforce
Development 49,531,000 49,197,000
Appropriations by Fund
General 34,786,000 34,452,000
Workforce
Development 14,745,000 14,745,000
(a) $6,785,000 each year is for the Minnesota job
skills partnership program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.01 to
116L.17. If the appropriation for either year is insufficient, the
appropriation for the other year is available. This appropriation is available
until spent.
(b) $305,000 each year is for a grant under
Minnesota Statutes, section 116J.8747, to Twin Cities RISE! to provide training
to hard-to-train individuals.
(c) $1,375,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for Opportunities Industrialization Center programs.
(d) $5,864,000 each year is from the general fund
and $6,920,000 each year is from the workforce development fund for extended
employment services for persons with severe disabilities or related conditions
under Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.15. Of this, $125,000 each year and in
the base for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 is to supplement funds paid for wage
incentive for the community support fund established in Minnesota Rules, part
3300.2045.
(e) $1,900,000 each year is for grants for programs
that provide employment support services to persons with mental illness under
Minnesota Statutes, sections 268A.13 and 268A.14. Up to $77,000 each year may
be used for administrative and salary expenses.
(f) $2,190,000 each year is for grants under
Minnesota Statutes, section 268A.11, for the eight centers for independent
living. Money not expended the first year is available the second year.
(g) $5,940,000 each year is for State Services for
the Blind activities.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(h) $150,000 each year is from the general fund and $175,000
each year is from the workforce development fund for grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 268A.03, to Rise, Inc. for the Minnesota Employment Center
for People Who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Money not expended the first year
is available the second year.
(i) $9,021,000 each year from the general fund is
for the vocational rehabilitation program and $325,000 each year from the
workforce development fund is for interpreters for a regional transition
program specializing in culturally appropriate transition services leading to
employment for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf-blind students.
(j) $150,000 each year is for a grant to Advocating
Change Together for training, technical assistance, and resource materials to
persons with developmental and mental illness disabilities.
(k) $300,000 each year for a grant to Lifetrack
Resources for its immigrant/refugee collaborative programs, including those
related to job-seeking skills and workplace orientation, intensive job
development, functional work English, and on-site job coaching. $50,000 of this
amount is for a pilot Lifetrack project in Rochester.
(l) $1,075,000 each year is for the youthbuild
program under Minnesota Statutes, sections 116L.361 to 116L.366.
(m) $1,350,000 each year is from the workforce
development fund for grants to fund summer youth employment in Minneapolis. The
grants shall be used to fund up to 500 jobs for youth each summer. Of this
appropriation, $350,000 each year is for a grant to the learn-to-earn summer
youth employment program. The commissioner shall establish criteria for
awarding the grants. This appropriation is available in either year of the
biennium and is available until spent.
(n) $50,000 each year is for a grant to Northern
Connections in Perham to implement and operate a pilot workforce program that
provides one-stop supportive services to assist individuals as they transition
into the workforce. This appropriation is available to the extent it is matched
by $1 of nonstate money for each $1 of state money.
(o) $100,000 each year is for a grant to Ramsey
County Workforce Investment Board for the development of the building lives
program. This is a onetime appropriation.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(p) $300,000 each year is for a grant to the
Hennepin-Carver Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to coordinate with the Partners
for Progress Regional Skills Consortium to provide employment and training as
demonstrated by the Twin Cities regional health care training partnership
project.
(q) $160,000 the first year is for a grant to
Workforce Development, Inc., for a pilot project to provide demand-driven
employment and training services to welfare recipients and other economically
disadvantaged populations in Mower, Freeborn, Dodge, and Steele Counties. This
is a onetime appropriation.
(r) $200,000 each year is for a grant to HIRED to
operate its industry sector training initiatives, which provide employee
training developed in collaboration with employers in specific, high-demand
industries. This is a onetime appropriation.
(s) $200,000 the first year is for a grant to a
nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization must work on behalf of all
licensed vendors to coordinate their efforts to respond to solicitations or
other requests from private and governmental units as defined in Minnesota
Statutes, section 471.59, subdivision 1, in order to increase employment
opportunities for persons with disabilities.
(t) $3,500,000 each year from the workforce
development fund is for the Minnesota youth program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 116L.56 and 116L.561.
(u) $500,000 each year from the workforce
development fund is for a grant to the Minnesota Alliance of Boys and Girls
Clubs to administer a statewide project of youth job skills development. This
project, which may have career guidance components, including health and life
skills, is to encourage, train, and assist youth in job-seeking skills,
workplace orientation, and job site knowledge through coaching. This grant
requires a 25 percent match from nonstate resources.
(v) $350,000 in each year from the workforce
development fund is for a grant to Ramsey County for a summer youth employment
program to place at-risk youth, ages 14 to 21, in subsidized summer employment.
(w) $10,000 the first year is for a study on ways to
promote employment opportunities for minorities, with a particular focus on
opportunities for American blacks, in the state of Minnesota. The study should focus on how to significantly
expand the job training
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
available to minorities and
promote substantial increases in the wages paid to minorities, at least to a
rate well above living wage, and within several years, to equality. The commissioner
must report on the study to the governor and the chair of the finance committee
in each house of the legislature that has jurisdiction over employment by
January 15, 2008, with recommendations for implementing the findings.
The commissioner must
provide funding for the Minnesota Conservation Corps to provide learning
stipends for deaf students and wages for interpreters participating in the MCC
summer youth program.
Subd. 4. State-Funded
Administration 2,998,000 3,020,000
The first $1,450,000
deposited in each year of the biennium and in each year of subsequent bienniums
into the contingent account created under Minnesota Statutes, section 268.196,
subdivision 3, shall be transferred by June 30 of each fiscal year to the
workforce development fund created under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.20.
Deposits in excess of $1,450,000 shall be transferred by June 30 of each fiscal
year to the general fund.
Sec. 4. DEPARTMENT OF
LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $29,002,000 $29,794,000
Appropriations by Fund
2008 2009
General 4,644,000 5,035,000
Workers'
Compensation 21,716,000 22,053,000
Workforce
Development 765,000 781,000
State Government
Special Revenue 1,877,000 1,925,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 2. Workers'
Compensation 10,381,000 10,659,000
This appropriation is from
the workers' compensation fund.
$200,000 each year is for
grants to the Vinland Center for rehabilitation services.
Subd. 3. Safety
Codes and Services 9,949,000 10,134,000
$5,292,000 the first year
and $5,388,000 the second year are from the workers' compensation fund.
$1,877,000 the first year and $1,925,000 the second year are from the state
government special revenue fund.
$1,000,000 each year is from
the workers' compensation fund for patient safe handling grants under Minnesota
Statutes, section 182.6553.
$100,000 each year is from
the workers' compensation fund for the operation of the meatpacking industry
workers' rights ombudsman under Minnesota Statutes, section 179.87.
Subd. 4. Labor
Standards/Apprenticeship 2,629,000 2,995,000
Appropriations by Fund
General 1,864,000 2,214,000
Workforce
Development 765,000 781,000
The appropriation from the
workforce development fund is for the apprenticeship program under Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 178, and includes $100,000 each year for labor education and
advancement program grants.
$360,000 the first year and
$300,000 the second year from the general fund are for prevailing wage
enforcement of which $60,000 in the first year is for outreach and survey
participation improvements.
$800,000 the first year and
$1,200,000 the second year from the general fund are for the independent
contractor certification under Minnesota Statutes, section 181.723.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 5. General
Support 6,043,000 6,006,000
This appropriation is from
the workers' compensation fund.
Sec. 5. BUREAU OF
MEDIATION SERVICES
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $1,850,000 $1,877,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Mediation
Services 1,700,000 1,727,000
Subd. 3. Labor
Management Cooperation Grants 150,000 150,000
$150,000 each year is for
grants to area labor management committees. Grants may be awarded for a
12-month period beginning July 1 each year. Any unencumbered balance remaining
at the end of the first year does not cancel but is available for the second
year.
Sec. 6. WORKERS'
COMPENSATION
COURT OF APPEALS $1,663,000 $1,710,000
This appropriation is from
the workers' compensation fund.
Sec. 7. BOARD OF
ACCOUNTANCY $493,000 $499,000
Sec. 8. BOARD OF
ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, LAND SURVEYING, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, GEOSCIENCE,
AND INTERIOR DESIGN $795,000 $805,000
Sec. 9. BOARD OF
BARBER EXAMINERS $711,000 $724,000
Sec. 10. MINNESOTA
BOXING COMMISSION $50,000 $-0-
To transition the commission
to being a self-funded entity.
Sec. 11. BIOSCIENCE ZONES DESIGNATION.
The commissioner of
employment and economic development must establish a criteria for expanding the
zones. The criteria must limit designating a new zone to a community that has
adequate resources and infrastructure to support bioindustry, including
postsecondary institutions, strong health care systems, and existing bioscience
companies. It must also require that a new zone be located on a transportation
corridor.
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Sec. 12. NANOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Program established; purpose. The nanotechnology
development fund program (NDF) is established to develop a collaborative
economic development initiative between the state of Minnesota, the private
sector, and multiple academic institutions to promote by small businesses an
increased use of advanced nanoinstrumentation for characterization,
fabrication, and other related processes; provide research consulting by
knowledgeable specialists; and provide student internship opportunities to
increase nanotechnology experience by working with small, medium, or large
Minnesota companies. The NDF program shall be administered by the Department of
Employment and Economic Development and is not a state agency.
Subd. 2. Definition; qualifying Minnesota small business. "Qualifying
Minnesota small business" means:
(1) a Minnesota small
business corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership that has fewer than
50 employees; or
(2) a Minnesota business
corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership that:
(i) has 51 to 100 employees;
and
(ii) demonstrates current
financial adversity or risk or a major prospect of aiding the business's
long-term outlook by significant use of nanotechnology in the business's
offerings.
Subd. 3. Fund; grants. The commissioner shall extend onetime
matching grants from the NDF to qualifying Minnesota small businesses located
throughout the state to:
(1) add nanotechnology
applications to products that are being developed by Minnesota small businesses
to enhance distinctiveness;
(2) promote the depth, breadth,
and value of technologies being developed by Minnesota businesses with the aid
of nanotechnology;
(3) encourage more frequent
use of nanoinstrumentation to speed businesses' product time-to-market, with
higher incidence of distinct product characteristics;
(4) provide Minnesota small
businesses with broader access to experienced research consultants; and
(5) increase the number of
researchers experienced in working with nanoinstrumentation.
Subd. 4. Grant application and award procedure. (a) The
commissioner may give priority to applicants:
(1) whose intellectual
property would benefit from utilization of nanoinstrumentation not possessed
in-house;
(2) who are currently
utilizing nanoinstrumentation either at the University of Minnesota or a private
sector location on a leased, hourly basis; and
(3) who wish to increase
their access to experienced research consultants.
(b) The commissioner shall
decide whether to award a grant to an eligible applicant based on:
(1) the applicant's planned
frequency of usage of nanoinstrumentation for characterization, fabrication,
and other related processes; and
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(2) the applicant's
demonstration of rental of nanoinstrumentation, in the form of a signed
affidavit from a certified facility to confirm the one-to-one private sector
investment has been met.
(c) A grant made under this
section must:
(1) include verification of matching
rental fees or internship stipends paid by the grantee; and
(2) be for a total amount
paid to each grantee of not less than $500 nor more than $20,000 within the
biennium.
Subd. 5. Administration. The commissioner of employment and
economic development must develop and maintain a record-keeping system that
specifies how funds from the NDF are applied for and distributed. Businesses
receiving grants from the NDF must provide contact information, the date and
time of the use of the nanoinstrumentation, proof of their matching
contribution to meet the rental costs or provide an internship's stipend, and a
general statement of the expected outcome from the use of the
nanoinstrumentation, to the extent documentation can be made without divulging
proprietary information.
Subd. 6. Gifts and donations. Gifts and donations, including land
or interests in land, may be made to NDF. Noncash gifts and donations must be
disposed of for cash as soon as the commissioner of employment and economic
development can prudently maximize the value of the gift or donation. All funds
must be credited to the nanotechnology development fund. All interest earned by
the fund must be credited to the NDF.
Subd. 7. Report to legislature. By June 30 of each odd-numbered
year, the commissioner of employment and economic development must submit a
report to the legislature with statistics about the use of the NDF.
Sec. 13. WORK GROUP.
The commissioner of
employment and economic development shall convene a work group to evaluate the
impact of the money appropriated for wage incentives and how the wage incentive
program works. The work group is to make recommendations to the legislature by
January 15, 2008.
ARTICLE 3
EMPLOYMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT-RELATED PROVISIONS
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 116J.401, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Use of funds for unemployed worker assistance. Payment of
employee compensation costs from the Wagner-Peyser Act referenced in
subdivision 1, clause (8), must be used to provide direct benefit to unemployed
and underemployed workers through the state's workforce centers. At least 75
percent of the employee compensation paid from Wagner-Peyser funds must be used
for employees at workforce centers who provide direct assistance to unemployed
and underemployed workers and no more than 25 percent may be used for providing
hiring and human resource services for employers. The funds under this section
may be used to establish an internet based labor exchange system. By July 1 of
each year, the commissioner must submit a report to the committees of the
legislature responsible for oversight of unemployment insurance with details on
the use of Wagner-Peyser funds, including the number of employee positions
funded, the location of the employees, and the use of funds for internet labor
exchange system and other business assistance.
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Sec. 2. [116J.417] GREATER MINNESOTA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT FUND.
Subdivision 1. Eligible organization. For the purposes of this section,
"eligible organization" means an organization established pursuant to
section 116J.415 which provides business financing to greater Minnesota
businesses.
Subd. 2. Investment fund establishment. The commissioner shall
establish an investment fund from which fund investments can be made in
eligible organizations. The funds repaid by the eligible organizations are to
be returned to the fund for subsequent reinvestment in eligible organizations.
Subd. 3. Authorized investments. The commissioner is authorized to
make investments in eligible organizations. The commissioner shall invest funds
in the form of loans to eligible organizations for the purpose of providing capital
to new and expanding businesses in the form of debt or equity, or both.
Subd. 4. Investment authorized. The commissioner may make
investments in eligible organizations under the following terms:
(1) the organization seeking
an investment of funds must guarantee repayment of not less than 100 percent of
the funds invested in the eligible organization;
(2) the investments are to
be made in the form of a loan to the eligible organization for a term of ten
years, at an interest rate of one percent;
(3) during the ten-year term
of the loan, the eligible organization shall make annual interest-only
payments;
(4) at the end of the
ten-year term, the eligible organization is required to make a payment in the
entire principal amount of the initial loan;
(5) the state investment by
the commissioner in any eligible organization may not exceed $2,000,000;
(6) the full amount of state
investment will be advanced to the approved eligible organization upon
execution of a formal investment agreement, specifying the terms of the loan,
as well as reporting and other requirements outlined in subdivision 5;
(7) the eligible
organization must maintain the funds in accounts that allow the funds to be
readily available for business investments;
(8) the eligible organization
must make business investments totaling the entire amount of funds loaned by
the state within three years of the execution of the investment agreement and
subsequent transmittal of the funds; and
(9) an eligible organization
that receives an investment under this section shall report annually, in a
format prescribed by the commissioner, the nature and amount of the business
investments made, including, for each financing transaction involving funds
received pursuant to this section, all forms and amounts of financing provided
by the eligible organization from sources other than the investment fund
established pursuant to this section, along with the number of jobs created and
private sector investment leveraged.
Subd. 5. Requirements for state investments. All investments are
subject to an investment agreement which must include:
(1) a description of the
eligible organization, including business finance experience, qualifications,
and investment history;
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(2) a description of the
uses of investment proceeds by the eligible organization;
(3) an explanation of the
investment objectives;
(4) a description of
accounting and reporting standards to be used by the eligible organization; and
(5) a copy of the most
recent audited financial statements of the eligible organization.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.551, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Grant account. A contaminated site
cleanup and development grant account is created in the general fund. Money in
the account may be used, as appropriated by law, to make grants as provided in
section 116J.554 and to pay for the commissioner's costs in reviewing
applications and making grants. Notwithstanding section 16A.28, money
appropriated to the account for this program from any source is
available for four years until spent.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.554, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Qualifying sites. A site qualifies for
a grant under this section, if the following criteria are met:
(1) the site is not
scheduled for funding during the current or next fiscal year under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, United
States Code, title 42, section 9601, et seq. or under the Environmental
Response, and Liability Act under sections 115B.01 to 115B.20;
(2) the appraised value of
the site after adjusting for the effect on the value of the presence or
possible presence of contaminants using accepted appraisal methodology, or the
current market value of the site as issued under section 273.121, separately
taking into account the effect of the contaminants on the market value, (i) is
less than 75 percent of the estimated project costs for the site or (ii) is
less than or equal to the estimated cleanup costs for the site and the cleanup
costs equal or exceed $3 per square foot for the site; and
(3) (2) if the proposed cleanup is
completed, it is expected that the site will be improved with buildings or
other improvements and these improvements will provide a substantial increase
in the property tax base within a reasonable period of time or the site will be
used for an important publicly owned or tax-exempt facility.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.555, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Priorities. (a) The legislature expects
that applications for grants will exceed the available appropriations and the
agency will be able to provide grants to only some of the applicant development
authorities.
(b) If applications for
grants for qualified sites exceed the available appropriations, the agency
shall make grants for sites that, in the commissioner's judgment, provide the
highest return in public benefits for the public costs incurred and that meet
all the requirements provided by law. In making this judgment, the commissioner
shall consider the following factors:
(1) the recommendations or
ranking of projects by the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency
regarding the potential threat to public health and the environment that would
be reduced or eliminated by completion of each of the response action plans;
(2) the potential increase
in the property tax base of the local taxing jurisdictions, considered relative
to the fiscal needs of the jurisdictions, that will result from developments
that will occur because of completion of each of the response action plans;
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(3) the social value to the
community of the cleanup and redevelopment of the site, including the
importance of development of the proposed public facilities on each of the
sites;
(4) the probability that
each site will be cleaned up without use of government money in the reasonably
foreseeable future by considering but not limited to the current market
value of the site versus the cleanup cost;
(5) the amount of cleanup
costs for each site; and
(6) the amount of the commitment
of municipal or other local resources to pay for the cleanup costs.
The factors 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. The commissioner may consider other factors that affect the net
return of public benefits for completion of the response action plan. The
commissioner, notwithstanding the listing of priorities and the goal of
maximizing the return of public benefits, shall make grants that distribute
available money to sites both within and outside of the metropolitan area. The
commissioner shall provide a written statement of the supporting reasons for
each grant. Unless sufficient applications are not received for qualifying
sites outside of the metropolitan area, at least 25 percent of the money
provided as grants must be made for sites located outside of the metropolitan
area.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.575, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Commissioner discretion. The
commissioner may make a grant for up to 50 percent of the eligible costs of a
project. The determination of whether to make a grant for a site is within the
discretion of the commissioner, subject to this section and sections 116J.571
to 116J.574 and available unencumbered money in the redevelopment account. For
grants made in fiscal years 2008 and 2009, at least 75 percent of the available
grant funds must be used for grants in greater Minnesota. For grants made in
fiscal year 2010 and later, at least 50 percent of the available grant funds
must be used for grants in greater Minnesota. If the commissioner
determines that the applications for grants for projects in greater Minnesota
are less than the amount of grant funds available, the commissioner may make
grants for projects anywhere in Minnesota. The commissioner's decisions and
application of the priorities under this section are not subject to judicial
review, except for abuse of discretion.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.575, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Priorities. (a) If applications for
grants exceed the available appropriations, grants shall be made for sites
that, in the commissioner's judgment, provide the highest return in public
benefits for the public costs incurred. "Public benefits" include job
creation, bioscience development, 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 redevelopment projects with one or more of the following
characteristics:
(1) the need for
redevelopment in conjunction with contamination remediation needs;
(2) the redevelopment
project meets current tax increment financing requirements for a redevelopment
district and tax increments will contribute to the project;
(3) the redevelopment
potential within the municipality;
(4) proximity to public
transit if located in the metropolitan area; and
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(5) redevelopment costs
related to expansion of a bioscience business in Minnesota; and
(5) (6)
multijurisdictional projects that take into account the need for affordable
housing, transportation, and environmental impact.
(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. The commissioner may consider other
factors that affect the net return of public benefits for completion of the
redevelopment plan. The commissioner, notwithstanding the listing of priorities
and the goal of maximizing the return of public benefits, shall make grants
that distribute available money to sites both within and outside of the
metropolitan area. Unless sufficient applications are not received for
qualifying sites outside of the metropolitan area, at least 25 percent of the
money provided as grants must be made for sites located outside of the
metropolitan area.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116J.966, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Generally. (a) The commissioner shall promote,
develop, and facilitate trade and foreign investment in Minnesota. In
furtherance of these goals, and in addition to the powers granted by section
116J.035, the commissioner may:
(1) locate, develop, and
promote international markets for Minnesota products and services;
(2) arrange and lead trade
missions to countries with promising international markets for Minnesota goods,
technology, services, and agricultural products;
(3) promote Minnesota
products and services at domestic and international trade shows;
(4) organize, promote, and
present domestic and international trade shows featuring Minnesota products and
services;
(5) host trade delegations
and assist foreign traders in contacting appropriate Minnesota businesses and
investments;
(6) develop contacts with
Minnesota businesses and gather and provide information to assist them in
locating and communicating with international trading or joint venture
counterparts;
(7) provide information,
education, and counseling services to Minnesota businesses regarding the
economic, commercial, legal, and cultural contexts of international trade;
(8) provide Minnesota
businesses with international trade leads and information about the
availability and sources of services relating to international trade, such as
export financing, licensing, freight forwarding, international advertising,
translation, and custom brokering;
(9) locate, attract, and
promote foreign direct investment and business development in Minnesota to
enhance employment opportunities in Minnesota;
(10) provide foreign
businesses and investors desiring to locate facilities in Minnesota information
regarding sources of governmental, legal, real estate, financial, and business
services;
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(11) enter into contracts or
other agreements with private persons and public entities, including agreements
to establish and maintain offices and other types of representation in foreign
countries, to carry out the purposes of promoting international trade and
attracting investment from foreign countries to Minnesota and to carry out this
section, without regard to section 16C.06; and
(12) market trade-related
materials to businesses and organizations, and the proceeds of which must be
placed in a special revolving account and are appropriated to the commissioner
to prepare and distribute trade-related materials.
(b) The programs and
activities of the commissioner of employment and economic development and the
Minnesota Trade Division may not duplicate programs and activities of the
commissioner of agriculture.
(c) The commissioner shall
notify the chairs of the senate Finance and house Ways and Means Committees of
each agreement under this subdivision to establish and maintain an office or
other type of representation in a foreign country.
(d) The Minnesota Trade
Office shall serve as the state's office of protocol providing assistance to
official visits by foreign government representatives and shall serve as
liaison to the foreign diplomatic corps in Minnesota.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116L.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Workforce development intermediaries. "Workforce
development intermediaries" means public, private, or nonprofit entities
that provide employment services to low-income individuals and have a
demonstrated track record bringing together employers and workers, private and
public funding streams, and other stakeholders to implement pathways to career
advancement for low-income individuals. Entities may include, but are not
limited to, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or the
administrative entity of a local workforce service area.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116L.04, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:
Subd. 1a. Pathways program. The pathways program
may provide grants-in-aid for developing programs which assist in the
transition of persons from welfare to work and assist individuals at or below
200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The program is to be operated by
the board. The board shall consult and coordinate with program administrators
at the Department of Employment and Economic Development to design and provide
services for temporary assistance for needy families recipients.
Pathways grants-in-aid may
be awarded to educational or other nonprofit training institutions or to
workforce development intermediaries for education and training programs
and services supporting education and training programs that serve eligible
recipients.
Preference shall be given to
projects that:
(1) provide employment with
benefits paid to employees;
(2) provide employment where
there are defined career paths for trainees;
(3) pilot the development of
an educational pathway that can be used on a continuing basis for transitioning
persons from welfare to work; and
(4) demonstrate the active
participation of Department of Employment and Economic Development workforce
centers, Minnesota State College and University institutions and other
educational institutions, and local welfare agencies.
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Pathways projects must
demonstrate the active involvement and financial commitment of private
business. Pathways projects must be matched with cash or in-kind contributions
on at least a one-to-one one-half-to-one ratio by participating
private business.
A single grant to any one
institution shall not exceed $400,000. A portion of a grant may be used for
preemployment training.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116L.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of
this section, the following terms have the meanings given them in this subdivision.
(b) "Commissioner"
means the commissioner of employment and economic development.
(c) "Dislocated
worker" means an individual who is a resident of Minnesota at the time
employment ceased or was working in the state at the time employment ceased
and:
(1) has been permanently
separated or has received a notice of permanent separation from public or
private sector employment and is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to
unemployment benefits, and is unlikely to return to the previous industry or occupation;
(2) has been long-term
unemployed and has limited opportunities for employment or reemployment in the
same or a similar occupation in the area in which the individual resides,
including older individuals who may have substantial barriers to employment by
reason of age;
(3) has been terminated
or has received a notice of termination of employment as a result of a plant
closing or a substantial layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise;
(4) has been self-employed,
including farmers and ranchers, and is unemployed as a result of general
economic conditions in the community in which the individual resides or because
of natural disasters; or
(4) (5) is a displaced homemaker. A
"displaced homemaker" is an individual who has spent a substantial
number of years in the home providing homemaking service and (i) has been
dependent upon the financial support of another; and now due to divorce,
separation, death, or disability of that person, must find employment to self
support; or (ii) derived the substantial share of support from public
assistance on account of dependents in the home and no longer receives such
support.
To be eligible under this
clause, the support must have ceased while the worker resided in Minnesota.
(d) "Eligible
organization" means a state or local government unit, nonprofit
organization, community action agency, business organization or association, or
labor organization.
(e) "Plant
closing" means the announced or actual permanent shutdown of a single site
of employment, or one or more facilities or operating units within a single
site of employment.
(f) "Substantial
layoff" means a permanent reduction in the workforce, which is not a
result of a plant closing, and which results in an employment loss at a single
site of employment during any 30-day period for at least 50 employees excluding
those employees that work less than 20 hours per week.
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Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116L.20, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Determination and collection of special
assessment. (a) In addition to amounts due from an employer under the
Minnesota unemployment insurance program, each employer, except an employer
making reimbursements is liable for a special assessment levied at the rate of
.10 percent per year for calendar years 2006 and 2007 on all taxable
wages, as defined in section 268.035, subdivision 24. Beginning January 1,
2008, the special assessment shall be levied at a rate of .085 percent per year
on all taxable wages. The assessment shall become due and be paid by each
employer on the same schedule and in the same manner as other amounts due from
an employer under section 268.051, subdivision 1.
(b) The special assessment
levied under this section shall be subject to the same requirements and
collection procedures as any amounts due from an employer under the Minnesota
unemployment insurance program.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116L.666, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Designation of workforce service areas.
For the purpose of administering federal, state, and local employment and
training services, the commissioner shall designate the geographic boundaries
for workforce service areas in Minnesota.
The commissioner shall
approve a request to be a workforce service area from:
(1) a home rule charter or
statutory city with a population of 200,000 or more or a county with a
population of 200,000 or more; or
(2) a consortium of contiguous
home rule charter or statutory cities or counties with an aggregate population
of 200,000 or more that serves a substantial part of one or more labor markets.
The commissioner may approve
a request to be a workforce service area from a home rule charter or statutory
city or a county or a consortium of contiguous home rule charter or statutory
cities or counties, without regard to population, that serves a substantial
portion of a labor market area.
The commissioner shall make
a final designation of workforce service areas within the state after
consulting with local elected officials and the governor's Workforce
Development Council. Existing service delivery areas designated under the
federal Job Training Partnership Act shall be initially designated as workforce
service areas providing that no other petitions are submitted by local elected
officials.
The commissioner may
redesignate workforce service areas, upon the advice and consent of the
affected local elected officials, no more frequently than every two years.
These redesignations must be made not later than four months before the
beginning of a program year.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 116M.18, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:
Subd. 6a. Nonprofit corporation loans. The board
may make loans to a nonprofit corporation with which it has entered into an
agreement under subdivision 1. These loans must be used to support a new or
expanding business. This support may include such forms of financing as the
sale of goods to the business on installment or deferred payments, lease
purchase agreements, or royalty investments in the business. The interest
rate charged by a nonprofit corporation for a loan under this subdivision must
not exceed the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus four percent. For a loan
under this subdivision, the nonprofit corporation may charge a loan origination
fee equal to or less than one percent of the loan value. The nonprofit
corporation may retain the amount of the origination fee. The nonprofit
corporation must provide at least an equal match to the loan received by the
board. The maximum loan available to the nonprofit corporation under this
subdivision is $50,000. Loans made to the nonprofit corporation under this
subdivision may be made without interest. Repayments made by the nonprofit
corporation must be deposited in the revolving fund created for urban
initiative grants.
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Sec. 15. [116O.115] SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH ACCELERATION
PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Establishment; purpose. The small business growth
acceleration program is established. The purpose of the program is to (1) help
qualified companies implement technology and business improvements; and (2)
bridge the gap between standard market pricing for technology and business
improvements and what qualified companies can afford to pay.
Subd. 2. Qualified company. A company is qualified to receive
assistance under the small business growth acceleration program if it is a
manufacturing company or a manufacturing-related service company that employs
100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Subd. 3. Applications for assistance. A company seeking assistance
under the small business growth acceleration program must file an application
according to the requirements of the corporation. A company's application for
small business growth acceleration program assistance must include
documentation of the company's overall plan for technology and business
improvement and prioritize the components of the overall plan. The application
must also document the company's need for small business growth acceleration
program funds in order to carry forward the highest priority components of the
plan.
Subd. 4. Fund awards; use of funds. (a) The corporation shall
establish procedures for determining which applicants for assistance under the
small business growth acceleration program will receive program funding.
Funding shall be awarded only to accelerate a qualified company's adoption of
needed technology or business improvements when the corporation concludes that
it is unlikely the improvements could be accomplished in any other way.
(b) The maximum amount of
funds awarded to a qualified company under the small business growth acceleration
program for a particular project must not exceed 50 percent of the total cost
of a project and must not under any circumstances exceed $25,000 during a
calendar year. The corporation shall not award to a qualified company small
business growth acceleration program funds in excess of $50,000 per year.
(c) Any funds awarded to a
qualified company under the small business growth acceleration program must be
used for business services and products that will enhance the operation of the
company. These business services and products must come either directly from
the corporation or from a network of expert providers identified and approved
by the corporation. No company receiving small business growth acceleration
program funds may use the funds for refinancing, overhead costs, new
construction, renovation, equipment, or computer hardware.
(d) Any funds awarded must
be disbursed to the qualified company as reimbursement documented according to
requirements of the corporation.
Subd. 5. Service agreements. The corporation shall enter a written
service agreement with each company awarded funds under the small business
growth acceleration program. Each service agreement shall clearly articulate
the company's need for service, state the cost of the service, identify who
will provide the service, and define the scope of the service that will be
provided. The service agreement must also include an estimate of the financial
impact of the service on the company and require the company to report the
actual financial impact of the service to the corporation 24 months after the
service is provided.
Subd. 6. Reporting. The corporation shall report annually to the
legislative committees with fiscal jurisdiction over the Department of
Employment and Economic Development:
(1) the funds awarded under
the small business growth acceleration program during the past 12 months;
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(2) the estimated financial impact
of the funds awarded to each company receiving service under the program; and
(3) the actual financial
impact of funds awarded during the past 24 months.
Sec. 16. [179.86] PACKINGHOUSE WORKERS BILL OF
RIGHTS.
Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section and section
179.87:
(1) "employer"
means any person or business entity having 25 or more employees in the
meatpacking industry; and
(2) "meatpacking
industry" means business operations in which slaughtering, butchering,
meat canning, meat packing, meat manufacturing, poultry canning, poultry
packing, poultry manufacturing, pet food manufacturing, processing of
meatpacking products, or rendering is carried on. Meatpacking products include
livestock and poultry products.
Subd. 2. Right to adequate facilities. An employer must provide
its employees:
(1) adequate and working
restroom facilities;
(2) adequate room for meal
and rest breaks;
(3) adequate locker
facilities; and
(4) adequate time for
necessary restroom and meal breaks as required under chapter 177; United States
Code, title 29, chapter 15; and United States Code, title 42, chapter 126, or a
valid collective bargaining agreement.
Subd. 3. Right to adequate equipment and training. An employer
must furnish its employees with equipment and training that is adequate to
perform the job task assigned. An employer must make ongoing skill development
and training opportunities, including supervisory training, available to
employees.
Subd. 4. Information provided to employee by employer. (a) An
employer must provide an explanation in an employee's native language of the
employee's rights and duties as an employee either person-to-person or through
written materials as required by state or federal law, or a valid collective
bargaining agreement that, at a minimum, includes:
(1) a complete description
of the salary and benefits plans as they relate to the employee as required
under chapter 181;
(2) a job description for
the employee's position as required under chapter 181;
(3) a description of leave
policies as required under chapter 181 and United States Code, title 29,
chapter 28;
(4) a description of the
work hours and work hours policy as required under chapter 181; United States
Code, title 29, chapter 201; or a valid collective bargaining agreement; and
(5) a description of the
occupational hazards known to exist for the position as required under chapters
181 and 182 and United States Code, title 29, chapter 15.
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(b) The explanation must
also include information on the following employee rights as protected by state
or federal law and a description of where additional information about those
rights may be obtained:
(1) the right to organize
and bargain collectively as required under this chapter and chapter 177, and
United States Code, title 29, chapter 7;
(2) the right to a safe
workplace as required under chapters 181 and 182 and United States Code, title
29, chapter 15; and
(3) the right to be free
from discrimination as required under this chapter and chapters 181, 182, and
363A, and United States Code, title 42, chapter 21.
Subd. 5. Civil action. A person aggrieved as a result of a
violation of this section may file suit in any district court of this state. If
the court finds that the respondent has intentionally violated this section,
the court may award damages up to and including an amount equal to the original
damages and may provide injunctive relief.
Subd. 6. Criminal penalty. An employer who violates this section
is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 17. [179.87] MEATPACKING INDUSTRY WORKERS
RIGHTS OMBUDSMAN.
Subdivision 1. Position established. The position of meatpacking
industry workers rights ombudsman is established within the Department of Labor
and Industry. The ombudsman shall be an employee of the department. The
ombudsman shall be appointed by the commissioner in consultation with the
chairs of the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives
with jurisdiction over labor and employment issues in accordance with the
preference established in subdivision 5.
Subd. 2. Duties. The ombudsman shall inspect and review the
practices and procedures of meatpacking operations in the state. The ombudsman
shall work to ensure workers rights under section 179.86 are protected.
Subd. 3. Access. The ombudsman or designated representatives of
the ombudsman shall have access to all meatpacking operations in the state at any
time meatpacking products are being processed and industry workers are on the
job.
Subd. 4. Office. Necessary office space, furniture, equipment, and
supplies as well as necessary assistance for the ombudsman shall be provided by
the Department of Labor and Industry.
Subd. 5. Language preference. Preference shall be given to
applicants for the ombudsman position who are fluent in languages in addition
to English.
Subd. 6. Report. The ombudsman shall, on or before December 1 of
each year, submit a report to the members of the legislature and the governor
regarding any recommended actions the ombudsman deems necessary or appropriate
to provide for the fair treatment of workers in the meatpacking industry.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 181.78, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Forfeiture of employer rights. (a) This subdivision
applies to an invention or proposal by an employee in which the employer has an
enforceable interest by contract or otherwise.
(b) An employer who has a
right to develop or utilize an invention or proposal must make a substantial
investment in the invention or proposal within five years of the submission of
the invention or proposal or forfeit all rights and interests in the invention
or proposal to the employee.
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(c) An employee who has
acquired the rights and interests of an employer under paragraph (b) may
transfer that interest in the invention or proposal to anyone.
(d) An employer must notify
in writing an employee who submits an invention or proposal to the employer of
the employee's right under this subdivision within ten days of the submission.
The employer must date and describe the proposal or invention received by the
employer and provide a copy to the employee.
Sec. 19. [181A.115] PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT
RELATING TO THE PRESENCE OF LIQUOR.
No minor under the age of 18
shall be employed in any rooms constituting the place in which intoxicating
liquors or 3.2 percent malt liquors are served or consumed or in any tasks
involving the serving, dispensing, or handling of such liquors that are
consumed on the premises except that:
(1) minors who have reached
the age of 16 may be employed to perform busing or dishwashing services in
those rooms or areas of a restaurant, hotel, motel, or resort where the
presence of intoxicating liquor is incidental to food service or preparation;
(2) minors who have reached
the age of 16 may be employed to perform busing or dishwashing services or to
provide waiter or waitress service in rooms or areas where the presence of 3.2
percent malt liquor is incidental to food service or preparation;
(3) minors who have reached
the age of 16 may be employed to provide musical entertainment in those rooms
or areas where the presence of intoxicating liquor and 3.2 percent malt liquor
is incidental to food service or preparation; and
(4) minors are not prevented
from working at tasks which are not prohibited by law in establishments where
liquor is sold, served, dispensed, or handled in those rooms or areas where no
liquor is consumed or served.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 182.65, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Legislative findings and purpose. The
legislature finds that the burden on employers and employees of this state
resulting from personal injuries and illnesses arising out of work situations
is substantial; that the prevention of these injuries and illnesses is an
important objective of the government of this state; that the greatest hope of
attaining this objective lies in programs of research and education, and in the
earnest cooperation of government, employers and employees; and that a program
of regulation and enforcement is a necessary supplement to these more basic
programs.
The legislature declares it
to be its purpose and policy through the exercise of its powers to assure so
far as possible every worker in the state of Minnesota safe and healthful
working conditions and to preserve our human resources by:
(a) authorizing the
Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Council to advise, consult with or
recommend on any matters relating to the Minnesota occupational safety and
health plan to the commissioner of labor and industry and by authorizing the
commissioner of labor and industry to promulgate and enforce mandatory
occupational safety and health standards applicable to employers and employees
in the state of Minnesota;
(b) encouraging employers
and employees to increase their efforts to reduce the number of occupational
safety and health hazards at their places of employment, and to stimulate
employers and employees to institute new and to perfect existing programs for
providing safe and healthful working conditions;
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(c) providing that employers
and employees have separate but dependent responsibilities and rights with
respect to achieving safe and healthful working conditions;
(d) providing for research in
the field of occupational safety and health; including the psychological
factors involved, and by developing innovative methods, techniques, and
approaches for dealing with occupational safety and health problems;
(e) exploring ways to
discover latent diseases, establishing causal connections between diseases and
work in environmental conditions, and conducting other research relating to
health problems, in recognition of the fact that occupational health standards
present problems often different from those involved in occupational safety;
(f) utilizing advances
already made by federal laws and regulations providing safe and healthful
working conditions;
(g) providing criteria which
will assure insofar as practicable that no employee will suffer diminished
health, functional capacity, or life expectancy as a result of work experience;
(h) providing an effective
enforcement program which shall include locating enforcement personnel in
areas of the state with a higher incidence of workplace fatalities, injuries,
and complaints and a prohibition against giving advance notice of an
inspection and sanctions for any individual violating this prohibition;
(i) providing for
appropriate reporting procedures with respect to occupational safety and
health, which procedures will help achieve the objectives of this chapter and
accurately describe the nature of the occupational safety and health problem;
(j) encouraging joint
labor-management efforts to reduce injuries and diseases arising out of
employment;
(k) providing consultation
to employees and employers which will aid them in complying with their
responsibilities under this chapter where such consultation does not interfere
with the effective enforcement of this chapter; and
(l) providing for training
programs to increase the number and competence of personnel engaged in the
field of occupational safety and health.
Sec. 21. [182.6551] CITATION.
Sections 182.6551 to
182.6553 may be cited as the "Safe Patient Handling Act."
Sec. 22. [182.6552] DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1. Direct patient care worker. "Direct patient care
worker" means an individual doing the job of directly providing physical
care to patients including nurses, as defined by section 148.171, who provide
physical care to patients.
Subd. 2. Health care facility. "Health care facility"
means a hospital as defined in section 144.50, subdivision 2; an outpatient
surgical center as defined in section 144.55, subdivision 2; and a nursing home
as defined in section 144A.01, subdivision 5.
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Subd. 3. Safe patient handling. "Safe patient handling"
means a process, based on scientific evidence on causes of injuries, that uses
safe patient handling equipment rather than people to transfer, move, and
reposition patients in all health care facilities to reduce workplace injuries.
This process also reduces the risk of injury to patients.
Subd. 4. Safe patient handling equipment. "Safe patient
handling equipment" means engineering controls, lifting and transfer aids,
or mechanical assistive devices used by nurses and other direct patient care
workers instead of manual lifting to perform the acts of lifting, transferring,
and repositioning health care facility patients and residents.
Sec. 23. [182.6553] SAFE PATIENT HANDLING
PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1. Safe patient handling program required. (a) By July 1,
2008, every licensed health care facility in the state shall adopt a written safe
patient handling policy establishing the facility's plan to achieve by January
1, 2011, the goal of minimizing manual lifting of patients by nurses and other
direct patient care workers by utilizing safe patient handling equipment.
(b) The program shall
address:
(1) assessment of hazards
with regard to patient handling;
(2) the acquisition of an
adequate supply of appropriate safe patient handling equipment;
(3) initial and ongoing
training of nurses and other direct patient care workers on the use of this
equipment;
(4) procedures to ensure
that physical plant modifications and major construction projects are
consistent with program goals; and
(5) periodic evaluations of
the safe patient handling program.
Subd. 2. Safe patient handling committee. (a) By July 1, 2008,
every licensed health care facility in the state shall establish a safe patient
handling committee either by creating a new committee or assigning the
functions of a safe patient handling committee to an existing committee.
(b) Membership of a safe
patient handling committee or an existing committee must meet the following
requirements:
(1) at least half the
members shall be nonmanagerial nurses and other direct patient care workers;
and
(2) in a health care
facility where nurses and other direct patient care workers are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement, the union shall select the committee members
proportionate to its representation of nonmanagerial workers, nurses, and other
direct patient care workers.
(c) A health care
organization with more than one covered health care facility may establish a
committee at each facility or one committee to serve this function for all the
facilities. If the organization chooses to have one overall committee for
multiple facilities, at least half of the members of the overall committee must
be nonmanagerial nurses and other direct patient care workers and each facility
must be represented on the committee.
(d) Employees who serve on a
safe patient handling committee must be compensated by their employer for all
hours spent on committee business.
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Subd. 3. Facilities with existing programs. A facility that has
already adopted a safe patient handling policy that satisfies the requirements
of subdivision 1, and established a safe patient handling committee by July 1,
2008, is considered to be in compliance with those requirements. The committee
must continue to satisfy the requirements of subdivision 2, paragraph (b), on
an ongoing basis.
Subd. 4. Committee duties. A safe patient handling committee
shall:
(1) complete a patient
handling hazard assessment that:
(i) considers patient handling
tasks, types of nursing units, patient populations, and the physical
environment of patient care areas;
(ii) identifies problems and
solutions;
(iii) identifies areas of
highest risk for lifting injuries; and
(iv) recommends a mechanism
to report, track, and analyze injury trends;
(2) make recommendations on
the purchase, use, and maintenance of an adequate supply of appropriate safe
patient handling equipment;
(3) make recommendations on
training of nurses and other direct patient care workers on use of safe patient
handling equipment, initially when the equipment arrives at the facility and
periodically afterwards;
(4) conduct annual
evaluations of the safe patient handling implementation plan and progress
toward goals established in the safe patient handling policy; and
(5) recommend procedures to
ensure that, when remodeling of patient care areas occurs, the plans
incorporate safe patient handling equipment or the physical space and
construction design needed to accommodate safe patient handling equipment at a
later date.
Subd. 5. Training materials. The commissioner shall make training
materials on implementation of this section available to all health care
facilities at no cost as part of the training and education duties of the commissioner
under section 182.673.
Subd. 6. Enforcement. This section shall be enforced by the
commissioner under section 182.661. A violation of this section is subject to
the penalties provided under section 182.666.
Subd. 7. Grant program. The commissioner may make grants to health
care facilities to acquire safe patient handling equipment and for training on
safe patient handling and safe patient handling equipment. Grants to any one
facility may not exceed $40,000. A grant must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar
basis by the grantee. The commissioner shall establish a grant application
process. The commissioner may give priority for grants to facilities that
demonstrate that acquiring safe patient handling equipment will impose a
financial hardship on the facility. For health care facilities that provide
evidence of hardship, the commissioner may waive the 50 percent match
requirement and may grant such a facility more than $40,000. Health care
facilities that the commissioner determines are experiencing hardship shall not
be required to meet the safe patient handling requirements until July 1,
2012.
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Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 268.085, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Payments that delay unemployment benefits.
(a) An applicant shall not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for any
week with respect to which the applicant is receiving, has received, or has
filed for payment, equal to or in excess of the applicant's weekly unemployment
benefit amount, in the form of:
(1) vacation pay paid upon
temporary, indefinite, or seasonal separation. This clause shall not apply to
vacation pay paid upon a permanent separation from employment;
(2) severance pay, bonus
pay, sick pay, and any other money payments, except earnings under subdivision
5, and back pay under subdivision 6, paid by an employer because of, upon, or
after separation from employment, but only if the money payment is considered
wages at the time of payment under section 268.035, subdivision 29, or United
States Code, title 26, section 3121, clause (2), of the Federal Insurance
Contribution Act;. This clause does not apply to the first $10,000 of
any amount of severance pay, bonus pay, sick pay, or any other payments paid to
an employee with annual salary or wages under $75,000; or
(3) pension, retirement, or
annuity payments from any plan contributed to by a base period employer
including the United States government, except Social Security benefits which
are provided for in subdivision 4. The base period employer contributed to the
plan if the contribution is excluded from the definition of wages under section
268.035, subdivision 29, clause (1), or United States Code, title 26, section
3121, clause (2), of the Federal Insurance Contribution Act.
An applicant shall not be
considered to have received the lump sum payment if the applicant immediately
deposits that payment in a qualified pension plan or account; or
(4) holiday pay.
(b) This subdivision shall
apply to all the weeks of payment and shall be applied to the period
immediately following the last day of employment. The number of weeks of
payment shall be determined as follows:
(1) if the payments are made
periodically, the total of the payments to be received shall be divided by the
applicant's last level of regular weekly pay from the employer; or
(2) if the payment is made
in a lump sum, that sum shall be divided by the applicant's last level of
regular weekly pay from the employer.
(c) If the payment is less
than the applicant's weekly unemployment benefit amount, unemployment benefits
shall be reduced by the amount of the payment. If the computation of reduced
unemployment benefits is not a whole dollar, it shall be rounded down to the
next lower whole dollar.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for unemployment benefits paid on or after January 1, 2006, regardless
of when the continued request was filed or the week for which the unemployment
benefits are paid.
Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 268.196, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 5. Unemployment insurance benefits telephone system. The
commissioner must ensure that the telephone system used for unemployment
insurance benefits provides an option for any caller to speak to an
unemployment insurance specialist. An individual who calls any of the
publicized telephone numbers seeking information about applying for benefits or
on the status of a claim must have the option to speak on the telephone to a
specialist who can provide direct assistance or can direct the caller to the
person or office that is able to respond to the caller's needs.
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Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 268A.01, subdivision 13, is amended to read:
Subd. 13. Supported employment. (a) "Supported
employment" means employment of a person with a disability so severe that
the person needs ongoing training and support to get and keep a job in which:
(1) the person engages in
paid work in a position removed from the service vendor's site where
individuals without disabilities who do not require public subsidies also may
be employed;
(2) public funds are
necessary to provide ongoing training and support services throughout the
period of the person's employment; and
(3) the person has the opportunity
for social interaction with individuals who do not have disabilities and who
are not paid caregivers.
(b) If the commissioner has
certified a rehabilitation facility setting as integrated, then employment at
that site may be considered supported employment.
Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 268A.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 14. Affirmative business enterprise employment. "Affirmative
business enterprise employment" means employment which provides paid work
on the premises of an affirmative business enterprise as certified by the
commissioner.
Affirmative business
enterprise employment is considered community employment for purposes of
funding under Minnesota Rules, parts 3300.1000 to 3300.2055, provided that the
wages for individuals reported must be at or above customary wages for the same
employer. The employer must also provide one benefit package that is available
to all employees.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 268A.085, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Appointment; membership. Every city,
town, county, nonprofit corporation, or combination thereof establishing a
rehabilitation facility shall appoint a rehabilitation facility board of no
fewer than nine seven voting members before becoming eligible for
the assistance provided by sections 268A.06 to 268A.15. When any city, town, or
county singly establishes such a rehabilitation facility, the board shall be
appointed by the chief executive officer of the city or the chair of the
governing board of the county or town. When any combination of cities, towns,
counties, or nonprofit corporations establishes a rehabilitation facility, the
chief executive officers of the cities, nonprofit corporations, and the chairs
of the governing bodies of the counties or towns shall appoint the board. If a
nonprofit corporation singly establishes a rehabilitation facility, the
corporation shall appoint the board of directors. Membership on a board shall be
representative of the community served and shall include a person with a
disability. One-third to one-half of the board shall be representative of
industry or business. The remaining members should be representative of lay
associations for persons with a disability, labor, the general public, and
education, welfare, medical, and health professions. Nothing in sections
268A.06 to 268A.15 shall be construed to preclude the appointment of elected or
appointed public officials or members of the board of directors of the
sponsoring nonprofit corporation to the board, so long as the representation
described above is preserved. If a county establishes an extended
employment program and manages the program with county employees, the governing
board shall be the county board of commissioners, and other provisions of this
chapter pertaining to membership on the governing board do not apply.
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Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 268A.15, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 9. Integrated setting. At the commissioner's discretion,
paid work on the premises of a rehabilitation facility may be certified as an
integrated setting after a site review by the department.
Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 462.39, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 5. Local planning assistance. A regional development
commission or, in regions not served by regional development commissions, a
regional organization selected by the commissioner of employment and economic
development, may develop a program to support planning on behalf of local units
of government. The local planning must be related to issues of regional or
statewide significance and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) local planning and
development assistance, which may include local zoning ordinances and land use
plans;
(2) community or economic
development plans, which may include workforce development plans, housing
development plans and market analysis, JOBZ administration, grant writing
assistance, and grant administration;
(3) environment and natural
resources plans, which may include solid waste management plans, wastewater
management plans, and renewable energy development plans;
(4) rural community health
services; and
(5) development of
geographical information systems to serve regional needs, including hardware
and software purchases and related labor costs.
Each regional development commission
or organization shall submit to the commissioner of employment and economic
development an annual work program that outlines the work items for the
upcoming year and establishes the relationship of the work items to development
issues of regional or statewide significance. The entity completing the annual
work program and identifying the statewide development issues shall consider
input from the Departments of Employment and Economic Development, Natural
Resources, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, and other state agencies as
appropriate to the issues.
Sec. 31. WORKFORCE ENHANCEMENT FEE.
If the commissioner of
employment and economic development determines that the need for services under
the dislocated worker program substantially exceeds the resources that will be
available for the program, the commissioner may increase the special assessment
levied under Minnesota Statutes, section 116L.20, subdivision 1, to no more
than .12 percent of taxable wages.
Sec. 32. FEDERAL PROCUREMENT LIAISON.
The commissioner of
employment and economic development must establish and operate a technology and
commercialization unit in the Department of Employment and Economic
Development. Appropriation for this purpose must be used to: coordinate public
and private efforts to procure federal funding for collaborative research and
development projects of primary benefit to small- and medium-sized businesses;
promote contractual relationships between Minnesota businesses who, as
recipients of federal grants, are prime contractors, and appropriate
Minnesota-based subcontractors; assess the research and development
capabilities of small- and medium-sized businesses; undertake referral
activities to link Minnesota companies with federal requests for proposal opportunities;
and develop a framework for Minnesota companies to establish sole-sourcing
relationships with federal agencies.
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The commissioner must report
to the committees in the house of representatives and the senate having
jurisdiction over bioscience and technology issues on the activities of the
technology and commercialization unit by June 30 of each year.
Sec. 33. LOCATION OF NORTHERN MINNESOTA
INSPECTORS.
By December 31, 2007, the
commissioner of labor and industry must assign three occupational safety and
health inspectors to one or more offices on the Iron Range and one inspector to
an office in Bemidji.
Sec. 34. ROLE OF STATE LEGISLATURE IN TRADE
POLICY.
(a) It shall be the policy
of the state that approval for the state to be bound by any trade agreement
requires the consent of the state legislature.
(b) Four state legislative
contacts must be informed by the governor when any trade agreement arrives in
the governor's office. The four contacts are the majority and minority leader
of the senate or their designated legislators, and the speaker and minority
leader in the house of representatives or their designated legislators. The
legislature declares that the purposes of the state contacts are to:
(1) serve as the state's
official legislative liaisons with the governor and the state legislature on
trade-related matters;
(2) serve as the
legislature's designated recipients from the governor of federal requests for consent
to consultation regarding investment, procurement, services, or other
provisions of international trade agreements, which impinge on state law or
regulatory authority reserved to the states;
(3) transmit information
regarding federal requests from the governor to all appropriate legislative
committees;
(4) issue a formal request
to the Department of Employment and Economic Development and all appropriate
state agencies to provide analysis of all proposed trade agreements' impact on
state legislative authority and the economy of the state;
(5) inform all members of
the legislature on a regular basis about ongoing trade negotiations and dispute
settlement proceedings with implications for the state more generally;
(6) communicate the concerns
of the legislature to the governor and the United States trade representative
regarding ongoing and proposed trade negotiations; and
(7) notify the governor and
the United States trade representative of the outcome of any legislative
action.
(c) The following actions
are required before the state shall consent to the terms of a trade agreement:
(1) when a federal trade
request has been received, the governor must submit the request to the
legislative contacts on a day both houses are in session. The request must
contain a copy of the final legal text of the agreement together with:
(i) a report by the
Department of Employment and Economic Development in consultation with, at a
minimum, the following agencies: Department of Administration, Department of
Labor and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources,
and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The report shall include an
analysis of how the agreement of the state to the specific provisions of the
agreement will change or affect existing state law;
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(ii) a statement of any
administrative action proposed to implement these trade agreement provisions in
the state; and
(iii) a draft of legislation
authorizing the state to sign on to the specific listed provisions of the
agreement in question;
(2) at least one public
hearing, with adequate public notice, shall occur before the legislature votes
on the bill; and
(3) the bill authorizing the
state to sign on to specific listed provisions of an agreement is enacted into
law.
(d) It is the sense of this
legislature that Congress should pass legislation instructing the United States
trade representative to fully and formally consult individual state legislatures
regarding procurement, services, investment, or any other trade agreement rules
that impact state laws or authority before negotiations begin and as they
develop, and to seek consent from state legislatures in addition to governors
prior to binding states to conform their laws to the terms of international
commercial agreements. Such legislation is necessary to ensure the prior
informed consent of the state with regard to future international trade and
investment agreements.
(e) The state attorney
general shall notify the United States trade representative of the policies in
paragraph (d) in writing no later than 30 days after its effective date, and
shall provide copies of the notice to the president of the senate, speaker of
the house of representatives, the governor, and the state's congressional
delegation.
Sec. 35. STUDY; SAFE PATIENT HANDLING.
(a) The commissioner of
labor and industry shall study ways to require workers' compensation insurers
to recognize compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 182.6553, in the
workers' compensation premiums of health care and long-term care facilities.
The commissioner shall report by January 15, 2008, the results of the study to
the chairs of the policy committees of the legislature with primary jurisdiction
over workers' compensation issues.
(b) By January 15, 2008, the
commissioner must make recommendations to the legislature regarding funding
sources available to health care facilities for safe patient handling programs
and equipment, including, but not limited to, low interest loans, interest free
loans, and federal, state, or county grants.
Sec. 36. WORK GROUP; SAFE PATIENT HANDLING.
The Minnesota State Council
on Disability shall convene a work group comprised of representatives from the
Minnesota Medical Association and other organizations representing clinics,
disability advocates, and direct care workers, to do the following:
(1) assess the current
options for and use of safe patient handling equipment in unlicensed outpatient
clinics, physician offices, and dental settings;
(2) identify barriers to the
use of safe patient handling equipment in these settings; and
(3) define clinical settings
that move patients to determine applicability of the Safe Patient Handling Act.
The work group must report
to the legislature by January 15, 2008, including reports to the chairs of the
senate and house of representatives committees on workforce development.
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Sec. 37. EFFECT ON RULES.
The commissioner of labor
and industry shall amend Minnesota Rules, part 5200.0910, to conform to
Minnesota Statutes, section 181A.115. The commissioner may use the good cause
exemption in Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, in adopting the amendment
required by this section.
Sec. 38. PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY FUNDING.
To the greatest practical
extent, projects on the Public Facilities Authority's 2007 intended use plan,
the listings for which were based on the Pollution Control Agency's 2006
project priority list, shall be carried over to the 2008 intended use plan.
Projects that qualified for funding from the Public Facilities Authority under
Laws 2006, chapter 258, section 21, that could not be certified by the Pollution
Control Agency by the applicable deadline shall have until May 1, 2008, or six
months after the Minnesota Supreme Court issues an opinion in the cities of
Maple Lake and Annandale matter, whichever is later, to obtain the required
certification from the Pollution Control Agency.
Sec. 39. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 16C.18, subdivision 2, is repealed.
ARTICLE 4
LICENSING AND WAGES
Section 1. [154.465] HAIR BRAIDING.
Subdivision 1. Registration. Any person engaged in hair braiding solely
for compensation as a profession, except persons licensed as cosmetologists,
shall register with the Minnesota Board of Barber and Cosmetology Examiners in
a form determined by the board.
Subd. 2. Definition. "Hair braiding" means a natural
form of hair manipulation that results in tension on hair strands by beading,
braiding, cornrowing, extending, lacing, locking, sewing, twisting, weaving, or
wrapping human hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and hair extensions into
a variety of shapes, patterns, and textures predominantly by hand and by only
using simple braiding devices, and maintenance thereof. Hair braiding includes
what is commonly known as "African-style hair braiding" or
"natural hair care" but is not limited to any particular cultural,
ethnic, racial, or religious forms of hair styles. Hair braiding includes the
making of customized wigs from natural hair, natural fibers, synthetic fibers,
and hair extensions. Hair braiding includes the use of topical agents such as
conditioners, gels, moisturizers, oils, pomades, and shampoos. Hair braiding
does not involve the use of penetrating chemical hair treatments, chemical hair
coloring agents, chemical hair straightening agents, chemical hair joining
agents, permanent wave styles, or chemical hair bleaching agents applied to
growing human hair. For purposes of this section, "simple hair braiding
devices" means clips, combs, curlers, curling irons, hairpins, rollers,
scissors, needles, thread, and hair binders including adhesives, if necessary,
that are required solely for hair braiding.
Subd. 3. Requirements. In order to qualify for initial
registration, any person engaged in hair braiding solely for compensation as a
profession shall satisfactorily complete instruction at either an accredited
school or by an individual, except persons licensed as cosmetologists approved
by the board. Instruction includes coursework covering the topics of health,
safety, sanitation, and state laws related to cosmetology not to exceed 30
hours. The coursework is encouraged to be provided in a foreign language format
and such availability shall be reported to and posted by the Minnesota Board of
Barber and Cosmetology Examiners.
Subd. 4. Curriculum. An accredited school or an individual
approved by the board desiring to provide the coursework required under
subdivision 3 shall have curriculum in place by January 1, 2008.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2008, except subdivision 4 is effective the day following final
enactment.
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Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Examination of records. The
commissioner may enter during reasonable office hours or upon request and
inspect the place of business or employment of any employer of employees
working in the state, to examine and inspect books, registers, payrolls, and
other records of any employer that in any way relate to wages, hours, and other
conditions of employment of any employees. The commissioner may transcribe any
or all of the books, registers, payrolls, and other records as the commissioner
deems necessary or appropriate and may question the employees to ascertain compliance
with sections 177.21 to 177.35 177.435. The commissioner may
investigate wage claims or complaints by an employee against an employer if the
failure to pay a wage may violate Minnesota law or an order or rule of the
department.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Compliance orders. The commissioner may
issue an order requiring an employer to comply with sections 177.21 to 177.35
177.435, 181.02, 181.03, 181.031, 181.032, 181.101, 181.11, 181.12, 181.13,
181.14, 181.145, 181.15, and 181.79, 181.932, and 181.9325, or
with any rule promulgated under section 177.28. The department shall serve the
order upon the employer or the employer's authorized representative in person
or by certified mail at the employer's place of business. An employer who
wishes to contest the order must file written notice of objection to the order
with the commissioner within 15 calendar days after being served with the
order. A contested case proceeding must then be held in accordance with
sections 14.57 to 14.69. If, within 15 calendar days after being served with
the order, the employer fails to file a written notice of objection with the
commissioner, the order becomes a final order of the commissioner.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Civil actions. (a) The
commissioner may bring an action in the district court where an employer
resides or where the commissioner maintains an office to enforce or require
compliance with orders issued under subdivision 4.
(b) If the district court
determines that a violation of section 181.932 or 181.9325 occurred, the court
may order any appropriate relief, including but not limited to reinstatement,
back pay, restoration of lost service credit, if appropriate, compensatory
damages, and the expungement of any adverse records of a state employee or
applicant for state employment who was the subject of the alleged acts of misconduct,
and any appropriate relief as described in section 181.936.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd. 8. Court actions; suits brought by private
parties. An employee may bring a civil action seeking redress for a
violation or violations of sections 177.21 to 177.35 177.44 directly
to district court. An employer who pays an employee less than the wages and
overtime compensation to which the employee is entitled under sections 177.21
to 177.35 177.44 is liable to the employee for the full amount of
the wages, gratuities, and overtime compensation, less any amount the employer
is able to establish was actually paid to the employee and for an additional
equal amount as liquidated damages. In addition, in an action under this
subdivision the employee may seek damages and other appropriate relief provided
by subdivision 7 and otherwise provided by law. An agreement between the
employee and the employer to work for less than the applicable wage is not a defense
to the action.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
Subd. 9. District court jurisdiction. Any action
brought under subdivision 8 may be filed in the district court of the county
wherein a violation or violations of sections 177.21 to 177.35 177.44
are alleged to have been committed, where the respondent resides or has a
principal place of business, or any other court of competent jurisdiction. The
action may be brought by one or more employees.
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Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.27, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
Subd. 10. Attorney fees and costs. In any action
brought pursuant to subdivision 8, the court shall order an employer who is
found to have committed a violation or violations of sections 177.21 to 177.35
177.44 to pay to the employee or employees reasonable costs,
disbursements, witness fees, and attorney fees.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 177.27, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 11. Investigation of certain complaints. (a) The commissioner
shall conduct an investigation of any matter that alleges a violation of
sections 181.932 and 181.9325. The identity of the person providing the
information that initiated the investigation shall be classified as private
data, pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12, except that the identity may
be disclosed to a law enforcement agency that is conducting a criminal investigation
of the matter.
(b) For each investigation
completed, if the commissioner determines that there is reasonable cause to
believe that an employer has violated section 181.932 or 181.9325, the
commissioner shall report the nature and details of the alleged violation to
the head of the employing agency or the appropriate appointing authority. If
appropriate, the commissioner shall report this information to the attorney
general, the policy committees of the house of representatives and senate
having jurisdiction over the subject involved, and to any other authority that
the commissioner deems appropriate. In any case in which the commissioner
submits a report of alleged violations to the head of the employing agency or
appropriate appointing authority, that individual shall report to the
commissioner with respect to any action taken by the individual regarding the
activity, the first report being transmitted no later than 30 days after the
date of the auditor's report, and monthly thereafter until final action has
been taken.
(c) This subdivision shall
not limit any authority conferred upon the attorney general or other department
or agency of government to investigate and prosecute any matter.
(d) The commissioner shall
have all the powers and authority described in this section to conduct
investigations pursuant to this subdivision.
Sec. 9. [177.275] INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE.
(a) The commissioner shall
initiate an investigation of a written complaint of reprisal or retaliation in
public employment as prohibited by section 181.932 or 181.9325 within ten
working days of its submission. The commissioner shall complete findings of the
investigation within 60 working days thereafter, and shall provide a copy of
the findings to the complaining employee or applicant for employment and to the
appropriate supervisor, manager, employee, or appointing authority. When the
allegations contained in a complaint of reprisal or retaliation are the same
as, or similar to, those contained in another appeal, the commissioner may
consolidate the appeals into the most appropriate format. In these cases, the
time limits described in this subdivision shall not apply.
(b) If the commissioner
finds that the supervisor, manager, employee, or appointing power retaliated
against the complainant for engaging in protected whistle-blower activities,
the commissioner may issue a compliance order under section 177.27, subdivision
4.
(c) In order for the
governor and the legislature to determine the need to continue or modify state
personnel procedures as they relate to the investigations of reprisals or
retaliation for the disclosure of information by public employees, the
commissioner, by June 30 of each year, shall submit a report to the governor
and the legislature regarding complaints filed, hearings held, and legal
actions taken under this section.
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Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.28, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. General authority. The commissioner may
adopt rules, including definitions of terms, to carry out the purposes of
sections 177.21 to 177.35 177.44, to prevent the circumvention or
evasion of those sections, and to safeguard the minimum wage and overtime rates
established by sections 177.24 and 177.25.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.30, is amended to read:
177.30 KEEPING RECORDS; PENALTY.
Every employer subject to
sections 177.21 to 177.35 177.44 must make and keep a record of:
(1) the name, address, and
occupation of each employee;
(2) the rate of pay, and the
amount paid each pay period to each employee;
(3) the hours worked each
day and each workweek by the employee; and
(4) for each employer
subject to sections 177.41 to 177.44, and while performing work on public works
projects funded in whole or in part with state funds, the prevailing wage
master job classification of each employee working on the project for each hour
worked; and
(4) (5) other information the commissioner
finds necessary and appropriate to enforce sections 177.21 to 177.35. The
records must be kept for three years in or near the premises where an employee
works except each employer subject to sections 177.41 to 177.44, and while
performing work on public works projects funded in whole or in part with state
funds, the records must be kept for three years after the contracting authority
has made final payment on the public works project.
The commissioner may fine an
employer up to $1,000 for each failure to maintain records as required by this
section. This penalty is in addition to any penalties provided under section
177.32, subdivision 1. In determining the amount of a civil penalty under this
subdivision, the appropriateness of such penalty to the size of the employer's
business and the gravity of the violation shall be considered.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.43, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Contract requirements. The contract
must specifically state the prevailing wage rates, prevailing hours of labor,
and hourly basic rates of pay. The contract must also provide that the
contracting authority may demand and the contractor or subcontractor shall
furnish to the contracting authority, copies of any and all payrolls, and that
the contracting authority may examine all records relating to wages paid
laborers or mechanics on work to which sections 177.41 to 177.44 apply. The
requirements of this subdivision are in addition to any other requirements or
authority set forth in other laws or rules for work to which sections 177.41 to
177.44 apply.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.43, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Determination by commissioner; posting;
petition for reconsideration. The prevailing wage rates, prevailing
hours of labor, and hourly basic rates of pay for all trades and occupations
required in any project must be ascertained before the state asks for bids. The
commissioner of labor and industry shall investigate as necessary to ascertain
the information. The commissioner Each contractor and subcontractor
performing work on a public project shall keep the information posted on
the project in at least one conspicuous place for the information of the
employees working on the project. A person aggrieved by a final determination
of the commissioner may petition the commissioner for reconsideration of
findings. A person aggrieved by a decision of the commissioner after
reconsideration may, within 20 days after the decision, petition the commissioner
for a public hearing in the manner of a contested case under sections 14.57 to
14.61.
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Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 177.43, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Examination of records; investigation by
the department. The Department of Labor and Industry shall enforce this
section. The department may demand, and the contractor and subcontractor shall
furnish to the department, copies of any or all payrolls. The department may
examine all records relating to wages paid laborers or mechanics on work to
which sections 177.41 to 177.44 apply. The department shall employ at least
three investigators to perform on-site project reviews, receive and investigate
complaints of violations of this section, and conduct training and outreach to
contractors and contracting authorities for public works projects financed in
whole or in part with state funds.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 177.43, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 6a. Prevailing wage violations. Upon issuing a compliance
order to an employer pursuant to section 177.27, subdivision 4, for violation
of sections 177.41 to 177.44, the commissioner shall issue a withholding order
to the contracting authority ordering the contracting authority to withhold
payment of sufficient sum to the prime or general contractor on the project to
satisfy the back wages assessed or otherwise cure the violation, and the
contracting authority must withhold the sum ordered until the compliance order
has become a final order of the commissioner and has been fully paid or
otherwise resolved by the employer.
During an investigation of a
violation of sections 177.41 to 177.44 which the commissioner reasonably
determines is likely to result in the finding of a violation of sections 177.41
to 177.44 and the issuance of a compliance order pursuant to section 177.27,
subdivision 4, the commissioner may notify the contracting authority of the
determination and the amount expected to be assessed and the contracting
authority shall give the commissioner 90 days' prior notice of the date the
contracting authority intends to make final payment.
Sec. 16. [181.723] INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.
Subdivision 1. Scope. The definitions in this subdivision apply to this
section.
(a) "Person" means
any individual, limited liability corporation, corporation, partnership,
incorporated or unincorporated association, sole proprietorship, joint stock
company, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(b) "Department"
means the Department of Labor and Industry.
(c) "Commissioner"
means the commissioner of labor and industry or a duly designated
representative of the commissioner who is either an employee of the Department
of Labor and Industry or person working under contract with the Department of
Labor and Industry.
(d) "Individual"
means a human being.
(e) "Day" means
calendar day unless otherwise provided.
(f) "Knowingly" means
knew or could have known with the exercise of reasonable diligence.
(g) "Document" or
"documents" includes papers; books; records; memoranda; data;
contracts; drawings; graphs; charts; photographs; digital, video, and audio
recordings; records; accounts; files; statements; letters; e-mails; invoices;
bills; notes; and calendars maintained in any form or manner.
Subd. 2. Limited application. This section only applies to
individuals performing public or private sector commercial or residential
building construction or improvement services.
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Subd. 3. Employee-employer relationship. Except as provided in
subdivision 4, for purposes of chapters 176, 177, 181A, 182, and 268, as of
January 1, 2009, an individual who performs services for a person that are in
the course of the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation is an
employee of that person and that person is an employer of the individual.
Subd. 4. Independent contractor. An individual is an independent
contractor and not an employee of the person for whom the individual is
performing services in the course of the person's trade, business, profession,
or occupation only if (a) the individual holds a current independent contractor
exemption certificate issued by the commissioner; and (b) the individual is
performing services for the person under the independent contractor exemption
certificate as provided in subdivision 6. The requirements in clauses (a) and
(b) must be met in order to qualify as an independent contractor and not as an
employee of the person for whom the individual is performing services in the
course of the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation.
Subd. 5. Application. To obtain an independent contractor
exemption certificate, the individual must submit, in the manner prescribed by
the commissioner, a complete application and the certificate fee required under
subdivision 14.
(a) A complete application
must include all of the following information:
(1) the individual's full
name;
(2) the individual's
residence address and telephone number;
(3) the individual's
business name, address, and telephone number;
(4) the services for which the
individual is seeking an independent contractor exemption certificate;
(5) the individual's Social
Security number;
(6) the individual's or the
individual's business federal employer identification number, if a number has
been issued to the individual or the individual's business;
(7) any information or
documentation that the commissioner requires by rule that will assist the
department in determining whether to grant or deny the individual's
application; and
(8) The individual's sworn
statement that the individual meets all of the following conditions:
(i) the individual maintains
a separate business with the individual's own office, equipment, materials, and
other facilities;
(ii) the individual holds or
has applied for a federal employer identification number or has filed business
or self-employment income tax returns with the federal Internal Revenue Service
if the person has performed services in the previous year for which the
individual is seeking the independent contractor exemption certificate;
(iii) the individual
operates under contracts to perform specific services for specific amounts of
money and under which the individual controls the means of performing the
services;
(iv) the individual incurs
the main expenses related to the service that the individual performs under
contract;
(v) the individual is
responsible for the satisfactory completion of services that the individual
contracts to perform and is liable for a failure to complete the service;
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(vi) the individual receives
compensation for service performed under a contract on a commission or per-job
or competitive bid basis and not on any other basis;
(vii) the individual may realize
a profit or suffer a loss under contracts to perform service;
(viii) the individual has
continuing or recurring business liabilities or obligations; and
(ix) the success or failure
of the individual's business depends on the relationship of business receipts
to expenditures.
(b) Within 30 days of
receiving a complete application and the certificate fee, the commissioner must
either grant or deny the application. The commissioner may deny an application
for an independent contractor exemption certificate if the individual has not
submitted a complete application and certificate fee or if the individual does
not meet all of the conditions for holding the independent contractor exemption
certificate. The commissioner may revoke an independent contractor exemption
certificate if the commissioner determines that the individual no longer meets
all of the conditions for holding the independent contractor exemption
certificate, commits any of the actions set out in subdivision 7, or fails to
cooperate with a department investigation into the continued validity of the
individual's certificate. Once issued, an independent contractor exemption
certificate remains in effect for two years unless:
(1) revoked by the
commissioner; or
(2) canceled by the individual.
(c) If the department denies
an individual's original or renewal application for an independent contractor
exemption certificate or revokes an independent contractor exemption
certificate, the commissioner shall issue to the individual an order denying or
revoking the certificate. The commissioner may issue an administrative penalty
order to an individual or person who commits any of the actions set out in
subdivision 7.
(d) An individual or person
to whom the commissioner issues an order under paragraph (c) shall have 30 days
after service of the order to request a hearing. The request for hearing must
be in writing and must be served on or faxed to the commissioner at the address
or fax number specified in the order by the 30th day after service of the
order. If the individual does not request a hearing or if the individual's
request for a hearing is not served on or faxed to the commissioner by the 30th
day after service of the order, the order shall become a final order of the
commissioner and will not be subject to review by any court or agency. The date
on which a request for hearing is served by mail shall be the postmark date on
the envelope in which the request for hearing is mailed. If the individual
serves or faxes a timely request for hearing, the hearing shall be a contested
case hearing and shall be held in accordance with chapter 14.
Subd. 6. Qualifications for exemption certificate. An individual
is performing services for a person under an independent contractor exemption
certificate if:
(a) the individual is
performing services listed on the individual's independent contractor exemption
certificate;
(b) at the time the
individual is performing services listed on the individual's independent
contractor exemption certificate, the individual meets all of the following
conditions:
(1) the individual maintains
a separate business with the individual's own office, equipment, materials, and
other facilities;
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(2) the individual holds or
has applied for a federal employer identification number or has filed business
or self-employment income tax returns with the federal Internal Revenue Service
if the individual performed services in the previous year for which the
individual has the independent contractor exemption certificate;
(3) the individual is
operating under contract to perform the specific services for the person for
specific amounts of money and under which the individual controls the means of
performing the services;
(4) the individual is
incurring the main expenses related to the services that the individual is
performing for the person under the contract;
(5) the individual is
responsible for the satisfactory completion of the services that the individual
has contracted to perform for the person and is liable for a failure to
complete the services;
(6) the individual receives
compensation from the person for the services performed under the contract on a
commission or per-job or competitive bid basis and not on any other basis;
(7) the individual may
realize a profit or suffers a loss under the contract to perform services for
the person;
(8) the individual has
continuing or recurring business liabilities or obligations; and
(9) the success or failure
of the individual's business depends on the relationship of business receipts
to expenditures.
Subd. 7. Prohibited activities. (a) An individual shall not:
(1) perform work as an
independent contractor who meets the qualifications under subdivision 6,
without first obtaining from the department an independent contractor exemption
certificate;
(2) perform work as an
independent contractor when the department has denied or revoked the
individual's independent contractor exemption certificate;
(3) transfer to another
individual or allow another individual to use the individual's independent
contractor exemption certificate;
(4) alter or falsify an
independent contractor exemption certificate;
(5) misrepresent the individual's
status as an independent contractor; or
(6) make a false material
statement, representation, or certification; omit material information; or
alter, conceal, or fail to file a document required by this section or any rule
promulgated by the commissioner under rulemaking authority set out in this
section.
(b) A person shall not:
(1) require an individual
through coercion, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means to adopt independent
contractor status;
(2) knowingly misrepresent
that an individual who has not been issued an independent contractor exemption
certificate or is not performing services for the person under an independent
contractor exemption certificate is an independent contractor; or
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(3) make a false material
statement, representation, or certification; omit material information; or
alter, conceal, or fail to file a document required by this section or any rule
promulgated by the commissioner under rulemaking authority set out in this
section.
(c) A person for whom an
individual is performing services must obtain a copy of the individual's
independent contractor exemption certificate before services may commence. A
copy of the independent contractor exemption certificate must be retained for
five years from the date of receipt by the person for whom an individual is
performing services.
Subd. 8. Remedies. An individual or person who violates any
provision of subdivision 7 is subject to a penalty to be assessed by the
department of up to $5,000 for each violation. The department shall deposit
penalties in the assigned risk safety account.
Subd. 9. Commissioner's powers. (a) In order to carry out the
purposes of this section, the commissioner may:
(1) administer oaths and
affirmations, certify official acts, interview, question, take oral or written
statements, and take depositions;
(2) request, examine, take
possession of, photograph, record, and copy any documents, equipment, or materials;
(3) at a time and place
indicated by the commissioner, request persons to appear before the
commissioner to give testimony and produce documents, equipment, or materials;
(4) issue subpoenas to
compel persons to appear before the commissioner to give testimony and produce
documents, equipment, or materials; and
(5) with or without notice,
enter without delay upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of
taking any action authorized under this subdivision or the applicable law,
including obtaining information or conducting inspections or investigations.
(b) Persons requested by the
commissioner to give testimony or produce documents, equipment, or materials
shall respond within the time and in the manner specified by the commissioner.
If no time to respond is specified in the request, then a response shall be
submitted within 30 days of the commissioner's service of the request.
(c) Upon the refusal or
anticipated refusal of a property owner, lessee, property owner's
representative, or lessee's representative to permit the commissioner's entry
onto property as provided in paragraph (a), the commissioner may apply for an
administrative inspection order in the Ramsey County District Court or, at the
commissioner's discretion, in the district court in the county in which the
property is located. The commissioner may anticipate that a property owner or
lessee will refuse entry if the property owner, lessee, property owner's
representative, or lessee's representative has refused to permit entry on a
prior occasion or has informed the commissioner that entry will be refused.
Upon showing of administrative probable cause by the commissioner, the district
court shall issue an administrative inspection order that compels the property
owner or lessee to permit the commissioner to enter the property for the
purposes specified in paragraph (a).
(d) Upon the application of
the commissioner, a district court shall treat the failure of any person to
obey a subpoena lawfully issued by the commissioner under this subdivision as a
contempt of court.
Subd. 10. Notice requirements. Unless otherwise specified, service
of a document on a person under this section may be by mail, by personal
service, or in accordance with any consent to service filed with the
commissioner. Service by mail shall be accomplished in the manner provided in
Minnesota Rules, part 1400.5550, subpart 2. Personal service shall be
accomplished in the manner provided in Minnesota Rules, part 1400.5550, subpart
3.
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Subd. 11. Facsimile; timely service. When this section permits a
request for hearing to be served by facsimile on the commissioner, the
facsimile shall not exceed 15 pages in length. The request shall be considered
timely served if the facsimile is received by the commissioner, at the
facsimile number identified by the commissioner in the order, no later than
4:30 p.m. central time on the last day permitted for faxing the request. Where
the quality or authenticity of the faxed request is at issue, the commissioner
may require the original request to be filed. Where the commissioner has not
identified quality or authenticity of the faxed request as an issue and the
request has been faxed in accordance with this subdivision, the person faxing
the request does not need to file the original request with the commissioner.
Subd. 12. Time period computation. In computing any period of time
prescribed or allowed by this section, the day of the act, event, or default
from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included.
The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a
Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the
next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
Subd. 13. Rulemaking. The commissioner may, in consultation with
the commissioner of revenue and the commissioner of employment and economic
development, adopt, amend, suspend, and repeal rules under the rulemaking provisions
of chapter 14 that relate to the commissioner's responsibilities under this
section. This subdivision is effective the day following final enactment.
Subd. 14. Fee. The certificate fee for the original application and
for the renewal of an independent contractor exemption certificate shall be
$150. If an individual simultaneously submits an application for both an
independent contractor exemption certificate under this section and a license
under section 326.84, the application fee for the independent contractor
exemption certificate shall be reduced to $100. Fees collected under this
subdivision are deposited in the general fund.
Subd. 15. Notice to commissioner; review by commissioner of revenue. When
the commissioner has reason to believe that an individual who holds a
certificate has failed to maintain all the conditions required by subdivision 3
or is not performing services for a person under the independent contractor
exemption certificate, the commissioner must notify the commissioner of revenue
and the commissioner of employment and economic development. Upon receipt of
notification from the commissioner that an individual who holds a certificate
has failed to maintain all the conditions required by subdivision 3 or is not
performing services for a person under the independent contractor exemption
certificate, the commissioner of revenue must review the information returns
required under section 6041A of the Internal Revenue Code. The commissioner of
revenue shall also review the submitted certification that is applicable to
returns audited or investigated under section 289A.35.
Subd. 16. Data classified. Certifications issued by the
commissioner are public data. Applications and required documentation submitted
by an individual is private data on an individual. Upon request of the
Department of Revenue or the Department of Employment and Economic Development,
the commissioner may release to the Department of Revenue and the Department of
Employment and Economic Development applications and required documentation
submitted by individuals and investigative data that relates to the
department's issuance or denial of applications and the department's
revocations of certificates. Except as otherwise provided by this subdivision,
the department's investigative data shall be classified as provided in chapter
13.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2008.
Sec. 17. [181.724] PERFORMERS IN RECORDED MEDIA
INDUSTRY.
Subdivision 1. Definitions. The definitions in this subdivision apply to
section 181.724.
(a) "Performer"
means actor, announcer, singer, dancer, narrator, stunt-person, extra, or any
other individual generically or customarily referred to as talent in the
recorded media industry.
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(b) "Recorded media
industry" means radio or television commercial production, nonbroadcast
audio or video production, sound recording, audio or video production for the
internet, or any other recording technology.
(c) "Individual"
means a human being.
(d) "Person" means
any individual, limited liability corporation, corporation, partnership,
incorporated or unincorporated association, sole proprietorship, joint stock
company, or any other legal or commercial entity.
Subd. 2. Limited application. This section applies only to
individuals who are performers in the recorded media industry. This section
does not apply to live performances.
Subd. 3. Employee-employer relationship. For the purposes of chapters
176, 177, 181A, 182, and 268, an individual who provides services as a
performer in the recorded media industry for a person that are in the course of
the person's trade, business, profession, or occupation is an employee of that
person and that person is an employer of the individual.
Subd. 4. Civil remedy. An individual who has been injured by a
violation of this section may bring a civil action for damages against the
violator. If the individual is an employee of the violator of this section, the
employee's representative, as defined in section 179.01, subdivision 5, may
bring a civil action for damages against the violator on behalf of the
employee. The court may award attorney fees, costs, and disbursement to an
individual recovering under this section.
Subd. 5. Reporting of violations. Any court finding that a
violation of this section has occurred shall transmit a copy of its findings of
fact and conclusions of law to the commissioner of labor and industry. The
commissioner of labor and industry shall report the finding to relevant state
and federal agencies, including the commissioner of commerce, the commissioner
of employment and economic development, the commissioner of revenue, the
federal Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Department of Labor.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective January 1, 2008.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 181.932, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Prohibited action. An employer shall
not discharge, discipline, threaten, otherwise discriminate against, or
penalize an employee regarding the employee's compensation, terms, conditions,
location, or privileges of employment because:
(a) the employee, or a
person acting on behalf of an employee, in good faith, reports a violation or
suspected violation of any federal or state law or rule adopted pursuant to law
to an employer or to any governmental body or law enforcement official and
the alleged violation involves a matter of public concern, including, but not
limited to, violations that create a specific danger to the public health,
safety, or environment;
(b) the employee is
requested by a public body or office to participate in an investigation,
hearing, inquiry;
(c) the employee refuses an
employer's order to perform an action that the employee has an objective basis
in fact to believe violates any state or federal law or rule or regulation
adopted pursuant to law which violation the employee reasonably believes is
a matter of public concern, including, but not limited to, violations that
create a specific danger to the public health, safety, or environment, and
the employee informs the employer that the order is being refused for that
reason; or
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(d) the employee, in good
faith, reports a situation in which the quality of health care services
provided by a health care facility, organization, or health care provider
violates a standard established by federal or state law or a professionally
recognized national clinical or ethical standard and potentially places the
public at risk of harm.;
(e) a public employee
refuses to alter, dilute, or suppress the objective representation or
communication of scientific or technical data or findings, including but not
limited to, findings of economic or environmental impact, or findings
indicating consequences for the public's health or safety; or
(f) a public employee
communicates the findings of a scientific or technical study that the employee,
in good faith, believes to be truthful and accurate, including reports to a
governmental body or law enforcement official.
The disclosures protected
pursuant to this section do not authorize the disclosure of trade secret
information otherwise protected by law.
Sec. 19. [181.9325] USE OF AUTHORITY TO INFLUENCE
OR INTERFERE WITH DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.
(a) A public employer may
not directly or indirectly use or attempt to use the employer's official
authority or influence for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, coercing,
or attempting to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for the purpose of
interfering with the rights described in section 181.932, or for the purpose of
persuading the person to waive or disclaim any other legal rights related to
the person's employment.
(b) For purposes of this
section, "use of official authority or influence" includes: promising
to confer, or conferring, any benefit; effecting, or threatening to effect, any
reprisal; or taking, or directing others to take, or recommending, processing,
or approving, any personnel action, including but not limited to appointment,
promotion, transfer, assignment, performance evaluation, suspension, or other
disciplinary action.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 181.935, is amended to read:
181.935 INDIVIDUAL REMEDIES; PENALTY.
(a) In addition to any
remedies otherwise provided by law, an employee injured by a violation of
section 181.932 or 181.9325 may bring a civil action to recover any and
all damages recoverable at law, together with costs and disbursements,
including reasonable attorney's fees, and may receive such injunctive and other
equitable relief as determined by the court.
(b) An employer who failed
to notify, as required under section 181.933 or 181.934, an employee injured by
a violation of section 181.932 is subject to a civil penalty of $25 per day per
injured employee not to exceed $750 per injured employee.
Sec. 21. [181.936] REPRISALS FOR DISCLOSURE OF IMPROPER
GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES; COMPLAINT PROCEDURE; PENALTIES.
(a) A public employee or
applicant for public employment who files a written complaint with the
employee's or applicant's supervisor, manager, or the appointing power alleging
actual or attempted acts of reprisal, retaliation, threats, coercion, or
similar improper acts prohibited by section 181.9325, may also file a copy of
the written complaint with the commissioner of labor and industry, together
with a sworn statement that the contents of the written complaint are true, or
are believed by the affiant to be true, under penalty of perjury. The complaint
filed with the commissioner shall be filed within 12 months of the most recent
act of reprisal complained about.
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(b) Any person who
intentionally engages in acts of reprisal, retaliation, threats, coercion, or
similar acts against a public employee or applicant for public employment for
having made a protected disclosure under section 181.932, is subject to a fine
not to exceed $10,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to
exceed one year.
(c) In addition to all other
penalties provided by law, any person who intentionally engages in acts of
reprisal, retaliation, threats, coercion, or similar acts against a public
employee or applicant for public employment for having made a protected
disclosure shall be liable in an action for damages brought against the person
by the injured party. Punitive damages may be awarded by the court where the
acts of the offending party are proven to be malicious. Where liability has
been established, the injured party shall also be entitled to reasonable
attorney fees as provided by law. However, any action for damages shall not be
available to the injured party unless the injured party has first filed a
complaint with the commissioner of labor and industry under paragraph (a), and
the department has issued, or failed to issue, findings under section 177.275.
(d) This section is not
intended to prevent an appointing power, manager, or supervisor from taking,
directing others to take, recommending, or approving any personnel action or
from taking or failing to take a personnel action with respect to any public
employee or applicant for public employment if the appointing power, manager,
or supervisor reasonably believes any action or inaction is justified on the
basis of evidence separate and apart from the fact that the person has made a
protected disclosure under section 181.932.
(e) In any civil action or
administrative proceeding, once it has been demonstrated by a preponderance of
evidence that an activity protected by sections 177.27, 177.275, 181.932, and
181.9325 was a contributing factor in the alleged retaliation against a former,
current, or prospective employee, the burden of proof shall be on the
supervisor, manager, or appointing power to demonstrate by clear and convincing
evidence that the alleged action would have occurred for legitimate,
independent reasons even if the employee had not engaged in protected
disclosures or refused an illegal order. If the supervisor, manager, or
appointing power fails to meet this burden of proof in an adverse action
against the employee in any administrative review, challenge, or adjudication
in which retaliation has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor, the
employee shall have a complete affirmative defense in the adverse action.
(f) Nothing in sections
177.27, 177.275, 181.932, and 181.9325 shall be deemed to diminish the rights,
privileges, or remedies of any employee under any other federal or state law or
under any employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.
Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 325E.37, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Scope; limitations. (a) This section
applies to a sales representative who, during some part of the period of the
sales representative agreement:
(1) is a resident of
Minnesota or maintains that person's principal place of business in Minnesota;
or
(2) whose geographical
territory specified in the sales representative agreement includes part or all
of Minnesota.
(b) To be effective, any
demand for arbitration under subdivision 5 must be made in writing and
delivered to the principal on or before one year after the effective date of
the termination of the agreement.
(c) A provision in any
contract between a sales representative dealing in plumbing equipment or
supplies and a principal purporting to waive any provision of this act, whether
by express waiver or by a provision stipulating that the contract is subject to
the laws of another state, shall be void.
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Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 326.37, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Rules. The state commissioner of
health Plumbing Board may, by rule, prescribe minimum standards
which shall be uniform, and which standards shall thereafter be effective for all
new plumbing installations, including additions, extensions, alterations, and
replacements connected with any water or sewage disposal system owned or
operated by or for any municipality, institution, factory, office building,
hotel, apartment building, or any other place of business regardless of
location or the population of the city or town in which located.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Rules, part 4715.3130, as they
apply to review of plans and specifications, the commissioner may allow
plumbing construction, alteration, or extension to proceed without approval of
the plans or specifications by the commissioner.
Except for powers granted to
the Plumbing Board, the commissioner of labor and industry shall administer the
provisions of sections 326.37 to 326.45 and for such purposes may employ
plumbing inspectors and other assistants.
Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.37, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4. Air admittance valves and water-free urinals prohibited. (a)
Mechanical devices and fittings with internal moving parts are prohibited from
installation in plumbing venting systems.
(b) All urinals covered
under the jurisdiction of the state plumbing code must have a water flush
device with a volume of not more than one gallon per use.
Sec. 25. [326.372] PLUMBING BOARD.
Subdivision 1. Composition. (a) The Plumbing Board shall consist of 12
voting members who must be residents of the state, appointed by the governor,
and confirmed by the senate. The commissioner of labor and industry or the
commissioner's designee shall be a voting member. The first appointed board
members shall serve an initial term of four years, except where designated
otherwise. The governor shall then reappoint the current members or appoint
replacement members, all or in part, to subsequent three-year terms. Midterm
vacancies shall be filled for the remaining portion of the term. Vacancies
occurring with less than six months time remaining in the term shall be filled
for the existing term and the following three-year term. Of the 11 appointed
members, the composition shall be as follows:
(1) two members shall be
municipal plumbing inspectors, one from the seven-county metro area and one
from greater Minnesota;
(2) one member shall be a
licensed mechanical engineer;
(3) two members serving an
initial term of three years shall be plumbing contractors or the representative
of the contractor, engaged in a commercial scope of plumbing contracting, one
from the metropolitan area and one from greater Minnesota;
(4) two members serving an
initial term of three years shall be plumbing contractors or their
representatives, engaged in the residential scope of plumbing contracting, one
from the metro area and one from greater Minnesota;
(5) two members serving an
initial term of two years shall be plumbing journeypersons engaged in a
commercial scope of plumbing systems installation, one from the metro area and
one from greater Minnesota; and
(6) two members serving an
initial term of two years shall be plumbing journeypersons engaged in a
residential scope of plumbing systems installation, one from the metro area and
one from greater Minnesota.
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(b) Except for the licensed
mechanical engineer, all persons appointed to the council must possess a
current Minnesota plumbing license and maintain the license for the duration of
their term.
Subd. 2. Powers. (a) The board shall have the power to:
(1) elect its chair;
(2) specify the plumbing
code that must be followed in this state;
(3) maintain a review
process to make determinations regarding any complaints, code amendments, code
compliance, and code clarifications filed with the board;
(4) adopt rules necessary for
the regulation and licensing of contractors, journeypersons, apprentices, and
other persons engaged in the design, installation, and alteration of plumbing
systems that would include the issuing, renewing, revoking, refusing to renew,
and suspending a plumbing license, except for persons licensed under sections
326.02 to 326.15;
(5) adopt rules necessary
for continuing education for individuals regulated and licensed under this
section;
(6) make recommendations to
the commissioner regarding educational requirements for plumbing inspectors;
and
(7) pay expenses deemed
necessary in the performance of board duties, including:
(i) rent, utilities, and
supplies in the manner and amount specified in section 43A.18, subdivision 2;
and
(ii) per diem and expenses
for its members as provided in section 15.0575, subdivision 3.
(b) Requests under the
review process in paragraph (a), clause (3), may originate with the municipal
inspectors, the plumbing contractors or their employees, and other persons
engaged in the design, installation, and alteration of plumbing systems. The
board shall make its findings known to all parties and the commissioner of
labor and industry within the time period specified by the board.
Subd. 3. Fees and finances. The board shall submit an annual
budget to the commissioner of labor and industry. The commissioner shall
collect fees under section 326.42 necessary for the operation and continuance
of the board. The commissioner is responsible for the enforcement of the codes
and licensing requirements determined by the board. The board shall recommend
the fees for licenses and certification under this section. The commissioner of
finance shall make a quarterly certification of the amount necessary to pay
expenses required for operation of the board under subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (6). The certified amount is appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and
2009 to the board for those purposes from the fees collected under section
326.42.
Subd. 4. Transfer of authority; Plumbing Board. The authority of
the commissioners of health and labor and industry to adopt rules relating to
plumbers is transferred to the Plumbing Board. Licenses and permits currently
in effect remain in effect according to their terms unless affected by board
action. Rules adopted by the commissioner of health or labor and industry
remain in effect until amended or repealed by the board. The commissioner of
administration may not use the authority under section 16B.37 to modify the
transfers of authority in this act.
Subd. 5. First meeting; appointments for Plumbing Board. The
governor must complete the appointments required by section 326.372 no later
than July 1, 2007. The commissioner of labor and industry shall convene the
first meeting of the Plumbing Board no later than September 1, 2007.
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Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.38, is amended to read:
326.38 LOCAL REGULATIONS.
Any city having a system of waterworks
or sewerage, or any town in which reside over 5,000 people exclusive of any
statutory cities located therein, or the metropolitan airports commission, may,
by ordinance, adopt local regulations providing for plumbing permits, bonds,
approval of plans, and inspections of plumbing, which regulations are not in
conflict with the plumbing standards on the same subject prescribed by the
state commissioner of health Plumbing Board. No city or such town
shall prohibit plumbers licensed by the state commissioner of health labor
and industry from engaging in or working at the business, except cities and
statutory cities which, prior to April 21, 1933, by ordinance required the
licensing of plumbers. No city or town may require a license for persons
performing building sewer or water service installation who have completed pipe
laying training as prescribed by the commissioner of labor and industry. Any
city by ordinance may prescribe regulations, reasonable standards, and
inspections and grant permits to any person, firm, or corporation engaged in
the business of installing water softeners, who is not licensed as a master
plumber or journeyman plumber by the state commissioner of health
labor and industry, to connect water softening and water filtering equipment
to private residence water distribution systems, where provision has been
previously made therefor and openings left for that purpose or by use of cold
water connections to a domestic water heater; where it is not necessary to
rearrange, make any extension or alteration of, or addition to any pipe,
fixture or plumbing connected with the water system except to connect the water
softener, and provided the connections so made comply with minimum standards
prescribed by the state commissioner of health Plumbing Board.
Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.40, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. License required; master and journeyman
plumbers. In any city now or hereafter having 5,000 or more
population, according to the last federal census, and having a system of
waterworks or sewerage, (a) No person, firm, or corporation shall
engage in or work at the business of a master plumber or, restricted
master plumber, journeyman plumber, and restricted journeyman plumber
unless licensed to do so by the state commissioner of health labor
and industry. A license is not required for persons performing building
sewer or water service installation who have completed pipe laying training as
prescribed by the commissioner of labor and industry. A master plumber may
also work as a journeyman plumber, a restricted journeyman plumber, and a
restricted master plumber. A journeyman plumber may also work as a restricted
journeyman plumber. Anyone not so licensed may do plumbing work which
complies with the provisions of the minimum standard prescribed by the state commissioner
of health Plumbing Board on premises or that part of premises owned
and actually occupied by the worker as a residence, unless otherwise forbidden
to do so by a local ordinance.
In any such city (b) No person, firm,
or corporation shall engage in the business of installing plumbing nor install
plumbing in connection with the dealing in and selling of plumbing material and
supplies unless at all times a licensed master plumber, or in cities and
towns with a population of fewer than 5,000 according to the federal census a
restricted master plumber, who shall be responsible for proper
installation, is in charge of the plumbing work of the person, firm, or
corporation.
The Department of Health
Plumbing Board shall prescribe rules, not inconsistent herewith, for the
examination and licensing of plumbers.
Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.401, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Journeyman exam. A plumber's apprentice
who has completed four years of practical plumbing experience is eligible to
take the journeyman plumbing examination. Up to 24 months of practical plumbing
experience prior to registration as an apprentice may be applied to the
four-year experience requirement. However, none of this practical plumbing
experience may be applied if the person did not have any practical plumbing
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experience in the 12-month
period immediately prior to registration. The commissioner Plumbing
Board may adopt rules to evaluate whether the person's past practical
plumbing experience is applicable in preparing for the journeyman's
examination. If two years after completing the training the person has not
taken the examination, the four years of experience shall be forfeited.
The commissioner may allow
an extension of the two-year period for taking the exam for cases of hardship
or other appropriate circumstances.
Sec. 29. [326.402] RESTRICTED PLUMBER LICENSE.
Subdivision 1. Licensure. The commissioner of labor and industry shall
grant a restricted journeyman or master plumber license to an individual if:
(1) the individual completes
an application with information required by the commissioner of labor and
industry;
(2) the completed
application is accompanied by a fee of $90;
(3) the commissioner of
labor and industry receives the completed application and fee before January 1,
2008;
(4) the completed
application demonstrates that the applicant has had at least two years for a
restricted journeyman plumber license or four years for a restricted master
plumber license of practical plumbing experience in the plumbing trade prior to
the application; and
(5) during the entire time for
which the applicant is claiming experience in contracting for plumbing work
under clause (4), the applicant was in compliance with all applicable
requirements of section 326.40.
Subd. 2. Use of license. A restricted master plumber and
restricted journeyman plumber may engage in the plumbing trade in all areas of
the state except in cities and towns with a population of more than 5,000
according to the federal census.
Subd. 3. Application period. Applications for restricted master
plumber and restricted journeyman plumber licenses must be submitted to the
commissioner prior to January 1, 2008.
Subd. 4. Renewal; use period for license. A restricted master
plumber and restricted journeyman plumber license must be renewed annually for as
long as that licensee engages in the plumbing trade. Failure to renew a
restricted master plumber and restricted journeyman plumber license within 12
months after the expiration date will result in permanent forfeiture of the
restricted master plumber and restricted journeyman plumber license.
Subd. 5. Prohibition of transference. A restricted master plumber
and restricted journeyman plumber license may not be transferred or sold to any
other person.
Subd. 6. Bond; insurance. A restricted master plumber licensee is
subject to the bond and insurance requirements of section 326.40, subdivision
2, unless the exemption provided by section 326.40, subdivision 3, applies.
Subd. 7. Fee. The annual fee for the restricted master plumber and
restricted journeyman plumber licenses is the same fee as for a master or
journeyman plumber license, respectively.
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Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.405, is amended to read:
326.405 RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES.
The commissioner of health
may license without examination, upon payment of the required fee, nonresident
applicants who are licensed under the laws of a state having standards for
licensing plumbers which the commissioner determines are substantially
equivalent to the standards of this state if the other state grants similar
privileges to Minnesota residents duly licensed in this state. The commissioner may issue
a temporary license without examination, upon payment of the required fee,
nonresident applicants who are licensed under the laws of a state having
standards for licensing which the commissioner determines are substantially
equivalent to the standards of this state if the other state grants similar
privileges to Minnesota residents duly licensed in this state. Applicants who
receive a temporary license under this section may acquire an aggregate of 24
months of experience before they have to apply and pass the licensing
examination. Applicants must register with the commissioner of labor and
industry and the commissioner shall set a fee for a temporary license.
Applicants have five years in which to comply with this section.
Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.42, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Application. Applications for plumber's
license shall be made to the state commissioner of health labor and
industry, with fee. Unless the applicant is entitled to a renewal, the
applicant shall be licensed by the state commissioner of health labor
and industry only after passing a satisfactory examination administered
by the examiners commissioner of labor and industry, based upon rules
adopted by the Plumbing Board showing fitness. Examination fees for both
journeyman and master plumbers shall be in an amount prescribed by the state
commissioner of health labor and industry pursuant to section
144.122. Upon being notified that of having successfully passed the examination
for original license the applicant shall submit an application, with the
license fee herein provided. License fees shall be in an amount prescribed by
the state commissioner of health labor and industry pursuant to
section 144.122. Licenses shall expire and be renewed as prescribed by the
commissioner pursuant to section 144.122.
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 341.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Regulatory authority; tough person
contests. All tough person contests, including amateur tough person
contests, are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject
to American Boxing Commission (ABC) rules. Every contestant in a tough person
contest shall have a physical examination prior to their bouts. Every
contestant in a tough person contest shall wear padded gloves that weigh at
least 12 ounces. All tough person bouts are limited to two-minute rounds and
a maximum of four total rounds. Officials at tough person bouts shall be
licensed under this chapter.
Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 3. Regulatory authority; similar sporting events. All mixed
martial arts, ultimate fight contests, and similar sporting events are subject
to this chapter.
Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 341.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Expiration and renewal. A license expires
December 31 at midnight in the year of its issuance issued after the
effective date of this act is valid for one year from the date it is issued
and may be renewed by filing an application for renewal with the commission and
payment of the license fee. An application for a license and renewal of a
license must be on a form provided by the commission. There is a 30-day grace
period during which a license may be renewed if a late filing penalty fee equal
to the license fee is submitted with the regular license fee. A licensee that
files late shall not conduct any activity regulated by this chapter until the
commission has renewed the license. If the licensee fails to apply to the
commission within the 30-day grace period, the licensee must apply for a new
license under subdivision 1.
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Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 341.321, is amended to read:
341.321 FEE SCHEDULE.
(a) The fee schedule for
licenses issued by the Minnesota Boxing Commission is as follows:
(1) referees, $35
$45 for each initial license and each renewal;
(2) promoters, $400 for each
initial license and each renewal;
(3) judges and knockdown judges,
$25 $45 for each initial license and each renewal;
(4) trainers, $35
$45 for each initial license and each renewal;
(5) ring announcers, $25
$45 for each initial license and each renewal;
(6) boxers' seconds, $25
$45 for each initial license and each renewal;
(7) timekeepers, $25
$45 for each initial license and each renewal; and
(8) boxers, $35
$45 for each initial license and each renewal.;
(9) managers, $45 for each
initial license and each renewal; and
(10) ringside physicians, $45
for each initial license and each renewal.
(b) The commission shall
establish and assess an event fee for each sporting event. The event fee is set
at a minimum of $1,500 per event or a percentage of the ticket sales as
determined by the commission when the sporting event is scheduled.
(c) All fees collected by the
Minnesota Boxing Commission must be deposited in the Boxing Commission account
in the special revenue fund.
Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 541.051, is amended to read:
541.051 LIMITATION OF ACTION FOR DAMAGES BASED ON SERVICES OR
CONSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE REAL PROPERTY.
Subdivision 1. Limitation; service or construction of real
property; improvements. (a) Except where fraud is involved, no action by
any person in contract, tort, or otherwise to recover damages for any injury to
property, real or personal, or for bodily injury or wrongful death, arising out
of the defective and unsafe condition of an improvement to real property, nor
any action for contribution or indemnity for damages sustained on account of
the injury, shall be brought against any person performing or furnishing
the design, planning, supervision, materials, or observation of construction or
construction of the improvement to real property or against the owner of the
real property more than two years after discovery of the injury or, in the
case of an action for contribution or indemnity, accrual of the cause of action,
nor, in any event shall such a cause of action accrue more than ten
years after substantial completion of the construction. Date of substantial
completion shall be determined by the date when construction is sufficiently
completed so that the owner or the owner's representative can occupy or use the
improvement for the intended purpose.
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(b) Notwithstanding
paragraph (a), an action for contribution or indemnity arising out of the
defective and unsafe condition of an improvement to real property may be
brought no later than two years after the cause of action for contribution or
indemnity has accrued, regardless of whether it accrued before or after the
ten-year period referenced in paragraph (a).
(c) For purposes of paragraph
(a), a cause of action accrues upon discovery of the injury or, in the case of
an action for contribution or indemnity under paragraph (b), upon
payment of a final judgment, arbitration award, or settlement arising out of
the defective and unsafe condition.
(c) (d) Nothing in this section
shall apply to actions for damages resulting from negligence in the
maintenance, operation or inspection of the real property improvement against
the owner or other person in possession.
(d) (e) The limitations prescribed
in this section do not apply to the manufacturer or supplier of any equipment
or machinery installed upon real property.
Subd. 2. Action allowed; limitation.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), in the
case of an a cause of action which accrues during the ninth or tenth
year after substantial completion of the construction, an action to recover
damages may be brought within two years after the date on which the cause of
action accrued, but in no event may such an action be brought more
than 12 years after substantial completion of the construction. Nothing in
this subdivision shall limit the time for bringing an action for contribution
or indemnity.
Subd. 3. Not construed. Nothing in this section
shall be construed as extending the period prescribed by the laws of this state
for the bringing of any action.
Subd. 4. Applicability. For the purposes of
actions based on breach of the statutory warranties set forth in section
327A.02, or to actions based on breach of an express written warranty, such
actions shall be brought within two years of the discovery of the breach. In
the case of an action under section 327A.05, which accrues during the ninth or
tenth year after the warranty date, as defined in section 327A.01, subdivision
8, an action may be brought within two years of the discovery of the breach,
but in no event may an action under section 327A.05 be brought more than 12
years after the effective warranty date. An action for contribution or
indemnity related to actions described in this subdivision may be brought no
later than two years after the cause of action for contribution or indemnity
has accrued, based upon the time of accrual provided in subdivision 1,
paragraph (c).
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective
the day following final enactment and applies to all actions pending on or
commenced on or after that date.
Sec. 37. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 176.042; 268.035, subdivision 9; and 326.45, are repealed.
EFFECTIVE DATE. Sections 176.042 and
286.035, subdivision 9, are repealed effective January 1, 2009.
ARTICLE 5
HIGH PRESSURE PIPING
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 326.46, is amended to read:
326.46 SUPERVISION OF HIGH PRESSURE PIPING.
The Department of Labor and
Industry shall supervise all high pressure piping used on all projects in this
state, and may prescribe minimum standards which shall be uniform
under rules adopted by the board.
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The department shall employ
inspectors and other assistants to carry out the provisions of sections 326.46
to 326.52.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.461, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 1a. Board. "Board" means the Board of High Pressure
Piping Systems.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.47, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Permissive municipal regulation. A
municipality may, by ordinance, provide for the inspection of high pressure piping
system materials and construction, and provide that it shall not be constructed
or installed except in accordance with minimum state standards. The authority
designated by the ordinance for issuing high pressure piping permits and
assuring compliance with state standards must report to the Department of Labor
and Industry all violations of state high pressure piping standards.
A municipality may not adopt
an ordinance with high pressure piping standards that does not conform to the
uniform standards prescribed by the Department of Labor and Industry
board. The Department of Labor and Industry board shall
specify by rule the minimum qualifications for municipal inspectors.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006,
section 326.47, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Filing and inspection fees. The
Department of Labor and Industry must charge a filing fee set by the commissioner
board under section 16A.1285 for all applications for permits to construct or
install high pressure piping systems. The fee for inspection of high pressure
piping system construction or installation shall be set by the commissioner
board under section 16A.1285. This subdivision does not apply where a
permit is issued by a municipality complying with subdivision 2.
Sec. 5. [326.471] BOARD OF HIGH PRESSURE PIPING SYSTEMS.
Subdivision 1. Composition. (a) The Board of High Pressure Piping
Systems shall consist of 12 members who must be residents of the state,
appointed by the governor, and confirmed by the senate. The commissioner of the
Department of Labor and Industry or the commissioner's designee shall be a
voting member. The first appointed board members shall serve an initial term of
four years, except where designated otherwise. The governor shall then
reappoint the current members or appoint replacement members, all or in part,
to subsequent three-year terms. Midterm vacancies shall be filled for the
remaining portion of the term. Vacancies occurring with less than six months
time remaining in the term shall be filled for the existing term and the
following three-year term. Of the 11 appointed members, the composition shall
be as follows:
(1) one member shall be a
high pressure piping inspector;
(2) one member shall be a licensed
mechanical engineer;
(3) one member shall be a
representative of the piping industry;
(4) four members shall be
high pressure piping contractors or their representatives, engaged in the scope
of high pressure piping, two from the metro area and two from greater
Minnesota;
(5) two members shall be
high pressure piping journeypersons engaged in the scope of high pressure
piping systems installation, one from the metro area and one from greater
Minnesota; and
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(6) two members shall be
representatives from utility companies in Minnesota who shall serve an initial
term of two years.
(b) Except for the licensed
mechanical engineer and the members from utilities companies, all persons
appointed to the board must possess a current license or competency credential
required for contractors and persons engaged in the design, installation,
alteration, and inspection of high pressure piping systems.
Subd. 2. Powers. (a) The board shall have the power to:
(1) elect its chair;
(2) specify the high
pressure piping code that must be followed in Minnesota;
(3) maintain an appeals
committee to make determinations regarding any complaints, code amendments,
code compliance, and code clarifications filed with the board;
(4) adopt rules necessary
for the regulation and licensing of contractors, journeypersons, trainees, and
persons engaged in the design, installation, alteration, and inspection of high
pressure piping systems, except for persons licensed under sections 326.02 to
326.15;
(5) adopt rules necessary
for continuing education for individuals regulated and licensed under this
section; and
(6) pay expenses deemed
necessary in the performance of board duties, including:
(i) rent, utilities, and
supplies in the manner and amount specified in section 43A.18, subdivision 2;
and
(ii) per diem and expenses
for its members as provided in section 15.0575, subdivision 3.
(b) Complaints filed under this
section may originate with high pressure piping inspectors, contractors, or
their employees, or other persons engaged in the design, installation, and
alteration of a high pressure piping system. The board shall make their
findings known to all parties and the commissioner of the Department of Labor
and Industry within the time period specified by the board.
Subd. 3. Fee and finances. The board shall submit an annual budget
to the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. The commissioner shall
collect fees under section 326.47, subdivision 6, necessary for the operation
and continuance of the board. The commissioner is responsible for the
enforcement of the codes and licensing requirements determined by the board.
The board shall recommend the fees for licenses and certification under this
section and for all high pressure piping system permits and submit the fee
structure to the commissioner of labor and industry. The commissioner of
finance shall make a quarterly certification of the amount necessary to pay
expenses required for operation of the board under subdivision 2, paragraph
(a), clause (6). The certified amount is appropriated in fiscal years 2008 and
2009 to the board for those purposes from the fees collected under section 326.50.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.48, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. License required; rules; time credit.
No person shall engage in or work at the business of a contracting pipefitter
unless issued an individual contracting pipefitter license to do so by the
Department of Labor and Industry under rules prescribed by the board. No
license shall be required for repairs on existing installations. No person
shall engage in or work at the business of journeyman pipefitter unless issued
an individual journeyman pipefitter competency license to do so by the
Department of Labor and Industry under rules prescribed by the board. A
person possessing an individual contracting pipefitter competency license may
also work as a journeyman pipefitter.
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No person, partnership,
firm, or corporation shall install high pressure piping, nor install high
pressure piping in connection with the dealing in and selling of high pressure
pipe material and supplies, unless, at all times, a person possessing a
contracting pipefitter individual competency license or a journeyman pipefitter
individual competency license is responsible for the high pressure pipefitting
work conducted by the person, partnership, firm, or corporation being in
conformity with Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Rules.
The Department of Labor
and Industry board shall prescribe rules, not inconsistent herewith,
for the examination and individual competency licensing of contracting
pipefitters and journeyman pipefitters and for issuance of permits by the
department and municipalities for the installation of high pressure piping.
An employee performing the
duties of inspector for the Department of Labor and Industry in regulating
pipefitting shall not receive time credit for the inspection duties when making
an application for a license required by this section.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.48, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. High pressure pipefitting business license.
Before obtaining a permit for high pressure piping work, a person, partnership,
firm, or corporation must obtain or utilize a business with a high pressure
piping business license.
A person, partnership, firm,
or corporation must have at all times as a full-time employee at least one
individual holding an individual contracting pipefitter competency license.
Only full-time employees who hold individual contracting pipefitter licenses
are authorized to obtain high pressure piping permits in the name of the
business. The individual contracting pipefitter competency license holder can
be the employee of only one high pressure piping business at a time.
To retain its business
license without reapplication, a person, partnership, firm, or corporation
holding a high pressure piping business license that ceases to employ a person
holding an individual contracting pipefitter competency license shall have 60
days from the last day of employment of its previous individual contracting
pipefitter competency license holder to employ another license holder. The
Department of Labor and Industry must be notified no later than five days after
the last day of employment of the previous license holder.
No high pressure pipefitting
work may be performed during any period when the high pressure pipefitting
business does not have an individual contracting pipefitter competency license
holder on staff. If a license holder is not employed within 60 days, the
pipefitting business license shall lapse.
The Department of Labor
and Industry board shall prescribe by rule procedures for
application for and issuance of business licenses and fees.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.48, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 6. Reciprocity with other states. The commissioner may issue
a temporary license without examination, upon payment of the required fee,
nonresident applicants who are licensed under the laws of a state having standards
for licensing which the commissioner determines are substantially equivalent to
the standards of this state if the other state grants similar privileges to
Minnesota residents duly licensed in this state. Applicants who receive a
temporary license under this section may acquire an aggregate of 24 months of
experience before they have to apply and pass the licensing examination.
Applicants must register with the commissioner of labor and industry and the
commissioner shall set a fee for a temporary license. Applicants have five
years in which to comply with this section.
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Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.50, is amended to read:
326.50 APPLICATION; FEES.
Application for an
individual contracting pipefitter competency or an individual journeyman
pipefitter competency license shall be made to the Department of Labor and
Industry, with fees. The applicant shall be licensed only after passing an
examination administered by the Department of Labor and Industry in
accordance with rules adopted by the board.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.51, is amended to read:
326.51 DEPARTMENT MAY REVOKE LICENSES.
The department
board may revoke or suspend, for cause, any license obtained through error
or fraud, or if the licensee is shown to be incompetent, or for a violation of
any of its rules and regulations applicable to high pressure pipefitting work.
The licensee shall have notice, in writing, enumerating the charges, and be
entitled to a hearing on at least ten days' notice, with the right to produce
testimony. The hearing shall be held pursuant to chapter 14. The commissioner
board shall issue a final order based on testimony and the record at
hearing. One year from the date of revocation application may be made for a new
license.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.52, is amended to read:
326.52 DEPOSIT OF FEES.
All fees received under
sections 326.46 to 326.52 shall be deposited by the Department of Labor and
Industry to the credit of the general fund in the state treasury. The salaries
and per diem of the inspectors and examiners hereinbefore provided, their
expenses, and all incidental expenses of the department and board in
carrying out the provisions of sections 326.46 to 326.52 shall be paid from the
appropriations made to the Department of Labor and Industry. The commissioner
board by rule shall set the amount of the fees at a level that
approximates, to the greatest extent possible, the salaries, per diem, and
incidental expenses of the department.
Sec. 12. TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY; BOARD OF HIGH
PRESSURE PIPING SYSTEMS.
The authority of the
commissioner of labor and industry to adopt rules relating to high pressure
piping systems is transferred to the Board of High Pressure Piping Systems.
Licenses and permits currently in effect remain in effect according to their
terms unless affected by board action. Rules adopted by the commissioner of
labor and industry remain in effect until amended or repealed by the board. The
commissioner of administration may not use the authority under Minnesota
Statutes, section 16B.37, to modify transfers of authority in this act.
Sec. 13. FIRST MEETING; APPOINTMENTS FOR BOARD OF
HIGH PRESSURE PIPING SYSTEMS.
The governor must complete
the appointments required by Minnesota Statutes, section 326.471, no later than
July 1, 2007. The commissioner of labor and industry shall convene the first
meeting of the Board of High Pressure Piping Systems no later than September 1,
2007.
ARTICLE 6
IRON RANGE RESOURCES AND
REHABILITATION BOARD
Section 1. [270.99] HOCKEY HERITAGE SURCHARGE.
Subdivision 1. Imposition. A
surcharge of 25 cents is imposed on the sale of every ticket to an NCAA Division I
men's hockey event in the state.
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Subd. 2. Collection; remittance. The surcharge imposed in this
section shall be collected by all sellers of these tickets with nexus in the
state of Minnesota. The seller shall report the surcharge on a return
proscribed by the commissioner of revenue and shall remit the surcharge with
the return.
Subd. 3. Administration. Unless specifically provided otherwise in
this section, the audit, assessment, refund, penalty, interest, enforcement,
collection remedies, appeal, and administrative provisions in this chapter and
chapter 289A that are applicable to taxes imposed under chapter 297A apply to
the surcharge imposed under this section.
Subd. 4. Deposit of revenues. The commissioner of revenue shall
deposit all revenues, including penalty and interest, derived from the
surcharge imposed in this section in the hockey surcharge account in the
special revenue fund. The amount deposited under this section is appropriated
to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board for payment to the city of
Eveleth to be used for the support of the Hockey Hall of Fame Museum provided
that it continues to operate in the city. Payments under this section for the
Hockey Hall of Fame Museum are in addition to and must not be used to supplant
funding under section 298.28, subdivision 9c.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 298.22, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
Board. There is hereby created the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
Board, consisting of 13 ten members, five of whom are state
senators appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Rules Committee of
the senate, and five of whom are representatives, appointed by the speaker of
the house of representatives. The remaining members shall be appointed one
each by the senate majority leader, the speaker of the house of
representatives, and the governor and must be nonlegislators who reside in a
taconite assistance area as defined in section 273.1341. The members shall
be appointed in January of every odd-numbered year, except that the initial
nonlegislator members shall be appointed by July 1, 1999, and shall serve
until January of the next odd-numbered year. Vacancies on the board shall be
filled in the same manner as the original members were chosen. At least a
majority of the legislative members of the board shall be elected from state
senatorial or legislative districts in which over 50 percent of the residents
reside within a taconite assistance area as defined in section 273.1341. All
expenditures and projects made by the commissioner of Iron Range resources and
rehabilitation shall be consistent with the priorities established in subdivision
8 and shall first be submitted to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation
Board for approval by a majority of the board of expenditures and projects for
rehabilitation purposes as provided by this section, and the method, manner,
and time of payment of all funds proposed to be disbursed shall be first
approved or disapproved by the board. The board shall biennially make its
report to the governor and the legislature on or before November 15 of each
even-numbered year. The expenses of the board shall be paid by the state from
the funds raised pursuant to this section.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, 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 plant and stationary mining equipment
and facilities for the producer or for research and development in Minnesota on
new mining, or
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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. Effective for proposals
for expenditures of money from the fund approved beginning the day following
final enactment, the commissioner may release the funds only if the proposed
expenditure is approved by a majority of the members of the Iron Range
Resources and Rehabilitation Board. If a producer uses money which has
been released from the fund prior to the day following final enactment 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.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective for proposals for expenditures of money from the fund the day
following final enactment.
Sec. 4. APPROPRIATION; IRON RANGE RESOURCES AND REHABILITATION BOARD.
$500,000 is appropriated
from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board fund for fiscal year
2008 for allocation in this section:
(1) $225,000 is for Aitkin
County Growth, Inc. to extend electric service and other infrastructure to a
peat project in Spencer Township in Aitkin County;
(2) $75,000 is for a
nonprofit organization for the preservation of the B'nai Abraham Synagogue in
Virginia, of which $50,000 is for renovation and $25,000 is for a permanent
endowment for the preservation;
(3) $150,000 is for a grant
to the Iron Range youth in action program to assist the organization to employ
youth for the construction of community centers; and
(4) $50,000 is for a grant
to the Iron Range retriever club for pond and field construction.
These are onetime
appropriations.
Sec. 5. IRRRB BUILDING.
The Iron Range Resources and
Rehabilitation Board office building in Eveleth, Minnesota is designated and
named the Joe Begich Building and shall be signed as such at every entrance.
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ARTICLE 7
ELECTRICAL
Section 1. Minnesota
Statutes 2006, section 326.01, subdivision 6g, is amended to read:
Subd. 6g. Personal direct supervision. The
term "personal "Direct supervision" means that a
person licensed to perform electrical work oversees and directs the electrical
work performed by an unlicensed person such that:
(1) the licensed person
actually reviews the electrical work performed by the unlicensed person
an unlicensed individual is being supervised by an individual licensed to
perform the electrical work being supervised;
(2) during the entire
working day of the unlicensed individual, the licensed individual is physically
present at the location where the unlicensed individual is preforming
electrical work and immediately available to the unlicensed individual;
(3) the licensed person
individual is physically present and immediately available to the
unlicensed person individual at all times for assistance and
direction; and
(4) electronic supervision
does not meet the requirement of physically present and immediately available;
(5) the licensed individual
shall review the electrical work performed by the unlicensed individual before
the electrical work is operated; and
(3) (6) the licensed person
individual is able to and does determine that all electrical work performed
by the unlicensed person individual is performed in compliance
with section 326.243.
The licensed person
individual is responsible for the compliance with section 326.243 of all
electrical work performed by the unlicensed person individual.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.241, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Composition. (a) The Board of Electricity
shall consist of 11 12 members, residents of the state, appointed
by the governor of whom and confirmed by the senate. The commissioner
of labor and industry or the commissioner's designee shall be a nonvoting
member. The first appointed board members shall serve an initial term of four
years, except where designated otherwise. The governor shall then reappoint the
current members or appoint replacement members, all or in part, to subsequent
three-year terms. Midterm vacancies shall be filled for the remaining portion
of the term. Vacancies occurring with less than six months time remaining in
the term shall be filled for the existing term and the following three-year
term. Of the 11 appointed members, the composition shall be as follows:
(1) two shall be
representatives of the electrical suppliers in the rural areas of the state,
(2) two shall be master
electricians, who shall be contractors,
(3) two journeyman
electricians,
(4) one registered consulting
electrical engineer,
(5) two power limited
technicians, who shall be technology system contractors primarily engaged in
the business of installing technology circuits or systems, and
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(6) two public members as defined
by section 214.02.
(b) Except as provided
herein,
membership terms, compensation of members, removal of members, the filling of
membership vacancies, and fiscal year and reporting requirements shall be as
provided in sections 214.07 to 214.09. The provision of staff, administrative
services and office space; the review and processing of complaints; the setting
of board fees; and other provisions relating to board operations shall be as
provided in chapter 214.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.241, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Powers. (a) The board, or the
complaint committee on behalf of the board where authorized by law, shall have
power to:
(1) Elect its own officers.
(2) Engage and fix the compensation
of inspectors, and hire employees. The salary of the executive secretary shall
be established pursuant to chapter 43A. All agents and employees other than
contract inspectors shall be in the classified service and shall be compensated
pursuant to chapter 43A. All inspectors shall hold licenses as master or
journeyman electricians under section 326.242, subdivision 1(1) or 2(1), and
shall give bond in an amount fixed by the board, conditioned upon the faithful
performance of their duties.
(3) (2) Pay such other expenses as
it may deem necessary in the performance of its duties, including rent,
supplies, and such like.
(3) Select from its members
individuals to serve on any other state advisory councils, boards, or
committees.
(4) Enforce the provisions
of sections 326.241 to 326.248, and provide, upon request, such additional
voluntary inspections and reviews as it may deem appropriate.
(5) Issue, renew, refuse
to renew, suspend, temporarily suspend, and revoke licenses, censure licensees,
assess civil penalties, issue cease and desist orders, and seek injunctive
relief and civil penalties in court as authorized by section 326.242 and other
provisions of Minnesota law. Establish the committees required herein
and any others deemed necessary by the board or requested by the commissioner.
(6) Adopt reasonable rules
to carry out its duties under sections 326.241 to 326.248 and to provide for
the amount and collection of fees for inspection and other services. All rules
shall be adopted in accordance with chapter 14.
(7) Advise the commissioner
on issues related to sections 326.241 to 326.248 or as requested by the
commissioner.
(b) Except for the powers
granted to the Electricity Board the commissioner of labor and industry shall
administer the provisions of sections 326.241 to 326.248 and for such purposes
may employ electrical inspectors and other assistants.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.242, subdivision 3d, is amended to read:
Subd. 3d. Power limited technician. (a) Except as
otherwise provided by law, no person shall install, alter, repair, plan, lay
out, or supervise the installing, altering, or repairing of electrical wiring,
apparatus, or equipment for technology circuits or systems unless:
(1) the person is licensed
by the board as a power limited technician; and
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(2) the electrical work is:
(i) for a licensed
contractor and the person is an employee, partner, or officer of, or is the licensed
contractor; or
(ii) performed under the
supervision of a master electrician or power limited technician also employed
by the person's employer on technology circuits, systems, apparatus, equipment,
or facilities owned or leased by the employer that are located within the
limits of property owned or leased, operated, and maintained by the employer.
(b) An applicant for a power
limited technician's license shall (1) be a graduate of a four-year electrical
course in an accredited college or university; or (2) have had at least 36
months' experience, acceptable to the board, in planning for, laying out,
supervising, and installing wiring, apparatus, or equipment for power limited
systems, provided however, that the board may by rule provide for the allowance
of up to 12 months (2,000 hours) of experience credit for successful completion
of a two-year post high school electrical course or other technical training
approved by the board.
(c) The board may initially
set experience requirements without rulemaking, but must adopt rules before
July 1, 2004.
(d) Licensees must attain
eight hours of continuing education acceptable to the board every renewal
period.
(e) A person who has
submitted an application by June 30, 2003, to take the alarm and communications
examination administered by the board, and who has achieved a minimal score of
70 percent on the examination by September 30, 2003, may obtain a power limited
technician license without further examination by submitting an application and
a license fee of $30.
(f) A company holding an
alarm and communication license as of June 30, 2003, may designate one person
who may obtain a power limited technician license without passing an
examination administered by the board by submitting an application and license
fee of $30.
(g) A person who has
submitted an application by September 30, 2005 December 31, 2007,
to take the power limited technician examination administered by the board
department is not required to meet the qualifications set forth in paragraph
(b).
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.242, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Unlicensed persons individuals.
(a) An unlicensed person individual means an individual who has not
been licensed by the Board of Electricity as a Class A master electrician or as
a Class A journeyman electrician. An unlicensed individual shall not
perform electrical work required to be performed by a licensed individual unless
the individual has first registered with the Board of Electricity as an
unlicensed individual. Thereafter, an unlicensed individual shall not perform
electrical work required to be performed by a licensed individual unless the
work is performed under the personal direct supervision of a
person an individual actually licensed to perform such work and.
The licensed electrician individual and unlicensed persons
are individual must be employed by the same employer. Licensed persons
individuals shall not permit unlicensed persons individuals
to perform electrical work except under the personal direct
supervision of a person an individual actually licensed to
perform such work. Unlicensed persons individuals shall not
supervise the performance of electrical work or make assignments of electrical
work to unlicensed persons individuals. Except for technology
circuit or system work, licensed persons individuals shall
supervise no more than two unlicensed persons individuals. For technology
circuit or system work, licensed persons individuals shall
supervise no more than three unlicensed persons individuals.
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(b) Notwithstanding any other
provision of this section, no person individual other than a
master electrician or power limited technician shall plan or lay out electrical
wiring, apparatus, or equipment for light, heat, power, or other purposes,
except circuits or systems exempted from personal licensing by subdivision 12,
paragraph (b).
(c) Contractors employing
unlicensed persons performing individuals to perform electrical
work shall maintain records establishing compliance with this subdivision, which
that shall designate identify all unlicensed persons
individuals performing electrical work, except for persons working on
circuits or systems exempted from personal licensing by subdivision 12,
paragraph (b), and shall permit the board to examine and copy all such records
as provided for in section 326.244, subdivision 6.
(d) When a licensed
individual supervises the electrical work of an unlicensed individual, the
licensed individual is responsible for ensuring that the electrical work
complies with sections 326.241 to 326.248 and rules adopted.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.242, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 5a. Registration of unlicensed individuals. Unlicensed
individuals performing electrical work for a contractor or employer shall register
with the department in the manner prescribed by the commissioner. Experience
credit for electrical work performed after January 1, 2008, by an applicant for
a license identified in this section shall not be granted where the applicant
has not registered with or is not licensed by the department.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 326.242, subdivision 11, is amended to read:
Subd. 11. Reciprocity. To the extent that any
other state which provides for the licensing of electricians provides for similar
action the board may grant licenses, without examination, of the same grade and
class to an electrician who has been licensed by such other state for at least
one year, upon payment by the applicant of the required fee and upon the board
being furnished with proof that the required fee and upon the board being
furnished with proof that the qualifications of the applicant are equal to the
qualifications of holders of similar licenses in Minnesota. The
commissioner may enter into reciprocity agreements for personal licenses with
another state if approved by the board. Once approved by the board, the
commissioner may issue a personal license without requiring the applicant to
pass an examination provided the applicant:
(a) submits an application
under section 326.242;
(b) pays the fee required
under section 326.242; and
(c) holds a valid comparable
license in the state participating in the agreement.
Agreements are subject to
the following:
(1) The parties to the
agreement must administer a statewide licensing program that includes
examination and qualifying experience or training comparable to Minnesota's.
(2) The experience and
training requirements under which an individual applicant qualified for examination
in the qualifying state must be deemed equal to or greater than required for an
applicant making application in Minnesota at the time the applicant acquired
the license in the qualifying state.
(3) The applicant must have
acquired the license in the qualifying state through an examination deemed
equivalent to the same class of license examination in Minnesota. A lesser
class of license may be granted where the applicant has acquired a greater
class of license in the qualifying state and the applicant otherwise meets the
conditions of this subdivision.
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(4) At the time of
application, the applicant must hold a valid license in the qualifying state
and have held the license continuously for at least one year before making
application in Minnesota.
(5) An applicant is not
eligible for a license under this subdivision if the applicant has failed the
same or greater class of license examination in Minnesota, or if the applicant's
license of the same or greater class has been revoked or suspended.
(6) An applicant who has
failed to renew a personal license for two years or more after its expiration
is not eligible for a license under this subdivision.
Sec. 8. REPEALER.
Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 326.01, subdivision 4; and 326.242, subdivision 4, are repealed.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
ARTICLE 8
APPRENTICESHIP BOARD
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 178.01, is amended to read:
178.01 PURPOSES.
The purposes of this chapter
are: to open to young people regardless of race, sex, creed, color or national
origin, the opportunity to obtain training that will equip them for profitable
employment and citizenship; to establish as a means to this end, a program of
voluntary apprenticeship under approved apprentice agreements providing
facilities for their training and guidance in the arts, skills, and crafts of
industry and trade, with concurrent, supplementary instruction in related
subjects; to promote employment opportunities under conditions providing
adequate training and reasonable earnings; to relate the supply of skilled
workers to employment demands; to establish standards for apprentice training;
to establish an Apprenticeship Advisory Council Board and
apprenticeship committees to assist in effectuating the purposes of this
chapter; to provide for a Division of Labor Standards and Apprenticeship within
the Department of Labor and Industry; to provide for reports to the legislature
regarding the status of apprentice training in the state; to establish a
procedure for the determination of apprentice agreement controversies; and to
accomplish related ends.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 178.02, is amended to read:
178.02 APPRENTICESHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL BOARD.
Subdivision 1. Members. The commissioner of labor and
industry, hereinafter called the commissioner, shall appoint an Apprenticeship Advisory
Council Board, hereinafter referred to as the council
board, composed of three representatives each from employer and employee
organizations, and two representatives of the general public. The director of education
responsible for career and technical education or designee shall be an ex
officio member of the council board and shall serve in an
advisory capacity only.
Subd. 2. Terms. The council board
shall expire and the terms, compensation, and removal of appointed members
shall be as provided in section 15.059, except that the council shall not
expire before June 30, 2003.
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Subd. 4. Duties. The council board
shall meet at the call of the commissioner. It shall propose occupational
classifications for apprenticeship programs; propose minimum standards for
apprenticeship programs and agreements; and advise on the establishment of such
policies, procedures, and rules as the commissioner board deems
necessary in implementing the intent of this chapter.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 178.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Duties and functions. The director,
under the supervision of the commissioner, and with the advice and oversight
of the Apprenticeship Advisory Council Board, is authorized:
to administer the provisions of this chapter; to promote apprenticeship and
other forms of on the job training; to establish, in cooperation and
consultation with the Apprenticeship Advisory Council Board
and with the apprenticeship committees, conditions and training standards for
the approval of apprenticeship programs and agreements, which conditions and
standards shall in no case be lower than those prescribed by this chapter; to
promote equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship and other on the job
training and to establish a Minnesota plan for equal employment opportunity in
apprenticeship which shall be consistent with standards established under Code
of Federal Regulations, title 29, part 30, as amended; to issue certificates of
registration to sponsors of approved apprenticeship programs; to act as
secretary of the Apprenticeship Advisory Council Board; to
approve, if of the opinion that approval is for the best interest of the
apprentice, any apprenticeship agreement which meets the standards established
hereunder; to terminate any apprenticeship agreement in accordance with the
provisions of such agreement; to keep a record of apprenticeship agreements and
their disposition; to issue certificates of completion of apprenticeship; and
to perform such other duties as the commissioner deems necessary to carry out
the intent of this chapter; provided, that the administration and supervision
of supplementary instruction in related subjects for apprentices; coordination
of instruction on a concurrent basis with job experiences, and the selection
and training of teachers and coordinators for such instruction shall be the
function of state and local boards responsible for vocational education. The
director shall have the authority to make wage determinations applicable to the
graduated schedule of wages and journeyman wage rate for apprenticeship
agreements, giving consideration to the existing wage rates prevailing
throughout the state, except that no wage determination by the director shall
alter an existing wage provision for apprentices or journeymen that is
contained in a bargaining agreement in effect between an employer and an organization
of employees, nor shall the director make any determination for the beginning
rate for an apprentice that is below the wage minimum established by federal or
state law.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 178.041, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Rules. The commissioner may, upon
receipt of the council's board's proposals, accept, adopt, and
issue them by rule with any modifications or amendments the commissioner finds
appropriate. The commissioner may refer them back to the council
board with recommendations for further study, consideration and revision. If
the commissioner refuses to accept, adopt, and issue by rule or other
appropriate action a board proposal, the commissioner must provide a written
explanation of the reason for the refusal to the board within 30 days after the
board submitted the proposal to the commissioner. Additional rules may be
issued as the commissioner may deem necessary.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. SUMMARY OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
The amounts shown in this section summarize direct
appropriations by fund made in this article.
2008 2009 Total
General $51,175,000 $47,510,000 $98,685,000
Total $51,175,000 $47,510,000 $98,685,000
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Sec. 2. MISCELLANEOUS
APPROPRIATIONS.
The sums shown in the columns marked
"Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the
purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general
fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated
for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in
this article mean that the appropriations listed under them are available for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The
first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal
year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
Appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, are effective the day
following final enactment.
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Sec. 3. EXPLORE
MINNESOTA TOURISM $11,669,000 $12,587,000
(a) To develop maximum
private sector involvement in tourism, $1,000,000 the first year and $2,000,000
the second year must be matched by Explore Minnesota Tourism from nonstate
sources. Each $1 of state incentive must be matched with $3 of private sector
funding. Cash match is defined as revenue to the state or documented cash
expenditures directly expended to support Explore Minnesota Tourism programs.
Up to one-half of the private sector contribution may be in-kind or soft match.
The incentive in the first year shall be based on fiscal year 2007 private
sector contributions as prescribed in Laws 2005, First Special Session chapter
1, article 3, section 6. The incentive increase in the second year will be
based on fiscal year 2008 private sector contributions. This incentive is
ongoing.
(b) Funding for the
marketing grants is available either year of the biennium. Unexpended grant
funds from the first year are available in the second year.
(c) Any unexpended money
from the general fund appropriations made under this section does not cancel
but must be placed in a special marketing account for use by Explore Minnesota
Tourism for additional marketing activities.
(d) $250,000 the first year
and $250,000 the second year are for operating costs of the Minnesota Film and
TV Board. The appropriation in each year is available only upon receipt by the board
of $1 in matching contributions of money or in-kind contributions from nonstate
sources for every $3 provided by this appropriation.
(e) $750,000 is appropriated
each year for a grant to the Minnesota Film and TV Board for the film jobs
production program under Minnesota Statutes, section 116U.26. Of this amount,
up to $25,000 each year may be used for administration. The budget base for the
film jobs production program shall be $500,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $500,000
in fiscal year 2011.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(f) $150,000 the first year
is for a onetime grant to St. Louis County to be used for feasibility studies
and planning activities concerning additional uses for the St. Louis County
Heritage and Arts Center at the Duluth depot. The studies and planning
activities must include:
(1) examining the costs and
benefits of relocating the Northeast Minnesota Office of Tourism to the Duluth
depot;
(2) establishing a heritage
tourism center at the Duluth depot;
(3) developing a multimodal
operational plan integrating railroad and bus service; and
(4) identifying additional
services and activities that would contribute toward returning the Duluth depot
to being a working railroad station and cultural gateway to Duluth and St.
Louis County.
This appropriation is
available until June 30, 2009.
Sec. 4. MINNESOTA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $29,031,000 $24,441,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
$500,000 the first year and
$500,000 the second year are for increased rent costs. This amount is added to
the society's base budget.
Subd. 2. Education
and Outreach 17,307,000 13,765,000
(a) Of this amount,
$1,700,000 the first year is a onetime appropriation for the Minnesota
Sesquicentennial Commission. Of this appropriation, $750,000 is for competitive
matching grants for local events and projects; $750,000 is for planning and
support of statewide activities, and up to $200,000 may be used for
administration.
(b) The Minnesota Historical
Society, the State Arts Board, and Explore Minnesota Tourism may assist the
commission in designing and implementing the grants program.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(c) The commission shall encourage private
contributions to match the state funds to the greatest extent possible.
Contributions received by the commission are appropriated to the commission.
$1,500,000 the first year is for a grant-in-aid
program for county and local historical societies. The Minnesota Historical
Society shall establish program guidelines and grant evaluation and award
criteria for the program. Each dollar of state funds awarded to a grantee must
be matched with nonstate funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis by a grantee. This
is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
$500,000 the first year is for a grant-in-aid
program for county and local historical societies for the repair, restoration,
and preservation of historic sites and buildings in Minnesota. The Minnesota
Historical Society shall establish program guidelines and grant evaluation and
award criteria for the program. This is a onetime appropriation and is
available until expended.
(d) $60,000 each year is to offset the revenue loss
from not charging fees for general tours at the Capitol. This appropriation is
added to the society's base budget.
(e) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section
138.668, the Minnesota Historical Society may not charge a fee for its general
tours at the Capitol, but may charge fees for special programs other than
general tours.
Subd. 3. Preservation
and Access 10,953,000 10,271,000
$500,000 the first year is to conduct a conservation
survey and for restoration, treatment, moving, and storage of the 1905 historic
furnishings and works of art in the Minnesota State Capitol. This is a onetime
appropriation and is available until June 30, 2009.
$308,000 the first year is for the preservation of
battle flags. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30,
2009.
Subd. 4. Pass-Through
Appropriations 771,000 405,000
(a) Minnesota International
Center 43,000 43,000
(b) Minnesota Air National
Guard Museum 16,000 -0-
(c) Minnesota Military
Museum 234,000 234,000
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
(d) Farmamerica 128,000 128,000
(e) Balances Forward
Any unencumbered balance remaining in this
subdivision the first year does not cancel but is available for the second year
of the biennium.
$150,000 the first year is for a onetime grant to
the Nicollet County Historical Society for renovation of the center exhibit
gallery in the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter, including additions to
the center's infrastructure and state-of-the-art interpretive elements. This
appropriation is available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject
to Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642.
$200,000 the first year is for a grant to the Hmong
Studies Center at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to be used for
preservation of Hmong historical artifacts and documents. Any part of the
appropriation not used in fiscal year 2008 is available for use in fiscal year
2009. This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.
Subd. 5. Fund
Transfer
The Minnesota Historical Society may reallocate
funds appropriated in and between subdivisions 2 and 3 for any program
purposes.
Subd. 6. Minnesota
River Valley Study Group
The Minnesota Historical Society in cooperation with
Explore Minnesota Tourism shall establish and coordinate a Minnesota River
Valley study group. The Minnesota River Valley study group shall be comprised
of representatives of the Minnesota Valley Scenic Byway Alliance, the
Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, the
Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the Region 6 West, Region 6 East, Region 8
and Region 9 Regional Development Commissions, the Minnesota Historical
Society, Explore Minnesota Tourism, State Arts Board, and other interested
parties. The study group must develop a plan for coordinated activities among
organizations represented on the study group to enhance and promote historic
sites, and historic, scenic, and natural features of the Minnesota River Valley
area. Study topics shall include, but are not limited to, historic sites related to the Dakota Conflict of 1862 and the
Journal of the House - 47th
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
state and local preparations
for the sesquicentennial of this event. The Minnesota Historical Society and
Explore Minnesota Tourism shall report on the findings and recommendations of
the Minnesota River Valley study group to the standing committees of the house
of representatives and senate with jurisdiction over historic sites and tourism
by March 1, 2008. The Minnesota River Valley study group shall serve without
compensation.
Sec. 5. BOARD OF THE
ARTS
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $9,975,000 $9,982,000
The amounts that may be
spent for each purpose are specified in the following subdivisions.
Subd. 2. Operations
and Services 637,000 644,000
Subd. 3. Grants
Programs 6,452,000 6,452,000
The base budget for the
grants program shall be $5,924,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $5,924,000 in fiscal
year 2011.
Subd. 4. Regional
Arts Councils 2,886,000 2,886,000
The base budget for the
regional arts councils shall be $2,539,000 in fiscal year 2010 and $2,539,000
in fiscal year 2011.
Sec. 6. MINNESOTA
HUMANITIES COMMISSION $500,000 $500,000
Of this amount, ten percent
each year is for lifelong learning programs in greater Minnesota communities
that do not receive financial support from other large educational
institutions. The base budget for the Minnesota Humanities Commission is
$500,000 each year in the 2010-2011 biennium.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 190.096, is amended to read:
190.096 BATTLE FLAGS; REPAIR.
Subdivision 1. Authority to repair. Notwithstanding
the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1961, chapters 16 and 43, the adjutant
general or the Minnesota Historical Society may contract for the repair,
restoration, and preservation of regimental battle flags, standards, and
guidons with persons or corporations skilled in such repair, restoration, and
preservation, upon terms or conditions the adjutant general or the Minnesota
Historical Society deems proper, subject to the approval of the
commissioner of administration.
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Subd. 2. Surrender. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this section or section 190.09, the adjutant general or
the Minnesota Historical Society may, for the purposes of this section,
surrender the immediate custody and control of regimental battle flags,
standards, and guidons under conditions and safeguards the adjutant general or
the Minnesota Historical Society deems necessary and proper, for such time
as is reasonably necessary for their restoration, after which they shall at
once be again properly stored or displayed. The adjutant general or the
Minnesota Historical Society shall provide adequate storage and display
space for flags, standards, and guidons which have been repaired and restored.
Subd. 3. Battle flags; care and control. (a) The flags and colors
carried by Minnesota troops in the Civil War, Indian Wars, and the
Spanish-American War shall be preserved under the care and control of the
Minnesota Historical Society. They shall be suitably encased and marked, and,
so far as the historical society may deem it consistent with the safety of the
flags and colors, they shall be publicly displayed in the capitol.
(b) The flags and colors
carried by Minnesota troops in subsequent wars shall be preserved under the
care and control of the adjutant general. They shall be suitably encased and
marked, and, so far as the adjutant general may deem it consistent with the
safety of the flags and colors, shall be publicly displayed.
ARTICLE 10
HOUSING
Section 1. SUMMARY OF
APPROPRIATIONS.
The amounts shown in this section summarize direct
appropriations, by fund, made in this article.
2008 2009 Total
General $67,896,000 $49,040,000 $116,936,000
TANF $3,075,000 $3,075,000 $6,150,000
Total $70,971,000 $52,115,000 $123,086,000
Sec. 2. HOUSING.
The sums shown in the columns marked
"Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies and for the purposes
specified. The appropriations are from the general fund, or another named fund,
and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The figures
"2008" and "2009" used in this act mean that the
appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2008, or June 30, 2009, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal
year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal year 2009. "The
biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Appropriations for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2007, are effective the day following final enactment.
APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Sec. 3. HOUSING
FINANCE AGENCY
Subdivision 1. Total
Appropriation $70,971,000 $52,115,000
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Appropriations by Fund
2008 2009
General 67,896,000 49,040,000
TANF 3,075,000 3,075,000
This appropriation is for transfer to the housing
development fund. The amounts that may be spent from this appropriation for
certain programs are specified in the following subdivisions. Except as
otherwise indicated, this transfer is part of the agency's permanent budget
base.
Of this amount, $3,075,000 the first year and
$3,075,000 the second year are onetime appropriations from the state's federal
TANF block grant under Title I of Public Law Number 104-193 to the commissioner
of human services, to reimburse the housing development fund for assistance
under the programs for families receiving TANF assistance under the MFIP
program. The commissioner of human services shall make monthly reimbursements
to the housing development fund. The commissioner of human services shall not
make any reimbursement which the commissioner determines would be subject to a
penalty under Code of Federal Regulations, section 262.1. If the appropriation
in either year is insufficient, the appropriation for the other year is
available.
Subd. 2. Economic
Development and Housing Challenge
(a) $21,308,000 the first year and $9,622,000 the
second year are for the economic development and housing challenge program
under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.33, for housing that:
(i) conserves energy and utilizes sustainable,
healthy building materials;
(ii) preserves sensitive natural areas and open
spaces and minimizes the need for new infrastructure;
(iii) is accessible to jobs and services through
integration with transportation or transit systems; and
(iv) expands the mix of housing choices in a
community by diversifying the levels of housing affordability.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
The agency may fund demonstration projects that have
unique approaches to achieving the housing described above.
(b) The base is reduced by $3,407,000 each year in
fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 3. Housing
Trust Fund
$15,195,000 the first year and $11,945,000 the
second year are for the housing trust fund account created under Minnesota
Statutes, section 462A.201, for the purposes of that section. Of this amount,
$1,500,000 the first year and $1,500,000 in the second year is a onetime
appropriation from the state's federal TANF block grant. The base is reduced by
$3,390,000 each year in fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 4. Bridges
Rental Assistance for Mentally Ill
$3,400,000 the first year and $3,400,000 the second
year are for a rental housing assistance program for persons with a mental
illness or families with an adult member with a mental illness under Minnesota
Statutes, section 462A.2097.
Subd. 5. Family
Homeless Prevention
$7,565,000 the first year and $7,565,000 the second
year are for family homeless prevention and assistance programs under Minnesota
Statutes, section 462A.204. Of this amount, $1,575,000 in the first year and
$1,575,000 in the second year is a onetime appropriation from the state's
federal TANF block grant. The general fund base is reduced by $2,225,000 each
year in fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 6. Home
Ownership Assistance Fund
$1,885,000 the first year and $1,885,000 the second
year are for the home ownership assistance program under Minnesota Statutes,
section 462A.21, subdivision 8. The base is reduced by $1,000,000 each year in
fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 7. Affordable
Rental Investment Fund
$11,496,000 the first year and $8,996,000 the second
year are for the affordable rental investment fund program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 462A.21, subdivision 8b. Of this amount, $2,500,000 the first
year is a onetime appropriation.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
This appropriation is to
finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and debt restructuring of federally assisted
rental property and for making equity take-out loans under Minnesota Statutes,
section 462A.05, subdivision 39. The owner of the federally assisted rental
property must agree to participate in the applicable federally assisted housing
program and to extend any existing low-income affordability restrictions on the
housing for the maximum term permitted. The owner must also enter into an
agreement that gives local units of government, housing and redevelopment
authorities, and nonprofit housing organizations the right of first refusal if
the rental property is offered for sale. Priority must be given among
comparable federally assisted rental properties to properties with the longest
remaining term under an agreement for federal rental assistance. Priority must
also be given among comparable rental housing developments to developments that
are or will be owned by local government units, a housing and redevelopment
authority, or a nonprofit housing organization.
This appropriation may also
be used to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and debt restructuring of
existing supportive housing properties. For purposes of this subdivision,
"supportive housing" means affordable rental housing with links to
services necessary for individuals, youth, and families with children to
maintain housing stability.
Of this amount, $2,500,000
is appropriated for the purposes of financing the rehabilitation and operating
costs to preserve public housing. For purposes of this subdivision,
"public housing" is housing for low-income persons and households
financed by the federal government and owned and operated by public housing
authorities and agencies. Eligible public housing authorities must have a
public housing assessment system rating of standard or above. Priority among
comparable proposals must be given to proposals that maximize federal or local
resources to finance the capital and operating costs.
Subd. 8. Housing
Rehabilitation and Accessibility
$5,657,000 the first year
and $4,287,000 the second year are for the housing rehabilitation and
accessibility program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.05, subdivisions
14a and 15a. The base is reduced by $629,000 each year in fiscal year 2010 and
fiscal year 2011.
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APPROPRIATIONS
Available for the Year
Ending June 30
2008 2009
Subd. 9. Urban
Indian Housing Program
$187,000 the first year and
$187,000 the second year are for the urban Indian housing program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 462A.07, subdivision 15. The base is reduced by $52,000 each
year in fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 10. Tribal
Indian Housing Program
$1,683,000 the first year
and $1,683,000 the second year are for the tribal Indian housing program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.07, subdivision 14. The base is reduced by
$468,000 each year in fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2011.
Subd. 11. Home
Ownership Education, Counseling, and Training
$2,135,000 the first year and
$2,135,000 the second year are appropriated for the home ownership education,
counseling, and training program under Minnesota Statutes, section 462A.209.
The base is reduced by $1,460,000 each year in fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year
2011. Of this amount, $630,000 the first year is for:
(1) foreclosure prevention
and assistance activities in communities that have mortgage foreclosure rates
that exceed the statewide average foreclosure rate for the most recent quarter
for which data is available; and
(2) home buyer education and
counseling activities by organizations that have experience working with
emerging markets or partner with organizations with experience working with
emerging markets and that have demonstrated a commitment to increasing the homeownership
rate of emerging markets.
Subd. 12. Capacity
Building Grants
$820,000 for the biennium is
for capacity building grants under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.21,
subdivision 3b. Of this amount, $140,000 is for continuum of care planning in greater
Minnesota. This appropriation is the agency's base budget for this program.
Subd. 13. Grant
for Hennepin County
$50,000 is a onetime
appropriation in the first year for a grant to Hennepin County for
collaboration with the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs at the University
of Minnesota for the development of a predictive, data-driven model that can be
used to identify at-risk properties in order to target resources to prevent
foreclosure.
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Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 462A.21, subdivision 8b, is amended to read:
Subd. 8b. Family rental housing. It may establish
a family rental housing assistance program to provide loans or direct rental
subsidies for housing for families with incomes of up to 80 percent of state
median income, or to provide grants for the operating cost of public housing.
Priority must be given to those developments with resident families with the
lowest income. The development may be financed by the agency or other public or
private lenders. Direct rental subsidies must be administered by the agency for
the benefit of eligible families. Financial assistance provided under this
subdivision to recipients of aid to families with dependent children must be in
the form of vendor payments whenever possible. Loans, grants, and direct
rental subsidies under this subdivision may be made only with specific
appropriations by the legislature. The limitations on eligible mortgagors
contained in section 462A.03, subdivision 13, do not apply to loans for the
rehabilitation of existing housing under this subdivision.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 462A.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Contribution requirement. Fifty percent
of the funds appropriated for this section must be used for challenge grants or
loans which meet the requirements of this subdivision for housing
proposals with financial or in-kind contributions from nonstate resources that
reduce the need for deferred loan or grant funds from state resources. These
Challenge grants or loans must be used for economically viable homeownership or
rental housing proposals that:
(1) include a financial or
in-kind contribution from an area employer and either a unit of local government
or a private philanthropic, religious, or charitable organization; and
(2) address the housing needs
of the local work force.
Among comparable proposals,
preference must be given to proposals that include contributions from nonstate
resources for the greatest portion of the total development cost. Comparable
proposals with contributions from local units of government or private
philanthropic, religious, or charitable organizations must be given preference
in awarding grants or loans.
For the purpose of this
subdivision, an employer a contribution may consist partially or
wholly of the premium paid for federal housing tax credits.
Preference for grants and
loans shall also be given to comparable proposals that include a financial or
in-kind contribution from a unit of local government, an area employer, and a
private philanthropic, religious, or charitable organization.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 469.021, is amended to read:
469.021 PREFERENCES.
As between applicants
equally in need and eligible for occupancy of a dwelling and at the rent
involved, preference shall be given to disabled veterans, persons with
disabilities, and families of service persons who died in service and to
families of veterans. In admitting families of low income to dwelling
accommodations in any housing project an authority shall, as far as is
reasonably practicable, give consideration to applications from families to
which aid for dependent children is payable receiving assistance under
chapter 256J, and to resident families to whom public assistance or
supplemental security income for the aged, blind, and disabled is payable, when
those families are otherwise eligible.
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Sec. 7. MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE REDUCTION.
The commissioner of the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, in consultation with the commissioner of
commerce, the attorney general, the Minnesota Mortgage Bankers' Association,
Legal Services of Minnesota, the Minnesota Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
Association, and the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association shall evaluate the
provisions of Minnesota Statutes, sections 580.04 and 580.041, to determine if
corrective actions could be taken by the 2008 legislature to reduce mortgage
foreclosures in the state."
Delete the title and insert:
"A bill for an act
relating to state government; appropriating money for jobs, economic
development, and housing; establishing and modifying certain programs; providing
for regulation of certain activities and practices; providing for accounts,
assessments, and fees; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 116J.401, by
adding a subdivision; 116J.551, subdivision 1; 116J.554, subdivision 2;
116J.555, subdivision 1; 116J.575, subdivisions 1, 1a; 116J.966, subdivision 1;
116L.01, by adding a subdivision; 116L.04, subdivision 1a; 116L.17, subdivision
1; 116L.20, subdivision 1; 116L.666, subdivision 1; 116M.18, subdivision 6a;
177.27, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, by adding a subdivision; 177.28,
subdivision 1; 177.30; 177.43, subdivisions 3, 4, 6, by adding a subdivision;
178.01; 178.02; 178.03, subdivision 3; 178.041, subdivision 1; 181.78, by
adding a subdivision; 181.932, subdivision 1; 181.935; 182.65, subdivision 2;
190.096; 268.085, subdivision 3; 268.196, by adding a subdivision; 268A.01,
subdivision 13, by adding a subdivision; 268A.085, subdivision 1; 268A.15, by
adding a subdivision; 298.22, subdivision 2; 298.227; 325E.37, subdivision 6;
326.01, subdivision 6g; 326.241, subdivisions 1, 2; 326.242, subdivisions 3d,
5, 11, by adding a subdivision; 326.37, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision;
326.38; 326.40, subdivision 1; 326.401, subdivision 2; 326.405; 326.42,
subdivision 1; 326.46; 326.461, by adding a subdivision; 326.47, subdivisions
2, 6; 326.48, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 326.50; 326.51;
326.52; 341.28, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 341.32, subdivision 2;
341.321; 462.39, by adding a subdivision; 462A.21, subdivision 8b; 462A.33,
subdivision 3; 469.021; 541.051; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapters 116J; 116O; 154; 177; 179; 181; 181A; 182; 270; 326;
repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 16C.18, subdivision 2; 176.042;
268.035, subdivision 9; 326.01, subdivision 4; 326.242, subdivision 4;
326.45."
With the recommendation that
when so amended the bill pass and be re-referred to the Committee on Taxes.
The report was adopted.
Carlson from the Committee
on Finance to which was referred:
S. F. No. 2171, A bill for
an act relating to state government; making changes to health and human
services programs; modifying health policy; changing licensing provisions;
altering provisions for mental and chemical health; modifying child care
provisions; amending children and family services provisions; changing
continuing care provisions; amending MinnesotaCare; adjusting child care
assistance eligibility; establishing family stabilization services; enacting
federal compliance requirements; expanding medical assistance coverage;
providing rate increases for certain providers; modifying fees; appropriating
money for human services, health, veterans nursing homes boards, the Emergency
Medical Services Regulatory Board; health care boards, the Council on Disability,
the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities, and the
ombudsman for families; requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 13.381, by adding a subdivision; 16A.724, subdivision 2, by adding
subdivisions; 47.58, subdivision 8; 62E.02, subdivision 7; 62J.07, subdivisions
1, 3; 62J.495; 62J.692, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 8; 62J.82; 62L.02, subdivision
11; 62Q.165, subdivisions 1, 2; 62Q.80, subdivisions 3, 4, 13, 14, by adding a
subdivision; 69.021, subdivision 11; 103I.101, subdivision 6; 103I.208,
subdivisions 1, 2; 103I.235, subdivision 1; 119B.011, by adding a subdivision;
119B.035, subdivision 1; 119B.05, subdivision 1; 119B.09, subdivision 1;
119B.12, by adding a subdivision; 119B.13, subdivisions 1, 7; 144.123; 144.125,
subdivisions 1, 2; 144.3345; 144D.03, subdivision 1; 148.5194, by adding a
subdivision; 148.6445, subdivisions 1, 2; 148C.11, subdivision 1;
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3372
149A.52, subdivision 3;
149A.97, subdivision 7; 153A.14, subdivision 4a; 153A.17; 169A.70, subdivision
4; 245.465, by adding a subdivision; 245.4874; 245.771, by adding a
subdivision; 245.98, subdivision 2; 245A.035; 245A.10, subdivision 2; 245A.16,
subdivisions 1, 3; 245C.02, by adding a subdivision; 245C.04, subdivision 1;
245C.05, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, 7, by adding a subdivision; 245C.08,
subdivisions 1, 2; 245C.10, by adding a subdivision; 245C.11, subdivisions 1,
2; 245C.12; 245C.16, subdivision 1; 245C.17, by adding a subdivision; 245C.21,
by adding a subdivision; 245C.23, subdivision 2; 246.54, subdivisions 1, 2;
252.27, subdivision 2a; 252.32, subdivision 3; 253B.185, by adding a
subdivision; 254B.02, subdivision 3; 256.01, subdivision 2b, by adding
subdivisions; 256.482, subdivisions 1, 8; 256.969, subdivisions 3a, 9, 27, by
adding a subdivision; 256.975, subdivision 7; 256B.04, subdivision 14, by
adding a subdivision; 256B.056, subdivision 10; 256B.0621, subdivision 11;
256B.0622, subdivision 2; 256B.0623, subdivision 5; 256B.0625, subdivisions 17,
18a, 20, 30, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0631, subdivisions 1, 3; 256B.0655,
subdivision 8; 256B.0911, subdivisions 1a, 3a, 3b, by adding a subdivision;
256B.0913, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0915, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0943,
subdivision 8; 256B.0945, subdivision 4; 256B.095; 256B.0951, subdivision 1;
256B.15, by adding a subdivision; 256B.199; 256B.431, subdivisions 2e, 41;
256B.434, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision; 256B.437, by adding a
subdivision; 256B.441, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 20, 24, 30,
31, 34, 38, by adding subdivisions; 256B.49, subdivisions 11, 16; 256B.5012, by
adding a subdivision; 256B.69, subdivisions 2, 4, 5g, 5h; 256B.75; 256B.76;
256B.763; 256D.03, subdivisions 3, 4; 256I.04, subdivision 3; 256I.05, by
adding subdivisions; 256J.01, by adding a subdivision; 256J.02, by adding a
subdivision; 256J.021; 256J.08, subdivision 65; 256J.20, subdivision 3;
256J.32, subdivision 6; 256J.425, subdivisions 3, 4; 256J.49, subdivision 13;
256J.521, subdivisions 1, 2; 256J.53, subdivision 2; 256J.55, subdivision 1;
256J.626, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; 256L.01, subdivisions 1, 4; 256L.03,
subdivisions 1, 3, 5; 256L.035; 256L.04, subdivisions 1, 1a, 7, 10; 256L.05,
subdivisions 1, 1b, 2, 3a; 256L.07, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 6; 256L.09,
subdivision 4; 256L.11, subdivision 7; 256L.12, subdivision 9a; 256L.15,
subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 256L.17, subdivisions 2, 3, 7; 259.20, subdivision 2;
259.29, subdivision 1; 259.41; 259.53, subdivision 2; 259.57, subdivision 2;
259.67, subdivision 4; 260C.209; 260C.212, subdivision 2; 462A.05, by adding a
subdivision; 518A.56, by adding a subdivision; 609.115, subdivisions 8, 9; Laws
2005, chapter 98, article 3, section 25; Laws 2005, First Special Session
chapter 4, article 9, section 3, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16C; 62J; 144; 145; 149A; 152; 156; 245; 245C;
252; 254A; 256; 256B; 256C; 256J; 256L; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006,
sections 62A.301; 62J.692, subdivision 10; 256B.0631, subdivision 4; 256B.441,
subdivisions 12, 16, 21, 26, 28, 42, 45; 256J.24, subdivision 6; 256J.29;
256J.37, subdivisions 3a, 3b; 256J.626, subdivisions 7, 9; 256L.035; 256L.07,
subdivision 2a; Laws 2004, chapter 288, article 6, section 27; Minnesota Rules,
parts 4610.2800; 9585.0030.
Reported the same back with
the following amendments:
Delete everything after the
enacting clause and insert:
"ARTICLE 1
CHILDREN AND FAMILY
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 13.46, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. General. (a) Unless the data is summary
data or a statute specifically provides a different classification, data on
individuals collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by the welfare system
is private data on individuals, and shall not be disclosed except:
(1) according to section
13.05;
(2) according to court
order;
(3) according to a statute
specifically authorizing access to the private data;
Journal of the House - 47th
Day - Friday, April 13, 2007 - Top of Page 3373
(4) to an agent of the
welfare system, including a law enforcement person, attorney, or investigator
acting for it in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal or civil
proceeding relating to the administration of a program;
(5) to personnel of the
welfare system who require the data to verify an individual's identity;
determine eligibility, amount of assistance, and the need to provide services
to an individual or family across programs; evaluate the effectiveness of
programs; and investigate suspected fraud;
(6) to administer federal
funds or programs;
(7) between personnel of the
welfare system working in the same program;
(8) to the Department of
Revenue to administer and evaluate tax refund or tax credit programs and to
identify individuals who may benefit from these programs. The following
information may be disclosed under this paragraph: an individual's and their
dependent's names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, income, addresses,
and other data as required, upon request by the Department of Revenue.
Disclosures by the commissioner of revenue to the commissioner of human
services for the purposes described in this clause are governed by section
270B.14, subdivision 1. Tax refund or tax credit programs include, but are not
limited to, the dependent care credit under section 290.067, the Minnesota
working family credit under section 290.0671, the property tax refund and
rental credit under section 290A.04, and the Minnesota education credit under
section 290.0674;
(9) between the Department
of Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Department of
Employment and Economic Development for the purpose of monitoring the
eligibility of the data subject for unemployment benefits, for any employment
or training program administered, supervised, or certified by that agency, for
the purpose of administering any rehabilitation program or child care
assistance program, whether alone or in conjunction with the welfare system, or
to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program or the child
care assistance program by exchanging data on recipients and former
recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D, 256J, or
256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs under
chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L;
(10) to appropriate parties
in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to
protect the health or safety of the individual or other individuals or persons;
(11) data maintained by
residential programs as defined in section 245A.02 may be disclosed to the
protection and advocacy system established in this state according to Part C of
Public Law 98-527 to protect the legal and human rights of persons with developmental
disabilities or other related conditions who live in residential facilities for
these persons if the protection and advocacy system receives a complaint by or
on behalf of that person and the person does not have a legal guardian or the
state or a designee of the state is the legal guardian of the person;
(12) to the county medical
examiner or the county coroner for identifying or locating relatives or friends
of a deceased person;
(13) data on a child support
obligor who makes payments to the public agency may be disclosed to the
Minnesota Office of Higher Education to the extent necessary to determine
eligibility under section 136A.121, subdivision 2, clause (5);
(14) participant Social
Security numbers and names collected by the telephone assistance program may be
disclosed to the Department of Revenue to conduct an electronic data match with
the property tax refund database to determine eligibility under section 237.70,
subdivision 4a;
(15) the current address of
a Minnesota family investment program participant may be disclosed to law
enforcement officers who provide the name of the participant and notify the
agency that:
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(i) the participant:
(A) is a fugitive felon
fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a
crime or attempt to commit a crime that is a felony under the laws of the
jurisdiction from which the individual is fleeing; or
(B) is violating a condition
of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law;
(ii) the location or
apprehension of the felon is within the law enforcement officer's official
duties; and
(iii) the request is made in
writing and in the proper exercise of those duties;
(16) the current address of
a recipient of general assistance or general assistance medical care may be
disclosed to probation officers and corrections agents who are supervising the
recipient and to law enforcement officers who are investigating the recipient
in connection with a felony level offense;
(17) information obtained
from food support applicant or recipient households may be disclosed to local,
state, or federal law enforcement officials, upon their written request, for the
purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the Food Stamp Act, according
to Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 272.1(c);
(18) the address, Social
Security number, and, if available, photograph of any member of a household
receiving food support shall be made available, on request, to a local, state,
or federal law enforcement officer if the officer furnishes the agency with the
name of the member and notifies the agency that:
(i) the member:
(A) is fleeing to avoid
prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, for a crime or attempt
to commit a crime that is a felony in the jurisdiction the member is fleeing;
(B) is violating a condition
of probation or parole imposed under state or federal law; or
(C) has information that is
necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to conduct
described in subitem (A) or (B);
(ii) locating or
apprehending the member is within the officer's official duties; and
(iii) the request is made in
writing and in the proper exercise of the officer's official duty;
(19) the current address of
a recipient of Minnesota family investment program, general assistance, general
assistance medical care, or food support may be disclosed to law enforcement
officers who, in writing, provide the name of the recipient and notify the
agency that the recipient is a person required to register under section
243.166, but is not residing at the address at which the recipient is
registered under section 243.166;
(20) certain information
regarding child support obligors who are in arrears may be made public
according to section 518A.74;
(21) data on child support
payments made by a child support obligor and data on the distribution of those
payments excluding identifying information on obligees may be disclosed to all
obligees to whom the obligor owes support, and data on the enforcement actions
undertaken by the public authority, the status of those actions, and data on
the income of the obligor or obligee may be disclosed to the other party;
(22) data in the work
reporting system may be disclosed under section 256.998, subdivision 7;
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(23)
to the Department of Education for the purpose of matching Department of Education
student data with public assistance data to determine students eligible for
free and reduced price meals, meal supplements, and free milk according to
United States Code, title 42, sections 1758, 1761, 1766, 1766a, 1772, and 1773;
to allocate federal and state funds that are distributed based on income of the
student's family; and to verify receipt of energy assistance for the telephone
assistance plan;
(24)
the current address and telephone number of program recipients and emergency
contacts may be released to the commissioner of health or a local board of
health as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 2, when the commissioner or
local board of health has reason to believe that a program recipient is a
disease case, carrier, suspect case, or at risk of illness, and the data are
necessary to locate the person;
(25)
to other state agencies, statewide systems, and political subdivisions of this
state, including the attorney general, and agencies of other states, interstate
information networks, federal agencies, and other entities as required by
federal regulation or law for the administration of the child support
enforcement program;
(26)
to personnel of public assistance programs as defined in section 256.741, for
access to the child support system database for the purpose of administration,
including monitoring and evaluation of those public assistance programs;
(27)
to monitor and evaluate the Minnesota family investment program by exchanging
data between the Departments of Human Services and Education, on recipients and
former recipients of food support, cash assistance under chapter 256, 256D,
256J, or 256K, child care assistance under chapter 119B, or medical programs
under chapter 256B, 256D, or 256L;
(28)
to evaluate child support program performance and to identify and prevent fraud
in the child support program by exchanging data between the Department of Human
Services, Department of Revenue under section 270B.14, subdivision 1,
paragraphs (a) and (b), without regard to the limitation of use in paragraph
(c), Department of Health, Department of Employment and Economic Development,
and other state agencies as is reasonably necessary to perform these functions;
or
(29)
counties operating child care assistance programs under chapter 119B may
disseminate data on program participants, applicants, and providers to the
commissioner of education.
(b)
Information on persons who have been treated for drug or alcohol abuse may only
be disclosed according to the requirements of Code of Federal Regulations,
title 42, sections 2.1 to 2.67.
(c)
Data provided to law enforcement agencies under paragraph (a), clause (15),
(16), (17), or (18), or paragraph (b), are investigative data and are
confidential or protected nonpublic while the investigation is active. The data
are private after the investigation becomes inactive under section 13.82,
subdivision 5, paragraph (a) or (b).
(d)
Mental health data shall be treated as provided in subdivisions 7, 8, and 9,
but is not subject to the access provisions of subdivision 10, paragraph (b).
For
the purposes of this subdivision, a request will be deemed to be made in
writing if made through a computer interface system.
Sec.
2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16D.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd.
3. Exclusion. A state agency may not
charge interest under this section on overpayments of assistance benefits under
the programs formerly codified in sections 256.031 to 256.0361, 256.72 to
256.87, and under chapters 119B, 256D, and 256I, or the federal
food stamp program. Notwithstanding this prohibition, any debts that have been
reduced to judgment under these programs are subject to the interest charges
provided under section 549.09.
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Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Eligible participants. Families
eligible for child care assistance under the MFIP child care program are:
(1) MFIP participants who
are employed or in job search and meet the requirements of section 119B.10;
(2) persons who are members
of transition year families under section 119B.011, subdivision 20, and meet
the requirements of section 119B.10;
(3) families who are
participating in employment orientation or job search, or other employment or
training activities that are included in an approved employability development
plan under section sections 256J.09 and 256J.95;
(4) MFIP families who are
participating in work job search, job support, employment, or training
activities as required in their employment plan, or in appeals, hearings,
assessments, or orientations according to chapter 256J;
(5) MFIP families who are
participating in social services activities under chapter 256J as required in
their employment plan approved according to chapter 256J;
(6) families who are
participating in programs as required in tribal contracts under section
119B.02, subdivision 2, or 256.01, subdivision 2; and
(7) families who are
participating in the transition year extension under section 119B.011,
subdivision 20a.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. General Eligibility requirements for
all applicants for child care assistance. (a) Child care services
must be available to families who need child care to find or keep employment or
to obtain the training or education necessary to find employment and who:
(1) have household income
less than or equal to 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted
for family size, and meet the requirements of section 119B.05; receive MFIP
assistance; and are participating in employment and training services under
chapter 256J or 256K; or
(2) have household income
less than or equal to 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted
for family size, at program entry and less than 250 percent of the federal
poverty guidelines, adjusted for family size, at program exit.; or
(3) have household income
less than or equal to 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, adjusted
for family size, and were a family whose child care assistance was terminated
due to insufficient funds under Minnesota Rules, part 3400.0183.
(b) Child care services must
be made available as in-kind services.
(c) All applicants for child
care assistance and families currently receiving child care assistance must be
assisted and required to cooperate in establishment of paternity and
enforcement of child support obligations for all children in the family as a
condition of program eligibility. For purposes of this section, a family is
considered to meet the requirement for cooperation when the family complies
with the requirements of section 256.741.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2008.
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Sec.
5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.09, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd.
7. Date of eligibility for assistance.
(a) The date of eligibility for child care assistance under this chapter is the
later of the date the application was signed; the beginning date of employment,
education, or training; the date the infant is born for applicants to the
at-home infant care program; or the date a determination has been made that the
applicant is a participant in employment and training services under Minnesota
Rules, part 3400.0080, subpart 2a, or chapter 256J.
(b)
Payment ceases for a family under the at-home infant child care program when a
family has used a total of 12 months of assistance as specified under section
119B.035. Payment of child care assistance for employed persons on MFIP is
effective the date of employment or the date of MFIP eligibility, whichever is
later. Payment of child care assistance for MFIP or DWP participants in
employment and training services is effective the date of commencement of the
services or the date of MFIP or DWP eligibility, whichever is later. Payment of
child care assistance for transition year child care must be made retroactive
to the date of eligibility for transition year child care.
(c)
Notwithstanding paragraph (b), payment of child care assistance for
participants eligible under section 119B.05, may only be made retroactively for
a maximum of six months from the date of application for child care assistance.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective July 1, 2008.
Sec.
6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.09, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
Subd.
11. Payment of other child care expenses.
Payment by a source other than the family, of part or all of a family's
child care expenses not payable under this chapter, does not affect the
family's eligibility for child care assistance, and the amount paid is excluded
from the family's income, if the funds are paid directly to the family's child
care provider on behalf of the family. Child care providers who accept
third-party payments must maintain family-specific documentation of payment
source, amount, type of expenses, and time period covered by the payment.
Sec.
7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.09, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:
Subd.
13. Sliding fee. Child care
services to families must be made available on a sliding fee basis.
(a)
The commissioner shall convert eligibility requirements in section 119B.09 and
parent fee schedules in 119B.12 to state median income, based on a family size
of three, adjusted for family size, Subd. 2(a) shall be implemented July 1,
2008. The commissioner shall report to the 2008 legislature with the necessary
statutory changes to codify this conversion to state median income.
Sec.
8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.12, is amended to read:
119B.12 SLIDING FEE SCALE.
Subdivision
1. Fee schedule. In setting the
sliding fee schedule, the commissioner shall exclude from the amount of income
used to determine eligibility an amount for federal and state income and Social
Security taxes attributable to that income level according to federal and state
standardized tax tables. The commissioner shall base the parent fee on the
ability of the family to pay for child care. The fee schedule must be designed
to use any available tax credits.
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PARENT FEE SCHEDULE. The parent fee
schedule is as follows:
Income Range
Co-payment
(as a percent of the federal poverty
guidelines) (as a
percentage of adjusted gross income)
0-74.99% $0/month
75.00-99.99% $5/month
100.00-104.99% 2.61%
105.00-109.99% 2.61%
110.00-114.99% 2.61%
115.00-119.99% 2.61%
120.00-124.99% 2.91%
125.00-129.99% 2.91%
130.00-134.99% 2.91%
135.00-139.99% 2.91%
140.00-144.99% 3.21%
145.00-149.99% 3.21%
150.00-154.99% 3.21%
155.00-159.99% 3.84%
160.00-164.99% 3.84%
165.00-169.99% 4.46%
170.00-174.99% 4.76%
175.00-179.99% 5.05%
180.00-184.99% 5.65%
185.00-189.99% 5.95%
190.00-194.99% 6.24%
195.00-199.99% 6.84%
200.00-204.99% 7.58%
205.00-209.99% 8.33%
210.00-214.99% 9.20%
215.00-219.99% 10.07%
220.00-224.99% 10.94%
225.00-229.99% 11.55%
230.00-234.99% 12.16%
235.00-239.99% 12.77%
240.00-244.99% 13.38%
245.00-249.99% 14.00%
250% ineligible
A family's monthly
co-payment fee is the fixed percentage established for the income range
multiplied by the highest possible income within that income range.
Subd. 2. Parent fee. A family must be assessed a
parent fee for each service period. A family's parent fee must be a fixed
percentage of its annual gross income. Parent fees must apply to families
eligible for child care assistance under sections 119B.03 and 119B.05. Income
must be as defined in section 119B.011, subdivision 15. The fixed percent is
based on the relationship of the family's annual gross income to 100 percent of
the annual federal poverty guidelines. Parent fees must begin at 75 percent of
the poverty level. The minimum parent fees for families between 75 percent and
100 percent of poverty level must be $10 $5 per month. Parent
fees must provide for graduated movement to full payment. Payment of part or
all of a family's parent fee directly to the family's child care provider on
behalf of the family by a source other than the family shall not affect the
family's eligibility for
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child care assistance, and
the amount paid shall be excluded from the family's income. Child care
providers who accept third-party payments must maintain family specific
documentation of payment source, amount, and time period covered by the
payment.
EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) This section is
effective July 1, 2007.
(b) Effective July 1, 2008,
the parent fee scale for families with incomes greater than or equal to 100
percent of FPG shall be converted to state median income for a family size of
three, adjusted for family size, as directed in section 119B.09, subdivision
2(a).
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.125, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Persons who cannot be authorized. (a) A
person who meets any of the conditions under paragraphs (b) to (n) must not be
authorized as a legal nonlicensed family child care provider. To determine
whether any of the listed conditions exist, the county must request information
about the provider from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the juvenile
courts, and social service agencies. When one of the listed entities does not
maintain information on a statewide basis, the county must contact the entity
in the county where the provider resides and any other county in which the
provider previously resided in the past year. For purposes of this subdivision,
a finding that a delinquency petition is proven in juvenile court must be
considered a conviction in state district court. If a county has determined that
a provider is able to be authorized in that county, and a family in another
county later selects that provider, the provider is able to be authorized in
the second county without undergoing a new background investigation unless one
of the following conditions exists:
(1) two years have passed
since the first authorization;
(2) another person age 13 or
older has joined the provider's household since the last authorization;
(3) a current household
member has turned 13 since the last authorization; or
(4) there is reason to
believe that a household member has a factor that prevents authorization.
(b) The person has been
convicted of one of the following offenses or has admitted to committing or a
preponderance of the evidence indicates that the person has committed an act
that meets the definition of one of the following offenses: sections 609.185 to
609.195, murder in the first, second, or third degree; 609.2661 to 609.2663,
murder of an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.322, solicitation,
inducement, promotion of prostitution, or receiving profit from prostitution;
609.342 to 609.345, criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or
fourth degree; 609.352, solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct;
609.365, incest; 609.377, felony malicious punishment of a child; 617.246, use
of minors in sexual performance; 617.247, possession of pictorial
representation of a minor; 609.2242 to 609.2243, felony domestic assault; a
felony offense of spousal abuse; a felony offense of child abuse or neglect; a
felony offense of a crime against children; or an attempt or conspiracy to
commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in
any other state or country where the elements are substantially similar to any
of the offenses listed in this paragraph.
(c) Less than 15 years have
passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the
person has received a felony conviction for one of the following offenses, or
the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence
indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a
felony conviction for one of the following offenses: sections 609.20 to
609.205, manslaughter in the first or second degree; 609.21, criminal vehicular
homicide; 609.215, aiding suicide or aiding attempted suicide; 609.221 to
609.2231, assault in the first, second, third, or fourth degree; 609.224,
repeat offenses of fifth degree assault; 609.228, great bodily harm caused by
distribution of drugs; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult;
609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.235, use of drugs
to injure or facilitate a crime; 609.24, simple robbery;
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617.241, repeat offenses of
obscene materials and performances; 609.245, aggravated robbery; 609.25,
kidnapping; 609.255, false imprisonment; 609.2664 to 609.2665, manslaughter of
an unborn child in the first or second degree; 609.267 to 609.2672, assault of
an unborn child in the first, second, or third degree; 609.268, injury or death
of an unborn child in the commission of a crime; 609.27, coercion; 609.275,
attempt to coerce; 609.324, subdivision 1, other prohibited acts, minor engaged
in prostitution; 609.3451, repeat offenses of criminal sexual conduct in the
fifth degree; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a child; 609.52, theft;
609.521, possession of shoplifting gear; 609.561 to 609.563, arson in the
first, second, or third degree; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third,
or fourth degree; 609.625, aggravated forgery; 609.63, forgery; 609.631, check
forgery, offering a forged check; 609.635, obtaining signature by false
pretenses; 609.66, dangerous weapon; 609.665, setting a spring gun; 609.67,
unlawfully owning, possessing, or operating a machine gun; 609.687,
adulteration; 609.71, riot; 609.713, terrorist threats; 609.749, harassment,
stalking; 260C.301, termination of parental rights; 152.021 to 152.022 and
152.0262, controlled substance crime in the first or second degree; 152.023,
subdivision 1, clause (3) or (4), or 152.023, subdivision 2, clause (4),
controlled substance crime in third degree; 152.024, subdivision 1, clause (2),
(3), or (4), controlled substance crime in fourth degree; 617.23, repeat
offenses of indecent exposure; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these
offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or
country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses
listed in this paragraph.
(d) Less than ten years have
passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the
person has received a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following
offenses or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the
evidence indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the
definition of a gross misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses:
sections 609.224, fifth degree assault; 609.2242 to 609.2243, domestic assault;
518B.01, subdivision 14, violation of an order for protection; 609.3451, fifth
degree criminal sexual conduct; 609.746, repeat offenses of interference with
privacy; 617.23, repeat offenses of indecent exposure; 617.241, obscene
materials and performances; 617.243, indecent literature, distribution;
617.293, disseminating or displaying harmful material to minors; 609.71, riot;
609.66, dangerous weapons; 609.749, harassment, stalking; 609.224, subdivision
2, paragraph (c), fifth degree assault against a vulnerable adult by a
caregiver; 609.23, mistreatment of persons confined; 609.231, mistreatment of
residents or patients; 609.2325, criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult;
609.2335, financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult; 609.233, criminal
neglect of a vulnerable adult; 609.234, failure to report maltreatment of a
vulnerable adult; 609.72, subdivision 3, disorderly conduct against a
vulnerable adult; 609.265, abduction; 609.378, neglect or endangerment of a
child; 609.377, malicious punishment of a child; 609.324, subdivision 1a, other
prohibited acts, minor engaged in prostitution; 609.33, disorderly house;
609.52, theft; 609.582, burglary in the first, second, third, or fourth degree;
609.631, check forgery, offering a forged check; 609.275, attempt to coerce; an
attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses as defined in Minnesota
Statutes; or an offense in any other state or country where the elements are
substantially similar to any of the offenses listed in this paragraph.
(e) Less than seven years
have passed since the discharge of the sentence imposed for the offense and the
person has received a misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses
or the person has admitted to committing or a preponderance of the evidence
indicates that the person has committed an act that meets the definition of a
misdemeanor conviction for one of the following offenses: sections 609.224,
fifth degree assault; 609.2242, domestic assault; 518B.01, violation of an
order for protection; 609.3232, violation of an order for protection; 609.746,
interference with privacy; 609.79, obscene or harassing telephone calls;
609.795, letter, telegram, or package opening, harassment; 617.23, indecent
exposure; 609.2672, assault of an unborn child, third degree; 617.293,
dissemination and display of harmful materials to minors; 609.66, dangerous
weapons; 609.665, spring guns; an attempt or conspiracy to commit any of these
offenses as defined in Minnesota Statutes; or an offense in any other state or
country where the elements are substantially similar to any of the offenses
listed in this paragraph.
(f) The person has been
identified by the child protection agency in the county where the provider
resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide child
protection database as a person found by a preponderance of evidence under
section 626.556 to be responsible for physical or sexual abuse of a child
within the last seven years.
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(g) The person has been
identified by the adult protection agency in the county where the provider
resides or a county where the provider has resided or by the statewide adult
protection database as the person responsible for abuse or neglect of a
vulnerable adult within the last seven years.
(h) The person has refused
to give written consent for disclosure of criminal history records.
(i) The person has been
denied a family child care license or has received a fine or a sanction as a
licensed child care provider that has not been reversed on appeal.
(j) The person has a family
child care licensing disqualification that has not been set aside.
(k) The person has admitted
or a county has found that there is a preponderance of evidence that fraudulent
information was given to the county for child care assistance application
purposes or was used in submitting child care assistance bills for payment.
(l) The person has been
convicted of the crime of theft by wrongfully obtaining public assistance or
has been found guilty of wrongfully obtaining public assistance by a federal
court, state court, or an administrative hearing determination or waiver,
through a disqualification consent agreement, as part of an approved diversion
plan under section 401.065, or a court-ordered stay with probationary or other
conditions.
(m) The person has a
household member age 13 or older who has access to children during the hours
that care is provided and who meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs
(b) to (l).
(n) The person has a
household member ages ten to 12 who has access to children during the hours
that care is provided; information or circumstances exist which provide the
county with articulable suspicion that further pertinent information may exist
showing the household member meets one of the conditions listed in paragraphs
(b) to (l); and the household member actually meets one of the conditions
listed in paragraphs (b) to (l).
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Subsidy restrictions. (a) Beginning
July 1, 2006 2007, the maximum rate paid for child care
assistance in any county or multicounty region under the child care fund shall
be the rate for like-care arrangements in the county effective January
July 1, 2006, increased by six two percent.
(b) Rate changes shall be
implemented for services provided in September 2006 2007 unless a
participant eligibility redetermination or a new provider agreement is completed
between July 1, 2006 2007, and August 31, 2006 2007.
As necessary, appropriate
notice of adverse action must be made according to Minnesota Rules, part
3400.0185, subparts 3 and 4.
New cases approved on or
after July 1, 2006 2007, shall have the maximum rates under
paragraph (a), implemented immediately.
(c) Not less than once
every two years year, the commissioner shall survey rates charged
by child care providers in Minnesota to determine the 75th percentile for
like-care arrangements in counties. When the commissioner determines that,
using the commissioner's established protocol, the number of providers
responding to the survey is too small to determine the 75th percentile rate for
like-care arrangements in a county or multicounty region, the commissioner may
establish the 75th percentile maximum rate based on like-care arrangements in a
county, region, or category that the commissioner deems to be similar.
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(d) A rate which includes a
special needs rate paid under subdivision 3 or under a school readiness
service agreement paid under section 30 may be in excess of the maximum
rate allowed under this subdivision.
(e) The department shall
monitor the effect of this paragraph on provider rates. The county shall pay
the provider's full charges for every child in care up to the maximum
established. The commissioner shall determine the maximum rate for each type of
care on an hourly, full-day, and weekly basis, including special needs and
disability care. The half-day rates are effective beginning July 1, 2008.
(f) When the provider charge
is greater than the maximum provider rate allowed, the parent is responsible
for payment of the difference in the rates in addition to any family co-payment
fee.
(g) All maximum provider
rate changes shall be implemented on the Monday following the effective date of
the maximum provider rate.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.13, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:
Subd. 3a. Provider rate differential for
accreditation. A family child care provider or child care center shall be
paid a 15 percent differential above the maximum rate established in
subdivision 1, up to the actual provider rate, if the provider or center holds
a current early childhood development credential or is accredited. For a family
child care provider, early childhood development credential and accreditation
includes an individual who has earned a child development associate degree, a
child development associate credential, a diploma in child development from
a Minnesota state technical college, or a bachelor's or post baccalaureate degree
in early childhood education from an accredited college or university, or who
is accredited by the National Association for Family Child Care or the
Competency Based Training and Assessment Program. For a child care center,
accreditation includes accreditation by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children, the Council on Accreditation, the National Early
Childhood Program Accreditation, the National School-Age Care Association, or
the National Head Start Association Program of Excellence. For Montessori
programs, accreditation includes the American Montessori Society, Association
of Montessori International-USA, or the National Center for Montessori
Education.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 119B.13, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. Provider payments. (a) Counties or the
state shall make vendor payments to the child care provider or pay the parent
directly for eligible child care expenses.
(b) If payments for child
care assistance are made to providers, the provider shall bill the county for
services provided within ten days of the end of the service period. If bills
are submitted within ten days of the end of the service period, a county or the
state shall issue payment to the provider of child care under the child care
fund within 30 days of receiving a bill from the provider. Counties or the
state may establish policies that make payments on a more frequent basis.
(c) All bills If a
provider has received an authorization of care and has been issued a billing
form for an eligible family, the bill must be submitted within 60 days of
the last date of service on the bill. A county may pay a bill submitted more
than 60 days after the last date of service if the provider shows good cause
why the bill was not submitted within 60 days. Good cause must be defined in
the county's child care fund plan under section 119B.08, subdivision 3, and the
definition of good cause must include county error. A county may not pay any
bill submitted more than a year after the last date of service on the bill.
(d) If a provider provided
care for a time period without receiving an authorization of care and a billing
form for an eligible family, payment of child care assistance may only be made
retroactively for a maximum of six months from the date the provider is issued
an authorization of care and a billing form.
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(d) (e) A county may
stop payment issued to a provider or may refuse to pay a bill submitted by a
provider if:
(1)
the provider admits to intentionally giving the county materially false information
on the provider's billing forms; or
(2)
a county finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the provider
intentionally gave the county materially false information on the provider's
billing forms.
(e) (f) A county's
payment policies must be included in the county's child care plan under section
119B.08, subdivision 3. If payments are made by the state, in addition to being
in compliance with this subdivision, the payments must be made in compliance
with section 16A.124.
Sec.
13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.13, subdivision 7, is amended to
read:
Subd.
7. Absent days. (a) Child care
providers may not be reimbursed for more than 25 full-day absent days per
child, excluding holidays, in a fiscal year, or for more than ten consecutive
full-day absent days, unless the child has a documented medical condition that
causes more frequent absences. Absences due to a documented medical
condition of a parent or sibling who lives in the same residence as the child
receiving child care assistance do not count against the 25-day absent day
limit in a fiscal year. Documentation of medical conditions must be on the
forms and submitted according to the timelines established by the commissioner.
A public health nurse or school nurse may verify the illness in lieu of a
medical practitioner. If a provider sends a child home early due to a medical
reason including, but not limited to, fever or contagious illness, the child
care center director or lead teacher may verify the illness in lieu of a
medical practitioner. If a child attends for part of the time authorized to
be in care in a day, but is absent for part of the time authorized to be in
care in that same day, the absent time will be reimbursed but the time will not
count toward the ten consecutive or 25 cumulative absent day limits. Children
in families where at least one parent is under the age of 21, does not have a
high school or general education development (GED) diploma, and is a student in
a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for
child care, as well as parenting, social services, career and employment
supports, and academic support to achieve high school graduation, may be exempt
from the absent day limits upon request of the program and approval of the county.
If a child attends part of an authorized day, payment to the provider must
be for the full amount of care authorized for that day. Child care providers
may only be reimbursed for absent days if the provider has a written policy for
child absences and charges all other families in care for similar absences.
(b)
Child care providers must be reimbursed for up to ten federal or state holidays
or designated holidays per year when the provider charges all families for
these days and the holiday or designated holiday falls on a day when the child
is authorized to be in attendance. Parents may substitute other cultural or
religious holidays for the ten recognized state and federal holidays. Holidays
do not count toward the ten consecutive or 25 cumulative absent day limits.
(c)
A family or child care provider may not be assessed an overpayment for an
absent day payment unless (1) there was an error in the amount of care
authorized for the family, (2) all of the allowed full-day absent payments for
the child have been paid, or (3) the family or provider did not timely report a
change as required under law.
(d)
The provider and family must receive notification of the number of absent days
used upon initial provider authorization for a family and when the family has
used 15 cumulative absent days. Upon statewide implementation of the Minnesota
Electronic Child Care System, the provider and family authorization for a
family and ongoing notification of the number of absent days used as of the
date of the notification.
(e)
A county may pay for more absent days than the statewide absent day policy
established under this subdivision, if current market practice in the county
justifies payment for those additional days. County policies for payment of
absent days in excess of the statewide absent day policy and justification for
these county policies must be included in the county's child care fund plan
under section 119B.08, subdivision 3. This paragraph may be implemented by
counties on or after July 1, 2008.
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Sec.
14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 119B.21, subdivision 5, is amended to
read:
Subd.
5. Child care services grants. (a) A
child care resource and referral program designated under section 119B.19,
subdivision 1a, may award child care services grants for:
(1)
creating new licensed child care facilities and expanding existing facilities,
including, but not limited to, supplies, equipment, facility renovation, and
remodeling;
(2)
improving licensed child care facility programs;
(3)
staff training and development services including, but not limited to,
in-service training, curriculum development, accreditation, certification, consulting,
resource centers, and program and resource materials, supporting
effective teacher-child interactions, child-focused teaching, and
content-driven classroom instruction;
(4)
interim financing;
(5)
capacity building through the purchase of appropriate technology to create,
enhance, and maintain business management systems;
(6)
emergency assistance for child care programs;
(7)
new programs or projects for the creation, expansion, or improvement of
programs that serve ethnic immigrant and refugee communities; and
(8)
targeted recruitment initiatives to expand and build the capacity of the child
care system and to improve the quality of care provided by legal nonlicensed
child care providers.
(b)
A child care resource and referral program designated under section 119B.19,
subdivision 1a, may award child care services grants to:
(1)
licensed providers;
(2)
providers in the process of being licensed;
(3)
corporations or public agencies that develop or provide child care services;
(4)
school-age care programs; or
(5)
any combination of clauses (1) to (4).
Unlicensed providers are
only eligible for grants under paragraph (a), clause (7).
(c)
A recipient of a child care services grant for facility improvements, interim financing,
or staff training and development must provide a 25 percent local match.
Sec.
15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd.
2. Specific powers. Subject to the
provisions of section 241.021, subdivision 2, the commissioner of human
services shall carry out the specific duties in paragraphs (a) through (cc):
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(a)
Administer and supervise all forms of public assistance provided for by state
law and other welfare activities or services as are vested in the commissioner.
Administration and supervision of human services activities or services
includes, but is not limited to, assuring timely and accurate distribution of
benefits, completeness of service, and quality program management. In addition
to administering and supervising human services activities vested by law in the
department, the commissioner shall have the authority to:
(1)
require county agency participation in training and technical assistance
programs to promote compliance with statutes, rules, federal laws, regulations,
and policies governing human services;
(2)
monitor, on an ongoing basis, the performance of county agencies in the
operation and administration of human services, enforce compliance with
statutes, rules, federal laws, regulations, and policies governing welfare
services and promote excellence of administration and program operation;
(3)
develop a quality control program or other monitoring program to review county
performance and accuracy of benefit determinations;
(4)
require county agencies to make an adjustment to the public assistance benefits
issued to any individual consistent with federal law and regulation and state
law and rule and to issue or recover benefits as appropriate;
(5)
delay or deny payment of all or part of the state and federal share of benefits
and administrative reimbursement according to the procedures set forth in
section 256.017;
(6)
make contracts with and grants to public and private agencies and
organizations, both profit and nonprofit, and individuals, using appropriated
funds; and
(7)
enter into contractual agreements with federally recognized Indian tribes with
a reservation in Minnesota to the extent necessary for the tribe to operate a
federally approved family assistance program or any other program under the
supervision of the commissioner. The commissioner shall consult with the
affected county or counties in the contractual agreement negotiations, if the
county or counties wish to be included, in order to avoid the duplication of
county and tribal assistance program services. The commissioner may establish
necessary accounts for the purposes of receiving and disbursing funds as
necessary for the operation of the programs.
(b)
Inform county agencies, on a timely basis, of changes in statute, rule, federal
law, regulation, and policy necessary to county agency administration of the
programs.
(c)
Administer and supervise all child welfare activities; promote the enforcement
of laws protecting disabled, dependent, neglected and delinquent children, and
children born to mothers who were not married to the children's fathers at the
times of the conception nor at the births of the children; license and
supervise child-caring and child-placing agencies and institutions; supervise
the care of children in boarding and foster homes or in private institutions;
and generally perform all functions relating to the field of child welfare now
vested in the State Board of Control.
(d)
Administer and supervise all noninstitutional service to disabled persons,
including those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or physically
impaired or otherwise disabled. The commissioner may provide and contract for
the care and treatment of qualified indigent children in facilities other than
those located and available at state hospitals when it is not feasible to
provide the service in state hospitals.
(e)
Assist and actively cooperate with other departments, agencies and
institutions, local, state, and federal, by performing services in conformity
with the purposes of Laws 1939, chapter 431.
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(f) Act as the agent of and
cooperate with the federal government in matters of mutual concern relative to
and in conformity with the provisions of Laws 1939, chapter 431, including the
administration of any federal funds granted to the state to aid in the
performance of any functions of the commissioner as specified in Laws 1939,
chapter 431, and including the promulgation of rules making uniformly available
medical care benefits to all recipients of public assistance, at such times as
the federal government increases its participation in assistance expenditures
for medical care to recipients of public assistance, the cost thereof to be
borne in the same proportion as are grants of aid to said recipients.
(g) Establish and maintain
any administrative units reasonably necessary for the performance of
administrative functions common to all divisions of the department.
(h) Act as designated
guardian of both the estate and the person of all the wards of the state of
Minnesota, whether by operation of law or by an order of court, without any
further act or proceeding whatever, except as to persons committed as
developmentally disabled. For children under the guardianship of the
commissioner or a tribe in Minnesota recognized by the Secretary of the
Interior whose interests would be best served by adoptive placement, the
commissioner may contract with a licensed child-placing agency or a Minnesota
tribal social services agency to provide adoption services. A contract with a
licensed child-placing agency must be designed to supplement existing county
efforts and may not replace existing county programs or tribal social
services, unless the replacement is agreed to by the county board and the
appropriate exclusive bargaining representative, tribal governing body,
or the commissioner has evidence that child placements of the county continue
to be substantially below that of other counties. Funds encumbered and
obligated under an agreement for a specific child shall remain available until
the terms of the agreement are fulfilled or the agreement is terminated.
(i) Act as coordinating
referral and informational center on requests for service for newly arrived
immigrants coming to Minnesota.
(j) The specific enumeration
of powers and duties as hereinabove set forth shall in no way be construed to
be a limitation upon the general transfer of powers herein contained.
(k) Establish county,
regional, or statewide schedules of maximum fees and charges which may be paid
by county agencies for medical, dental, surgical, hospital, nursing and nursing
home care and medicine and medical supplies under all programs of medical care
provided by the state and for congregate living care under the income
maintenance programs.
(l) Have the authority to
conduct and administer experimental projects to test methods and procedures of
administering assistance and services to recipients or potential recipients of
public welfare. To carry out such experimental projects, it is further provided
that the commissioner of human services is authorized to waive the enforcement
of existing specific statutory program requirements, rules, and standards in
one or more counties. The order establishing the waiver shall provide
alternative methods and procedures of administration, shall not be in conflict
with the basic purposes, coverage, or benefits provided by law, and in no event
shall the duration of a project exceed four years. It is further provided that
no order establishing an experimental project as authorized by the provisions
of this section shall become effective until the following conditions have been
met:
(1) the secretary of health
and human services of the United States has agreed, for the same project, to
waive state plan requirements relative to statewide uniformity; and
(2) a comprehensive plan,
including estimated project costs, shall be approved by the Legislative
Advisory Commission and filed with the commissioner of administration.
(m) According to federal
requirements, establish procedures to be followed by local welfare boards in
creating citizen advisory committees, including procedures for selection of
committee members.
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(n)
Allocate federal fiscal disallowances or sanctions which are based on quality
control error rates for the aid to families with dependent children program
formerly codified in sections 256.72 to 256.87, medical assistance, or food
stamp program in the following manner:
(1)
one-half of the total amount of the disallowance shall be borne by the county
boards responsible for administering the programs. For the medical assistance
and the AFDC program formerly codified in sections 256.72 to 256.87,
disallowances shall be shared by each county board in the same proportion as
that county's expenditures for the sanctioned program are to the total of all
counties' expenditures for the AFDC program formerly codified in sections
256.72 to 256.87, and medical assistance programs. For the food stamp program,
sanctions shall be shared by each county board, with 50 percent of the sanction
being distributed to each county in the same proportion as that county's
administrative costs for food stamps are to the total of all food stamp
administrative costs for all counties, and 50 percent of the sanctions being
distributed to each county in the same proportion as that county's value of
food stamp benefits issued are to the total of all benefits issued for all
counties. Each county shall pay its share of the disallowance to the state of
Minnesota. When a county fails to pay the amount due hereunder, the
commissioner may deduct the amount from reimbursement otherwise due the county,
or the attorney general, upon the request of the commissioner, may institute
civil action to recover the amount due; and
(2)
notwithstanding the provisions of clause (1), if the disallowance results from
knowing noncompliance by one or more counties with a specific program
instruction, and that knowing noncompliance is a matter of official county
board record, the commissioner may require payment or recover from the county
or counties, in the manner prescribed in clause (1), an amount equal to the
portion of the total disallowance which resulted from the noncompliance, and
may distribute the balance of the disallowance according to clause (1).
(o)
Develop and implement special projects that maximize reimbursements and result
in the recovery of money to the state. For the purpose of recovering state
money, the commissioner may enter into contracts with third parties. Any
recoveries that result from projects or contracts entered into under this
paragraph shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a special
account until the balance in the account reaches $1,000,000. When the balance
in the account exceeds $1,000,000, the excess shall be transferred and credited
to the general fund. All money in the account is appropriated to the
commissioner for the purposes of this paragraph.
(p)
Have the authority to make direct payments to facilities providing shelter to
women and their children according to section 256D.05, subdivision 3. Upon the
written request of a shelter facility that has been denied payments under
section 256D.05, subdivision 3, the commissioner shall review all relevant
evidence and make a determination within 30 days of the request for review
regarding issuance of direct payments to the shelter facility. Failure to act
within 30 days shall be considered a determination not to issue direct
payments.
(q)
Have the authority to establish and enforce the following county reporting
requirements:
(1)
the commissioner shall establish fiscal and statistical reporting requirements
necessary to account for the expenditure of funds allocated to counties for human
services programs. When establishing financial and statistical reporting
requirements, the commissioner shall evaluate all reports, in consultation with
the counties, to determine if the reports can be simplified or the number of
reports can be reduced;
(2)
the county board shall submit monthly or quarterly reports to the department as
required by the commissioner. Monthly reports are due no later than 15 working
days after the end of the month. Quarterly reports are due no later than 30
calendar days after the end of the quarter, unless the commissioner determines
that the deadline must be shortened to 20 calendar days to avoid jeopardizing
compliance with federal deadlines or risking a loss of federal funding. Only
reports that are complete, legible, and in the required format shall be
accepted by the commissioner;
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(3)
if the required reports are not received by the deadlines established in clause
(2), the commissioner may delay payments and withhold funds from the county
board until the next reporting period. When the report is needed to account for
the use of federal funds and the late report results in a reduction in federal
funding, the commissioner shall withhold from the county boards with late
reports an amount equal to the reduction in federal funding until full federal
funding is received;
(4)
a county board that submits reports that are late, illegible, incomplete, or
not in the required format for two out of three consecutive reporting periods
is considered noncompliant. When a county board is found to be noncompliant,
the commissioner shall notify the county board of the reason the county board
is considered noncompliant and request that the county board develop a
corrective action plan stating how the county board plans to correct the
problem. The corrective action plan must be submitted to the commissioner
within 45 days after the date the county board received notice of
noncompliance;
(5)
the final deadline for fiscal reports or amendments to fiscal reports is one
year after the date the report was originally due. If the commissioner does not
receive a report by the final deadline, the county board forfeits the funding
associated with the report for that reporting period and the county board must
repay any funds associated with the report received for that reporting period;
(6)
the commissioner may not delay payments, withhold funds, or require repayment
under clause (3) or (5) if the county demonstrates that the commissioner failed
to provide appropriate forms, guidelines, and technical assistance to enable
the county to comply with the requirements. If the county board disagrees with
an action taken by the commissioner under clause (3) or (5), the county board
may appeal the action according to sections 14.57 to 14.69; and
(7)
counties subject to withholding of funds under clause (3) or forfeiture or
repayment of funds under clause (5) shall not reduce or withhold benefits or
services to clients to cover costs incurred due to actions taken by the
commissioner under clause (3) or (5).
(r)
Allocate federal fiscal disallowances or sanctions for audit exceptions when
federal fiscal disallowances or sanctions are based on a statewide random
sample for the foster care program under title IV-E of the Social Security Act,
United States Code, title 42, in direct proportion to each county's title IV-E
foster care maintenance claim for that period.
(s)
Be responsible for ensuring the detection, prevention, investigation, and
resolution of fraudulent activities or behavior by applicants, recipients, and
other participants in the human services programs administered by the
department.
(t)
Require county agencies to identify overpayments, establish claims, and utilize
all available and cost-beneficial methodologies to collect and recover these
overpayments in the human services programs administered by the department.
(u)
Have the authority to administer a drug rebate program for drugs purchased pursuant
to the prescription drug program established under section 256.955 after the
beneficiary's satisfaction of any deductible established in the program. The
commissioner shall require a rebate agreement from all manufacturers of covered
drugs as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 13. Rebate agreements for
prescription drugs delivered on or after July 1, 2002, must include rebates for
individuals covered under the prescription drug program who are under 65 years
of age. For each drug, the amount of the rebate shall be equal to the rebate as
defined for purposes of the federal rebate program in United States Code, title
42, section 1396r-8. The manufacturers must provide full payment within 30 days
of receipt of the state invoice for the rebate within the terms and conditions
used for the federal rebate program established pursuant to section 1927 of
title XIX of the Social Security Act. The manufacturers must provide the
commissioner with any information necessary to verify the rebate determined per
drug. The rebate program shall utilize the terms and conditions used for the
federal rebate program established pursuant to section 1927 of title XIX of the
Social Security Act.
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(v) Have the authority to
administer the federal drug rebate program for drugs purchased under the
medical assistance program as allowed by section 1927 of title XIX of the
Social Security Act and according to the terms and conditions of section 1927. Rebates
shall be collected for all drugs that have been dispensed or administered in an
outpatient setting and that are from manufacturers who have signed a rebate
agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
(w) Have the authority to
administer a supplemental drug rebate program for drugs purchased under the
medical assistance program. The commissioner may enter into supplemental rebate
contracts with pharmaceutical manufacturers and may require prior authorization
for drugs that are from manufacturers that have not signed a supplemental
rebate contract. Prior authorization of drugs shall be subject to the
provisions of section 256B.0625, subdivision 13.
(x) Operate the department's
communication systems account established in Laws 1993, First Special Session
chapter 1, article 1, section 2, subdivision 2, to manage shared communication
costs necessary for the operation of the programs the commissioner supervises.
A communications account may also be established for each regional treatment
center which operates communications systems. Each account must be used to
manage shared communication costs necessary for the operations of the programs
the commissioner supervises. The commissioner may distribute the costs of
operating and maintaining communication systems to participants in a manner
that reflects actual usage. Costs may include acquisition, licensing,
insurance, maintenance, repair, staff time and other costs as determined by the
commissioner. Nonprofit organizations and state, county, and local government
agencies involved in the operation of programs the commissioner supervises may
participate in the use of the department's communications technology and share
in the cost of operation. The commissioner may accept on behalf of the state
any gift, bequest, devise or personal property of any kind, or money tendered
to the state for any lawful purpose pertaining to the communication activities
of the department. Any money received for this purpose must be deposited in the
department's communication systems accounts. Money collected by the
commissioner for the use of communication systems must be deposited in the
state communication systems account and is appropriated to the commissioner for
purposes of this section.
(y) Receive any federal
matching money that is made available through the medical assistance program
for the consumer satisfaction survey. Any federal money received for the survey
is appropriated to the commissioner for this purpose. The commissioner may
expend the federal money received for the consumer satisfaction survey in
either year of the biennium.
(z) Designate community
information and referral call centers and incorporate cost reimbursement claims
from the designated community information and referral call centers into the
federal cost reimbursement claiming processes of the department according to
federal law, rule, and regulations. Existing information and referral centers
provided by Greater Twin Cities United Way or existing call centers for which
Greater Twin Cities United Way has legal authority to represent, shall be
included in these designations upon review by the commissioner and assurance
that these services are accredited and in compliance with national standards.
Any reimbursement is appropriated to the commissioner and all designated
information and referral centers shall receive payments according to normal
department schedules established by the commissioner upon final approval of
allocation methodologies from the United States Department of Health and Human
Services Division of Cost Allocation or other appropriate authorities.
(aa) Develop recommended
standards for foster care homes that address the components of specialized
therapeutic services to be provided by foster care homes with those services.
(bb) Authorize the method of
payment to or from the department as part of the human services programs
administered by the department. This authorization includes the receipt or
disbursement of funds held by the department in a fiduciary capacity as part of
the human services programs administered by the department.
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(cc)
Have the authority to administer a drug rebate program for drugs purchased for
persons eligible for general assistance medical care under section 256D.03,
subdivision 3. For manufacturers that agree to participate in the general
assistance medical care rebate program, the commissioner shall enter into a
rebate agreement for covered drugs as defined in section 256B.0625,
subdivisions 13 and 13d. For each drug, the amount of the rebate shall be equal
to the rebate as defined for purposes of the federal rebate program in United
States Code, title 42, section 1396r-8. The manufacturers must provide payment
within the terms and conditions used for the federal rebate program established
under section 1927 of title XIX of the Social Security Act. The rebate program
shall utilize the terms and conditions used for the federal rebate program
established under section 1927 of title XIX of the Social Security Act.
Effective
January 1, 2006, drug coverage under general assistance medical care shall be
limited to those prescription drugs that:
(1)
are covered under the medical assistance program as described in section 256B.0625,
subdivisions 13 and 13d; and
(2)
are provided by manufacturers that have fully executed general assistance
medical care rebate agreements with the commissioner and comply with such
agreements. Prescription drug coverage under general assistance medical care
shall conform to coverage under the medical assistance program according to
section 256B.0625, subdivisions 13 to 13g.
The
rebate revenues collected under the drug rebate program are deposited in the
general fund.
Sec.
16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd.
4. Duties as state agency. (a) The
state agency shall:
(1)
supervise the administration of assistance to dependent children under Laws
1937, chapter 438, by the county agencies in an integrated program with other
service for dependent children maintained under the direction of the state
agency;
(2)
may subpoena witnesses and administer oaths, make rules, and take such action
as may be necessary, or desirable for carrying out the provisions of Laws 1937,
chapter 438. All rules made by the state agency shall be binding on the
counties and shall be complied with by the respective county agencies;
(3) (2) establish
adequate standards for personnel employed by the counties and the state agency
in the administration of Laws 1937, chapter 438, and make the necessary rules
to maintain such standards;
(4) (3) prescribe the
form of and print and supply to the county agencies blanks for applications, reports,
affidavits, and such other forms as it may deem necessary and advisable;
(5) (4) cooperate with
the federal government and its public welfare agencies in any reasonable manner
as may be necessary to qualify for federal aid for temporary assistance for
needy families and in conformity with title I of Public Law 104-193, the
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and
successor amendments, including the making of such reports and such forms and
containing such information as the Federal Social Security Board may from time
to time require, and comply with such provisions as such board may from time to
time find necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such reports;
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(6) may cooperate with other
state agencies in establishing reciprocal agreements in instances where a child
receiving Minnesota family investment program assistance moves or contemplates moving
into or out of the state, in order that such child may continue to receive
supervised aid from the state moved from until the child shall have resided for
one year in the state moved to;
(7) (5) on or before
October 1 in each even-numbered year make a biennial report to the governor
concerning the activities of the agency;
(8) (6) enter into
agreements with other departments of the state as necessary to meet all
requirements of the federal government; and
(9) (7) cooperate with
the commissioner of education to enforce the requirements for program integrity
and fraud prevention for investigation for child care assistance under chapter
119B.
(b) The state agency may:
(1) subpoena witnesses and
administer oaths, make rules, and take such action as may be necessary or
desirable for carrying out the provisions of Laws 1937, chapter 438. All rules
made by the state agency shall be binding on the counties and shall be complied
with by the respective county agencies;
(2) cooperate with other
state agencies in establishing reciprocal agreements in instances where a child
receiving Minnesota family investment program assistance moves or contemplates
moving into or out of the state, in order that the child may continue to
receive supervised aid from the state moved from until the child has resided
for one year in the state moved to; and
(3) administer oaths and
affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoenas
to compel the attendance of individuals and the production of documents and
other personal property necessary in connection with the administration of
programs administered by the Department of Human Services.
(c) The fees for service of
a subpoena in paragraph (b), clause (3), must be paid in the same manner as
prescribed by law for a service of process issued by a district court.
Witnesses must receive the same fees and mileage as in civil actions.
(d) The subpoena in
paragraph (b), clause (3), shall be enforceable through the district court in
the district where the subpoena is issued.
Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256.01, subdivision 18, is amended to read:
Subd. 18. Immigration status verifications. (a)
Notwithstanding any waiver of this requirement by the secretary of the United
States Department of Health and Human Services, effective July 1, 2001, the
commissioner shall utilize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements
(SAVE) program to conduct immigration status verifications:
(1) as required under United
States Code, title 8, section 1642;
(2) for all applicants and
recipients at recertification for food assistance benefits, whether under
the federal food stamp program, the MFIP or work first program, or the
Minnesota food assistance program;
(3) for all applicants and
recipients at recertification for general assistance medical care, except
assistance for an emergency medical condition, for immunization with respect to
an immunizable disease, or for testing and treatment of symptoms of a
communicable disease; and
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(4) for all applicants and
recipients at recertification for general assistance, Minnesota
supplemental aid, MinnesotaCare, or group residential housing, when the
benefits provided by these programs would fall under the definition of
"federal public benefit" under United States Code, title 8, section
1642, if federal funds were used to pay for all or part of the benefits.
(b) The commissioner shall
comply with the reporting requirements under United States Code, title 42,
section 611a, and any federal regulation or guidance adopted under that law.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 23. Administrative simplification; county cost study. (a) The
commissioner shall establish and convene the first meeting of an advisory
committee to identify ways to simplify and streamline human services laws and
administrative requirements. The advisory committee shall select its chair from
its membership at the first meeting.
(b) The committee shall
consist of three senators appointed by the senate Committee on Rules and
Administration, three state representatives appointed by the speaker of the
house of representatives, four department staff, and five county
representatives appointed by the Association of Minnesota Counties after
consultation with other relevant county organizations.
(c) The committee shall
annually select up to two topics for review. The goals of the reviews are to
discuss opportunities for administrative improvements and increased
simplification and streamlining to improve consistency, efficiency, fairness,
and to reduce the risk of recipient noncompliance. In reviewing the topics
selected, consideration shall be given to:
(1) current challenges in
administrative complexity and service delivery and whether the sharing of
responsibilities between the state and the county should be altered in any way,
including transferring responsibilities from one entity to the other;
(2) methods of reducing
inconsistency with similar programs; and
(3) the current funding
mechanism, whether funding formulas should be adjusted for special demographic
or geographic factors that influence program costs, differences in county
property tax contributions and maintenance of effort obligations, and whether
the mix of state and county obligations for financial support of this service
should be changed.
(d) The committee members
shall assume responsibility for reporting progress to the appropriate
leadership of the groups they represent. The commissioner, in partnership with
the advisory committee, shall report to the legislative committees and
divisions with jurisdiction over the Department of Human Services on the
findings and recommendations of the advisory committee by December 15 of each
year.
(e) This section expires
June 30, 2012.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256.015, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Cooperation required. Upon the request of
the Department of Human Services, any state agency or third party payer shall
cooperate with the department in furnishing information to help establish a
third party liability. Upon the request of the Department of Human Services or
county child support or human service agencies, any employer or third party
payer shall cooperate in furnishing information about group health insurance
plans or medical benefit plans available to its employees. For purposes of
section 176.191, subdivision 4, the Department of Labor and Industry may allow
the Department of Human Services and county agencies direct access and data
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matching on information
relating to workers' compensation claims in order to determine whether the
claimant has reported the fact of a pending claim and the amount paid to or on
behalf of the claimant to the Department of Human Services. The Department of Human
Services and county agencies shall limit its use of information gained from
agencies, third party payers, and employers to purposes directly connected with
the administration of its public assistance and child support programs. The
provision of information by agencies, third party payers, and employers to the
department under this subdivision is not a violation of any right of
confidentiality or data privacy.
Sec.
20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.017, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Authority and purpose. The
commissioner shall administer a compliance system for the Minnesota family
investment program, the food stamp or food support program, emergency
assistance, general assistance, medical assistance, general assistance medical
care, emergency general assistance, Minnesota supplemental assistance,
preadmission screening, and alternative care grants, and the child
care assistance program under the powers and authorities named in section
256.01, subdivision 2. The purpose of the compliance system is to permit the
commissioner to supervise the administration of public assistance programs and
to enforce timely and accurate distribution of benefits, completeness of
service and efficient and effective program management and operations, to
increase uniformity and consistency in the administration and delivery of
public assistance programs throughout the state, and to reduce the possibility
of sanctions and fiscal disallowances for noncompliance with federal
regulations and state statutes.
The
commissioner shall utilize training, technical assistance, and monitoring
activities, as specified in section 256.01, subdivision 2, to encourage county
agency compliance with written policies and procedures.
Sec.
21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.017, subdivision 9, is amended to
read:
Subd.
9. Timing and disposition of penalty and
case disallowance funds. Quality control case penalty and administrative
penalty amounts shall be disallowed or withheld from the next regular
reimbursement made to the county agency for state and federal benefit
reimbursements and federal administrative reimbursements for all programs
covered in this section, according to procedures established in statute, but
shall not be imposed sooner than 30 calendar days from the date of written
notice of such penalties. Except for penalties withheld under the child care
assistance program, all penalties must be deposited in the county incentive
fund provided in section 256.018. Penalties withheld under the child care
assistance program shall be reallocated to counties using the allocation
formula under section 119B.03, subdivision 5. All penalties must be imposed
according to this provision until a decision is made regarding the status of a
written exception. Penalties must be returned to county agencies when a review of
a written exception results in a decision in their favor.
Sec.
22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.0471, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Qualifying overpayment. Any
overpayment for assistance granted under chapter 119B, the MFIP program
formerly codified under sections 256.031 to 256.0361, and the AFDC program
formerly codified under sections 256.72 to 256.871; chapters 256B, 256D, 256I,
256J, and 256K, and 256L; and the food stamp or food support
program, except agency error claims, become a judgment by operation of law 90
days after the notice of overpayment is personally served upon the recipient in
a manner that is sufficient under rule 4.03(a) of the Rules of Civil Procedure
for district courts, or by certified mail, return receipt requested. This
judgment shall be entitled to full faith and credit in this and any other
state.
Sec.
23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256.984, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Declaration. Every application
for public assistance under this chapter or chapters 256B, 256D, 256J, and
256L; child care programs under chapter 119B; and food stamps or food
support under chapter 393 shall be in writing or reduced to writing as
prescribed by the state agency and shall contain the following declaration
which shall be signed by the applicant:
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"I declare under the
penalties of perjury that this application has been examined by me and to the
best of my knowledge is a true and correct statement of every material point. I
understand that a person convicted of perjury may be sentenced to imprisonment
of not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000,
or both."
Sec. 24. [256D.0516] EXPIRATION OF FOOD SUPPORT
BENEFITS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Subdivision 1. Expiration of food support benefits. Food support
benefits shall not be stored off line or expunged from a recipient's account
unless the benefits have not been accessed for 12 months after the month they
were issued.
Subd. 2. Food support reporting requirements. The Department of
Human Services shall implement simplified reporting as permitted under the Food
Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, and the food stamp regulations in Code of
Federal Regulations, title 7, part 273. Food support recipient households
required to report periodically shall not be required to report more often than
one time every six months. This provision shall not apply to households
receiving food benefits under the Minnesota family investment program waiver.
EFFECTIVE DATE. Subdivision 1 is
effective February 1, 2008, and subdivision 2 is effective May 1, 2008.
Sec. 25. [256F.15] GRANT PROGRAM FOR CRISIS
NURSERIES.
Subdivision 1. Crisis nurseries. The commissioner of human services
shall establish a grant program to assist private and public agencies and
organizations to provide crisis nurseries to offer services and temporary care
to families experiencing crisis situations including children who are at high
risk of abuse and neglect, children who have been abused and neglected, and
children who are in families receiving child protective services. This service
shall be provided without a fee for a maximum of 30 days in any year. Crisis
nurseries shall provide short-term case management, family support services,
parent education, crisis intervention, referrals, and resources, as needed.
(a) The crisis nurseries
must provide a spectrum of services that may include, but are not limited to:
(1) being available 24 hours
a day, seven days a week;
(2) providing services for
children up to 72 hours at any one time;
(3) providing short-term
case management to bridge the gap between crisis and successful living;
(4) making referrals for
parents to counseling services and other community resources to help alleviate
the underlying cause of the precipitating stress or crisis;
(5) providing services
without a fee for a maximum of 30 days in any year;
(6) providing services to
families with children from birth through 12 years of age, as services are
available;
(7) providing an immediate
response to family needs and strengths with an initial assessment and intake
interview, making referrals to appropriate agencies or programs, and providing
temporary care of children, as needed;
(8) maintaining the clients'
confidentiality to the extent required by law, and also complying with
statutory reporting requirements which may mandate a report to child protective
services;
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(9)
providing a volunteer component and support for volunteers;
(10)
providing preservice training and ongoing training to providers and volunteers;
(11)
evaluating the services provided by documenting use of services, the result of
family referrals made to community resources, and how the services reduced the
risk of maltreatment;
(12)
providing developmental assessments;
(13)
providing medical assessments as determined by using a risk screening tool;
(14)
providing parent education classes or programs that include parent-child
interaction either on site or in collaboration with other community agencies;
and
(15)
having a multidisciplinary advisory board which may include one or more parents
who have used the crisis nursery services.
(b)
The crisis nurseries are encouraged to provide opportunities for parents to
volunteer, if appropriate.
(c)
Parents shall retain custody of their children during placement in a crisis
facility.
Subd.
2. Fund distribution. In
distributing funds, the commissioner shall give priority consideration to
agencies and organizations with experience in working with abused or neglected
children and their families, and with children at high risk of abuse and
neglect and their families, and serve communities which demonstrate the
greatest need for these services. Funds shall be distributed to crisis
nurseries according to a formula developed by the commissioner in consultation
with the Minnesota Crisis Nursery Association. The formula shall include
funding for all existing crisis nursery programs that have been previously
funded through the Department of Human Services and that meet program
requirements as specified in subdivision 1, paragraph (a), and consideration of
factors reflecting the need for services in each service area, including but
not limited to the number of children 18 years of age and under living in the
service area, the percent of children 18 years of age and under living in
poverty in the service area, and factors reflecting the cost of providing
services, including but not limited to the number of hours of service provided
in the previous year.
Sec.
26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.01, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
Subd.
6. Legislative approval to move programs or
activities. The commissioner shall not move programs or activities
funded with MFIP or TANF maintenance of effort funds to other funding sources without
legislative approval.
Sec.
27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.02, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Commissioner's authority to
administer block grant funds. The commissioner of human services is
authorized to receive, administer, and expend funds available under the TANF
block grant authorized under title I of Public Law 104-193, the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, and under
Public Law 109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
Sec.
28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.02, subdivision 4, is amended to
read:
Subd.
4. Authority to transfer. Subject to
limitations of title I of Public Law 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and
Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, as amended, and under Public
Law 109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the legislature may
transfer money from the TANF block grant to the child care fund under chapter
119B, or the Title XX block grant.
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Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.021, is amended to read:
256J.021 SEPARATE STATE PROGRAM FOR USE OF STATE MONEY.
Families receiving
assistance under this section must comply with all applicable requirements in this
chapter.
(a) Until October 1, 2006,
the commissioner of human services must treat MFIP expenditures made to or on
behalf of any minor child under section 256J.02, subdivision 2, clause (1), who
is a resident of this state under section 256J.12, and who is part of a
two-parent eligible household as expenditures under a separately funded state
program and report those expenditures to the federal Department of Health and
Human Services as separate state program expenditures under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 45, section 263.5.
(b) Beginning October 1, 2006, and
each year thereafter, the commissioner of human services must treat MFIP
expenditures made to or on behalf of any minor child under section 256J.02,
subdivision 2, clause (1), who is a resident of this state under section
256J.12, and who is part of a two-parent eligible household, as
expenditures under a separately funded state program. These expenditures
shall not count toward the state's maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements
under the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program except
if counting certain families would allow the commissioner to avoid a federal
penalty. Families receiving assistance under this section must comply with all
applicable requirements in this chapter.
Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.08, subdivision 65, is amended to read:
Subd. 65. Participant. (a) "Participant"
means includes any of the following:
(1) a person who is currently
receiving cash assistance or the food portion available through MFIP. A
person who fails to withdraw or access electronically any portion of the
person's cash and food assistance payment by the end of the payment month, who
makes a written request for closure before the first of a payment month and
repays cash and food assistance electronically issued for that payment month
within that payment month, or who returns any uncashed assistance check and
food coupons and withdraws from the program is not a participant.;
(2) a person who withdraws a
cash or food assistance payment by electronic transfer or receives and cashes
an MFIP assistance check or food coupons and is subsequently determined to be
ineligible for assistance for that period of time is a participant, regardless
whether that assistance is repaid. The term "participant" includes;
(3) the caregiver relative and
the minor child whose needs are included in the assistance payment.;
(4) a person in an assistance
unit who does not receive a cash and food assistance payment because the case
has been suspended from MFIP is a participant.;
(5) a person who receives cash
payments under the diversionary work program under section 256J.95 is a
participant.; and
(6) a person who receives
cash payments under the family stabilization services program under section
256J.575.
(b) "Participant"
does not include a person who fails to withdraw or access electronically any
portion of the person's cash and food assistance payment by the end of the
payment month, who makes a written request for closure before the first of a
payment month and repays cash and food assistance electronically issued for
that payment month within that payment month, or who returns any uncashed
assistance check and food coupons and withdraws from the program.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Income exclusions. The following must
be excluded in determining a family's available income:
(1) payments for basic care,
difficulty of care, and clothing allowances received for providing family
foster care to children or adults under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5050 to
9555.6265, 9560.0521, and 9560.0650 to 9560.0655, and payments received and
used for care and maintenance of a third-party beneficiary who is not a
household member;
(2) reimbursements for
employment training received through the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
United States Code, title 20, chapter 73, section 9201;
(3) reimbursement for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred while performing volunteer services, jury duty,
employment, or informal carpooling arrangements directly related to employment;
(4) all educational
assistance, except the county agency must count graduate student teaching
assistantships, fellowships, and other similar paid work as earned income and,
after allowing deductions for any unmet and necessary educational expenses,
shall count scholarships or grants awarded to graduate students that do not
require teaching or research as unearned income;
(5) loans, regardless of
purpose, from public or private lending institutions, governmental lending institutions,
or governmental agencies;
(6) loans from private
individuals, regardless of purpose, provided an applicant or participant
documents that the lender expects repayment;
(7)(i) state income tax
refunds; and
(ii) federal income tax
refunds;
(8)(i) federal earned income
credits;
(ii) Minnesota working
family credits;
(iii) state homeowners and
renters credits under chapter 290A; and
(iv) federal or state tax
rebates;
(9) funds received for
reimbursement, replacement, or rebate of personal or real property when these
payments are made by public agencies, awarded by a court, solicited through
public appeal, or made as a grant by a federal agency, state or local
government, or disaster assistance organizations, subsequent to a presidential
declaration of disaster;
(10) the portion of an
insurance settlement that is used to pay medical, funeral, and burial expenses,
or to repair or replace insured property;
(11) reimbursements for
medical expenses that cannot be paid by medical assistance;
(12) payments by a
vocational rehabilitation program administered by the state under chapter 268A,
except those payments that are for current living expenses;
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(13) in-kind income,
including any payments directly made by a third party to a provider of goods
and services;
(14) assistance payments to
correct underpayments, but only for the month in which the payment is received;
(15) payments for short-term
emergency needs under section 256J.626, subdivision 2;
(16) funeral and cemetery
payments as provided by section 256.935;
(17) nonrecurring cash gifts
of $30 or less, not exceeding $30 per participant in a calendar month;
(18) any form of energy
assistance payment made through Public Law 97-35, Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Act of 1981, payments made directly to energy providers by other
public and private agencies, and any form of credit or rebate payment issued by
energy providers;
(19) Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), including retroactive SSI payments and other income of an SSI
recipient, except as described in section 256J.37, subdivision 3b;
(20) Minnesota supplemental
aid, including retroactive payments;
(21) proceeds from the sale
of real or personal property;
(22) state adoption
assistance payments under section 259.67, and up to an equal amount of county
adoption assistance payments;
(23) state-funded family
subsidy program payments made under section 252.32 to help families care for
children with developmental disabilities, consumer support grant funds under
section 256.476, and resources and services for a disabled household member
under one of the home and community-based waiver services programs under chapter
256B;
(24) interest payments and
dividends from property that is not excluded from and that does not exceed the
asset limit;
(25) rent rebates;
(26) income earned by a
minor caregiver, minor child through age 6, or a minor child who is at least a
half-time student in an approved elementary or secondary education program;
(27) income earned by a
caregiver under age 20 who is at least a half-time student in an approved
elementary or secondary education program;
(28) MFIP child care
payments under section 119B.05;
(29) all other payments made
through MFIP to support a caregiver's pursuit of greater economic stability;
(30) income a participant
receives related to shared living expenses;
(31) reverse mortgages;
(32) benefits provided by
the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, United States Code, title 42, chapter 13A,
sections 1771 to 1790;
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(33) benefits provided by
the women, infants, and children (WIC) nutrition program, United States Code,
title 42, chapter 13A, section 1786;
(34) benefits from the
National School Lunch Act, United States Code, title 42, chapter 13, sections
1751 to 1769e;
(35) relocation assistance
for displaced persons under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property
Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, United States Code, title 42, chapter 61,
subchapter II, section 4636, or the National Housing Act, United States Code,
title 12, chapter 13, sections 1701 to 1750jj;
(36) benefits from the Trade
Act of 1974, United States Code, title 19, chapter 12, part 2, sections 2271 to
2322;
(37) war reparations
payments to Japanese Americans and Aleuts under United States Code, title 50,
sections 1989 to 1989d;
(38) payments to veterans or
their dependents as a result of legal settlements regarding Agent Orange or
other chemical exposure under Public Law 101-239, section 10405, paragraph
(a)(2)(E);
(39) income that is
otherwise specifically excluded from MFIP consideration in federal law, state
law, or federal regulation;
(40) security and utility
deposit refunds;
(41) American Indian tribal
land settlements excluded under Public Laws 98-123, 98-124, and 99-377 to the
Mississippi Band Chippewa Indians of White Earth, Leech Lake, and Mille Lacs
reservations and payments to members of the White Earth Band, under United
States Code, title 25, chapter 9, section 331, and chapter 16, section 1407;
(42) all income of the minor
parent's parents and stepparents when determining the grant for the minor
parent in households that include a minor parent living with parents or
stepparents on MFIP with other children;
(43) income of the minor
parent's parents and stepparents equal to 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline
for a family size not including the minor parent and the minor parent's child
in households that include a minor parent living with parents or stepparents
not on MFIP when determining the grant for the minor parent. The remainder of
income is deemed as specified in section 256J.37, subdivision 1b;
(44) payments made to
children eligible for relative custody assistance under section 257.85;
(45) vendor payments for
goods and services made on behalf of a client unless the client has the option
of receiving the payment in cash; and
(46) the principal portion
of a contract for deed payment.; and
(47) cash payments to
individuals enrolled for full-time service as a volunteer under AmeriCorps
programs including AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps National, and
AmeriCorps NCCC.
Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.24, subdivision 10, is amended to read:
Subd. 10. MFIP exit level. The commissioner shall
adjust the MFIP earned income disregard to ensure that most participants do not
lose eligibility for MFIP until their income reaches at least 115 140
percent of the federal poverty guidelines in effect in October of each fiscal
year. The adjustment to the disregard shall be based on a
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household size of three, and
the resulting earned income disregard percentage must be applied to all
household sizes. The adjustment under this subdivision must be implemented at
the same time as the October food stamp or food support cost-of-living
adjustment is reflected in the food portion of MFIP transitional standard as
required under subdivision 5a.
Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.42, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Time limit. (a) Except as otherwise
provided for in this section, an assistance unit in which any adult caregiver
has received 60 months of cash assistance funded in whole or in part by the
TANF block grant in this or any other state or United States territory, or from
a tribal TANF program, MFIP, the AFDC program formerly codified in sections
256.72 to 256.87, or the family general assistance program formerly codified in
sections 256D.01 to 256D.23, funded in whole or in part by state
appropriations, is ineligible to receive MFIP. Any cash assistance funded with
TANF dollars in this or any other state or United States territory, or from a
tribal TANF program, or MFIP assistance funded in whole or in part by state
appropriations, that was received by the unit on or after the date TANF was
implemented, including any assistance received in states or United States
territories of prior residence, counts toward the 60-month limitation. Months
during which any cash assistance is received by an assistance unit with a
mandatory member who is disqualified for wrongfully obtaining public assistance
under section 256.98, subdivision 8, counts toward the time limit for the
disqualified member. The 60-month limit applies to a minor caregiver except
under subdivision 5. The 60-month time period does not need to be consecutive
months for this provision to apply.
(b) The months before July
1998 in which individuals received assistance as part of the field trials as an
MFIP, MFIP-R, or MFIP or MFIP-R comparison group family are not included in the
60-month time limit.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective October 1, 2007.
Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.425, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. Hard-to-employ participants. An assistance
unit subject to the time limit in section 256J.42, subdivision 1, is eligible
to receive months of assistance under a hardship extension if the participant
who reached the time limit belongs to any of the following groups:
(1) a person who is diagnosed
by a licensed physician, psychological practitioner, or other qualified
professional, as developmentally disabled or mentally ill, and that condition
prevents the person from obtaining or retaining unsubsidized employment;
(2) a person who:
(i) has been assessed by a
vocational specialist or the county agency to be unemployable for purposes of
this subdivision; or
(ii) has an IQ below 80 who
has been assessed by a vocational specialist or a county agency to be
employable, but not at a level that makes the participant eligible for an
extension under subdivision 4. The determination of IQ level must be made by a
qualified professional. In the case of a non-English-speaking person: (A) the
determination must be made by a qualified professional with experience
conducting culturally appropriate assessments, whenever possible; (B) the
county may accept reports that identify an IQ range as opposed to a specific
score; (C) these reports must include a statement of confidence in the results;
(3) a person who is
determined by a qualified professional to be learning disabled, and the
disability severely limits the person's ability to obtain, perform, or maintain
suitable employment. For purposes of the initial approval of a learning
disability extension, the determination must have been made or confirmed within
the previous 12
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months. In the case of a
non-English-speaking person: (i) the determination must be made by a qualified professional
with experience conducting culturally appropriate assessments, whenever
possible; and (ii) these reports must include a statement of confidence in the
results. If a rehabilitation plan for a participant extended as learning
disabled is developed or approved by the county agency, the plan must be
incorporated into the employment plan. However, a rehabilitation plan does not
replace the requirement to develop and comply with an employment plan under
section 256J.521; or
(4) a person who has been
granted a family violence waiver, and who is complying with an employment plan
under section 256J.521, subdivision 3; or
(5) a participant under
section 256J.561, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), who is complying with an
employment plan tailored to recognize the special circumstances of the
caregivers and family, including limitations due to illness or disability, and
caregiving needs.
Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.425, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. Employed participants. (a) An
assistance unit subject to the time limit under section 256J.42, subdivision 1,
is eligible to receive assistance under a hardship extension if the participant
who reached the time limit belongs to:
(1) a one-parent assistance
unit in which the participant is participating in work activities for at least
30 hours per week, of which an average of at least 25 hours per week every
month are spent participating in employment;
(2) a two-parent assistance
unit in which the participants are participating in work activities for at
least 55 hours per week, of which an average of at least 45 hours per week
every month are spent participating in employment; or
(3) an assistance unit in
which a participant is participating in employment for fewer hours than those
specified in clause (1) or (2), and the participant submits verification
from a qualified professional, in a form acceptable to the commissioner,
stating that the number of hours the participant may work is limited due to
illness or disability, as long as the participant is participating in
employment for at least the number of hours specified by the qualified
professional. The participant must be following the treatment recommendations
of the qualified professional providing the verification. The commissioner
shall develop a form to be completed and signed by the qualified professional,
documenting the diagnosis and any additional information necessary to document
the functional limitations of the participant that limit work hours. If the
participant is part of a two-parent assistance unit, the other parent must be
treated as a one-parent assistance unit for purposes of meeting the work
requirements under this subdivision.
(b) For purposes of this
section, employment means:
(1) unsubsidized employment
under section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (1);
(2) subsidized employment
under section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (2);
(3) on-the-job training
under section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (2);
(4) an apprenticeship under
section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (1);
(5) supported work under
section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (2);
(6) a combination of clauses
(1) to (5); or
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(7)
child care under section 256J.49, subdivision 13, clause (7), if it is in
combination with paid employment.
(c) If a participant is
complying with a child protection plan under chapter 260C, the number of hours required
under the child protection plan count toward the number of hours required under
this subdivision.
(d) (c) The county shall
provide the opportunity for subsidized employment to participants needing that
type of employment within available appropriations.
(e) (d) To be eligible
for a hardship extension for employed participants under this subdivision, a
participant must be in compliance for at least ten out of the 12 months the
participant received MFIP immediately preceding the participant's 61st month on
assistance. If ten or fewer months of eligibility for TANF assistance remain at
the time the participant from another state applies for assistance, the
participant must be in compliance every month.
(f) (e) The employment
plan developed under section 256J.521, subdivision 2, for participants under
this subdivision must contain at least the minimum number of hours specified in
paragraph (a) for the purpose of meeting the requirements for an extension
under this subdivision. The job counselor and the participant must sign the
employment plan to indicate agreement between the job counselor and the
participant on the contents of the plan.
(g) (f) Participants who
fail to meet the requirements in paragraph (a), without good cause under
section 256J.57, shall be sanctioned or permanently disqualified under
subdivision 6. Good cause may only be granted for that portion of the month for
which the good cause reason applies. Participants must meet all remaining
requirements in the approved employment plan or be subject to sanction or
permanent disqualification.
(h) (g) If the
noncompliance with an employment plan is due to the involuntary loss of
employment, the participant is exempt from the hourly employment requirement
under this subdivision for one month. Participants must meet all remaining
requirements in the approved employment plan or be subject to sanction or
permanent disqualification. This exemption is available to each participant two
times in a 12-month period.
Sec.
36. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.46, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
Subd.
3. Restrictions on sanctions. A
participant shall not be sanctioned for failure to meet the agreed upon hours
in a participant's employment plan under section 256J.521, subdivision 2, when
the participant:
(1)
fails to meet the agreed upon hours of participation in paid employment because
the participant is not eligible for holiday pay and the participant's place of
employment is closed for a holiday; or
(2)
is otherwise meeting or exceeding the federal TANF work participation rate
hourly requirements.
Sec.
37. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.49, subdivision 13, is amended to
read:
Subd.
13. Work activity. "Work
activity" means any activity in a participant's approved employment plan
that leads to employment. For purposes of the MFIP program, this includes
activities that meet the definition of work activity under the participation
requirements of TANF. Work activity includes:
(1)
unsubsidized employment, including work study and paid apprenticeships or
internships;
(2)
subsidized private sector or public sector employment, including grant
diversion as specified in section 256J.69, on-the-job training as specified in
section 256J.66, the self-employment investment demonstration program (SEID) as
specified in section 256J.65, paid work experience, and supported work when a
wage subsidy is provided;
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(3) unpaid work experience, including
community service, volunteer work, the community work experience program as
specified in section 256J.67, unpaid apprenticeships or internships, and
supported work when a wage subsidy is not provided. Unpaid work performed in
return for cash assistance is prohibited and does not count as a work activity,
unless the participant voluntarily agrees, in writing, to engage in unpaid work
in return for cash assistance. The participant may terminate the unpaid work
arrangement, in writing, at any time;
(4) job search including job
readiness assistance, job clubs, job placement, job-related counseling, and job
retention services;
(5) job readiness education,
including English as a second language (ESL) or functional work literacy
classes as limited by the provisions of section 256J.531, subdivision 2,
general educational development (GED) course work, high school completion, and
adult basic education as limited by the provisions of section 256J.531,
subdivision 1;
(6) job skills training
directly related to employment, including education and training that can
reasonably be expected to lead to employment, as limited by the provisions of
section 256J.53;
(7) providing child care
services to a participant who is working in a community service program;
(8) activities included in
the employment plan that is developed under section 256J.521, subdivision 3;
and
(9) preemployment activities
including chemical and mental health assessments, treatment, and services;
learning disabilities services; child protective services; family stabilization
services; or other programs designed to enhance employability.
Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.521, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. Assessments. (a) For purposes of MFIP
employment services, assessment is a continuing process of gathering
information related to employability for the purpose of identifying both
participant's strengths and strategies for coping with issues that interfere
with employment. The job counselor must use information from the assessment
process to develop and update the employment plan under subdivision 2 or 3, as
appropriate, and to determine whether the participant qualifies for a
family violence waiver including an employment plan under subdivision 3, and
to determine whether the participant should be referred to the family
stabilization services program under section 256J.575.
(b) The scope of assessment
must cover at least the following areas:
(1) basic information about
the participant's ability to obtain and retain employment, including: a review
of the participant's education level; interests, skills, and abilities; prior
employment or work experience; transferable work skills; child care and
transportation needs;
(2) identification of personal
and family circumstances that impact the participant's ability to obtain and
retain employment, including: any special needs of the children, the level of
English proficiency, family violence issues, and any involvement with social
services or the legal system;
(3)
the results of a mental and chemical health screening tool designed by the
commissioner and results of the brief screening tool for special learning
needs. Screening tools for mental and chemical health and special learning
needs must be approved by the commissioner and may only be administered by job
counselors or county staff trained in using such screening tools. The
commissioner shall work with county agencies to develop protocols for referrals
and follow-up actions after screens are administered to participants, including
guidance on how employment plans may be modified based upon outcomes of certain
screens. Participants must be told of the purpose of the screens and how the
information will be used to assist the participant in identifying and
overcoming
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barriers
to employment. Screening for mental and chemical health and special learning needs
must be completed by participants who are unable to find suitable employment
after six weeks of job search under subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and
participants who are determined to have barriers to employment under
subdivision 2, paragraph (d). Failure to complete the screens will result in
sanction under section 256J.46; and
(4)
a comprehensive review of participation and progress for participants who have
received MFIP assistance and have not worked in unsubsidized employment during
the past 12 months. The purpose of the review is to determine the need for
additional services and supports, including placement in subsidized employment
or unpaid work experience under section 256J.49, subdivision 13, or referral
to the family stabilization services program under section 256J.575.
(c)
Information gathered during a caregiver's participation in the diversionary
work program under section 256J.95 must be incorporated into the assessment
process.
(d)
The job counselor may require the participant to complete a professional
chemical use assessment to be performed according to the rules adopted under
section 254A.03, subdivision 3, including provisions in the administrative
rules which recognize the cultural background of the participant, or a
professional psychological assessment as a component of the assessment process,
when the job counselor has a reasonable belief, based on objective evidence,
that a participant's ability to obtain and retain suitable employment is
impaired by a medical condition. The job counselor may assist the participant
with arranging services, including child care assistance and transportation,
necessary to meet needs identified by the assessment. Data gathered as part of
a professional assessment must be classified and disclosed according to the
provisions in section 13.46.
Sec.
39. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.521, subdivision 2, is amended to
read:
Subd.
2. Employment plan; contents. (a)
Based on the assessment under subdivision 1, the job counselor and the
participant must develop an employment plan that includes participation in
activities and hours that meet the requirements of section 256J.55, subdivision
1. The purpose of the employment plan is to identify for each participant the
most direct path to unsubsidized employment and any subsequent steps that
support long-term economic stability. The employment plan should be developed
using the highest level of activity appropriate for the participant. Activities
must be chosen from clauses (1) to (6), which are listed in order of
preference. Notwithstanding this order of preference for activities, priority
must be given for activities related to a family violence waiver when
developing the employment plan. The employment plan must also list the specific
steps the participant will take to obtain employment, including steps necessary
for the participant to progress from one level of activity to another, and a
timetable for completion of each step. Levels of activity include:
(1)
unsubsidized employment;
(2)
job search;
(3)
subsidized employment or unpaid work experience;
(4)
unsubsidized employment and job readiness education or job skills training;
(5)
unsubsidized employment or unpaid work experience and activities related to a family
violence waiver or preemployment needs; and
(6)
activities related to a family violence waiver or preemployment needs.
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(b)
Participants who are determined to possess sufficient skills such that the
participant is likely to succeed in obtaining unsubsidized employment must job
search at least 30 hours per week for up to six weeks and accept any offer of
suitable employment. The remaining hours necessary to meet the requirements of
section 256J.55, subdivision 1, may be met through participation in other work
activities under section 256J.49, subdivision 13. The participant's employment
plan must specify, at a minimum: (1) whether the job search is supervised or
unsupervised; (2) support services that will be provided; and (3) how
frequently the participant must report to the job counselor. Participants who
are unable to find suitable employment after six weeks must meet with the job
counselor to determine whether other activities in paragraph (a) should be
incorporated into the employment plan. Job search activities which are
continued after six weeks must be structured and supervised.
(c)
Beginning July 1, 2004, activities and hourly requirements in the employment
plan may be adjusted as necessary to accommodate the personal and family
circumstances of participants identified under section 256J.561, subdivision 2,
paragraph (d). Participants who no longer meet the provisions of section
256J.561, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), must meet with the job counselor within
ten days of the determination to revise the employment plan.
(d)
Participants who are determined to have barriers to obtaining or retaining
employment that will not be overcome during six weeks of job search under
paragraph (b) must work with the job counselor to develop an employment plan
that addresses those barriers by incorporating appropriate activities from
paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6). The employment plan must include enough
hours to meet the participation requirements in section 256J.55, subdivision 1,
unless a compelling reason to require fewer hours is noted in the participant's
file.
(e)
The job counselor and the participant must sign the employment plan to indicate
agreement on the contents.
(f)
Except as provided under paragraphs (g) and (h), failure to develop or
comply with activities in the plan, or voluntarily quitting suitable employment
without good cause, will result in the imposition of a sanction under section
256J.46. The job counselor is encouraged to allow participants who are
participating in at least 20 hours of work activities to also participate in
employment and training activities in order to meet the federal hourly
participation rates.
(g)
When a participant fails to meet the agreed upon hours of participation in paid
employment because the participant is not eligible for holiday pay and the
participant's place of employment is closed for a holiday, the job counselor
shall not impose a sanction or increase the hours of participation in any other
activity, including paid employment, to offset the hours that were missed due
to the holiday.
(h)
The job counselor shall not impose a sanction for failure to meet the agreed
upon hours in a participant's employment plan under this subdivision when the
participant is otherwise meeting or exceeding the federal TANF work
participation rate hourly requirements.
(f) (i) Employment plans must be
reviewed at least every three months to determine whether activities and hourly
requirements should be revised.
Sec.
40. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.521, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
Subd.
7. Employment plan; nonmaintenance of
effort; single caregivers. (a) When a single caregiver is moved to the
nonmaintenance of effort state-funded program under section 256J.021,
paragraphs (a) and (b), the single caregiver shall develop or revise the
employment plan as specified in this subdivision with a job counselor or
county. The plan must address issues interfering with employment, including
physical and mental health, substance use, and social service issues of the
caregiver and the caregiver's family. Job search and employment must also be
included in the plan to the extent possible.
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(b)
Counties must coordinate services by ensuring that all workers involved with
the family communicate on a regular basis, and that expectations for the family
across service areas lead to common goals.
(c)
Activities and hourly requirements in the employment plan may be adjusted as
necessary to accommodate the personal and family circumstances of the
participant. Participants who no longer meet the criteria for the
nonmaintenance of effort state-funded program shall meet with the job counselor
or county within ten days of the determination to revise the employment plan.
Sec.
41. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.53, subdivision 2, is amended to
read:
Subd.
2. Approval of postsecondary education
or training. (a) In order for a postsecondary education or training
program to be an approved activity in an employment plan, the participant must
be working in unsubsidized employment at least 20 hours per week.
(b) Participants seeking
approval of a postsecondary education or training plan must provide
documentation that:
(1)
the employment goal can only be met with the additional education or training;
(2)
there are suitable employment opportunities that require the specific education
or training in the area in which the participant resides or is willing to
reside;
(3)
the education or training will result in significantly higher wages for the
participant than the participant could earn without the education or training;
(4)
the participant can meet the requirements for admission into the program; and
(5)
there is a reasonable expectation that the participant will complete the
training program based on such factors as the participant's MFIP assessment,
previous education, training, and work history; current motivation; and changes
in previous circumstances.
(c)
The hourly unsubsidized employment requirement does not apply for intensive
education or training programs lasting 12 weeks or less when full-time
attendance is required.
(d) (b) Participants
with an approved employment plan in place on July 1, 2003, which includes more
than 12 months of postsecondary education or training shall be allowed to
complete that plan provided that hourly requirements in section 256J.55,
subdivision 1, and conditions specified in paragraph (b) (a), and
subdivisions 3 and 5 are met. A participant whose case is subsequently closed
for three months or less for reasons other than noncompliance with program
requirements and who returns to MFIP shall be allowed to complete that plan
provided that hourly requirements in section 256J.55, subdivision 1, and
conditions specified in paragraph (b) (a) and subdivisions 3 and
5 are met.
Sec.
42. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.55, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision
1. Participation requirements. (a)
All caregivers must participate in employment services under sections 256J.515
to 256J.57 concurrent with receipt of MFIP assistance.
(b)
Until July 1, 2004, participants who meet the requirements of section 256J.56
are exempt from participation requirements.
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(c) Participants under
paragraph (a) must develop and comply with an employment plan under section
256J.521 or section 256J.54 in the case of a participant under the age of 20
who has not obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(d) With the exception of
participants under the age of 20 who must meet the education requirements of
section 256J.54, all participants must meet the hourly participation
requirements of TANF or the hourly requirements listed in clauses (1) to (3),
whichever is higher.
(1) In single-parent
families with no children under six years of age, the job counselor and the
caregiver must develop an employment plan that includes 30 to 35 hours per
week of work activities 130 hours per month of work activities.
(2) In single-parent
families with a child under six years of age, the job counselor and the
caregiver must develop an employment plan that includes 20 to 35 hours per
week of work activities 87 hours per month of work activities.
(3) In two-parent families,
the job counselor and the caregivers must develop employment plans which result
in a combined total of at least 55 hours per week of work activities.
(e) Failure to participate
in employment services, including the requirement to develop and comply with an
employment plan, including hourly requirements, without good cause under
section 256J.57, shall result in the imposition of a sanction under section
256J.46.
Sec. 43. [256J.575] FAMILY STABILIZATION
SERVICES.
Subdivision 1. Purpose. (a) The family stabilization services serve
families who are not making significant progress within the Minnesota family
investment program (MFIP) due to a variety of barriers to employment.
(b) The goal of the services
is to stabilize and improve the lives of families at risk of long-term welfare
dependency or family instability due to employment barriers such as physical
disability, mental disability, age, or providing care for a disabled household
member. These services promote and support families to achieve the greatest
possible degree of self-sufficiency.
Subd. 2. Definitions. The terms used in this section have the
meanings given them in paragraphs (a) to (e).
(a) "Family
stabilization services" means the services established under this section.
(b) "Case
management" means the services provided by or through the county agency or
through the employment services agency to participating families, including
assessment, information, referrals, and assistance in the preparation and
implementation of a family stabilization plan under subdivision 5.
(c) "Family
stabilization plan" means a plan developed by a case manager and the
participant, which identifies the participant's most appropriate path to
unsubsidized employment, family stability, and barrier reduction, taking into
account the family's circumstances.
(d) "Family
stabilization services" means programs, activities, and services in this
section that provide participants and their family members with assistance
regarding, but not limited to:
(1) obtaining and retaining
unsubsidized employment;
(2) family stability;
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(3) economic stability; and
(4) barrier reduction.
The goal of the services is
to achieve the greatest degree of economic self-sufficiency and family well-being
possible for the family under the circumstances.
(e) "Case manager"
means the county-designated staff person or employment services counselor.
Subd. 3. Eligibility. (a) The following MFIP or diversionary work
program (DWP) participants are eligible for the services under this section:
(1) a participant identified
under section 256J.561, subdivision 2, paragraph (d), who has or is eligible
for an employment plan developed under section 256J.521, subdivision 2,
paragraph (c);
(2) a participant identified
under section 256J.95, subdivision 12, paragraph (b), as unlikely to benefit
from the DWP;
(3) a participant who meets
the requirements for or has been granted a hardship extension under section
256J.425, subdivision 2 or 3;
(4) a participant who is
applying for supplemental security income or Social Security disability
insurance;
(5) a participant who is a
noncitizen who has been in the United States for 12 or fewer months; and
(6) a new MFIP participant,
for the first 30 days the participant receives assistance or when the
participant's employment plan is completed, whichever is sooner.
(b) Families must meet all
other eligibility requirements for MFIP established in this chapter. Families
are eligible for financial assistance to the same extent as if they were
participating in MFIP.
(c) A participant under
paragraph (a), clause (5), must be provided with English as a second language
opportunities and skills training for up to 12 months. After 12 months, the
case manager and participant must determine whether the participant should
continue with English as a second language classes or skills training, or both,
or if the participant should become an MFIP participant.
Subd. 4. Universal participation. All caregivers must participate
in family stabilization services as defined in subdivision 2.
Subd. 5. Case management; family stabilization plans; coordinated services.
(a) The county agency shall provide family stabilization services to
families through a case management model. A case manager shall be assigned to
each participating family within 30 days after the family begins to receive
financial assistance as a participant of the family stabilization services. The
case manager, with the full involvement of the participant, shall recommend, and
the county agency shall establish and modify as necessary, a family
stabilization plan for each participating family. If a participant is already
assigned to a county case manager or a county-designated case manager in social
services, disability services, or housing services that case manager already
assigned may be the case manager for purposes of these services.
(b) The family stabilization
plan must include:
(1) each participant's plan for
long-term self-sufficiency, including an employment goal where applicable;
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(2) an assessment of each
participant's strengths and barriers, and any special circumstances of the
participant's family that impact, or are likely to impact, the participant's
progress towards the goals in the plan; and
(3) an identification of the
services, supports, education, training, and accommodations needed to reduce or
overcome any barriers to enable the family to achieve self-sufficiency and to
fulfill each caregiver's personal and family responsibilities.
(c) The case manager and the
participant shall meet within 30 days of the family's referral to the case
manager. The initial family stabilization plan must be completed within 30 days
of the first meeting with the case manager. The case manager shall establish a
schedule for periodic review of the family stabilization plan that includes
personal contact with the participant at least once per month. In addition, the
case manager shall review and, if necessary, modify the plan under the
following circumstances:
(1) there is a lack of
satisfactory progress in achieving the goals of the plan;
(2) the participant has lost
unsubsidized or subsidized employment;
(3) a family member has
failed or is unable to comply with a family stabilization plan requirement;
(4) services, supports, or
other activities required by the plan are unavailable;
(5) changes to the plan are
needed to promote the well-being of the children; or
(6) the participant and case
manager determine that the plan is no longer appropriate for any other reason.
Subd. 6. Cooperation with services requirements. (a) To be
eligible, a participant shall comply with paragraphs (b) to (e).
(b) Participants shall
engage in family stabilization plan services for the appropriate number of
hours per week that the activities are scheduled and available, unless good
cause exists for not doing so, as defined in section 256J.57, subdivision 1.
The appropriate number of hours must be based on the participant's plan.
(c) The case manager shall
review the participant's progress toward the goals in the family stabilization
plan every six months to determine whether conditions have changed, including
whether revisions to the plan are needed.
(d) When the participant has
increased participation in work-related activities sufficient to meet the
federal participation requirements of TANF, the county agency shall refer the
participant to the MFIP program and assign the participant to a job counselor.
The participant and the job counselor shall meet within 15 days of referral to
the MFIP program to develop an employment plan under section 256J.521. No
reapplication is necessary and financial assistance continues without
interruption.
(e) A participant's
requirement to comply with any or all family stabilization plan requirements
under this subdivision is excused when the case management services, training
and educational services, and family support services identified in the
participant's family stabilization plan are unavailable for reasons beyond the
control of the participant, including when money appropriated is not sufficient
to provide the services.
Subd. 7. Sanctions. (a) The financial assistance grant of a
participating family is reduced according to section 256J.46, if a
participating adult fails without good cause to comply or continue to comply
with the family stabilization plan requirements in this subdivision, unless compliance
has been excused under subdivision 6, paragraph (e).
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(b)
Given the purpose of the family stabilization services in this section and the
nature of the underlying family circumstances that act as barriers to both
employment and full compliance with program requirements, sanctions are
appropriate only when it is clear that there is both the ability to comply and
willful noncompliance by the participant, as confirmed by a behavioral health
or medical professional.
(c)
Prior to the imposition of a sanction, the county agency shall review the
participant's case to determine if the family stabilization plan is still
appropriate and meet with the participant face-to-face. The participant may
bring an advocate to the face-to-face meeting.
During
the face-to-face meeting, the county agency must:
(1)
determine whether the continued noncompliance can be explained and mitigated by
providing a needed family stabilization service, as defined in subdivision 2,
paragraph (d);
(2)
determine whether the participant qualifies for a good cause exemption under
section 256J.57, or if the sanction is for noncooperation with child support
requirements, determine if the participant qualifies for a good cause exemption
under section 256.741, subdivision 10;
(3)
determine whether activities in the family stabilization plan are appropriate
based on the family's circumstances;
(4)
explain the consequences of continuing noncompliance;
(5)
identify other resources that may be available to the participant to meet the
needs of the family; and
(6)
inform the participant of the right to appeal under section 256J.40.
If
the lack of an identified activity or service can explain the noncompliance,
the county shall work with the participant to provide the identified activity.
(d)
If the participant fails to come to the face-to-face meeting, the case manager
or a designee shall attempt at least one home visit. If a face-to-face meeting
is not conducted, the county agency shall send the participant a written notice
that includes the information under paragraph (c).
(e)
After the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) are met and prior to
imposition of a sanction, the county agency shall provide a notice of intent to
sanction under section 256J.57, subdivision 2, and, when applicable, a notice
of adverse action under section 256J.31.
(f)
Section 256J.57 applies to this section except to the extent that it is
modified by this subdivision.
Subd.
8. Funding. (a) The commissioner
of human services must treat MFIP expenditures made to or on behalf of any
minor child under this section, who is part of a household that meets criteria
in subdivision 3, as expenditures under a separately funded state program.
These expenditures shall not count toward the state's maintenance of effort
requirements under the federal TANF program.
(b)
A family is no longer part of a separately funded program under this section,
if the caregiver no longer meets the criteria for family stabilization services
in subdivision 3 or if it is determined at recertification that the caregiver
is meeting the federal work participation rate, whichever occurs sooner.
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Sec.
44. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:
Subdivision
1. Consolidated fund. The
consolidated fund is established to support counties and tribes in meeting
their duties under this chapter. Counties and tribes must use funds from the
consolidated fund to develop programs and services that are designed to improve
participant outcomes as measured in section 256J.751, subdivision 2. Counties
may use the funds for any allowable expenditures under subdivision 2, and to
provide case management services to participants of the family stabilization
services program. Tribes may use the funds for any allowable expenditures
under subdivision 2, except those in subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clauses
(1) and (6).
Sec.
45. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 2, is amended to
read:
Subd.
2. Allowable expenditures. (a) The commissioner
must restrict expenditures under the consolidated fund to benefits and services
allowed under title IV-A of the federal Social Security Act. Allowable
expenditures under the consolidated fund may include, but are not limited to:
(1)
short-term, nonrecurring shelter and utility needs that are excluded from the
definition of assistance under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section
260.31, for families who meet the residency requirement in section 256J.12,
subdivisions 1 and 1a. Payments under this subdivision are not considered TANF
cash assistance and are not counted towards the 60-month time limit;
(2)
transportation needed to obtain or retain employment or to participate in other
approved work activities or activities under a family stabilization plan;
(3)
direct and administrative costs of staff to deliver employment services for
MFIP or, the diversionary work program, or the family
stabilization services program; to administer financial assistance,;
and to provide specialized services intended to assist hard-to-employ
participants to transition to work or transition from the family
stabilization services program to MFIP;
(4)
costs of education and training including functional work literacy and English
as a second language;
(5)
cost of work supports including tools, clothing, boots, telephone service, and
other work-related expenses;
(6)
county administrative expenses as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title
45, section 260(b);
(7)
services to parenting and pregnant teens;
(8)
supported work;
(9)
wage subsidies;
(10)
child care needed for MFIP or, the diversionary work program,
or the family stabilization services program participants to participate in
social services;
(11)
child care to ensure that families leaving MFIP or diversionary work program
will continue to receive child care assistance from the time the family no
longer qualifies for transition year child care until an opening occurs under
the basic sliding fee child care program; and
(12)
services to help noncustodial parents who live in Minnesota and have minor
children receiving MFIP or DWP assistance, but do not live in the same
household as the child, obtain or retain employment; and
(13)
services to help families participating in the family stabilization services
program achieve the greatest possible degree of self-sufficiency.
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(b)
Administrative costs that are not matched with county funds as provided in
subdivision 8 may not exceed 7.5 percent of a county's or 15 percent of a
tribe's allocation under this section. The commissioner shall define
administrative costs for purposes of this subdivision.
(c)
The commissioner may waive the cap on administrative costs for a county or
tribe that elects to provide an approved supported employment, unpaid work, or
community work experience program for a major segment of the county's or
tribe's MFIP population. The county or tribe must apply for the waiver on forms
provided by the commissioner. In no case shall total administrative costs
exceed the TANF limits.
Sec.
46. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 3, is amended to
read:
Subd.
3. Eligibility for services.
Families with a minor child, a pregnant woman, or a noncustodial parent of a
minor child receiving assistance, with incomes below 200 percent of the federal
poverty guideline for a family of the applicable size, are eligible for
services funded under the consolidated fund. Counties and tribes must give
priority to families currently receiving MFIP or, the
diversionary work program, or the family stabilization services program, and
families at risk of receiving MFIP or diversionary work program.
Sec.
47. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 4, is amended to
read:
Subd.
4. County and tribal biennial service
agreements. (a) Effective January 1, 2004, and each two-year period
thereafter, each county and tribe must have in place an approved biennial
service agreement related to the services and programs in this chapter. In
counties with a city of the first class with a population over 300,000, the
county must consider a service agreement that includes a jointly developed plan
for the delivery of employment services with the city. Counties may collaborate
to develop multicounty, multitribal, or regional service agreements.
(b)
The service agreements will be completed in a form prescribed by the
commissioner. The agreement must include:
(1)
a statement of the needs of the service population and strengths and resources
in the community;
(2)
numerical goals for participant outcomes measures to be accomplished during the
biennial period. The commissioner may identify outcomes from section 256J.751,
subdivision 2, as core outcomes for all counties and tribes;
(3)
strategies the county or tribe will pursue to achieve the outcome targets.
Strategies must include specification of how funds under this section will be used
and may include community partnerships that will be established or
strengthened; and
(4)
strategies the county or tribe will pursue under the family stabilization
services program; and
(5)
other items
prescribed by the commissioner in consultation with counties and tribes.
(c)
The commissioner shall provide each county and tribe with information needed to
complete an agreement, including: (1) information on MFIP cases in the county
or tribe; (2) comparisons with the rest of the state; (3) baseline performance
on outcome measures; and (4) promising program practices.
(d)
The service agreement must be submitted to the commissioner by October 15,
2003, and October 15 of each second year thereafter. The county or tribe must
allow a period of not less than 30 days prior to the submission of the
agreement to solicit comments from the public on the contents of the agreement.
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(e)
The commissioner must, within 60 days of receiving each county or tribal
service agreement, inform the county or tribe if the service agreement is
approved. If the service agreement is not approved, the commissioner must
inform the county or tribe of any revisions needed prior to approval.
(f)
The service agreement in this subdivision supersedes the plan requirements of
section 116L.88.
Sec.
48. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 5, is amended to
read:
Subd.
5. Innovation projects. Beginning
January 1, 2005, no more than $3,000,000 of the funds annually appropriated to
the commissioner for use in the consolidated fund shall be available to the
commissioner for projects testing innovative approaches to improving outcomes
for MFIP participants, family stabilization services program participants, and
persons at risk of receiving MFIP as detailed in subdivision 3, and for
providing incentives to counties and tribes that exceed performance.
Projects shall be targeted to geographic areas with poor outcomes as specified
in section 256J.751, subdivision 5, or to subgroups within the MFIP case load
who are experiencing poor outcomes. For purposes of an incentive, a county
or tribe exceeds performance if the county or tribe is above the top of the county's
or tribe's annualized range of expected performance on the three-year
self-support index under section 256J.751, subdivision 2, clause (7), and
achieves a 50 percent TANF participation rate under section 256J.751,
subdivision 2, clause (7), as averaged across the four quarterly measurements
for the most recent year for which the measurements are available.
Sec.
49. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.626, subdivision 6, is amended to
read:
Subd.
6. Base allocation to counties and
tribes; definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given.
(1)
"2002 historic spending base" means the commissioner's determination
of the sum of the reimbursement related to fiscal year 2002 of county or tribal
agency expenditures for the base programs listed in clause (6), items (i)
through (iv), and earnings related to calendar year 2002 in the base program
listed in clause (6), item (v), and the amount of spending in fiscal year 2002
in the base program listed in clause (6), item (vi), issued to or on behalf of
persons residing in the county or tribal service delivery area.
(2)
"Adjusted caseload factor" means a factor weighted:
(i)
47 percent on the MFIP cases in each county at four points in time in the most recent
12-month period for which data is available multiplied by the county's caseload
difficulty factor; and
(ii)
53 percent on the count of adults on MFIP in each county and tribe at four
points in time in the most recent 12-month period for which data is available
multiplied by the county or tribe's caseload difficulty factor.
(3)
"Caseload difficulty factor" means a factor determined by the
commissioner for each county and tribe based upon the self-support index
described in section 256J.751, subdivision 2, clause (7).
(4)
"Initial allocation" means the amount potentially available to each
county or tribe based on the formula in paragraphs (b) through (h).
(5)
"Final allocation" means the amount available to each county or tribe
based on the formula in paragraphs (b) through (h), after adjustment by
subdivision 7.
(6)
"Base programs" means the:
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(i) MFIP employment and
training services under Minnesota Statutes 2002, section 256J.62, subdivision
1, in effect June 30, 2002;
(ii) bilingual employment
and training services to refugees under Minnesota Statutes 2002, section
256J.62, subdivision 6, in effect June 30, 2002;
(iii) work literacy language
programs under Minnesota Statutes 2002, section 256J.62, subdivision 7, in
effect June 30, 2002;
(iv) supported work program
authorized in Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 9, article 17, section
2, in effect June 30, 2002;
(v) administrative aid
program under section 256J.76 in effect December 31, 2002; and
(vi) emergency assistance
program under Minnesota Statutes 2002, section 256J.48, in effect June 30,
2002.
(b) The commissioner shall:
(1) beginning July 1, 2003,
determine the initial allocation of funds available under this section
according to clause (2);
(2) allocate all of the
funds available for the period beginning July 1, 2003, and ending December 31,
2004, to each county or tribe in proportion to the county's or tribe's share of
the statewide 2002 historic spending base;
(3) determine for calendar
year 2005 the initial allocation of funds to be made available under this
section in proportion to the county or tribe's initial allocation for the
period of July 1, 2003, to December 31, 2004;
(4) determine for calendar
year 2006 the initial allocation of funds to be made available under this
section based 90 percent on the proportion of the county or tribe's share of
the statewide 2002 historic spending base and ten percent on the proportion of
the county or tribe's share of the adjusted caseload factor;
(5) determine for calendar
year 2007 the initial allocation of funds to be made available under this
section based 70 percent on the proportion of the county or tribe's share of
the statewide 2002 historic spending base and 30 percent on the proportion of
the county or tribe's share of the adjusted caseload factor; and
(6) determine for calendar
year 2008 and subsequent years the initial allocation of funds to be made available
under this section based 50 percent on the proportion of the county or tribe's
share of the statewide 2002 historic spending base and 50 percent on the
proportion of the county or tribe's share of the adjusted caseload factor.
(c) With the commencement of
a new or expanded tribal TANF program or an agreement under section 256.01,
subdivision 2, paragraph (g), in which some or all of the responsibilities of
particular counties under this section are transferred to a tribe, the
commissioner shall:
(1) in the case where all
responsibilities under this section are transferred to a tribal program,
determine the percentage of the county's current caseload that is transferring
to a tribal program and adjust the affected county's allocation accordingly; and
(2) in the case where a
portion of the responsibilities under this section are transferred to a tribal
program, the commissioner shall consult with the affected county or counties to
determine an appropriate adjustment to the allocation.
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(d) Effective January 1,
2005, counties and tribes will have their final allocations adjusted based on
the performance provisions of subdivision 7.
Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.751, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. Quarterly comparison report. The
commissioner shall report quarterly to all counties on each county's
performance on the following measures:
(1) percent of MFIP caseload
working in paid employment;
(2) percent of MFIP caseload
receiving only the food portion of assistance;
(3) number of MFIP cases
that have left assistance;
(4) median placement wage
rate;
(5) caseload by months of
TANF assistance;
(6) percent of MFIP and
diversionary work program (DWP) cases off cash assistance or working 30 or more
hours per week at one-year, two-year, and three-year follow-up points from a
baseline quarter. This measure is called the self-support index. The
commissioner shall report quarterly an expected range of performance for each
county, county grouping, and tribe on the self-support index. The expected
range shall be derived by a statistical methodology developed by the
commissioner in consultation with the counties and tribes. The statistical
methodology shall control differences across counties in economic conditions
and demographics of the MFIP and DWP case load; and
(7) the MFIP TANF
work participation rate, defined as the participation requirements specified in
title 1 of Public Law 104-193 applied to all MFIP cases except child only cases
under Public Law 109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 256J.751, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. Failure to meet federal performance
standards. (a) If sanctions occur for failure to meet the performance
standards specified in title 1 of Public Law 104-193 of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, and under Public Law
109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the state shall pay 88 percent
of the sanction. The remaining 12 percent of the sanction will be paid by the
counties. The county portion of the sanction will be distributed across all
counties in proportion to each county's percentage of the MFIP average monthly
caseload during the period for which the sanction was applied.
(b) If a county fails to
meet the performance standards specified in title 1 of Public Law 104-193 of
the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, and Public Law
109-171, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, for any year, the commissioner
shall work with counties to organize a joint state-county technical assistance
team to work with the county. The commissioner shall coordinate any technical
assistance with other departments and agencies including the Departments of
Employment and Economic Development and Education as necessary to achieve the
purpose of this paragraph.
(c) For state performance
measures, a low-performing county is one that:
(1) performs below the
bottom of their expected range for the measure in subdivision 2, clause (7)
(6), in an annualized measurement reported in October of each year; or
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(2)
performs below 40 percent for the measure in subdivision 2, clause (8)
(7), as averaged across the four quarterly measurements for the year, or
the ten counties with the lowest rates if more than ten are below 40 percent.
(d)
Low-performing counties under paragraph (c) must engage in corrective action
planning as defined by the commissioner. The commissioner may coordinate
technical assistance as specified in paragraph (b) for low-performing counties
under paragraph (c).
Sec.
52. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.95, subdivision 3, is amended to
read:
Subd.
3. Eligibility for diversionary work
program. (a) Except for the categories of family units listed below, all
family units who apply for cash benefits and who meet MFIP eligibility as
required in sections 256J.11 to 256J.15 are eligible and must participate in
the diversionary work program. Family units that are not eligible for the
diversionary work program include:
(1)
child only cases;
(2)
a single-parent family unit that includes a child under 12 weeks of age. A
parent is eligible for this exception once in a parent's lifetime and is not
eligible if the parent has already used the previously allowed child under age
one exemption from MFIP employment services;
(3)
a minor parent without a high school diploma or its equivalent;
(4)
an 18- or 19-year-old caregiver without a high school diploma or its equivalent
who chooses to have an employment plan with an education option;
(5)
a caregiver age 60 or over;
(6)
family units with a caregiver who received DWP benefits in the 12 months prior
to the month the family applied for DWP, except as provided in paragraph (c);
(7)
family units with a caregiver who received MFIP within the 12 months prior to
the month the family unit applied for DWP;
(8)
a family unit with a caregiver who received 60 or more months of TANF
assistance; and
(9)
a family unit with a caregiver who is disqualified from DWP or MFIP due to
fraud.; and
(10)
refugees as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, chapter IV,
section 444.43, who arrived in the United States in the 12 months prior to the
date of application for family cash assistance.
(b)
A two-parent family must participate in DWP unless both caregivers meet the
criteria for an exception under paragraph (a), clauses (1) through (5), or the
family unit includes a parent who meets the criteria in paragraph (a), clause
(6), (7), (8), or (9).
(c)
Once DWP eligibility is determined, the four months run consecutively. If a
participant leaves the program for any reason and reapplies during the
four-month period, the county must redetermine eligibility for DWP.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is
effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec.
53. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256J.95, subdivision 13, is amended to
read:
Subd.
13. Immediate referral to employment
services. Within one working day of determination that the applicant is
eligible for the diversionary work program, but before benefits are issued to
or on behalf of the family unit, the county shall refer all caregivers to
employment services. The referral to the DWP employment services must be in
writing and must contain the following information:
(1)
notification that, as part of the application process, applicants are required
to develop an employment plan or the DWP application will be denied;
(2)
the employment services provider name and phone number;
(3)
the date, time, and location of the scheduled employment services interview;
(4) (3) the immediate availability
of supportive services, including, but not limited to, child care,
transportation, and other work-related aid; and
(5) (4) the rights, responsibilities,
and obligations of participants in the program, including, but not limited to,
the grounds for good cause, the consequences of refusing or failing to
participate fully with program requirements, and the appeal process.
Sec.
54. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 256K.45, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
Subd.
6. Funding. Any funds
appropriated for this section may be expended on programs described under
subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity building. In addition,
up to five percent of funds appropriated may be used for program administration
and up to eight percent of funds appropriated may be used for the purpose of
monitoring and evaluating runaway and homeless youth programs receiving funding
under this section. Funding shall be directed to meet the greatest need, with a
significant share of the funding focused on homeless youth providers in greater
Minnesota.
Sec.
55. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 259.24, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd.
3. Child. When the child to be
adopted is over 14 years of age, the child's written consent to adoption by
a particular person is also shall be necessary. A child of any
age who is under the guardianship of the commissioner and is legally available
for adoption may not refuse or waive the commissioner's agent's exhaustive
efforts to recruit, identify, and place the child in an adoptive home required
under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or sign a document
relieving county social services agencies of all recruitment efforts on the
child's behalf.
Sec.
56. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 259.53, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision
1. Notice to commissioner; referral for
postplacement assessment. (a) Upon the filing of a petition for adoption of
a child who is:
(1)
under the guardianship of the commissioner or a licensed child-placing agency
according to section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or 260C.317;
(2)
placed by the commissioner, commissioner's agent, or licensed child-placing
agency after a consent to adopt according to section 259.24 or under an
agreement conferring authority to place for adoption according to section
259.25; or
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(3)
placed by preadoptive custody order for a direct adoptive placement ordered by
the district court under section 259.47,
the court administrator
shall immediately transmit a copy of the petition to the commissioner of human
services.
(b)
The court shall immediately refer the petition to the agency specified below
for completion of a postplacement assessment and report as required by
subdivision 2.
(1)
If the child to be adopted has been committed to the guardianship of the
commissioner or an agency under section 260C.317 or an agency has been given
authority to place the child under section 259.25, the court shall refer the
petition to that agency, unless another agency is supervising the placement, in
which case the court shall refer the petition to the supervising agency.
(2)
If the child to be adopted has been placed in the petitioner's home by a direct
adoptive placement, the court shall refer the petition to the agency
supervising the placement under section 259.47, subdivision 3, paragraph (a),
clause (6).
(3)
If the child is to be adopted by an individual who is related to the child as
defined by section 245A.02, subdivision 13, and in all other instances not
described in clause (1) or (2), the court shall refer the petition to the local
social services agency of the county in which the prospective adoptive parent
lives.
Sec.
57. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 259.57, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision
1. Findings; orders. Upon the
hearing,
(a)
if the court finds that it is in the best interests of the child that the
petition be granted, a decree of adoption shall be made and recorded in the
office of the court administrator, ordering that henceforth the child shall be
the child of the petitioner. In the decree the court may change the name of the
child if desired. After the decree is granted for a child who is:
(1)
under the guardianship of the commissioner or a licensed child-placing agency
according to section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or 260C.317;
(2)
placed by the commissioner, commissioner's agent, or licensed child-placing
agency after a consent to adopt according to section 259.24 or under an
agreement conferring authority to place for adoption according to section
259.25; or
(3)
adopted after a direct adoptive placement ordered by the district court under
section 259.47,
the court administrator
shall immediately mail a copy of the recorded decree to the commissioner of
human services;
(b)
if the court is not satisfied that the proposed adoption is in the best
interests of the child, the court shall deny the petition, and shall order the
child returned to the custody of the person or agency legally vested with
permanent custody or certify the case for appropriate action and disposition to
the court having jurisdiction to determine the custody and guardianship of the
child.
Sec.
58. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 259.67, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd.
4. Eligibility conditions. (a) The
placing agency shall use the AFDC requirements as specified in federal law as
of July 16, 1996, when determining the child's eligibility for adoption
assistance under title IV-E of the Social Security Act. If the child does not
qualify, the placing agency shall certify a child as eligible for state funded
adoption assistance only if the following criteria are met:
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(1) Due to the child's
characteristics or circumstances it would be difficult to provide the child an
adoptive home without adoption assistance.
(2)(i) A placement agency
has made reasonable efforts to place the child for adoption without adoption
assistance, but has been unsuccessful; or
(ii) the child's licensed
foster parents desire to adopt the child and it is determined by the placing
agency that the adoption is in the best interest of the child.
(3)(i) The child has
been a ward of the commissioner, a Minnesota-licensed child-placing agency, or
a tribal social service agency of Minnesota recognized by the Secretary of the
Interior; or (ii) the child will be adopted according to tribal law without
a termination of parental rights or relinquishment, provided that the tribe has
documented the valid reason why the child cannot or should not be returned to
the home of the child's parent. The placing agency shall not certify a
child who remains under the jurisdiction of the sending agency pursuant to
section 260.851, article 5, for state-funded adoption assistance when Minnesota
is the receiving state.
(b) For purposes of this
subdivision, the characteristics or circumstances that may be considered in
determining whether a child is a child with special needs under United States
Code, title 42, chapter 7, subchapter IV, part E, or meets the requirements of
paragraph (a), clause (1), are the following:
(1) The child is a member of
a sibling group to be placed as one unit in which at least one sibling is older
than 15 months of age or is described in clause (2) or (3).
(2) The child has documented
physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabilities.
(3) The child has a high
risk of developing physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabilities.
(4) The child is adopted according
to tribal law without a termination of parental rights or relinquishment,
provided that the tribe has documented the valid reason why the child cannot or
should not be returned to the home of the child's parent.
(4) The child is five years
of age or older.
(c) When a child's
eligibility for adoption assistance is based upon the high risk of developing
physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral disabilities, payments shall not be
made under the adoption assistance agreement unless and until the potential
disability manifests itself as documented by an appropriate health care
professional.
Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 259.67, subdivision 7, is amended to read:
Subd. 7. Reimbursement of costs. (a) Subject to
rules of the commissioner, and the provisions of this subdivision a
child-placing agency licensed in Minnesota or any other state, or local or
tribal social services agency shall receive a reimbursement from the
commissioner equal to 100 percent of the reasonable and appropriate cost of
providing adoption services for a child certified as eligible for adoption
assistance under subdivision 4. Such assistance. Adoption services under
this subdivision may include adoptive family recruitment, counseling, and
special training when needed.
(b) An eligible child must
have a goal of adoption, which may include an adoption in accordance with
tribal law, and meet one of the following criteria:
(1) is a ward of the
commissioner of human services or a ward of tribal court pursuant to section
260.755, subdivision 20, who meets one of the criteria in subdivision 4,
paragraph (b), clause (1), (2), or (3); or
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(2)
is under the guardianship of a Minnesota-licensed child-placing agency who
meets one of the criteria in subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (1) or (2).
(c)
A
child-placing agency licensed in Minnesota or any other state shall receive
reimbursement for adoption services it purchases for or directly provides to an
eligible child. Tribal social services shall receive reimbursement for
adoption services it purchases for or directly provides to an eligible child. A
local or tribal social services agency shall receive such
reimbursement only for adoption services it purchases for an eligible child.
(b)
A child-placing agency licensed in Minnesota or any other state or local or
tribal social services agency seeking reimbursement under this subdivision
shall enter into Before providing adoption services for which reimbursement will be
sought under this subdivision, a reimbursement agreement, on the designated
format, must be entered into with the commissioner before providing
adoption services for which reimbursement is sought. No reimbursement under
this subdivision shall be made to an agency for services provided prior to
entering a reimbursement agreement. Separate reimbursement agreements shall be
made for each child and separate records shall be kept on each child for whom a
reimbursement agreement is made. The commissioner of human services shall
agree that the reimbursement costs are reasonable and appropriate. The
commissioner may spend up to $16,000 for each purchase of service agreement.
Only one agreement per child is allowed, unless an exception is granted by the
commissioner. Funds encumbered and obligated under such an agreement for
the child remain available until the terms of the agreement are fulfilled or
the agreement is terminated.
(c)
When a local or tribal social services agency uses a purchase of service
agreement to provide services reimbursable under a reimbursement agreement, The commissioner may
shall make reimbursement payments directly to the agency providing the
service if direct reimbursement is specified by the purchase of service
agreement, and if the request for reimbursement is submitted by the local or
tribal social services agency along with a verification that the service was
provided.
Sec.
60. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 259.75, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
Subd.
8. Reasons for deferral. Deferral of
the listing of a child with the state adoption exchange shall be only for one
or more of the following reasons:
(a)
the child is in an adoptive placement but is not legally adopted;
(b)
the child's foster parents or other individuals are now considering adoption;
(c)
diagnostic study or testing is required to clarify the child's problem and
provide an adequate description; or
(d)
the child is currently in a hospital and continuing need for daily professional
care will not permit placement in a family setting; or.
(e)
the child is 14 years of age or older and will not consent to an adoption plan.
Approval of a request to
defer listing for any of the reasons specified in paragraph (b) or (c) shall be
valid for a period not to exceed 90 days, with no subsequent deferrals for
those reasons.
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Sec.
61. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 260.012, is amended to read:
260.012 DUTY TO ENSURE
PLACEMENT PREVENTION AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION; REASONABLE EFFORTS.
(a)
Once a child alleged to be in need of protection or services is under the court's
jurisdiction, the court shall ensure that reasonable efforts, including
culturally appropriate services, by the social services agency are made to
prevent placement or to eliminate the need for removal and to reunite the child
with the child's family at the earliest possible time, and when a child
cannot be reunified with the parent or guardian from whom the child was
removed, the court must ensure that the responsible social services agency
makes reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanent plan for the
child as provided in paragraph (e). In determining reasonable efforts to be
made with respect to a child and in making those reasonable efforts, the
child's best interests, health, and safety must be of paramount concern.
Reasonable efforts to prevent placement and for rehabilitation and
reunification are always required except upon a determination by the court that
a petition has been filed stating a prima facie case that:
(1)
the parent has subjected a child to egregious harm as defined in section
260C.007, subdivision 14;
(2)
the parental rights of the parent to another child have been terminated
involuntarily;
(3)
the child is an abandoned infant under section 260C.301, subdivision 2,
paragraph (a), clause (2);
(4)
the parent's custodial rights to another child have been involuntarily
transferred to a relative under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, paragraph
(e), clause (1), or a similar law of another jurisdiction; or
(5)
the provision of services or further services for the purpose of reunification
is futile and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances.
(b)
When the court makes one of the prima facie determinations under paragraph (a),
either permanency pleadings under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or a
termination of parental rights petition under sections 260C.141 and 260C.301
must be filed. A permanency hearing under section 260C.201, subdivision 11,
must be held within 30 days of this determination.
(c)
In the case of an Indian child, in proceedings under sections 260B.178 or
260C.178, 260C.201, and 260C.301 the juvenile court must make findings and
conclusions consistent with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States
Code, title 25, section 1901 et seq., as to the provision of active efforts. In
cases governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, United States Code,
title 25, section 1901, the responsible social services agency must provide
active efforts as required under United States Code, title 25, section 1911(d).
(d)
"Reasonable efforts to prevent placement" means:
(1)
the agency has made reasonable efforts to prevent the placement of the child in
foster care; or
(2)
given the particular circumstances of the child and family at the time of the
child's removal, there are no services or efforts available which could allow
the child to safely remain in the home.
(e)
"Reasonable efforts to finalize a permanent plan for the child" means
due diligence by the responsible social services agency to:
(1)
reunify the child with the parent or guardian from whom the child was removed;
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(2)
assess a noncustodial parent's ability to provide day-to-day care for the child
and, where appropriate, provide services necessary to enable the noncustodial
parent to safely provide the care, as required by section 260C.212, subdivision
4;
(3)
conduct a relative search as required under section 260C.212, subdivision 5;
and
(4)
when the child cannot return to the parent or guardian from whom the child was
removed, to plan for and finalize a safe and legally permanent alternative home
for the child, and considers permanent alternative homes for the child
inside or outside of the state, preferably through adoption or transfer of
permanent legal and physical custody of the child.
(f)
Reasonable efforts are made upon the exercise of due diligence by the
responsible social services agency to use culturally appropriate and available
services to meet the needs of the child and the child's family. Services may
include those provided by the responsible social services agency and other
culturally appropriate services available in the community. At each stage of
the proceedings where the court is required to review the appropriateness of
the responsible social services agency's reasonable efforts as described in
paragraphs (a), (d), and (e), the social services agency has the burden of
demonstrating that:
(1)
it has made reasonable efforts to prevent placement of the child in foster
care;
(2)
it has made reasonable efforts to eliminate the need for removal of the child
from the child's home and to reunify the child with the child's family at the
earliest possible time;
(3)
it has made reasonable efforts to finalize an alternative permanent home for
the child, and considers permanent alternative homes for the child inside or
outside of the state; or
(4)
reasonable efforts to prevent placement and to reunify the child with the
parent or guardian are not required. The agency may meet this burden by stating
facts in a sworn petition filed under section 260C.141, by filing an affidavit
summarizing the agency's reasonable efforts or facts the agency believes
demonstrate there is no need for reasonable efforts to reunify the parent and
child, or through testimony or a certified report required under juvenile court
rules.
(g)
Once the court determines that reasonable efforts for reunification are not
required because the court has made one of the prima facie determinations under
paragraph (a), the court may only require reasonable efforts for reunification
after a hearing according to section 260C.163, where the court finds there is
not clear and convincing evidence of the facts upon which the court based its
prima facie determination. In this case when there is clear and convincing
evidence that the child is in need of protection or services, the court may
find the child in need of protection or services and order any of the
dispositions available under section 260C.201, subdivision 1. Reunification of
a surviving child with a parent is not required if the parent has been
convicted of:
(1)
a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, sections
609.185 to 609.20; 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223 in regard to another
child of the parent;
(2)
a violation of section 609.222, subdivision 2; or 609.223, in regard to the
surviving child; or
(3)
a violation of, or an attempt or conspiracy to commit a violation of, United States
Code, title 18, section 1111(a) or 1112(a), in regard to another child of the
parent.
(h)
The juvenile court, in proceedings under sections 260B.178 or 260C.178,
260C.201, and 260C.301 shall make findings and conclusions as to the provision
of reasonable efforts. When determining whether reasonable efforts have been
made, the court shall consider whether services to the child and family were:
(1) relevant to the safety and protection of the child;