Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8727

 

 

STATE OF MINNESOTA

 

 

EIGHTY-SEVENTH SESSION - 2012

 

_____________________

 

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH DAY

 

Saint Paul, Minnesota, Tuesday, April 24, 2012

 

 

      The House of Representatives convened at 10:00 a.m. and was called to order by Kurt Zellers, Speaker of the House.

 

      Prayer was offered by Representative Bruce Anderson, District 19A, Buffalo Township, 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:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      A quorum was present.

 

      Clark and Peterson, S., were excused.

 

      Winkler was excused until 1:25 p.m.

 

      The Chief Clerk proceeded to read the Journal of the preceding day.  There being no objection, further reading of the Journal was dispensed with and the Journal was approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8728

REPORTS OF CHIEF CLERK

 

      S. F. No. 2098 and H. F. No. 2747, which had been referred to the Chief Clerk for comparison, were examined and found to be identical with certain exceptions.

 

SUSPENSION OF RULES

 

      Murray moved that the rules be so far suspended that S. F. No. 2098 be substituted for H. F. No. 2747 and that the House File be indefinitely postponed.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

      The following communications were received:

 

 

STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

SAINT PAUL 55155

 

April 18, 2012

 

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The State of Minnesota

 

Dear Speaker Zellers:

 

      Please be advised that I have received, approved, signed, and deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State H. F. Nos. 2333, 2187, 2128, 1816 and 2239.

 

 

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

                                                                                                                                Mark Dayton

                                                                                                                                Governor

 

 

STATE OF MINNESOTA

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

ST. PAUL 55155

 

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

The Honorable Michelle L. Fischbach

President of the Senate

 

      I have the honor to inform you that the following enrolled Acts of the 2012 Session of the State Legislature have been received from the Office of the Governor and are deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State for preservation, pursuant to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 23:


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8729

 

S. F.

No.

 

H. F.

No.

 

Session Laws

Chapter No.

Time and

Date Approved

2012

 

Date Filed

2012

 

      2394                                               172                                     1:40 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

                                2333                     173                                     1:40 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

                                2187                     174                                     1:41 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1586                                               175                                    10:15 a.m. April 18                                    April 18

      2131                                               176                                     1:42 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1621                                               177                                     1:43 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      2184                                               178                                     1:44 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1815                                               179                                     1:45 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1553                                               180                                     1:46 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1626                                               181                                     1:47 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1964                                               182                                     1:48 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      2114                                               183                                     1:48 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1620                                               184                                     1:49 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1875                                               185                                     1:49 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1599                                               186                                     1:50 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      2060                                               187                                     1:51 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1492                                               188                                     1:52 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      2360                                               189                                     1:53 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

      1689                                               192                                     1:58 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

                                2128                     193                                     1:58 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

                                1816                     194                                     1:58 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

                                2239                     195                                     1:59 p.m. April 18                                     April 18

 

 

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

                                                                                                                                Mark Ritchie

                                                                                                                                Secretary of State

 

 

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND DIVISIONS

 

 

Holberg from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

 

H. F. No. 1485, A bill for an act relating to gambling; modifying certain rates of tax on lawful gambling; providing for electronic linked bingo games, electronic pull-tab games, and sports-themed tipboard games; making clarifying, conforming, and technical changes; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.01, subdivisions 7, 8, 9; 297E.02, subdivisions 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, by adding a subdivision; 297E.13, subdivision 5; 349.12, subdivisions 3b, 3c, 5, 6a, 12a, 18, 25, 25b, 25c, 25d, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, by adding subdivisions; 349.13; 349.151, subdivisions 4b, 4c, by adding subdivisions; 349.155, subdivisions 3, 4; 349.161, subdivisions 1, 5; 349.162, subdivision 5; 349.163, subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 349.1635, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; 349.165, subdivision 2; 349.17, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 349.1711, subdivisions 1, 2; 349.1721; 349.18, subdivision 1; 349.19, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 10; 349.211, subdivisions 1a, 2c; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.02, subdivision 4; 349.15, subdivision 3; 349.19, subdivision 2a.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments:


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Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

MINNESOTA STADIUM AUTHORITY

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.971, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Financial audits.  The legislative auditor shall audit the financial statements of the state of Minnesota required by section 16A.50 and, as resources permit, shall audit Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, courts, and other state organizations subject to audit by the legislative auditor, including the State Agricultural Society, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., Minnesota Historical Society, Labor Interpretive Center, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Minnesota Stadium Authority, Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.  Financial audits must be conducted according to generally accepted government auditing standards.  The legislative auditor shall see that all provisions of law respecting the appropriate and economic use of public funds are complied with and may, as part of a financial audit or separately, investigate allegations of noncompliance.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.9741, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Minnesota Stadium Authority.  Upon the audit of the financial accounts and affairs of the Minnesota Stadium Authority, the authority is liable to the state for the total cost and expenses of the audit, including the salaries paid to the examiners while actually engaged in making the examination.  The legislative auditor may bill the authority either monthly or at the completion of the audit.  All collections received for the audits must be deposited in the general fund.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 10A.01, subdivision 35, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 35.  Public official.  "Public official" means any:

 

(1) member of the legislature;

 

(2) individual employed by the legislature as secretary of the senate, legislative auditor, chief clerk of the house of representatives, revisor of statutes, or researcher, legislative analyst, or attorney in the Office of Senate Counsel and Research or House Research;

 

(3) constitutional officer in the executive branch and the officer's chief administrative deputy;

 

(4) solicitor general or deputy, assistant, or special assistant attorney general;

 

(5) commissioner, deputy commissioner, or assistant commissioner of any state department or agency as listed in section 15.01 or 15.06, or the state chief information officer;

 

(6) member, chief administrative officer, or deputy chief administrative officer of a state board or commission that has either the power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter 14, or the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals under chapter 14;

 

(7) individual employed in the executive branch who is authorized to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter 14 or adjudicate contested cases under chapter 14;

 

(8) executive director of the State Board of Investment;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8731

(9) deputy of any official listed in clauses (7) and (8);

 

(10) judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals;

 

(11) administrative law judge or compensation judge in the State Office of Administrative Hearings or unemployment law judge in the Department of Employment and Economic Development;

 

(12) member, regional administrator, division director, general counsel, or operations manager of the Metropolitan Council;

 

(13) member or chief administrator of a metropolitan agency;

 

(14) director of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement in the Department of Public Safety;

 

(15) member or executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Authority;

 

(16) member of the board of directors or president of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.;

 

(17) member of the board of directors or executive director of the Minnesota State High School League;

 

(18) member of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority established in section 473.755;

 

(19) citizen member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources;

 

(20) manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management organization as defined under section 103B.205, subdivision 13;

 

(21) supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;

 

(22) director of Explore Minnesota Tourism;

 

(23) citizen member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established in section 97A.056; or

 

(24) a citizen member of the Clean Water Council established in section 114D.30.; or

 

(25) member or chief executive of the Minnesota Stadium Authority established in section 473J.07.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 340A.404, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Cities.  (a) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the following establishments located within its jurisdiction:

 

(1) hotels;

 

(2) restaurants;

 

(3) bowling centers;

 

(4) clubs or congressionally chartered veterans organizations with the approval of the commissioner, provided that the organization has been in existence for at least three years and liquor sales will only be to members and bona fide guests, except that a club may permit the general public to participate in a wine tasting conducted at the club under section 340A.419;


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(5) sports facilities, restaurants, clubs, or bars located on land owned or leased by the Minnesota Stadium Authority;

 

(5) (6) sports facilities located on land owned by the Metropolitan Sports Commission; and

 

(6) (7) exclusive liquor stores.

 

(b) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a theater within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the theater.

 

(c) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a convention center within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the convention center.  This paragraph does not apply to convention centers located in the seven-county metropolitan area.

 

(d) A city may issue an on-sale wine license and an on-sale malt liquor license to a person who is the owner of a summer collegiate league baseball team, or to a person holding a concessions or management contract with the owner, for beverage sales at a ballpark or stadium located within the city for the purposes of summer collegiate league baseball games at the ballpark or stadium, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending baseball games at the ballpark or stadium.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 352.01, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Included employees.  (a) "State employee" includes:

 

(1) employees of the Minnesota Historical Society;

 

(2) employees of the State Horticultural Society;

 

(3) employees of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association;

 

(4) employees of the adjutant general whose salaries are paid from federal funds and who are not covered by any federal civilian employees retirement system;

 

(5) employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who are employed under the university or college activities program;

 

(6) currently contributing employees covered by the system who are temporarily employed by the legislature during a legislative session or any currently contributing employee employed for any special service as defined in subdivision 2b, clause (8);

 

(7) employees of the legislature who are appointed without a limit on the duration of their employment and persons employed or designated by the legislature or by a legislative committee or commission or other competent authority to conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation;

 

(8) trainees who are employed on a full-time established training program performing the duties of the classified position for which they will be eligible to receive immediate appointment at the completion of the training period;


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(9) employees of the Minnesota Safety Council;

 

(10) any employees who are on authorized leave of absence from the Transit Operating Division of the former Metropolitan Transit Commission and who are employed by the labor organization which is the exclusive bargaining agent representing employees of the Transit Operating Division;

 

(11) employees of the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, or Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission unless excluded under subdivision 2b or are covered by another public pension fund or plan under section 473.415, subdivision 3;

 

(12) judges of the Tax Court;

 

(13) personnel who were employed on June 30, 1992, by the University of Minnesota in the management, operation, or maintenance of its heating plant facilities, whose employment transfers to an employer assuming operation of the heating plant facilities, so long as the person is employed at the University of Minnesota heating plant by that employer or by its successor organization;

 

(14) personnel who are employed as seasonal employees in the classified or unclassified service;

 

(15) persons who are employed by the Department of Commerce as a peace officer in the Insurance Fraud Prevention Division under section 45.0135 who have attained the mandatory retirement age specified in section 43A.34, subdivision 4;

 

(16) employees of the University of Minnesota unless excluded under subdivision 2b, clause (3);

 

(17) employees of the Middle Management Association whose employment began after July 1, 2007, and to whom section 352.029 does not apply; and

 

(18) employees of the Minnesota Government Engineers Council to whom section 352.029 does not apply.; and

 

(19) employees of the Minnesota Stadium Authority.

 

(b) Employees specified in paragraph (a), clause (13), are included employees under paragraph (a) if employer and employee contributions are made in a timely manner in the amounts required by section 352.04.  Employee contributions must be deducted from salary.  Employer contributions are the sole obligation of the employer assuming operation of the University of Minnesota heating plant facilities or any successor organizations to that employer.

 

Sec. 6.  [473J.01] PURPOSE.

 

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the construction, financing, and long-term use of a stadium and related stadium infrastructure as a venue for professional football and a broad range of other civic, community, athletic, educational, cultural, and commercial activities.  The legislature finds and declares that the expenditure of public money for this purpose is necessary and serves a public purpose, and that property acquired by the Minnesota Stadium Authority for the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure is acquired for a public use or public purpose under chapter 117.  The legislature further finds and declares that any provision in a lease or use agreement with a professional football team that requires the team to play all of its home games in a publicly funded stadium for the duration of the lease or use agreement, with the occasional exception of a game played elsewhere as set forth in such agreement, serves a unique public purpose for which the remedies of specific performance and injunctive relief are essential to its enforcement.  The legislature further finds and declares that government assistance to facilitate the presence of professional football provides to the state of Minnesota and its citizens highly


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valued intangible benefits that are virtually impossible to quantify and, therefore, not recoverable even if the government receives monetary damages in the event of a team's breach of contract.  Minnesota courts are, therefore, charged with protecting those benefits through the use of specific performance and injunctive relief as provided in this chapter and in the lease and use agreements.

 

Sec. 7.  [473J.03] DEFINITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Application.  For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them, except as otherwise expressly provided or indicated by the context.

 

Subd. 2.  Annual adjustment factor.  "Annual adjustment factor" means the annual adjustment factor under section 297A.994, subdivision 4, paragraph (b).

 

Subd. 3.  Authority.  "Authority" means the Minnesota Stadium Authority established under section 473J.07.

 

Subd. 4.  City.  "City" means the city of Minneapolis.

 

Subd. 5.  NFL.  The "NFL" means the National Football League.

 

Subd. 6.  NFL team.  "NFL team" means the owner and operator of the NFL professional football team known, as of the effective date of this chapter, as the Minnesota Vikings or any team owned and operated by someone who purchases or otherwise takes ownership or control of or reconstitutes the NFL team known as the Minnesota Vikings.

 

Subd. 7.  Stadium.  "Stadium" means the stadium suitable for professional football to be designed, constructed, and financed under this chapter.  A stadium must have a roof that covers the stadium, as set forth in section 473J.11, subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 8.  Stadium costs.  "Stadium costs" means the costs of acquiring land, the costs of stadium infrastructure, and of designing, constructing, equipping, and financing a stadium suitable for professional football.

 

Subd. 9.  Stadium infrastructure.  "Stadium infrastructure" means plazas, parking structures, rights of way, connectors, skyways and tunnels, and other such property, facilities, and improvements, owned by the authority or determined by the authority to facilitate the use and development of the stadium.

 

Subd. 10.  Stadium site.  "Stadium site" means all or portions of the current site of the existing football stadium and adjacent areas, bounded generally by Park and Eleventh Avenues and Third and Sixth Streets in the city of Minneapolis, the definitive boundaries of which shall be determined by the authority and agreed to by the NFL team.

 

Sec. 8.  [473J.07] MINNESOTA STADIUM AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Established.  The Minnesota Stadium Authority is established as a public body, corporate and politic, and political subdivision of the state.  The authority is not a joint powers entity or an agency or instrumentality of the city.

 

Subd. 2.  Membership.  (a) The authority shall consist of five members. 

 

(b) The chair and two members shall be appointed by the governor.  One member appointed by the governor shall serve until December 31 of the third year following appointment and one member shall serve until December 31 of the fourth year following appointment.  Thereafter, members appointed by the governor shall serve four-year


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terms, beginning January 1.  Each member serves until a successor is appointed and takes office.  The chair serves at the pleasure of the governor.  Appointments under this paragraph are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.  Senate confirmation shall be as provided by section 15.066.

 

(c) The mayor of the city shall appoint two members to the authority.  One member appointed by the mayor of the city shall serve until December 31 of the third year following appointment and one member shall serve until December 31 of the fourth year following appointment.  Thereafter, members appointed under this paragraph shall serve four-year terms beginning January 1.  Each member serves until a successor is appointed and takes office.  Members appointed under this paragraph may reside within the city and may be appointed officials of a political subdivision.

 

(d) The initial members of the authority must be appointed not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this chapter.

 

Subd. 3.  Compensation.  The authority may compensate its members, other than the chair, as provided in section 15.0575.  The chair shall receive, unless otherwise provided by other law, a salary in an amount fixed by the authority, and shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses to the same extent as a member.

 

Subd. 4.  Chair.  The chair presides at all meetings of the authority, if present, and performs all other assigned duties and functions.  The authority may appoint from among its members a vice-chair to act for the chair during the temporary absence or disability of the chair, and any other officers the authority determines are necessary or convenient.

 

Subd. 5.  Removal.  A member, other than the chair, may be removed by the appointing authority only for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, upon written charges, and after an opportunity to be heard in defense of the charges.

 

Subd. 6.  Bylaws.  The authority shall adopt bylaws to establish rules of procedure, the powers and duties of its officers, and other matters relating to the governance of the authority and the exercise of its powers.  Except as provided in this section, the bylaws adopted under this subdivision must be similar in form and substance to bylaws adopted by the Minnesota Ballpark Authority pursuant to section 473.755.

 

Subd. 7.  Audit.  The legislative auditor shall audit the books and accounts of the authority once each year or as often as the legislative auditor's funds and personnel permit.  The authority shall pay the total cost of the audit pursuant to section 3.9741.

 

Subd. 8.  Executive director; employees.  The authority may appoint an executive director to serve as the chief executive officer of the authority.  The executive director serves at the pleasure of the authority and receives compensation as determined by the authority.  The executive director may be responsible for the operation, management, and promotion of activities of the authority, as prescribed by the authority.  The executive director has the powers necessarily incident to the performance of duties required and powers granted by the authority, but does not have authority to incur liability or make expenditures on behalf of the authority without general or specific directions by the authority, as shown by the bylaws or minutes of a meeting of the authority.  The executive director is responsible for hiring, supervision, and dismissal of all other employees of the authority.

 

Subd. 9.  Web site.  The authority shall establish a Web site for purposes of providing information to the public concerning all actions taken by the authority.  At a minimum, the Web site must contain a current version of the authority's bylaws, notices of upcoming meetings, minutes of the authority's meetings, and contact telephone, electronic mail, and facsimile numbers for public comments.


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Subd. 10.  Quorum; approvals.  Any three members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business and action may be taken upon the vote of a majority of members present at a meeting duly called and held.  During the design and construction stages of the stadium, a four-fifths vote of the authority is required for authority decisions related to zoning, land use, exterior design of the stadium, related parking, the plaza area, and the selection of the authority's lead representative during design and construction.

 

Sec. 9.  [473J.08] LOCATION.

 

The stadium to be constructed under this chapter shall be located at the stadium site in the city of Minneapolis. 

 

Sec. 10.  [473J.09] POWERS, DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Actions.  The authority may sue and be sued.  The authority is a public body and the stadium and stadium infrastructure are public improvements within the meaning of chapter 562.  The authority is a municipality within the meaning of chapter 466.

 

Subd. 2.  Acquisition of property.  The authority may acquire from any public or private entity by lease, purchase, gift, or devise all necessary right, title, and interest in and to real property, air rights, and personal property deemed necessary to the purposes contemplated by this chapter.  The authority may acquire, by the exercise of condemnation powers under chapter 117, land, other real property, air rights, personal property, and other right, title, and interest in property, within the stadium site and stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 3.  Disposition of property.  The authority may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property acquired by the authority that is no longer required for accomplishment of the authority's purposes.  The property may be sold in accordance with the procedures provided by section 469.065, except subdivisions 6 and 7, to the extent the authority deems it to be practical and consistent with this chapter.  Title to the stadium must not be transferred or sold by the authority prior to the effective date of enactment of any legislation approving such transfer or sale.

 

Subd. 4.  Data practices; open meetings.  Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the authority is subject to chapters 13 and 13D.

 

Subd. 5.  Facility operation.  The authority may develop, construct, equip, improve, own, operate, manage, maintain, finance, and control the stadium, stadium infrastructure, and related facilities constructed or acquired under this chapter, or may delegate such duties through an agreement, subject to the rights and obligations transferred to and assumed by the authority, the NFL team, other user, third-party manager, or program manager, under the terms of a lease, use agreement, or development agreement.

 

Subd. 6.  Employees; contracts for services.  The authority may employ persons and contract for services necessary to carry out its functions, including the utilization of employees and consultants retained by other governmental entities.  The authority shall enter into an agreement with the city regarding traffic control for the stadium.

 

Subd. 7.  Gifts, grants, loans.  The authority may accept monetary contributions, property, services, and grants or loans of money or other property from the United States, the state, any subdivision of the state, any agency of those entities, or any person for any of its purposes, and may enter into any agreement required in connection with the gifts, grants, or loans.  The authority shall hold, use, and dispose of the money, property, or services according to the terms of the monetary contributions, grant, loan, or agreement.

 

Subd. 8.  Use agreements.  The authority may lease, license, or enter into use agreements and may fix, alter, charge, and collect rents, fees, and charges for the use, occupation, and availability of part or all of any premises, property, or facilities under its ownership, operation, or control for purposes that will provide athletic, educational,


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8737

cultural, commercial, or other entertainment, instruction, or activity for the citizens of Minnesota and visitors.  The use agreements may provide that the other contracting party has exclusive use of the premises at the times agreed upon, as well as the right to retain some or all revenues from ticket sales, suite licenses, concessions, advertising, naming rights, NFL team designated broadcast/media, club seats, signage, and other revenues derived from the stadium.  The lease or use agreement with an NFL team must provide for the payment by the NFL team of an agreed-upon portion of operating and maintenance costs and expenses and provide other terms in which the authority and NFL team agree.  In no case may a lease or use agreement permit smoking in the stadium.

 

Subd. 9.  Research.  The authority may conduct research studies and programs; collect and analyze data; prepare reports, maps, charts, and tables; and conduct all necessary hearings and investigations in connection with its functions.

 

Subd. 10.  Insurance.  The authority may require any employee to obtain and file with the authority an individual bond or fidelity insurance policy.  The authority may procure insurance in the amounts the authority considers necessary against liability of the authority or its officers and employees for personal injury or death and property damage or destruction, consistent with chapter 466, and against risks of damage to or destruction of any of its facilities, equipment, or other property.

 

Subd. 11.  Exemption from Metropolitan Council review; Business Subsidy Act.  The acquisition and betterment of a stadium and stadium infrastructure by the authority must be conducted pursuant to this chapter and are not subject to sections 473.165 and 473.173.  Section 116J.994 does not apply to any transactions of the authority or other governmental entity related to the stadium or stadium infrastructure or to any tenant or other users of the stadium or stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 12.  Incidental powers.  In addition to the powers expressly granted in this chapter, the authority has all powers necessary or incidental thereto.

 

Subd. 13.  Transfers to the authority.  In addition to any other payments required under this act, for operating years 2016 to 2020, the NFL team shall annually transfer to the authority amounts equal to the city of Minneapolis share of operating costs and capital reserves.  These amounts shall be repaid to the NFL team by the state on behalf of the city of Minneapolis through a repayment schedule to be specified in law, and agreed to in all subsequent agreements between the city and the NFL team.

 

Sec. 11.  [473J.11] STADIUM DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Contracts.  (a) The design, development, and construction of the stadium shall be a collaborative process between the authority and the NFL team.  The authority and the NFL team shall establish a process to reach consensus on key elements of the stadium program and design, development, and construction.

 

(b) Unless the authority and the NFL team agree otherwise:

 

(1) the authority shall create a stadium design and construction group, including representatives of the authority and the NFL team, to manage the design of the stadium and oversee construction;

 

(2) this group shall engage an owner's representative to act on behalf of the group.  The cost of the owner's representative shall be a stadium cost; and

 

(3) the authority and the NFL team shall enter into a development administration agreement providing for rights and responsibilities of the authority and the NFL team, the design and construction group, and the owner's representative for design and construction of the stadium, including but not limited to establishment of minimum design standards.  This development administration agreement shall provide for binding arbitration in the event that the authority and the NFL team are unable to agree on minimum design standards or other material aspects of the design.


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(c) The authority may enter into an agreement with the NFL team and any other entity relating to the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance, and use of the stadium and related facilities and stadium infrastructure.  The authority may contract for materials, supplies, and equipment in accordance with section 471.345, except that the authority may employ or contract with persons, firms, or corporations to perform one or more or all of the functions of architect, engineer, construction manager, or program manager with respect to all or any part of the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance, and use of the stadium and stadium infrastructure under the traditional separate design and build, integrated design-build, construction manager at risk, or public/private partnership (P3) structures, or a combination thereof.

 

(d) The authority and the NFL team shall prepare a request for proposals for one or more of the functions described in paragraph (c).  The request must be published in the State Register and shall include, at a minimum, such requirements that are agreed to by the authority and the NFL team.  The authority and the NFL team may prequalify offerors by issuing a request for qualifications, in advance of the request for proposals, and select a short list of responsible offerors prior to discussions and evaluations.

 

(e) As provided in the request for proposals, the authority, and the NFL team, may conduct discussions and negotiations with responsible offerors in order to determine which proposal is most advantageous to the authority and the NFL team and to negotiate the terms of an agreement.  In conducting discussions, there shall be no disclosure of any information derived from proposals submitted by competing offerors and the content of all proposals is nonpublic data under chapter 13 until such time as a notice to award a contract is given by the authority.  The agreement shall be subject to the approval of the NFL team.

 

(f) Prior to the time the authority enters into a construction contract with a construction manager or program manager certifying a maximum price and a completion date as provided in paragraph (h), at the request of the NFL team, the authority may authorize, such authorization not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, the NFL team to provide for management of the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure, in which event the NFL team must assume the role and responsibilities of the authority for completion of construction in a manner consistent with the agreed minimum design standards and design documents, subject to the terms of this act, including responsibility for cost overruns.

 

(g) The construction manager or program manager may enter into contracts with contractors for labor, materials, supplies, and equipment for the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure through the process of public bidding, except that the construction manager or program manager may, with the consent of the authority or the NFL team if the NFL team has assumed responsibility for construction:

 

(1) narrow the listing of eligible bidders to those which the construction manager or program manager determines to possess sufficient expertise to perform the intended functions;

 

(2) award contracts to the contractors that the construction manager or program manager determines provide the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), clause (2), and (c), which are not required to be the lowest responsible bidder; and

 

(3) for work the construction manager or program manager determines to be critical to the completion schedule, award contracts on the basis of competitive proposals, or perform work with its own forces without soliciting competitive bids if the construction manager or program manager provides evidence of competitive pricing. 

 

(h) The authority and the NFL team shall require that the construction manager or program manager certify, before the contract is signed, a fixed and stipulated construction price and completion date to the authority and post a performance bond in an amount at least equal to 100 percent of the certified price or such other security satisfactory to the authority, to cover any costs which may be incurred in excess of the certified price including, but not limited to, costs incurred by the authority or loss of revenues resulting from incomplete construction on the


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completion date.  The authority may secure surety bonds as provided in section 574.26, securing payment of just claims in connection with all public work undertaken by the authority.  Persons entitled to the protection of the bonds may enforce them as provided in sections 574.28 to 574.32 and are not entitled to a lien on any property of the authority under the provisions of sections 514.01 to 514.16.  The construction of the stadium is a project as that term is defined in section 177.42, subdivision 2, and is subject to the prevailing wage law under sections 177.41 to 177.43.

 

Subd. 2.  Changes.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, if either party requests an agreed upon change in minimum design standards, and this change is responsible for requiring the project to exceed the stated budget, the requesting party is liable for any cost overruns or associated liabilities.

 

Subd. 3.  Stadium design.  The stadium and stadium infrastructure shall be designed and constructed incorporating the following general program and design elements:

 

(1) Unless otherwise agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, the stadium shall comprise approximately 1,500,000 square feet with approximately 65,000 seats, expandable to 72,000, shall meet or exceed NFL program requirements, and include approximately 150 suites and approximately 7,500 club seats or other such components as agreed to by the authority and the NFL team;

 

(2) space for NFL team-related exhibitions and sales, which shall include the following:  NFL team museum and Hall of Fame, retail merchandise and gift shop retail venues, and themed concessions and restaurants;

 

(3) year-round space for the NFL team administrative operations, sales, and marketing, including a ticket office, team meeting space, locker, and training rooms;

 

(4) space for administrative offices of the authority;

 

(5) 2,000 parking spaces within one block of the stadium, connected by skyway or tunnel to the stadium, and 500 parking spaces within two blocks of the stadium, with a dedicated walkway on game days;

 

(6) elements sufficient to provide community and civic uses as determined by the authority; and

 

(7) a roof that is fixed or retractable, provided that if the roof is retractable, it is accomplished without any increase to the funding provided by the state or the city.

 

Subd. 4.  Cost overruns, savings.  The authority may accept financial obligations relating to cost overruns associated with acquisition of the stadium site, stadium infrastructure, and stadium design, development, and construction, provided that the authority shall not accept responsibility for cost overruns and shall not be responsible for cost overruns if the authority has authorized the NFL team to provide for management of construction of the stadium under section 473J.11, subdivision 1.  Cost savings or additional funds obtained by the authority or the NFL team for the stadium or stadium infrastructure may be used first to fund additional stadium or stadium infrastructure, as agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, if any, and then to fund capital reserves.

 

Sec. 12.  [473J.112] COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS.

 

The authority shall sell commemorative bricks to be displayed at a prominent location in the new stadium, for an amount to be determined by the authority.  The authority shall work with the commissioner to ensure that purchase of a brick is a tax deductible donation on the part of the donating person or organization.  Funds raised through this section shall be appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget for a grant to the Minnesota Stadium Authority.

 

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


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Sec. 13.  [473J.12] EMPLOYMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Hiring and recruitment.  In the design, development, construction, management, operation, maintenance and capital repair, replacement and improvement of the stadium and stadium infrastructure, the authority shall make every effort to employ, and cause the NFL team, the construction manager and other subcontractors, vendors, and concessionaires to employ women and members of minority communities when hiring.  Further, goals for construction contracts to be awarded to women- and minority-owned businesses will be in a percentage at least equal to the minimum used for city of Minneapolis development projects, and the other construction workforce will establish workforce utilization goals at least equal to current city goals and include workers from city zip codes that have high rates of poverty and unemployment.

 

Subd. 2.  Other required agreements.  The NFL team or the authority shall give food, beverage, retail, and concession workers presently employed by the NFL team or the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission or its vendors at the existing football stadium the opportunity to continue their employment in comparable positions at the new stadium.  Workers who are presently represented under a collective bargaining agreement may seek to continue such representation in the facility and designate such, or another collective bargaining unit, as their representative.

 

Sec. 14.  [473J.13] STADIUM OPERATIONS; CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Stadium operation.  The stadium shall be operated in a first-class manner, similar to and consistent with other comparable NFL stadiums, such as the stadium currently known as Lucas Oil Field.  The authority and the team will mutually agree on a third-party management company or individual to manage the stadium and on certain major vendors to the stadium.  The authority, with the approval of the NFL team, may enter into an agreement with a program manager for management of the stadium, for a maximum of 30 years.

 

Subd. 2.  Operating expenses.  (a) The authority must pay or cause to be paid all operating expenses of the stadium.  The authority must require in the lease or use agreement with the NFL team that the NFL team pay the authority, beginning January 1, 2016, or other date as mutually agreed upon by the parties, toward operating costs of the stadium, $8,500,000 each year, increased by a three percent annual inflation rate.

 

(b) Beginning January 1, 2016, or other date as mutually agreed upon by the parties, and continuing through 2020, the NFL team shall pay the authority operating expenses, $6,000,000 each year, increased by an annual adjustment factor.  The payment of $6,000,000 per year beginning in 2016 is a payment by the team, which shall be repaid to the team by the state, using funds as provided under section 297A.994, subdivision 4, clause (4).  After 2020, the state shall assume this payment, using funds generated in accordance with the city of Minneapolis as specified under section 287A.994.

 

(c) The authority may establish an operating reserve to cover operating expense shortfalls and may accept funds from any source for deposit in the operating reserve.  The establishment or funding of an authority operating reserve must not decrease the amounts required to be paid to the authority toward operating costs under this subdivision unless agreed to by the authority.

 

(d) The authority will be responsible for operating cost overruns.

 

(e) After the joint selection of the third-party manager or program manager, the authority may agree with a program manager or other third-party manager of the stadium on a fixed cost operating, management, or employment agreement with operating cost protections under which the program manager or third-party manager assumes responsibility for stadium operating costs and shortfalls.  The agreement with the manager must require the manager to prepare an initial and ongoing operating plan and operating budgets for approval by the authority in consultation with the NFL team.  The manager must agree to operate the stadium in accordance with the approved operating plan and operating budget.


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Subd. 3.  Public access.  The authority will work to maximize access for public and amateur sports, community, and civic events, and other public events in type and on terms consistent with those currently held at the existing football stadium, as defined in section 473.551, subdivision 9.  The authority may provide that these events have exclusive use of the premises at agreed-upon times subject to the scheduling rights of the NFL team under the lease or use agreement.

 

Subd. 4.  Capital improvements.  (a) The authority shall establish a capital reserve fund.  The authority shall be responsible for making, or for causing others to make, all capital repairs, replacements, and improvements for the stadium and stadium infrastructure.  The authority shall maintain, or cause others to maintain, the stadium and stadium infrastructure in a safe, clean, attractive, and first-class manner so as to cause them to remain in a condition comparable to that of other comparable NFL facilities of similar design and age.  The authority shall make, or cause others to make, all necessary or appropriate repairs, renewals, and replacements, whether structural or nonstructural, interior or exterior, ordinary or extraordinary, foreseen or unforeseen, in a prompt and timely manner.  In addition, the authority, with approval of the NFL team, may enter into an agreement with a program manager to perform some or all of the responsibilities of the authority in this subdivision and to assume and accept financial liability for the cost of performing the responsibilities.

 

(b) The NFL team must contribute $1,500,000 each year, beginning in 2016 or as otherwise determined for the term of the lease or use agreement to the operating reserve fund, increased by a three percent annual inflation rate.

 

(c) The state shall contribute $1,500,000 each year, beginning in 2016 or as otherwise determined for the term of the lease to the operating reserve fund.  The contributions of the state are subject to increase by an annual adjustment factor.  The contribution under this paragraph shall be assumed by the team from 2016 through 2020, and repaid to the team by the state using funds in accordance with section 297A.994, subdivision 4, clause (4).

 

(d) The authority with input from the NFL team shall develop short-term and long-term capital funding plans and shall use those plans to guide the future capital needs of the stadium and stadium infrastructure.  The authority shall make the final determination with respect to funding capital needs.  Any capital improvement proposed by the NFL team intended primarily to provide revenue enhancements to the NFL team shall be paid for by the NFL team, unless otherwise agreed to with the authority.

 

Subd. 5.  Game-day payments.  In addition to operating expense contributions of the NFL team under subdivision 2, the NFL team shall pay all NFL game day, NFL team-owned major league soccer, as provided in section 473J.15, subdivision 15, and other NFL team-sponsored event expenses within the stadium and stadium plaza areas.

 

Subd. 6.  Cooperation with financing.  The authority will cooperate with the NFL team to facilitate the financing of the NFL team's contribution.  Such agreement to cooperate shall not require the authority to incur any additional costs or provide conduit financing.  The lease, license, and other transaction documents shall include provisions customarily required by lenders in stadium financings.

 

Sec. 15.  [473J.15] CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Binding and enforceable.  In developing the stadium and entering into related contracts, the authority must follow and enforce the criteria and conditions in this section, provided that a determination by the authority that those criteria or conditions have been met under any agreement or otherwise shall be conclusive.

 

Subd. 2.  NFL team/private contribution; timing of expenditures.  (a) The NFL team/private contribution, including stadium builder license proceeds, for stadium costs must be made in cash in the amount of at least $427,000,000.


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(b) Prior to the initial deposit of funds under this section, the team must provide security or other credit worthiness in the amount of $50,000,000, subject to the satisfaction of the authority.  Prior to the first issuance of bonds under section 16A.965, the first portion of the NFL team/private contribution in the amount of $50,000,000 must be deposited as costs are incurred to the construction fund to pay for the initial stadium costs.

 

(c) After the first $50,000,000 of stadium costs have been paid from the initial NFL team/private contribution, state funds shall be deposited as costs are incurred to the construction fund to pay for the next $50,000,000 of costs of the project.  Prior to any state funds being deposited in the construction fund, the NFL team must provide security or a financing commitment reasonably satisfactory to the authority for the balance of the required NFL team/private contribution and for payment of cost overruns if the NFL team assumes responsibility for stadium construction under section 473J.11.  Thereafter, budgeted project costs shall be borne by the authority and the NFL team/private contributions in amounts proportionate to their remaining funding commitments.

 

(d) In the event the project terminates before the initial $100,000,000 in contributions are expended by the parties under this subdivision, the parties shall be reimbursed in the amounts they have deposited to the construction fund proportionate to project funding percentages, in the amounts of 56 percent by the authority and 44 percent by the NFL team/private contributions.

 

Subd. 3.  Lease or use agreements; 30-year term.  The authority must enter into a long-term lease or use agreement with the NFL team for the NFL team's use of the stadium.  The NFL team must agree to play all preseason, regular season, and postseason home games at the stadium.  Training facilities must remain in Minnesota during the term of the lease or use agreement.  The lease or use agreement must be for a term of at least 30 years from the date of substantial completion of the stadium for professional football games.  The lease or use agreement may provide options for the NFL team to extend the term for up to four additional periods of five years.  The lease or use agreement must include terms for default, termination, and breach of the agreement.  Recognizing that the presence of professional football provides to the state of Minnesota and its citizens highly valued, intangible benefits that are virtually impossible to quantify and, therefore, not recoverable in the event of the NFL team owner's breach of contract, the lease and use agreements must provide for specific performance and injunctive relief to enforce provisions relating to use of the stadium for professional football and must not include escape clauses or buyout provisions.  The NFL team must not enter into or accept any agreement or requirement with or from any entity that is inconsistent with the NFL team's binding commitment to the 30-year term of the lease or use agreement or that would in any manner dilute, interfere with, or negate the provisions of the lease or use agreement, providing for specific performance or injunctive relief.  The legislature conclusively determines, as a matter of public policy, that the lease or use agreement, and any grant agreement under this chapter that includes a specific performance clause:

 

(1) explicitly authorizes specific performance as a remedy for breach;

 

(2) is made for adequate consideration and upon terms which are otherwise fair and reasonable;

 

(3) has not been included through sharp practice, misrepresentation, or mistake;

 

(4) if specifically enforced, does not cause unreasonable or disproportionate hardship or loss to the NFL team or to third parties; and

 

(5) involves performance in a manner and the rendering of services of a nature and under circumstances that the beneficiary cannot be adequately compensated in damages.

 

Subd. 4.  Lease or use agreements; revenues, payments.  A lease or use agreement shall include rent and other fees and expenses to be paid by the NFL team.  The authority shall agree to provide in the lease or use agreement for the NFL team to receive all NFL and team event related revenues, including but not limited to, suite revenues, advertising, concessions, signage, broadcast and media, and club seat revenue.  The agreement shall also provide


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that all naming rights to the stadium are retained by the NFL team, subject to the approval of the name or names by the authority consistent with those criteria set out in the lease or use agreement.  The agreement shall provide for the authority to receive all general ticket revenues and other event revenues other than from NFL team games, NFL team-owned major league soccer games, and other NFL team events agreed to by the authority.  The stadium authority, or any company managing the stadium facilities on behalf of the authority, shall provide a public notice and seek a formal solicitation for requests for proposals for any contracts for goods, services, sponsorships, or advertising or signage rights at the stadium in excess of $25,000 in accordance with the definitions and terms set forth in chapter 16C, with the stadium authority acting as the responsible authority for seeking any such formal solicitations and awarding any such contracts pursuant to such solicitations.

 

Subd. 5.  Notice of breach or default.  Until 30 years from the date of stadium completion, the NFL team must provide written notice to the authority not less than 180 days prior to any action, including any action imposed upon the NFL team by the NFL, which would result in a breach or default of provisions of the lease or use agreements required to be included under subdivision 3.  If this notice provision is violated and the NFL team has already breached or been in default under the required provisions, the authority or the state of Minnesota may specifically enforce the lease or use agreement and Minnesota courts shall fashion equitable remedies so that the NFL team fulfills the conditions of the lease and use agreements.

 

Subd. 6.  Enforceable financial commitments.  The authority must determine before stadium construction begins that all public and private funding sources for construction, operating expenses, and capital improvements and repairs of the stadium are included in written agreements.  The committed funds must be adequate to design, construct, furnish, and equip the stadium, and pay projected operating expenses and the costs of capital improvements and repairs during the term of the lease or use agreement with the NFL team.  The NFL team must provide the authority access to NFL team financial or other information, which the authority deems necessary for such determination.  Any financial information obtained by the authority under this subdivision is nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

 

Subd. 7.  Environmental requirements.  The authority must comply with all environmental requirements imposed by regulatory agencies for the stadium, site, and structure, except as provided by section 473J.09, subdivision 11, or by section 473J.17.

 

Subd. 8.  Public share on sale of NFL team.  The lease or use agreement must provide that, if the NFL team is sold or an interest in the NFL team is sold after the effective date of this chapter, a portion of the sale price must be paid to the authority and deposited in a reserve fund for improvements to the stadium or expended as the authority may otherwise direct.  The portion required to be so paid to the authority is 18 percent of the amount in excess of the purchase price of the NFL team by the selling owner or owners, declining to zero 15 years after commencement of stadium construction in increments of 1.2 percent each year.  The agreement must provide exceptions for sales to members of the owners' family and entities and trusts beneficially owned by family members, sales to employees of equity interests aggregating up to ten percent, sales related to capital infusions not distributed to the owners, and sales amongst existing owners not exceeding 20 percent equity interest in the NFL team.

 

Subd. 9.  Authority's access to NFL team financial information.  A notice provision for a material breach shall be agreed to between the authority and the NFL team.  In the event there is a material breach by the NFL team under the lease or use agreement, the lease or use agreement must provide the authority access to audited financial statements of the NFL team and other financial information that the authority deems necessary to enforce the terms of any lease or use agreements.  Any financial information obtained by the authority under this subdivision is nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

 

Subd. 10.  NFL team name retained.  The lease or use agreement must provide that the NFL team and NFL will transfer to the state of Minnesota the Minnesota Vikings' heritage and records, including the name, logo, colors, history, playing records, trophies, and memorabilia in the event of relocation of the NFL team is in violation of the lease or use agreement.


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Subd. 11.  Stadium design.  (a) The authority and the NFL team will strive to build a stadium that is environmentally and energy efficient and will make an effort to build a stadium that is eligible to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for environmental design, and to the extent practicable, will strive to make the stadium design architecturally significant.

 

(b) The stadium design must, to the extent feasible, follow sustainable building guidelines established under section 16B.325.

 

(c) The authority and the team must ensure that the stadium be built with American-made steel that is made from Minnesota iron ore.

 

Subd. 12.  Necessary approvals.  The authority and the NFL team must secure any necessary approvals to the terms of the lease and use agreement and the design and construction plans for the stadium, including prior approval of the NFL.

 

Subd. 13.  Affordable access.  The lease or use agreement must provide for an agreed-upon number of affordable tickets to the professional sporting events held in the stadium.

 

Subd. 14.  Stadium builder's licenses.  The authority shall own and retain the exclusive right to sell stadium builder's licenses in the stadium.  The authority will retain the NFL team to act as the authority's agent in marketing and selling such licenses.

 

Subd. 15.  Major league soccer.  The authority shall, for five years after the first NFL team home game is played in the stadium, grant the NFL team the exclusive right to establish major league soccer at the stadium.  The authority and the NFL team may enter into an agreement providing the terms and conditions of such an arrangement, provided:

 

(1) if any of the NFL team owners whose family owns at least three percent of the NFL team purchases full or partial ownership in a major league soccer franchise, such franchise may play in the stadium under a use agreement with similar terms as are applicable to the NFL team at no additional rent, but including a provision of payment of game-day costs and reasonable marginal costs incurred by the authority as a result of the major league soccer team; and

 

(2) capital improvements required by a major league soccer franchise must be financed by the owners of the major league soccer team, unless otherwise agreed to by the authority.

 

Subd. 16.  NFL team-related entities.  Subject to the prior approval of the authority, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, any of the obligations by the NFL team may be performed by the NFL team, a related entity, or a third party, and the NFL team, any entity related to the NFL team or third party may receive any revenues to which the NFL team is entitled hereunder; provided, however, the NFL team shall remain liable if any obligations are assigned to a related entity or third party.

 

Sec. 16.  [473J.17] MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Property acquisition and disposition.  The city may, to the extent legally permissible, acquire land, air rights, and other property interests within the development area for the stadium site and stadium infrastructure and convey it to the authority with or without consideration, prepare a site for development as a stadium, and acquire and construct any related stadium infrastructure.  To the extent property parcels or interests acquired are more extensive than the stadium infrastructure requirements, the city may sell or otherwise dispose of the excess.


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Subd. 2.  Claims.  Except as may be mutually agreed to by the city and the authority, the city has no interest in or claim to any assets or revenues of the authority.

 

Subd. 3.  Environmental; planning and zoning.  The authority is the responsible governmental unit for an environmental impact statement for the stadium prepared under section 116D.04, if an environmental impact statement is necessary.  Notwithstanding section 116D.04, subdivision 2b, and implementing rules:  (1) the environmental impact statement shall not be required to consider alternative stadium sites; and (2) the environmental impact statement must be determined to be adequate before commencing work on the foundation of the stadium, but the stadium and stadium infrastructure may otherwise be started and all preliminary and final government decisions and actions may be made and taken including, but not limited to, acquiring land; obtaining financing; granting permits or other land use approvals; entering into grant, lease, or use agreements; or preparing the site or related stadium infrastructure prior to a determination of the adequacy of the environmental impact statement.

 

Subd. 4.  Local government expenditure.  The city may make expenditures or grants for other costs incidental and necessary to further the purposes of this chapter and may, by agreement, reimburse in whole or in part, any entity that has granted, loaned, or advanced funds to the city to further the purposes of this chapter.  The city may reimburse the authority or a local governmental entity or make a grant to the authority or such a governmental unit or be reimbursed by the authority or local governmental entity for site acquisition, preparation of the site for stadium development, and stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 5.  Municipal authority.  The legislature intends that, except as expressly limited herein, the city may acquire and develop stadium infrastructure, enter into contracts with the authority and other governmental or nongovernmental entities, appropriate funds, and make employees, consultants, and other revenues available for those purposes.

 

Subd. 6.  Stadium Implementation Committee; city review.  In order to accomplish the objectives of this act within the required time frame, it is necessary to establish an alternative process for municipal land use and development review.  It is hereby found and declared that the construction of a stadium within the development area is consistent with the adopted area plan, is the preferred stadium location, and is a permitted land use.  This subdivision establishes a procedure for all land use and development reviews and approvals by the city of Minneapolis for the stadium and related stadium infrastructure and supersedes all land use and development rules and restrictions and procedures imposed by other law, charter, or ordinance, including without limitation section 15.99.  No later than 30 days after timely compliance of the city as provided in article 4, section 4, of this act, the city of Minneapolis shall establish a stadium implementation committee to make recommendations on the design plans submitted for the stadium, and stadium infrastructure, and related improvements.  The implementation committee must take action to issue its recommendations within the time frames established in the planning and construction timetable issued by the authority which shall provide for no less than 60 days for the committee's review.  The recommendations of the implementation committee shall be forwarded to the city of Minneapolis Planning Commission for an advisory recommendation and then to the city council for final action in a single resolution, which final action must be taken within 45 days of the submission of the recommendations to the planning commission.  The city council shall not impose any unreasonable conditions on the recommendations of the implementation committee, nor take any action or impose any conditions that will result in delay from the time frames established in the planning and construction timetable or in additional overall costs.  Failure of the city council to act within the 45-day period shall be deemed to be approval.  The authority may seek de novo review in the district court of any city council action.  The district court or any appellate court shall expedite review to the maximum extent possible and timely issue relief, orders, or opinions as necessary to give effect to the provisions and objectives in this act.


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Sec. 17.  [473J.19] PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION; SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.

 

Any real or personal property acquired, owned, leased, controlled, used, or occupied by the authority for any of the purposes of this chapter, is acquired, owned, leased, controlled, used, and occupied for public, governmental, and municipal purposes.  The stadium and stadium infrastructure are exempt from ad valorem taxation by the state or any political subdivision of the state provided that the properties are subject to special assessments levied by a political subdivision for a local improvement in amounts proportionate to and not exceeding the special benefit received by the properties from the improvement.  No possible use of any of the properties in any manner different from their use under this chapter may be considered in determining the special benefit received by the properties.  Notwithstanding section 272.01, subdivision 2, or 273.19, real or personal property which is subject to a lease or use agreement between the authority and another person for uses related to the purposes of this chapter, including the operation of the stadium and related parking facilities, is exempt from taxation regardless of the length of the lease or use agreement or the characteristics of the entity leasing or using the property.  This section, insofar as it provides an exemption or special treatment, does not apply to any real property that is leased for residential, business, or commercial development or to a restaurant that is open for general business more than 200 days a year, or other purposes different from those contemplated in this chapter.

 

Sec. 18.  [473J.21] LIQUOR LICENSES.

 

At the request of the authority, the city may issue intoxicating liquor licenses that are reasonably requested for the premises of the stadium site.  These licenses are in addition to the number authorized by law.  All provisions of chapter 340A not inconsistent with this section apply to the licenses authorized under this section.

 

Sec. 19.  [473J.23] LOCAL TAXES.

 

No new or additional local sales or use tax shall be imposed on sales at the stadium site unless the tax is applicable throughout the taxing jurisdiction.  Except for a tax imposed under article 7, no new or additional local tax shall be imposed on sales of tickets and admissions to NFL team, NFL team-owned major league soccer, or other team related events at the stadium, notwithstanding any law or ordinance, unless the tax is applicable throughout the taxing jurisdiction.  The admissions and amusements tax currently imposed by the city of Minneapolis pursuant to Laws 1969, chapter 1092, may apply to admissions for football and NFL team related events, including NFL team-owned major league soccer, as provided in section 473J.15, subdivision 15, at the stadium.

 

Sec. 20.  [473J.25] METROPOLITAN SPORTS FACILITIES COMMISSION ASSETS; LIABILITIES TO AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Authority expenses.  The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall pay the operating expenses of the authority including salaries, compensation, and other personnel, office, equipment, consultant and any other costs, until the commission is abolished pursuant to subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 2.  Transfer.  Within 90 days of the enactment of this chapter, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall pay its outstanding obligations, settle its accounts, and transfer its remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations to the authority, for its purposes.

 

Subd. 3.  Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission abolished; interim powers conferred on authority.  Upon transfer to the authority of all remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, in subdivision 2, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is abolished.  When the remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission have been transferred to the authority and the commission has been abolished, the powers and duties of the commission under sections 473.551 to 473.599, and any other law shall devolve upon the authority, in addition to the powers and duties of the authority under chapter 473J, until the first NFL home game is played at the stadium.


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Subd. 4.  Employees.  Upon transfer of ownership all persons employed by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall be transferred to the Minnesota Stadium Authority without loss of right or privilege.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to give any such person the right or privilege to continue in the same level or classification of employment previously held.  The Minnesota Stadium Authority may assign any such person to an employment level and classification which it deems appropriate and desirable in accordance with its personnel code.

 

Sec. 21.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Except as otherwise provided, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 2

STATE STADIUM FUNDING

 

Section 1.  [16A.965] STADIUM APPROPRIATION BONDS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definitions.  (a) The definitions in this subdivision and in chapter 473J apply to this section.

 

(b) "Appropriation bond" means a bond, note, or other similar instrument of the state payable during a biennium from one or more of the following sources:

 

(1) money appropriated by law from the general fund, including, without limitation, revenues deposited in the general fund as provided in articles 4 and 5, in any biennium for debt service due with respect to obligations described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(2) proceeds of the sale of obligations described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(3) payments received for that purpose under agreements and ancillary arrangements described in subdivision 2, paragraph (d); and

 

(4) investment earnings on amounts in clauses (1) to (3).

 

(c) "Debt service" means the amount payable in any biennium of principal, premium, if any, and interest on appropriation bonds.

 

Subd. 2.  Authorization to issue appropriation bonds.  (a) Subject to the limitations of this subdivision, the commissioner may sell and issue appropriation bonds of the state under this section for public purposes as provided by law, including, in particular, the financing of all or a portion of the acquisition, construction, improving, and equipping of the stadium project of the Minnesota Stadium Authority as provided by chapter 473J.  Proceeds of the appropriation bonds must be credited to a special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund in the state treasury.  Net income from investment of the proceeds, as estimated by the commissioner, must be credited to the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund.

 

(b) Appropriation bonds may be sold and issued in amounts that, in the opinion of the commissioner, are necessary to provide sufficient funds, not to exceed $548,000,000 net of costs of issuance, deposits for debt service reserve funds, and costs of credit enhancement for achieving the purposes authorized as provided under paragraph (a), and pay debt service, pay costs of issuance, make deposits to reserve funds, pay the costs of credit enhancement, or make payments under other agreements entered into under paragraph (d); provided, however, that appropriation bonds issued and unpaid shall not exceed $650,000,000 in principal amount, excluding refunding bonds sold and issued under subdivision 4.


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(c) Appropriation bonds may be issued from time to time in one or more series on the terms and conditions the commissioner determines to be in the best interests of the state, but the term on any series of appropriation bonds may not exceed 30 years.  The appropriation bonds of each issue and series thereof shall be dated and bear interest, and may be includable in or excludable from the gross income of the owners for federal income tax purposes.

 

(d) At the time of, or in anticipation of, issuing the appropriation bonds, and at any time thereafter, so long as the appropriation bonds are outstanding, the commissioner may enter into agreements and ancillary arrangements relating to the appropriation bonds, including but not limited to trust indentures, grant agreements, lease or use agreements, operating agreements, management agreements, liquidity facilities, remarketing or dealer agreements, letter of credit agreements, insurance policies, guaranty agreements, reimbursement agreements, indexing agreements, or interest exchange agreements.  Any payments made or received according to the agreement or ancillary arrangement shall be made from or deposited as provided in the agreement or ancillary arrangement.  The determination of the commissioner included in an interest exchange agreement that the agreement relates to an appropriation bond shall be conclusive.

 

(e) The commissioner may enter into written agreements or contracts relating to the continuing disclosure of information necessary to comply with, or facilitate the issuance of appropriation bonds in accordance with federal securities laws, rules, and regulations, including Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations in Code of Federal Regulations, title 17, section 240.15c 2-12.  An agreement may be in the form of covenants with purchasers and holders of appropriation bonds set forth in the order or resolution authorizing the issuance of the appropriation bonds, or a separate document authorized by the order or resolution.

 

(f) The appropriation bonds are not subject to chapter 16C.

 

Subd. 3.  Form; procedure.  (a) Appropriation bonds may be issued in the form of bonds, notes, or other similar instruments, and in the manner provided in section 16A.672.  In the event that any provision of section 16A.672 conflicts with this section, this section shall control.

 

(b) Every appropriation bond shall include a conspicuous statement of the limitation established in subdivision 6.

 

(c) Appropriation bonds may be sold at either public or private sale upon such terms as the commissioner shall determine are not inconsistent with this section and may be sold at any price or percentage of par value.  Any bid received may be rejected.

 

(d) Appropriation bonds must bear interest at a fixed or variable rate.

 

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, appropriation bonds issued under this section shall be fully negotiable.

 

Subd. 4.  Refunding bonds.  The commissioner from time to time may issue appropriation bonds for the purpose of refunding any appropriation bonds then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premiums on the bonds, any interest accrued or to accrue to the redemption date, and costs related to the issuance and sale of the refunding bonds.  The proceeds of any refunding bonds may, in the discretion of the commissioner, be applied to the purchase or payment at maturity of the appropriation bonds to be refunded, to the redemption of the outstanding appropriation bonds on any redemption date, or to pay interest on the refunding bonds and may, pending application, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase, payment, retirement, or redemption.  Any escrowed proceeds, pending such use, may be invested and reinvested in obligations that are authorized investments under section 11A.24.  The income earned or realized on the investment may also be applied to the payment of the appropriation bonds to be refunded or interest or premiums on the refunded appropriation bonds, or to pay interest on the refunding bonds.  After the terms of the escrow have been fully satisfied, any balance of the proceeds and any investment income may be returned to the general fund or, if applicable, the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund for use in any lawful manner.  All refunding bonds issued under this subdivision must be prepared, executed, delivered, and secured by appropriations in the same manner as the appropriation bonds to be refunded.


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Subd. 5.  Appropriation bonds as legal investments.  Any of the following entities may legally invest any sinking funds, money, or other funds belonging to them or under their control in any appropriation bonds issued under this section:

 

(1) the state, the investment board, public officers, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and public bodies;

 

(2) banks and bankers, savings and loan associations, credit unions, trust companies, savings banks and institutions, investment companies, insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on a banking or insurance business; and

 

(3) personal representatives, guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries.

 

Subd. 6.  No full faith and credit; state not required to make appropriations.  The appropriation bonds are not public debt of the state, and the full faith, credit, and taxing powers of the state are not pledged to the payment of the appropriation bonds or to any payment that the state agrees to make under this section.  Appropriation bonds shall not be obligations paid directly, in whole or in part, from a tax of statewide application on any class of property, income, transaction, or privilege.  Appropriation bonds shall be payable in each fiscal year only from amounts that the legislature may appropriate for debt service for any fiscal year, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to require the state to appropriate funds sufficient to make debt service payments with respect to the appropriation bonds in any fiscal year.  Appropriation bonds shall be canceled and shall no longer be outstanding on the earlier of (1) the first day of a fiscal year for which the legislature shall not have appropriated amounts sufficient for debt service, or (2) the date of final payment of the principal of and interest on the appropriation bonds.

 

Subd. 7.  Appropriation of proceeds.  The proceeds of appropriation bonds and interest credited to the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund are appropriated to the commissioner for payment of capital expenses, debt service on outstanding indebtedness of the state, operating and capital reserves of the authority, and the funding of debt service reserves for the appropriation bonds, each as permitted by state and federal law, and nonsalary expenses incurred in conjunction with the sale of the appropriation bonds, and such proceeds may be granted, loaned, or otherwise provided to the authority for the public purpose provided by subdivision 2, paragraph (a).

 

Subd. 8.  Commissioner; determination of available revenues.  (a) By March 15 of each fiscal year, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of revenue, shall determine the estimated increase in revenues received from taxes imposed under chapter 297E over the estimated revenues under the February 2012 revenue forecast for that fiscal year.  For fiscal years after fiscal year 2015, the commissioner shall use the February 2012 revenue forecast for fiscal year 2015 as the baseline.  All calculations under this paragraph must be made net of estimated refunds of the taxes required to be paid.

 

(b) Available revenues for purposes of subdivision 9, equal the amount determined under paragraph (a), less the following amounts for the fiscal year:

 

(1) the appropriation to principal and interest on appropriation bonds under subdivision 9, paragraph (a);

 

(2) the appropriations under article 5 for administration and any successor appropriation;

 

(3) the reduction in revenues resulting from the sales tax exemptions under section 297A.71;

 

(4) reimbursements authorized by section 473J.15, subdivision 2; and

 

(5) payment of compulsive gambling appropriations under article 5 and any successor appropriation.


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(c) If the estimated increase in revenues under paragraph (a) for the fiscal year are less than or equal to $52,000,000, then available revenues, as determined under paragraph (b), are allocated:

 

(1) 50 percent to be used for appropriations under subdivision 9, paragraph (a); and

 

(2) 50 percent to be used for appropriations under subdivision 9, paragraph (b)

 

(d) If the estimated increase in revenues under paragraph (a) for the fiscal year are greater than $52,000,000, the first $16,000,000 of any available revenues, as determined under paragraph (b), is allocated for payment of gambling tax rebates under section 297E.02, subdivision 12, and the remainder is allocated as provided under paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2).

 

(e) The provisions of this subdivision apply only after the issuance of appropriation bonds under subdivision 2.

 

Subd. 9.  Appropriation for debt service and other purposes.  (a) The amount needed to pay principal and interest on appropriation bonds issued under this section is appropriated each year from the general fund to the commissioner, subject to repeal, unallotment under section 16A.152, or cancellation otherwise pursuant to subdivision 6, for deposit into the bond payment accounts established for such purpose in the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund.

 

(b) To the extent the commissioner determines revenues are available under the provisions of subdivision 8, paragraph (b), for the fiscal year, the following amounts are appropriated from the general fund:

 

(1) to replenish the amount on deposit in any debt service reserve account established with respect to the appropriation bonds to the debt service reserve requirement amount as determined by order of the commissioner; and

 

(2) to the extent not required under clause (1), for deposit to any general reserve account established by order of the commissioner for application against any shortfall in the amounts deposited to the general fund pursuant to section 297A.994.

 

Subd. 10.  Waiver of immunity.  The waiver of immunity by the state provided for by section 3.751, subdivision 1, shall be applicable to the appropriation bonds and any ancillary contracts to which the commissioner is a party.

 

Subd. 11.  Validation.  (a) Appropriation bonds issued under this section may be validated in the manner provided by this subdivision.  If comparable appropriation bonds are judicially determined to be valid, nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prevent the sale or delivery of any appropriation bonds or notes without entry of a judgment of validation by the Minnesota Supreme Court pursuant to this subdivision with respect to the appropriation bonds authorized under this section.

 

(b) Any appropriation bonds issued under this section that are validated shall be validated in the manner provided by this subdivision.

 

(c) The Minnesota Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction to determine the validation of appropriation bonds and all matters connected therewith.

 

(d) The commissioner may determine the commissioner's authority to issue appropriation bonds and the legality of all proceedings in connection with issuing bonds.  For this purpose, a complaint shall be filed by the commissioner in the Minnesota Supreme Court against the state and the taxpayers and citizens.


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(e) As a condition precedent to filing of a complaint for the validation of appropriation bonds, the commissioner shall take action providing for the issuance of appropriation bonds in accordance with law.

 

(f) The complaint shall set out the state's authority to issue appropriation bonds, the action or proceeding authorizing the issue and its adoption, all other essential proceedings had or taken in connection with issuing bonds, the amount of the appropriation bonds to be issued and the maximum interest they are to bear, and all other pertinent matters.

 

(g) The Minnesota Supreme Court shall issue an order directed against the state and taxpayers, citizens, and others having or claiming any right, title, or interest affected by the issuance of appropriation bonds, or to be affected by the bonds, allowing all persons, in general terms and without naming them, and the state through its attorney general, to appear before the Minnesota Supreme Court at a designated time and place and show why the complaint should not be granted and the proceedings and appropriation bonds validated.  A copy of the complaint and order shall be served on the attorney general at least 20 days before the time fixed for hearing.  The attorney general shall examine the complaint, and, if it appears or there is reason to believe that it is defective, insufficient, or untrue, or if in the opinion of the attorney general the issuance of the appropriation bonds in question has not been duly authorized, defense shall be made by the attorney general as the attorney general deems appropriate.

 

(h) Before the date set for hearing, as directed by the Minnesota Supreme Court, either the clerk of the Minnesota appellate courts or the commissioner shall publish a copy of the order in a legal newspaper of general circulation in Ramsey County and the state, at least once each week for two consecutive weeks, commencing with the first publication, which shall not be less than 20 days before the date set for hearing.  By this publication, all taxpayers, citizens, and others having or claiming any right, title, or interest in the state, are made parties defendant to the action and the Minnesota Supreme Court has jurisdiction of them to the same extent as if named as defendants in the complaint and personally served with process.

 

(i) Any taxpayer, citizen, or person interested may become a party to the action by moving against or pleading to the complaint at or before the time set for hearing.  The Minnesota Supreme Court shall determine all questions of law and fact and make orders that will enable it to properly try and determine the action and render a final judgment within 30 days of the hearing with the least possible delay.

 

(j) If the judgment validates appropriation bonds, the judgment is forever conclusive as to all matters adjudicated and as against all parties affected and all others having or claiming any right, title, or interest affected by the issuance of appropriation bonds, or to be affected in any way by issuing the bonds, and the validity of appropriation bonds or of any revenues pledged for the payment of the bonds, or of the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including any remedies provided for their collection, shall never be called in question in any court by any person or party.

 

(k)(1) Appropriation bonds, when validated under this section, shall have stamped or written on the bonds, by the proper officers of the state issuing them, a statement in substantially the following form:  "This appropriation bond is one of a series of appropriation bonds which were validated by judgment of the Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota, rendered on ……., ....... (year)".

 

(2) A certified copy of the judgment or decree shall be received as evidence in any court in this state.

 

(l) The costs shall be paid by the state, except when a taxpayer, citizen, or other person contests the action or intervenes, the court may tax the whole or any part of the costs against the person that is equitable.

 

(m) A justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court is not disqualified in any validation action because the justice is a landowner or taxpayer of the state.


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Sec. 2.  APPROPRIATION.

 

If state appropriation bonds have not been issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.965, amounts not to exceed the increased revenues estimated by the commissioner of management and budget under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), are appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget to make grants to the Minnesota Stadium Authority for stadium costs as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473J.03, subdivision 8.

 

ARTICLE 3

CONFORMING CHANGES

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.971, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Financial audits.  The legislative auditor shall audit the financial statements of the state of Minnesota required by section 16A.50 and, as resources permit, shall audit Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, courts, and other state organizations subject to audit by the legislative auditor, including the State Agricultural Society, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., Minnesota Historical Society, Labor Interpretive Center, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.  Financial audits must be conducted according to generally accepted government auditing standards.  The legislative auditor shall see that all provisions of law respecting the appropriate and economic use of public funds are complied with and may, as part of a financial audit or separately, investigate allegations of noncompliance.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.55, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Not public classification.  The following data received, created, or maintained by or for publicly owned and operated convention facilities, or civic center authorities, or the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission are classified as nonpublic data pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 9; or private data on individuals pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12:

 

(a) a letter or other documentation from any person who makes inquiry to or who is contacted by the facility regarding the availability of the facility for staging events;

 

(b) identity of firms and corporations which contact the facility;

 

(c) type of event which they wish to stage in the facility;

 

(d) suggested terms of rentals; and

 

(e) responses of authority staff to these inquiries.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 340A.404, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Cities.  (a) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the following establishments located within its jurisdiction:

 

(1) hotels;

 

(2) restaurants;


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(3) bowling centers;

 

(4) clubs or congressionally chartered veterans organizations with the approval of the commissioner, provided that the organization has been in existence for at least three years and liquor sales will only be to members and bona fide guests, except that a club may permit the general public to participate in a wine tasting conducted at the club under section 340A.419; and

 

(5) sports facilities located on land owned by the Metropolitan Sports Commission; and

 

(6) exclusive liquor stores.

 

(b) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a theater within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the theater.

 

(c) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a convention center within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the convention center.  This paragraph does not apply to convention centers located in the seven-county metropolitan area.

 

(d) A city may issue an on-sale wine license and an on-sale malt liquor license to a person who is the owner of a summer collegiate league baseball team, or to a person holding a concessions or management contract with the owner, for beverage sales at a ballpark or stadium located within the city for the purposes of summer collegiate league baseball games at the ballpark or stadium, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending baseball games at the ballpark or stadium.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 352.01, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Included employees.  (a) "State employee" includes:

 

(1) employees of the Minnesota Historical Society;

 

(2) employees of the State Horticultural Society;

 

(3) employees of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association;

 

(4) employees of the adjutant general whose salaries are paid from federal funds and who are not covered by any federal civilian employees retirement system;

 

(5) employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who are employed under the university or college activities program;

 

(6) currently contributing employees covered by the system who are temporarily employed by the legislature during a legislative session or any currently contributing employee employed for any special service as defined in subdivision 2b, clause (8);

 

(7) employees of the legislature who are appointed without a limit on the duration of their employment and persons employed or designated by the legislature or by a legislative committee or commission or other competent authority to conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation;


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(8) trainees who are employed on a full-time established training program performing the duties of the classified position for which they will be eligible to receive immediate appointment at the completion of the training period;

 

(9) employees of the Minnesota Safety Council;

 

(10) any employees who are on authorized leave of absence from the Transit Operating Division of the former Metropolitan Transit Commission and who are employed by the labor organization which is the exclusive bargaining agent representing employees of the Transit Operating Division;

 

(11) employees of the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, or Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission unless excluded under subdivision 2b or are covered by another public pension fund or plan under section 473.415, subdivision 3;

 

(12) judges of the Tax Court;

 

(13) personnel who were employed on June 30, 1992, by the University of Minnesota in the management, operation, or maintenance of its heating plant facilities, whose employment transfers to an employer assuming operation of the heating plant facilities, so long as the person is employed at the University of Minnesota heating plant by that employer or by its successor organization;

 

(14) personnel who are employed as seasonal employees in the classified or unclassified service;

 

(15) persons who are employed by the Department of Commerce as a peace officer in the Insurance Fraud Prevention Division under section 45.0135 who have attained the mandatory retirement age specified in section 43A.34, subdivision 4;

 

(16) employees of the University of Minnesota unless excluded under subdivision 2b, clause (3);

 

(17) employees of the Middle Management Association whose employment began after July 1, 2007, and to whom section 352.029 does not apply; and

 

(18) employees of the Minnesota Government Engineers Council to whom section 352.029 does not apply.

 

(b) Employees specified in paragraph (a), clause (13), are included employees under paragraph (a) if employer and employee contributions are made in a timely manner in the amounts required by section 352.04.  Employee contributions must be deducted from salary.  Employer contributions are the sole obligation of the employer assuming operation of the University of Minnesota heating plant facilities or any successor organizations to that employer.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.121, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Metropolitan agency.  "Metropolitan agency" means the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.164, is amended to read:

 

473.164 SPORTS, AIRPORT COMMISSIONS TO PAY COUNCIL COSTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Annually reimburse.  The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and the Metropolitan Airports Commission shall annually reimburse the council for costs incurred by the council in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to the commission.  The costs may be charged against any revenue sources of the commission as determined by the commission.


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Subd. 2.  Estimates, budget, transfer.  On or before May 1 of each year, the council shall transmit to each the commission an estimate of the costs which the council will incur in the discharge of its responsibilities related to the commission in the next budget year including, without limitation, costs in connection with the preparation, review, implementation and defense of plans, programs and budgets of the commission.  Each The commission shall include the estimates in its budget for the next budget year and may transmit its comments concerning the estimated amount to the council during the budget review process.  Prior to December 15 of each year, the amount budgeted by each the commission for the next budget year may be changed following approval by the council.  During each budget year, the commission shall transfer budgeted funds to the council in advance when requested by the council.

 

Subd. 3.  Final statement.  At the conclusion of each budget year, the council, in cooperation with each the commission, shall adopt a final statement of costs incurred by the council for each the commission.  Where costs incurred in the budget year have exceeded the amount budgeted, each the commission shall transfer to the council the additional moneys needed to pay the amount of the costs in excess of the amount budgeted, and shall include a sum in its next budget.  Any excess of budgeted costs over actual costs may be retained by the council and applied to the payment of budgeted costs in the next year.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.565, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  In MSRS; exceptions.  All employees of the former commission shall be members of the Minnesota State Retirement System with respect to service rendered on or after May 17, 1977, except as provided in this section.

 

Sec. 8.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 473.551; 473.552; 473.553, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; 473.556, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17; 473.561; 473.564, subdivisions 2 and 3; 473.572; 473.581; 473.592, subdivision 1; 473.595; 473.598; 473.599; and 473.76, are repealed.

 

Sec. 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective June 30, 2016.

 

ARTICLE 4

MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

 

Section 1.  [297A.994] CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS SALES TAX; ALLOCATION OF REVENUES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Scope.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 297A.99, subdivision 11, the provisions of this section govern the remittance of the proceeds of taxes imposed by the city of Minneapolis under the special law. 

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.

 

(b) "City" means the city of Minneapolis.

 

(c) "Special law" means Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, as amended.

 

(d) "Tax" means the sales taxes imposed by the city under the special law.

 

(e) The terms defined under section 473J.03 apply for purposes of this section.


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Subd. 3.  General allocation of revenues.  The commissioner shall apply the revenues from the taxes as follows:

 

(1) the commissioner must deduct the costs of collecting and administering the taxes, according to the applicable law and agreements between the commissioner and the city.  For revenues from the general sales tax, the commissioner must deduct a proportionate share of the cost of collection, as described in section 297A.99, subdivision 11;

 

(2) after deducting the costs in clause (1), the commissioner must deduct refunds of any of these taxes due to taxpayers, if any;

 

(3) after making the deductions provided in clause (2), notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement between the commissioner and the city providing for collection and remittance of these taxes, the commissioner must deposit to the general fund the amounts specified in subdivision 4; and

 

(4) after depositing to the general fund under clause (3) as specified in subdivision 4, the commissioner must remit the remainder to the city for the uses provided in the special law.

 

Subd. 4.  General fund allocations.  (a) The commissioner must deposit to the general fund the following amounts, as required by subdivision 3, clause (3):

 

(1) for state bond debt service support beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, proportionate amounts periodically so that not later than December 31, 2046, an aggregate annual amount equal to a present value of $150,000,000 has been deposited in the general fund.  To determine aggregate present value, the commissioner must consult with the commissioner of management and budget regarding the present value dates, discount rate or rates, and schedules of annual amounts.  The present value date or dates must be based on the date or dates bonds are sold under section 16A.965, or the date or dates other state funds, if any, are deposited into the construction fund.  The discount rate or rates must be based on the true interest cost of the bonds issued under section 16A.965, or an equivalent 30-year bond index, as determined by the commissioner of management and budget.  The schedule of annual amounts must be certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city;

 

(2) for the capital improvement reserve appropriation to stadium authority beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, so that not later than January 1, 2022, and as of January 1 of each following year, an aggregate annual amount equal to the amount paid by the state for calendar year 2021, under section 473J.13, subdivision 4, increased each year by an annual adjustment factor;

 

(3) for the operating expense appropriation to stadium authority beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, so that not later than January 1, 2022, and as of January 1 of each following year, an aggregate annual amount equal to the amount paid by the state for calendar year 2021 under section 473J.13, subdivision 2, increased each year by an annual adjustment factor;

 

(4) for recapture of NFL team advances for capital improvements and operating expenses for calendar years 2016 through 2020 beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter until all amounts under this clause have been paid, proportionate amounts periodically until an aggregate amount equal to the present value of all amounts paid by the NFL team have been deposited in the general fund.  To determine the present value of the amounts paid by the NFL team to the authority and the present value of amounts deposited to the general fund under this clause, the commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of management and budget and the NFL team regarding the present value dates, discount rate or rates, and schedule of annual amounts.  The present value dates must be based on the dates NFL team funds are paid to the authority, or the dates the commissioner of revenue deposits taxes for purposes of this clause to the general fund.  The discount rates must be based on the reasonably


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equivalent cost of NFL team funds as determined by the commissioner of management and budget after consulting with the NFL team.  The schedule of annual amounts must be revised to reflect amounts paid under section 473J.09, subdivision 13, and taxes deposited to the general fund from time to time under this clause, and the schedule and revised schedules must be certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city, and are transferred as accrued from the general fund to the NFL team, for repayment of advances made by the NFL team to the city of Minneapolis; and

 

(5) to capture increases in taxes imposed under the special law, for the benefit of the stadium authority, beginning in calendar year 2013 and for each calendar year thereafter through 2046, there shall be deposited to the general fund by February 15 of each following year, amounts calculated by the commissioner under this clause.  For each year, the commissioner shall determine the excess, if any, of the taxes received by the commissioner over the benchmark scheduled amounts of the taxes, as described in this section.  The benchmark scheduled amounts for each year must be based on the actual amount of the taxes for calendar year 2011 inflated for each subsequent year at an annual rate of two percent, according to a schedule certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city.  The amounts to be deposited to the general fund by the commissioner for each year equal:

 

(i) zero for the amount of the taxes for the year up to a scheduled benchmark of $1,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011;

 

(ii) 50 percent times the difference, if any, by which the amount of the taxes for the year exceeds the scheduled benchmark in item (i), as inflated, but not greater than a scheduled benchmark of $3,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011; and

 

(iii) 25 percent times the difference, if any, by which the amount of the taxes for the year exceeds the scheduled benchmark of $3,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011.

 

(b) The annual adjustment factor for purposes of this section and the special law for any year equals the increase, if any, in the amount of these taxes received by the commissioner in the preceding year over the amount received in the year prior to the preceding year, expressed as a percentage of the amount received in the year prior to the preceding year; provided, that the adjustment factor for any year must not be less than zero percent nor more than five percent.

 

Sec. 2.  Laws 1986, chapter 396, section 4, as amended by Laws 1987, chapter 55, sections 5 and 6, and Laws 2009, chapter 88, article 4, sections 11 and 12, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 4.  SALES AND USE TAX.

 

Subdivision 1.  Imposition.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other contrary provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, upon approval by the city's board of estimate and taxation by a vote of at least five members, the city of Minneapolis may by ordinance impose an additional sales tax of up to one-half of one percent on sales taxable pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A that occur within the city, and may also by ordinance impose an additional compensating use tax of up to one-half of one percent on uses of property within the city, the sale of which would be subject to the additional sales tax but for the fact such property was sold outside the city.  The tax may not be imposed on gross receipts from sales of intoxicating liquor that are exempt from taxation under sections 297A.25 to 297A.257 or other any provision of chapter 297A exempting sales of intoxicating liquor and use from taxation, including amendments adopted after enactment of this act.

 

For purposes of this subdivision, sales that occur within the city shall not include (a) the sale of tangible personal property (i) which, without intermediate use, is shipped or transported outside Minneapolis by the purchaser and thereafter used in a trade or business or is stored, processed, fabricated or manufactured into, attached to or incorporated into other tangible personal property transported or shipped outside Minneapolis and thereafter used in


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a trade or business outside Minneapolis, and which is not thereafter returned to a point within Minneapolis, except in the course of interstate or intrastate commerce (storage shall not constitute intermediate use); or (ii) which the seller delivers to a common carrier for delivery outside Minneapolis, places in the United States mail or parcel post directed to the purchaser outside Minneapolis, or delivers to the purchaser outside Minneapolis by means of the seller's own delivery vehicles, and which is not thereafter returned to a point within Minneapolis, except in the course of interstate or intrastate commerce; or (b) sales which would be described in clause (e) or (u) of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.25, subdivision 1 297A.68, subdivision 11 or 16, if the word "Minneapolis" were substituted for the words "Minnesota" or "state of Minnesota" in such clauses subdivisions.  A tax may be imposed under this section only if the taxes imposed under section 5 are imposed at the maximum rate allowed under that section.  The tax authorized by this section shall be imposed, until December 31, 2046.  The tax may be further imposed through December 31, 2050, by order of the commissioner of management and budget, as specified under article 7, section 1.  The tax may be imposed and may be adjusted periodically by the city council in conformity with Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 12, such that the rate imposed, rounded to the next highest one-tenth of one percent, does not exceed the rate estimated to be required to produce produces revenue sufficient to finance the costs purposes described in subdivision subdivisions 3 and 4, but in no case may the rate exceed one-half of one percent.

 

Subd. 2.  Enforcement; collection.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), these taxes shall be subject to the same interest penalties and other rules imposed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A.  The commissioner of revenue may enter into appropriate agreements with the city to provide for collection of these taxes by the state on behalf of the city.  The commissioner may charge the city a reasonable fee for its collection from the proceeds of any taxes, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 9.

 

(b) A taxpayer located outside of the city of Minneapolis who collects use tax under this section in an amount that does not exceed $10 in a reporting period is not required to remit that tax until the amount of use tax collected is $10.

 

Subd. 3.  Use of property.  Revenues received from the tax may only be used:

 

(1) to pay costs of collection;

 

(2) (1) to pay or secure the payment of any principal of, premium or interest on bonds issued in accordance with this act;

 

(3) (2) to pay costs to acquire, design, equip, construct, improve, maintain, operate, administer, or promote the convention center or related facilities, and other capital projects or economic developments under subdivision 4, including financing costs related to them;

 

(4) (3) to pay reasonable and appropriate costs determined by the city to replace housing and the ice arena removed from the site;

 

(5) (4) to maintain reserves for the foregoing purposes deemed reasonable and appropriate by the city; and

 

(6) (5) to fund projects and for other purposes under subdivision 4.

 

Money for replacement housing shall be made available by the city only for new construction, conversion of nonresidential buildings, and for rehabilitation of vacant residential structures, only if all of the units in the newly constructed building, converted nonresidential building, or rehabilitated residential structure are to be used for replacement housing.

 

Subd. 4.  Minneapolis downtown and neighborhood projects.  (a) For revenues collected in calendar years 2009 and 2010, to the extent that revenues from the tax authorized in subdivision 1 exceeds the amount needed to fund the purposes in subdivision 3, the city may use the excess revenue to fund any city services.  The total amount


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used in both years for this purpose may not exceed the total amount of aid and credit reductions under Minnesota Statutes, sections 273.1384 and 477A.011 to 477A.014 in calendar years 2008, 2009, and 2010 due to a governor's unallotment or due to statutory reductions.

 

(b) Beginning with revenues collected in calendar year 2011, to the extent that revenues from the tax taxes authorized in subdivision 1 exceeds or in section 5 exceed the amount needed to fund the purposes in subdivision 3, the city may use the excess revenue in any year to fund capital projects to further residential, cultural, commercial, and economic development in both downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis neighborhoods, to fund other city expenditures in support of the capital projects, or for other economic development, provided the city may direct excess revenue first to convention center debt, operations, capital improvements, and marketing.  The city may issue bonds to fund any such projects or improvements using these taxes or any other available city resources to finance or secure the bonds.

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 1986, chapter 396, section 5, as amended by Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 12, section 87, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 5.  LIQUOR, LODGING, AND RESTAURANT TAXES.

 

The city may, by resolution, levy in addition to taxes authorized by other law:

 

(1) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts on retail on-sales of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages described in section 473.592 occurring in the when sold at licensed on-sale liquor establishments located within the downtown taxing area, provided that this tax may not be imposed if sales of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages are exempt from taxation under chapter 297A;

 

(2) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts from the furnishing for consideration of lodging described in section 473.592 for a period of less than 30 days at a hotel, motel, rooming house, tourist court, or trailer camp located within the city by a hotel or motel which has more than 50 rooms available for lodging; the tax imposed under this clause shall be at a rate that, when added to the sum of the rate of the sales tax imposed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A, the rate of the sales tax imposed under section 4, and the rate of any other taxes on lodging in the city of Minneapolis, equals 13 percent; and

 

(3) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts on all sales of food primarily for consumption on or off the premises by restaurants and places of refreshment as defined by resolution of the city that occur within the downtown taxing area.

 

The taxes authorized by this section shall be imposed until January 1, 2047.  The taxes may be further imposed through December 31, 2050, by order of the commissioner of management and budget, under the authority granted under article 7, section 1.  The taxes shall be imposed and may be adjusted periodically by the city council such that the rates imposed, produce revenue sufficient, together with the tax imposed under section 4, to finance the purposes described in section 4, subdivisions 3 and 4.  These taxes shall be applied, first, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.994, subdivision 3, clauses (1) to (3), and then, solely to pay costs of collection and to pay or, secure, maintain, and fund the payment of any principal of, premium on, and interest on any bonds or any costs referred to other purposes in section 4, subdivision 3 or 4.  The commissioner of revenue may enter into appropriate agreements with the city to provide for the collection of these taxes by the state on behalf of the city.  The commissioner may charge the city a reasonable fee for its collection from the proceeds of any taxes.  These taxes shall be subject to the same interest penalties and enforcement provisions as the taxes imposed under section 473.592 Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A.


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Sec. 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE; LOCAL APPROVAL.

 

This article is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Minneapolis and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the city of Minneapolis and its chief clerical officer have 30 calendar days following final enactment of this act, to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

 

Sec. 5.  SEVERABILITY; SAVINGS.

 

If any part of this article is found to be invalid because it is in conflict with a provision of the Minnesota Constitution or for any other reason, all other provisions of this article shall remain valid and any rights, remedies, and privileges that have been otherwise accrued by this article, shall remain in effect and may be proceeded with and concluded under the provisions of this article.

 

Sec. 6.  LOCAL SALES TAX REQUIREMENTS NOT TO APPLY.

 

The taxes authorized under Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, as amended, are exempt from the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivisions 2 and 3.

 

ARTICLE 5

LAWFUL GAMBLING

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Gambling product.  "Gambling product" means bingo hard cards, bingo paper sheets, or linked bingo paper sheets, or electronic linked bingo games; pull-tabs; electronic pull-tab games; tipboards; paddle tickets and paddle ticket cards; raffle tickets; or any other ticket, card, board, placard, device, or token that represents a chance, for which consideration is paid, to win a prize.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Gross receipts.  "Gross receipts" means all receipts derived from lawful gambling activity including, but not limited to, the following items:

 

(1) gross sales of bingo hard cards and, paper sheets, linked bingo paper sheets, and electronic linked bingo games before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;

 

(2) the ideal gross of pull-tab, electronic pull-tab games, and tipboard deals or games less the value of unsold and defective tickets and before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;

 

(3) gross sales of raffle tickets and paddle tickets before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;

 

(4) admission, commission, cover, or other charges imposed on participants in lawful gambling activity as a condition for or cost of participation; and

 

(5) interest, dividends, annuities, profit from transactions, or other income derived from the accumulation or use of gambling proceeds.


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Gross receipts does not include proceeds from rental under section 349.18, subdivision 3.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Ideal gross.  "Ideal gross" means the total amount of receipts that would be received if every individual ticket in the pull-tab, electronic pull-tab games or tipboard deal, paddle wheel game, and raffle ticket was sold at its face value.  In the calculation of ideal gross and prizes, a free play ticket pull-tab or electronic pull-tab shall be valued at face value.  Ideal gross also means the total amount of receipts that would be received if every bingo paper sheet, linked bingo paper sheet, and electronic linked bingo games were sold at face value.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Imposition.  A tax is imposed on all lawful gambling other than (1) paper or electronic pull-tab deals or games; (2) tipboard deals or games; and (3) electronic linked bingo; and (4) items listed in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, clauses (4) and (5), at the rate of 8.5 percent on the gross receipts as defined in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, less prizes actually paid.  The tax imposed by this subdivision is in lieu of the tax imposed by section 297A.62 and all local taxes and license fees except a fee authorized under section 349.16, subdivision 8, or a tax authorized under subdivision 5.

 

The tax imposed under this subdivision is payable by the organization or party conducting, directly or indirectly, the gambling.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games reported as played after June 30, 2012.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Collection; disposition.  (a) Taxes imposed by this section other than in subdivision 4 are due and payable to the commissioner when the gambling tax return is required to be filed.  Taxes imposed by subdivision 4 are due and payable to the commissioner on or before the last business day of the month following the month in which the taxable sale was made.  Distributors must file their monthly sales figures with the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner.  Returns covering the taxes imposed under this section must be filed with the commissioner on or before the 20th day of the month following the close of the previous calendar month.  The commissioner may require that the returns be filed via magnetic media or electronic data transfer.  The proceeds, along with the revenue received from all license fees and other fees under sections 349.11 to 349.191, 349.211, and 349.213, must be paid to the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the general fund.

 

(b) The sales tax imposed by chapter 297A on the sale of pull-tabs and tipboards by the distributor is imposed on the retail sales price.  The retail sale of pull-tabs or tipboards by the organization is exempt from taxes imposed by chapter 297A and is exempt from all local taxes and license fees except a fee authorized under section 349.16, subdivision 8.

 

(c) One-half of one percent of the revenue deposited in the general fund under paragraph (a), is appropriated to the commissioner of human services for the compulsive gambling treatment program established under section 245.98.  One-half of one percent of the revenue deposited in the general fund under paragraph (a), is appropriated to the commissioner of human services for a grant to the state affiliate recognized by the National Council on Problem Gambling to increase public awareness of problem gambling, education and training for individuals and


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organizations providing effective treatment services to problem gamblers and their families, and research relating to problem gambling.  Money appropriated by this paragraph must supplement and must not replace existing state funding for these programs.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Combined net receipts tax.  In addition to the taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 4, a tax is imposed on the combined receipts of the organization.  As used in this section, "combined net receipts" is the sum of the organization's gross receipts from lawful gambling less gross receipts directly derived from the conduct of paper bingo, raffles, and paddle wheels, as defined in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, and less the net prizes actually paid, other than prizes actually paid for paper bingo, raffles, and paddle wheels, for the fiscal year.  The combined net receipts of an organization are subject to a tax computed according to the following schedule:

 

If the combined net receipts for the fiscal year are: 

The tax is: 

 

 

 

 

Not over $500,000 $87,500

zero 6.89 percent

 

 

Over $500,000 $87,500, but not over $700,000 $122,500

1.7 $6,029 plus 13.78 percent of the amount over $500,000 $87,500, but not over $700,000 $122,500

 

 

Over $700,000 $122,500, but not over $900,000 $157,500

$3,400 $10,852 plus 3.4 20.67 percent of the amount over $700,000 $122,500, but not over $900,000 $157,500

 

Over $900,000 $157,500

$10,200 $18,086 plus 5.1 27.56 percent of the amount over $900,000 $157,500

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Unaccounted games.  If a licensed distributor cannot account for a pull-tab game, an electronic pull-tab game, a tipboard deal, paddletickets, an electronic linked bingo game, bingo paper sheets, or linked bingo paper sheets, the distributor must report the sheets or games to the commissioner as lost and remit a tax of six percent on the ideal gross of the sheets or games.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Untaxed gambling product.  (a) In addition to penalties or criminal sanctions imposed by this chapter, a person, organization, or business entity possessing or selling a pull-tab, electronic pull-tab game or tipboard upon which the tax imposed by subdivision 4 this chapter has not been paid is liable for a tax of six percent of the ideal gross of each pull-tab, electronic pull-tab game, or tipboard.  The tax on a partial deal must be assessed as if it were a full deal.


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(b) In addition to penalties and criminal sanctions imposed by this chapter, a person not licensed by the board who conducts bingo, linked bingo, electronic linked bingo, raffles, or paddle wheel games is liable for a tax of six percent of the gross receipts from that activity.

 

(c) The tax must be assessed by the commissioner.  An assessment must be considered a jeopardy assessment or jeopardy collection as provided in section 270C.36.  The commissioner shall assess the tax based on personal knowledge or information available to the commissioner.  The commissioner shall mail to the taxpayer at the taxpayer's last known address, or serve in person, a written notice of the amount of tax, demand its immediate payment, and, if payment is not immediately made, collect the tax by any method described in chapter 270C, except that the commissioner need not await the expiration of the times specified in chapter 270C.  The tax assessed by the commissioner is presumed to be valid and correctly determined and assessed.  The burden is upon the taxpayer to show its incorrectness or invalidity.  The tax imposed under this subdivision does not apply to gambling that is exempt from taxation under subdivision 2.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Refunds; appropriation.  A person who has, under this chapter, paid to the commissioner an amount of tax for a period in excess of the amount legally due for that period, may file with the commissioner a claim for a refund of the excess.  The amount necessary to pay the refunds under this subdivision and subdivision 4, paragraph (d), is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Unplayed or Defective pull-tabs or tipboards gambling products.  If a deal of pull-tabs or tipboards registered with the board or bar coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the tax imposed by subdivision 4 has been paid is returned unplayed to the distributor, the commissioner shall allow a refund of the tax paid.

 

If a defective deal registered with the board or bar coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the taxes have been paid is returned to the manufacturer, the distributor shall submit to the commissioner of revenue certification from the manufacturer that the deal was returned and in what respect it was defective.  The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and must contain additional information the commissioner requires.

 

The commissioner may require that no refund under this subdivision be made unless the that all defective and returned pull-tabs or, tipboards have been, paddle tickets, paper bingo sheets, and linked bingo paper sheets be set aside for inspection by the commissioner's employee.

 

Reductions in previously paid taxes authorized by this subdivision must be made when and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games sold by a licensed distributor after June 30, 2012.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Untaxed gambling equipment.  It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to possess gambling equipment for resale in this state that has not been stamped or bar-coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the taxes imposed by chapter 297A or section 297E.02, subdivision 4, have not been paid.  The director


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of alcohol and gambling enforcement or the commissioner or the designated inspectors and employees of the director or commissioner may seize in the name of the state of Minnesota any unregistered or untaxed gambling equipment.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for actions occurring after June 30, 2012.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3b.  Bar operation.  "Bar operation" means a method of selling and redeeming disposable gambling equipment by an employee of the lessor within a leased premises which is licensed for the on-sale of alcoholic beverages where such sales and redemptions are made by an employee of the lessor from a common area where food and beverages are also sold.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3c.  Bar bingo.  "Bar bingo" is a bingo occasion conducted at a permitted premises in an area where intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages are sold and where the licensed organization conducts another form of lawful gambling.  Bar bingo does not include bingo games linked to other permitted premises.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Bingo occasion.  "Bingo occasion" means a single gathering or session at which a series of one or more successive bingo games is played.  There is no limit on the number of games conducted during a bingo occasion but.  A bingo occasion must not last longer than eight consecutive hours., except that linked bingo games played on electronic bingo devices may be played during regular business hours of the permitted premises, and all play during this period is considered a bingo occasion for reporting purposes.  For permitted premises where the primary business is bingo, regular business hours shall be defined as the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Booth operation.  "Booth operation" means a method of selling and redeeming disposable gambling equipment by an employee of a licensed organization in a premises the organization leases or owns where such sales and redemptions are made within a separate enclosure that is distinct from areas where food and beverages are sold.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 12a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12a.  Electronic bingo device.  "Electronic bingo device" means an a handheld and portable electronic device that:

 

(a) is used by a bingo player to:

 

(1) monitor bingo paper sheets or a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet when purchased and played at the time and place of an organization's bingo occasion and which (1) provides a means for bingo players to, or to play an electronic bingo game that is linked with other permitted premises;

 

(2) activate numbers announced by a bingo caller; (2) compares or displayed, and to compare the numbers entered by the player to the bingo faces previously stored in the memory of the device; and

 

(3) identifies identify a winning bingo pattern. or game requirement; and

 

(4) play against other bingo players;


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(b) limits the play of bingo faces to 36 faces per game;

 

(c) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of a coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

 

(d) may only be used for play against other bingo players in a bingo game;

 

(e) has no additional function as an amusement or gambling device other than as an electronic pull-tab game defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12c;

 

(f) has the capability to ensure adequate levels of security internal controls;

 

(g) has the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor the operation of the device and the internal accounting systems; and

 

(h) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

 

Electronic bingo device does not mean any device into which coin, currency, or tokens are inserted to activate play.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12b.  Electronic pull-tab device.  "Electronic pull-tab device" means a handheld and portable electronic device that:

 

(a) is used to play one or more electronic pull-tab games;

 

(b) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

 

(c) requires that a player must activate or open each electronic pull-tab ticket and each individual line, row, or column of each electronic pull-tab ticket;

 

(d) maintains information pertaining to accumulated win credits that may be applied to games in play or redeemed upon termination of play;

 

(e) has no spinning symbols or other representations that mimic a video slot machine;

 

(f) has no additional function as a gambling device other than as an electronic linked bingo game played on a device defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12a;

 

(g) may incorporate an amusement game feature as part of the pull-tab game but may not require additional consideration for that feature or award any prize, or other benefit for that feature;

 

(h) may have auditory or visual enhancements to promote or provide information about the game being played, provided the component does not affect the outcome of a game or display the results of a game;

 

(i) maintains, on nonresettable meters, a printable, permanent record of all transactions involving each device electronic pull-tab games played on the device;

 

(j) is not a pull-tab dispensing device as defined under subdivision 32a; and


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(k) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12c.  Electronic pull-tab game.  "Electronic pull-tab game" means a pull-tab game containing:

 

(a) facsimiles of pull-tab tickets that are played on an electronic pull-tab device;

 

(b) a predetermined, finite number of winning and losing tickets, not to exceed 7,500 tickets;

 

(c) the same price for each ticket in the game;

 

(d) a price paid by the player of not less than 25 cents per ticket;

 

(e) tickets that are in conformance with applicable board rules for pull-tabs;

 

(f) winning tickets that comply with prize limits under section 349.211;

 

(g) a unique serial number that may not be regenerated;

 

(h) an electronic flare that displays the game name, form number, predetermined, finite number of tickets in the game, and prize tier; and

 

(i) no spinning symbols or other representations that mimic a video slot machine.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12d.  Electronic pull-tab game system.  "Electronic pull-tab game system" means the equipment leased from a licensed distributor and used by a licensed organization to conduct, manage, and record electronic pull-tab games, and to report and transmit the game results as prescribed by the board and the Department of Revenue.  The system must provide security and access levels sufficient so that internal control objectives are met as prescribed by the board.  The system must contain a point of sale station.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 18.  Gambling equipment.  "Gambling equipment" means: gambling equipment that is either disposable or permanent gambling equipment. 

 

(a) Disposable gambling equipment includes the following:

 

(1) bingo hard cards or paper sheets, including linked bingo paper sheets, devices for selecting bingo numbers, electronic bingo devices,;

 

(2) paper and electronic pull-tabs,;

 

(3) jar tickets, paddle wheels, paddle wheel tables,;

 

(4) paddle tickets, and paddle ticket cards,;

 

(5) tipboards, and tipboard tickets,; and


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(6) promotional tickets that mimic a pull-tab or tipboard, pull-tab dispensing devices, and programmable electronic devices that have no effect on the outcome of a game and are used to provide a visual or auditory enhancement of a game.

 

(b) Permanent gambling equipment includes the following:

 

(1) devices for selecting bingo numbers;

 

(2) electronic bingo devices;

 

(3) electronic pull-tab devices;

 

(4) pull-tab dispensing devices;

 

(5) programmable electronic devices that have no effect on the outcome of a game and are used to provide a visual or auditory enhancement of a game;

 

(6) paddle wheels; and

 

(7) paddle wheel tables.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25.  Lawful purpose.  (a) "Lawful purpose" means one or more of the following:

 

(1) any expenditure by or contribution to a 501(c)(3) or festival organization, as defined in subdivision 15a, provided that the organization and expenditure or contribution are in conformity with standards prescribed by the board under section 349.154, which standards must apply to both types of organizations in the same manner and to the same extent;

 

(2) a contribution to or expenditure for goods and services for an individual or family suffering from poverty, homelessness, or disability, which is used to relieve the effects of that suffering;

 

(3) a contribution to a program recognized by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for the education, prevention, or treatment of problem gambling;

 

(4) a contribution to or expenditure on a public or private nonprofit educational institution registered with or accredited by this state or any other state;

 

(5) a contribution to an individual, public or private nonprofit educational institution registered with or accredited by this state or any other state, or to a scholarship fund of a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to award scholarships, for defraying the cost of education to individuals where the funds are awarded through an open and fair selection process;

 

(6) activities by an organization or a government entity which recognize military service to the United States, the state of Minnesota, or a community, subject to rules of the board, provided that the rules must not include mileage reimbursements in the computation of the per diem reimbursement limit and must impose no aggregate annual limit on the amount of reasonable and necessary expenditures made to support:

 

(i) members of a military marching or color guard unit for activities conducted within the state;


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(ii) members of an organization solely for services performed by the members at funeral services;

 

(iii) members of military marching, color guard, or honor guard units may be reimbursed for participating in color guard, honor guard, or marching unit events within the state or states contiguous to Minnesota at a per participant rate of up to $35 per diem; or

 

(iv) active military personnel and their immediate family members in need of support services;

 

(7) recreational, community, and athletic facilities and activities intended primarily for persons under age 21, provided that such facilities and activities do not discriminate on the basis of gender and the organization complies with section 349.154, subdivision 3a;

 

(8) payment of local taxes authorized under this chapter, taxes imposed by the United States on receipts from lawful gambling, the taxes imposed by section 297E.02, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, and 6, and the tax imposed on unrelated business income by section 290.05, subdivision 3;

 

(9) payment of real estate taxes and assessments on permitted gambling premises owned by the licensed organization paying the taxes, or wholly leased by a licensed veterans organization under a national charter recognized under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code;

 

(10) a contribution to the United States, this state or any of its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof other than a direct contribution to a law enforcement or prosecutorial agency;

 

(11) a contribution to or expenditure by a nonprofit organization which is a church or body of communicants gathered in common membership for mutual support and edification in piety, worship, or religious observances;

 

(12) an expenditure for citizen monitoring of surface water quality by individuals or nongovernmental organizations that is consistent with section 115.06, subdivision 4, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance on monitoring procedures, quality assurance protocols, and data management, provided that the resulting data is submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for review and inclusion in the state water quality database;

 

(13) a contribution to or expenditure on projects or activities approved by the commissioner of natural resources for:

 

(i) wildlife management projects that benefit the public at large;

 

(ii) grant-in-aid trail maintenance and grooming established under sections 84.83 and 84.927, and other trails open to public use, including purchase or lease of equipment for this purpose; and

 

(iii) supplies and materials for safety training and educational programs coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources, including the Enforcement Division;

 

(14) conducting nutritional programs, food shelves, and congregate dining programs primarily for persons who are age 62 or older or disabled;

 

(15) a contribution to a community arts organization, or an expenditure to sponsor arts programs in the community, including but not limited to visual, literary, performing, or musical arts;

 

(16) an expenditure by a licensed fraternal organization or a licensed veterans organization for payment of water, fuel for heating, electricity, and sewer costs for:


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(i) up to 100 percent for a building wholly owned or wholly leased by and used as the primary headquarters of the licensed veteran or fraternal organization; or

 

(ii) a proportional amount subject to approval by the director and based on the portion of a building used as the primary headquarters of the licensed veteran or fraternal organization;

 

(17) expenditure by a licensed veterans organization of up to $5,000 in a calendar year in net costs to the organization for meals and other membership events, limited to members and spouses, held in recognition of military service.  No more than $5,000 can be expended in total per calendar year under this clause by all licensed veterans organizations sharing the same veterans post home;

 

(18) payment of fees authorized under this chapter imposed by the state of Minnesota to conduct lawful gambling in Minnesota;

 

(19) a contribution or expenditure to honor an individual's humanitarian service as demonstrated through philanthropy or volunteerism to the United States, this state, or local community;

 

(20) a contribution by a licensed organization to another licensed organization with prior board approval, with the contribution designated to be used for one or more of the following lawful purposes under this section:  clauses (1) to (7), (11) to (15), (19), and (25);

 

(21) an expenditure that is a contribution to a parent organization, if the parent organization:  (i) has not provided to the contributing organization within one year of the contribution any money, grants, property, or other thing of value, and (ii) has received prior board approval for the contribution that will be used for a program that meets one or more of the lawful purposes under subdivision 7a;

 

(22) an expenditure for the repair, maintenance, or improvement of real property and capital assets owned by an organization, or for the replacement of a capital asset that can no longer be repaired, with a fiscal year limit of five percent of gross profits from the previous fiscal year, with no carryforward of unused allowances.  The fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.  Total expenditures for the fiscal year may not exceed the limit unless the board has specifically approved the expenditures that exceed the limit due to extenuating circumstances beyond the organization's control.  An expansion of a building or bar-related expenditures are not allowed under this provision.

 

(i) The expenditure must be related to the portion of the real property or capital asset that must be made available for use free of any charge to other nonprofit organizations, community groups, or service groups, or is used for the organization's primary mission or headquarters.

 

(ii) An expenditure may be made to bring an existing building that the organization owns into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

(iii) An organization may apply the amount that is allowed under item (ii) to the erection or acquisition of a replacement building that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if the board has specifically approved the amount.  The cost of the erection or acquisition of a replacement building may not be made from gambling proceeds, except for the portion allowed under this item;

 

(23) an expenditure for the acquisition or improvement of a capital asset with a cost greater than $2,000, excluding real property, that will be used exclusively for lawful purposes under this section if the board has specifically approved the amount;


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(24) an expenditure for the acquisition, erection, improvement, or expansion of real property, if the board has first specifically authorized the expenditure after finding that the real property will be used exclusively for lawful purpose under this section; or

 

(25) an expenditure, including a mortgage payment or other debt service payment, for the erection or acquisition of a comparable building to replace an organization-owned building that was destroyed or made uninhabitable by fire or catastrophe or to replace an organization-owned building that was taken or sold under an eminent domain proceeding.  The expenditure may be only for that part of the replacement cost not reimbursed by insurance for the fire or catastrophe or compensation not received from a governmental unit under the eminent domain proceeding, if the board has first specifically authorized the expenditure.

 

(b) Expenditures authorized by the board under clauses (24) and (25) must be 51 percent completed within two years of the date of board approval; otherwise the organization must reapply to the board for approval of the project.  "Fifty-one percent completed" means that the work completed must represent at least 51 percent of the value of the project as documented by the contractor or vendor.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), "lawful purpose" does not include:

 

(1) any expenditure made or incurred for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of a candidate for public office or for the purpose of promoting or defeating a ballot question;

 

(2) any activity intended to influence an election or a governmental decision-making process;

 

(3) a contribution to a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town by a licensed organization with the knowledge that the governmental unit intends to use the contribution for a pension or retirement fund; or

 

(4) a contribution to a 501(c)(3) organization or other entity with the intent or effect of not complying with lawful purpose restrictions or requirements.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25b.  Linked bingo game provider.  "Linked bingo game provider" means any person who provides the means to link bingo prizes in a linked bingo game, who provides linked bingo paper sheets to the participating organizations games, who provides linked bingo prize management, and who provides the linked bingo game system.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25c.  Linked bingo game system.  "Linked bingo game system" means the equipment used by the linked bingo provider to conduct, transmit, and track a linked bingo game.  The system must be approved by the board before its use in this state and it must have dial-up or other the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor its operation remotely.  For linked electronic bingo games, the system includes electronic bingo devices.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25d, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25d.  Linked bingo prize pool.  "Linked bingo prize pool" means the total of all prize money that each participating organization has contributed to a linked bingo game prize and includes any portion of the prize pool that is carried over from one occasion game to another in a progressive linked bingo game.


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Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 29, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 29.  Paddle wheel.  "Paddle wheel" means a vertical wheel marked off into sections containing one or more numbers, and which, after being turned or spun, uses a pointer or marker to indicate winning chances, and may only be used to determine a winning number or numbers matching a winning paddle ticket purchased by a player.  A paddle wheel may be an electronic device that simulates a paddle wheel.

 

Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 31.  Promotional ticket.  A paper pull-tab ticket or paper tipboard ticket created and printed by a licensed manufacturer with the words "no purchase necessary" and "for promotional use only" and for which no consideration is given is a promotional ticket.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 32, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 32.  Pull-tab.  "Pull-tab" means a single folded or banded paper ticket or a, multi-ply card with perforated break-open tabs, or a facsimile of a paper pull-tab ticket used in conjunction with an electronic pull-tab device, the face of which is initially covered to conceal one or more numbers or symbols, and where one or more of each set of tickets or, cards, or facsimiles has been designated in advance as a winner.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 34, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 34.  Tipboard.  "Tipboard" means a board, placard or other device containing a seal that conceals the winning number or symbol, and that serves as the game flare for a tipboard game.  A sports-themed tipboard is a board, placard, or other device that contains a grid of predesignated numbers for which the winning numbers are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events, serves as the game flare for player registration, but is not required to contain a seal.  For a sports-themed tipboard, the winning numbers must be determined solely by the numerical outcome.

 

Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 35, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 35.  Tipboard ticket.  "Tipboard ticket" is a single folded or banded ticket, or multi-ply card, the face of which is initially covered or otherwise hidden from view to conceal a number, symbol, or set of symbols, some of which have been designated in advance and at random as prize winners.  For a sports-themed tipboard, the tipboard ticket contains a set of numbers used to determine the winner based on the numerical outcome of a professional sporting event.

 

Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.13, is amended to read:

 

349.13 LAWFUL GAMBLING.

 

Lawful gambling is not a lottery or gambling within the meaning of sections 609.75 to 609.76 if it is conducted under this chapter.  A pull-tab dispensing device, electronic bingo device, and electronic pull-tab device permitted under this chapter and by board rule is not a gambling device within the meaning of sections 609.75 to 609.76 and chapter 299L.  An electronic game device allowed under this chapter may not be a slot machine.  Electronic game devices, including but not limited to electronic bingo devices, electronic paddle wheels, and electronic pull-tab devices authorized under this chapter, may only be used in the conduct of lawful gambling permitted under this chapter and board rule and may not display or simulate any other form of gambling or entertainment, except as otherwise allowed under this chapter. 


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Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, subdivision 4b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4b.  Pull-tab sales from dispensing devices.  (a) The board may by rule authorize but not require the use of pull-tab dispensing devices.

 

(b) Rules adopted under paragraph (a):

 

(1) must limit the number of pull-tab dispensing devices on any permitted premises to three; and

 

(2) must limit the use of pull-tab dispensing devices to a permitted premises which is (i) a licensed premises for on-sales of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages; or (ii) a premises where bingo is conducted and admission is restricted to persons 18 years or older.

 

(c) Notwithstanding rules adopted under paragraph (b), pull-tab dispensing devices may be used in establishments licensed for the off-sale of intoxicating liquor, other than drugstores and general food stores licensed under section 340A.405, subdivision 1.

 

Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, subdivision 4c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4c.  Electronic bingo devices.  (a) The board may by rule authorize but not require the use of electronic bingo devices.

 

(b) Rules adopted under paragraph (a):

 

(1) must limit the number of bingo faces that can be played using an electronic bingo device to 36;

 

(2) must require that an electronic bingo device be used with corresponding bingo paper sheets or a facsimile, printed at the point of sale, as approved by the board;

 

(3) must require that the electronic bingo device site system have dial-up capability to permit the board to remotely monitor the operation of the device and the internal accounting systems; and

 

(4) must prohibit the price of a face played on an electronic bingo device from being less than the price of a face on a bingo paper sheet sold at the same occasion.

 

(b) The board, or the director if authorized by the board, may require the deactivation of an electronic bingo device for violation of a law or rule and to implement any other controls deemed necessary to ensure and maintain the integrity of electronic bingo devices and the electronic bingo games played on the devices.

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4d.  Electronic pull-tab devices and electronic pull-tab game system.  (a) The board may adopt rules it deems necessary to ensure the integrity of electronic pull-tab devices, the electronic pull-tab games played on the devices, and the electronic pull-tab game system necessary to operate them.

 

(b) The board may not require an organization to use electronic pull-tab devices.

 

(c) Before authorizing the lease or sale of electronic pull-tab devices and the electronic pull-tab game system, the board shall examine electronic pull-tab devices allowed under section 349.12, subdivision 12b.  The board may contract for the examination of the game system and electronic pull-tab devices and may require a working model to be transported to locations the board designates for testing, examination, and analysis.  The manufacturer must pay


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all costs of any testing, examination, analysis, and transportation of the model.  The system must be approved by the board before its use in the state and must have the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor its operation and internal accounting systems. 

 

(d) The board may require a manufacturer to submit a certificate from an independent testing laboratory approved by the board to perform testing services, stating that the equipment has been tested, analyzed, and meets the standards required in this chapter and any applicable board rules.

 

(e) The board, or the director if authorized by the board, may require the deactivation of an electronic pull-tab device for violation of a law or rule and to implement any other controls deemed necessary to ensure and maintain the integrity of electronic pull-tab devices and the electronic pull-tab games played on the devices.

 

Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4e.  Sports-themed tipboard rules.  The board may adopt rules for the conduct of tipboards for which the winning numbers are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events.  The rules must provide for operation procedures, internal control standards, posted information, records, and reports.  The rules must provide for the award of prizes, method of payout, wagers, determination of winners, and the specifications of these tipboards. 

 

Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.155, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Mandatory disqualifications.  (a) In the case of licenses for manufacturers, distributors, distributor salespersons, linked bingo game providers, and gambling managers, the board may not issue or renew a license under this chapter, and shall revoke a license under this chapter, if the applicant or licensee, or a director, officer, partner, governor, or person in a supervisory or management position of the applicant or licensee:

 

(1) has ever been convicted of a felony or a crime involving gambling;

 

(2) has ever been convicted of (i) assault, (ii) a criminal violation involving the use of a firearm, or (iii) making terroristic threats;

 

(3) is or has ever been connected with or engaged in an illegal business;

 

(4) owes $500 or more in delinquent taxes as defined in section 270C.72;

 

(5) had a sales and use tax permit revoked by the commissioner of revenue within the past two years; or

 

(6) after demand, has not filed tax returns required by the commissioner of revenue.  The board may deny or refuse to renew a license under this chapter, and may revoke a license under this chapter, if any of the conditions in this paragraph are applicable to an affiliate or direct or indirect holder of more than a five percent financial interest in the applicant or licensee.

 

(b) In the case of licenses for organizations, the board may not issue a license under this chapter, and shall revoke a license under this chapter, if the organization, or an officer or member of the governing body of the organization:

 

(1) has been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving theft or fraud; or

 

(2) has ever been convicted of a crime involving gambling; or.


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(3) has had a license issued by the board or director permanently revoked for violation of law or board rule.

 

Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.155, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  License revocation, suspension, denial; censure.  (a) The board may by order (i) deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license or premises permit, or (ii) censure a licensee or applicant, if it finds that the order is in the public interest and that the applicant or licensee, or a director, officer, partner, governor, person in a supervisory or management position of the applicant or licensee, an employee eligible to make sales on behalf of the applicant or licensee, or direct or indirect holder of more than a five percent financial interest in the applicant or licensee:

 

(1) has violated or failed to comply with any provision of this chapter or chapter 297E or 299L, or any rule adopted or order issued thereunder;

 

(2) has filed an application for a license that is incomplete in any material respect, or contains a statement that, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, is false, misleading, fraudulent, or a misrepresentation;

 

(3) has made a false statement in a document or report required to be submitted to the board or the commissioner of revenue, or has made a false statement to the board, the compliance review group, or the director;

 

(4) has been convicted of a crime in another jurisdiction that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota;

 

(5) is permanently or temporarily enjoined by any gambling regulatory agency from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of gambling;

 

(6) has had a gambling-related license revoked or suspended, or has paid or been required to pay a monetary penalty of $2,500 or more, by a gambling regulator in another state or jurisdiction;

 

(7) has been the subject of any of the following actions by the director of alcohol and gambling enforcement or commissioner of public safety:  (i) had a license under chapter 299L denied, suspended, or revoked, (ii) been censured, reprimanded, has paid or been required to pay a monetary penalty or fine, or (iii) has been the subject of any other discipline by the director or commissioner;

 

(8) has engaged in conduct that is contrary to the public health, welfare, or safety, or to the integrity of gambling; or

 

(9) based on past activities or criminal record poses a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation and control of gambling, or creates or enhances the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of gambling or the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of gambling.

 

(b) The revocation or suspension of an organization's license may not exceed a period of ten years, including any revocation or suspension imposed by the board prior to the effective date of this paragraph, except that:

 

(1) any prohibition placed by the board on who may be involved in the conduct, oversight, or management of the revoked organization's lawful gambling activity is permanent; and

 

(2) a revocation or suspension will remain in effect until any taxes, fees, and fines that are delinquent have been paid by the organization to the satisfaction of the board.


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Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.161, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Prohibited acts; licenses required.  (a) No person may:

 

(1) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state other than for lawful gambling exempt or excluded from licensing, except to an organization licensed for lawful gambling;

 

(2) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state without having obtained a distributor license or a distributor salesperson license under this section except that an organization authorized to conduct bingo by the board may loan bingo hard cards and devices for selecting bingo numbers to another organization authorized to conduct bingo and a linked bingo game provider may provide electronic bingo devices for linked electronic bingo games;

 

(3) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state that is not purchased or obtained from a manufacturer or distributor licensed under this chapter; or

 

(4) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state that has the same serial number as another item of gambling equipment of the same type sold or offered for sale or furnished for use in the state by that distributor.

 

(b) No licensed distributor salesperson may sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state without being employed by a licensed distributor or owning a distributor license.

 

(c) No distributor or distributor salesperson may also be licensed as a linked bingo game provider under section 349.1635.

 

Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.161, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Prohibition.  (a) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or other employee of a distributor, may also be a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages or an employee of a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages.

 

(b) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor, may:  (1) be involved in the conduct of lawful gambling by an organization; (2) keep or assist in the keeping of an organization's financial records, accounts, and inventories; or (3) prepare or assist in the preparation of tax forms and other reporting forms required to be submitted to the state by an organization.

 

(c) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may provide a lessor of gambling premises any compensation, gift, gratuity, premium, or other thing of value.

 

(d) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may provide an employee or agent of the organization any compensation, gift, gratuity, premium, or other thing of value greater than $25 per organization in a calendar year.

 

(e) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may participate in any gambling activity at any gambling site or premises where gambling equipment purchased or leased from that distributor or distributor salesperson is being used in the conduct of lawful gambling.

 

(f) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may alter or modify any gambling equipment, except to add a "last ticket sold" prize sticker for a paper pull-tab game.


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(g) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may:  (1) recruit a person to become a gambling manager of an organization or identify to an organization a person as a candidate to become gambling manager for the organization; or (2) identify for an organization a potential gambling location.

 

(h) No distributor or distributor salesperson may purchase or lease gambling equipment for resale or lease to a person for use within the state from any person not licensed as a manufacturer under section 349.163, except for gambling equipment returned from an organization licensed under section 349.16, or exempt or excluded from licensing under section 349.166.

 

(i) No distributor or distributor salesperson may sell gambling equipment, except gambling equipment identified as a promotional ticket, to any person for use in Minnesota other than (i) a licensed organization or organization excluded or exempt from licensing, or (ii) the governing body of an Indian tribe.

 

(j) No distributor or distributor salesperson may sell or otherwise provide a paper pull-tab or tipboard deal with the symbol required by section 349.163, subdivision 5, paragraph (d), visible on the flare to any person other than in Minnesota to a licensed organization or organization exempt from licensing.

 

Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.162, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Sales from facilities.  (a) All gambling equipment purchased or possessed by a licensed distributor for resale or lease to any person for use in Minnesota must, prior to the equipment's resale or lease, be unloaded into a storage facility located in Minnesota which the distributor owns or leases; and which has been registered, in advance and in writing, with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement as a storage facility of the distributor.  All unregistered gambling equipment and all unaffixed registration stamps owned by, or in the possession of, a licensed distributor in the state of Minnesota shall be stored at a storage facility which has been registered with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement.  No gambling equipment may be moved from the facility unless the gambling equipment has been first registered with the board or the Department of Revenue.  A distributor must notify the board of the method that it will use to sell and transfer electronic pull-tab games to licensed organizations, and must receive approval of the board before implementing or making changes to the approved method.

 

(b) Notwithstanding section 349.163, subdivisions 5, 6, and 8, a licensed manufacturer may ship into Minnesota approved or unapproved gambling equipment if the licensed manufacturer ships the gambling equipment to a Minnesota storage facility that is:  (1) owned or leased by the licensed manufacturer; and (2) registered, in advance and in writing, with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement as a manufacturer's storage facility.  No gambling equipment may be shipped into Minnesota to the manufacturer's registered storage facility unless the shipment of the gambling equipment is reported to the Department of Revenue in a manner prescribed by the department.  No gambling equipment may be moved from the storage facility unless the gambling equipment is sold to a licensed distributor and is otherwise in conformity with this chapter, is shipped to an out-of-state site and the shipment is reported to the Department of Revenue in a manner prescribed by the department, or is otherwise sold and shipped as permitted by board rule.  A manufacturer must notify the board of the method that it will use to sell and transfer electronic pull-tab games to licensed distributors, and must receive approval of the board before implementing or making changes to the approved method.

 

(c) All storage facilities owned, leased, used, or operated by a licensed distributor or manufacturer may be entered upon and inspected by the employees of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement, the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement director's authorized representatives, employees of the Gambling Control Board or its authorized representatives, employees of the Department of Revenue, or authorized representatives of the director of the Division of Special Taxes of the Department of Revenue during reasonable and regular business hours.  Obstruction of, or failure to permit, entry and inspection is cause for revocation or suspension of a manufacturer's or distributor's licenses and permits issued under this chapter.


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(d) Unregistered gambling equipment found at any location in Minnesota other than the manufacturing plant of a licensed manufacturer or a registered storage facility are contraband under section 349.2125.  This paragraph does not apply:

 

(1) to unregistered gambling equipment being transported in interstate commerce between locations outside this state, if the interstate shipment is verified by a bill of lading or other valid shipping document; and

 

(2) to gambling equipment registered with the Department of Revenue for distribution to the tribal casinos.

 

Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  License required.  No manufacturer of gambling equipment may sell any gambling equipment to any person for use or resale within the state, unless the manufacturer has a current and valid license issued by the board under this section and has satisfied other criteria prescribed by the board by rule.  A manufacturer licensed under this section may also be licensed as a linked bingo game provider under section 349.1635. 

 

A manufacturer licensed under this section may not also be directly or indirectly licensed as a distributor under section 349.161.

 

Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Paper pull-tab and tipboard flares.  (a) A manufacturer may not ship or cause to be shipped into this state or sell for use or resale in this state any deal of paper pull-tabs or tipboards that does not have its own individual flare as required for that deal by this subdivision and rule of the board.  A person other than a manufacturer may not manufacture, alter, modify, or otherwise change a flare for a deal of paper pull-tabs or tipboards except as allowed by this chapter or board rules.

 

(b) The flare of each paper pull-tab and tipboard game must have affixed to or imprinted at the bottom a bar code that provides all information required by the commissioner of revenue under section 297E.04, subdivision 2.

 

The serial number included in the bar code must be the same as the serial number of the tickets included in the deal.  A manufacturer who manufactures a deal of paper pull-tabs must affix to the outside of the box containing that game the same bar code that is affixed to or imprinted at the bottom of a flare for that deal.

 

(c) No person may alter the bar code that appears on the outside of a box containing a deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards.  Possession of a box containing a deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards that has a bar code different from the bar code of the deal inside the box is prima facie evidence that the possessor has altered the bar code on the box.

 

(d) The flare of each deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards sold by a manufacturer for use or resale in Minnesota must have imprinted on it a symbol that is at least one inch high and one inch wide consisting of an outline of the geographic boundaries of Minnesota with the letters "MN" inside the outline.  The flare must be placed inside the wrapping of the deal which the flare describes.

 

(e) Each paper pull-tab and tipboard flare must bear the following statement printed in letters large enough to be clearly legible:

 

"Pull-tab (or tipboard) purchasers -- This pull-tab (or tipboard) game is not legal in Minnesota unless:

 

-- an outline of Minnesota with letters "MN" inside it is imprinted on this sheet, and


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-- the serial number imprinted on the bar code at the bottom of this sheet is the same as the serial number on the pull-tab (or tipboard) ticket you have purchased."

 

(f) The flare of each paper pull-tab and tipboard game must have the serial number of the game imprinted on the bar code at the bottom of the flare in numerals at least one-half inch high.

 

Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Samples of gambling equipment.  (a) The board shall require each licensed manufacturer to submit to the board one or more samples of each item of gambling equipment the manufacturer manufactures manufactured for use or resale in this state.  For purposes of this subdivision, a manufacturer is also required to submit the applicable version of any software necessary to operate electronic devices and related systems.

 

(b) The board shall inspect and test all the equipment, including software and software upgrades, it deems necessary to determine the equipment's compliance with law and board rules.  Samples required under this subdivision must be approved by the board before the equipment being sampled is shipped into or sold for use or resale in this state.  The board shall impose a fee of $25 for each item of gambling equipment that the manufacturer submits for approval or for which the manufacturer requests approval.  The board shall impose a fee of $100 for each sample of gambling equipment that it tests.

 

(c) The board may require samples of gambling equipment to be tested by an independent testing laboratory prior to submission to the board for approval.  All costs of testing by an independent testing laboratory must be borne by the manufacturer.  An independent testing laboratory used by a manufacturer to test samples of gambling equipment must be approved by the board before the equipment is submitted to the laboratory for testing.

 

(d) The board may request the assistance of the commissioner of public safety and the director of the State Lottery in performing the tests.

 

Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  License application.  The board may issue a license to a linked bingo game provider or to a manufacturer licensed under section 349.163 who meets the qualifications of this chapter and the rules promulgated by the board.  The application shall be on a form prescribed by the board.  The license is valid for two years and the fee for a linked bingo game provider license is $5,000 per year.

 

Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Attachments to application.  An applicant for a linked bingo game provider license must attach to its application:

 

(1) evidence of a bond in the principal amount of $100,000 payable to the state of Minnesota conditioned on the payment of all linked bingo prizes and any other money due and payable under this chapter;

 

(2) detailed plans and specifications for the operation of the linked bingo game and the linked bingo system, along with a proposed fee schedule for the cost of providing services and equipment to licensed organizations which may not exceed 15 percent of gross profits, unless a higher percentage, not to exceed 20 percent, is authorized by the board.  The fee schedule must incorporate costs paid to distributors for services provided under subdivision 5; and

 

(3) any other information required by the board by rule.


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Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Linked bingo game services requirements.  (a) A linked bingo game provider must contract with licensed distributors for linked bingo game services including, but not limited to, the solicitation of agreements with licensed organizations, and installation, repair, or maintenance of the linked bingo game system.

 

(b) A distributor may not charge a fee to licensed organizations for services authorized and rendered under paragraph (a).

 

(c) A linked bingo game provider may not contract with any distributor on an exclusive basis.

 

(d) A linked bingo game provider may refuse to contract with a licensed distributor if the linked bingo game provider demonstrates that the licensed distributor is not capable of performing the services under the contract.

 

Sec. 46.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.165, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents of application.  An application for a premises permit must contain:

 

(1) the name and address of the applying organization;

 

(2) a description of the site for which the permit is sought, including its address and, where applicable, its placement within another premises or establishment;

 

(3) if the site is leased, the name and address of the lessor and information about the lease the board requires, including all rents and other charges for the use of the site.  The lease term is concurrent with the term of the premises permit.  The lease must contain a 30-day termination clause.  No lease is required for the conduct of a raffle; and

 

(4) other information the board deems necessary to carry out its purposes.

 

An organization holding a premises permit must notify the board in writing within ten days whenever any material change is made in the above information.

 

Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Conduct of bingo.  The price of a face played on an electronic bingo device may not be less than the price of a face on a bingo paper sheet sold for the same game at the same occasion.  A game of bingo begins with the first letter and number called or displayed.  Each player must cover, mark, or activate the numbers when bingo numbers are randomly selected, and announced, and or displayed to the players, either manually or with a flashboard and monitor.  The game is won when a player, using bingo paper, bingo hard card, or a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet, has completed, as described in the bingo program, a previously designated pattern or previously determined requirements of the game and declared bingo.  The game is completed when a winning card, sheet, or facsimile is verified and a prize awarded pursuant to subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 48.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Bar bingo.  An organization may conduct bar bingo subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1) the bingo is conducted at a site the organization owns or leases and which has a license for the sale of intoxicating beverages on the premises under chapter 340A; and


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(2) the bingo is conducted using only bingo paper sheets or facsimiles of bingo paper sheets purchased from a licensed distributor or licensed linked bingo game provider; and.

 

(3) no rent may be paid for a bar bingo occasion.

 

Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Linked bingo games.  (a) A licensed organization may conduct or participate in not more than two linked bingo games per occasion, one of which may be a, including progressive game games in which a portion of the prize is carried over from one occasion game to another until won by a player achieving a valid bingo within a predetermined amount of bingo numbers called based upon a predetermined and posted win determination.

 

(b) Each participating licensed organization shall contribute to each prize awarded in a linked bingo game in an amount not to exceed $300.  Linked bingo games may only be conducted by licensed organizations who have a valid agreement with the linked bingo game provider.

 

(c) An electronic bingo device as defined in section 349.12, subdivision 12a, may be used for a linked bingo game.

 

(d) The board may adopt rules to:

 

(1) specify the manner in which a linked bingo game must be played and how the linked bingo prizes must be awarded;

 

(2) specify the records to be maintained by a linked bingo game provider;

 

(3) require the submission of periodic reports by the linked bingo game provider and specify the content of the reports;

 

(4) establish the qualifications required to be licensed as a linked bingo game provider; and

 

(5) any other matter involving the operation of a linked bingo game.

 

Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Linked bingo games played exclusively on electronic bingo devices.  In addition to the requirements of subdivision 8, the following requirements and restrictions apply when linked bingo games are played exclusively on electronic bingo devices.

 

(a) The permitted premises must be:

 

(1) a premises licensed for the on-sale or off-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages, except for a general food store or drug store permitted to sell alcoholic beverages under section 340A.405, subdivision 1; or

 

(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business and has a seating capacity of at least 100.

 

(b) The number of electronic bingo devices is limited to:

 

(1) no more than six devices in play for permitted premises with 200 seats or less;

 

(2) no more than 12 devices in play for permitted premises with 201 seats or more; and


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(3) no more than 50 devices in play for permitted premises where bingo is the primary business.

 

Seating capacity is determined as specified under the local fire code.

 

(c) Prior to a bingo occasion, the linked bingo game provider, on behalf of the participating organizations, must provide to the board a bingo program in a format prescribed by the board.

 

(d) Before participating in the play of a linked bingo game, a player must present and register a valid picture identification card that includes the player's address and date of birth.

 

(e) An organization may remove from play a device that a player has not maintained in an activated mode for a specified period of time determined by the organization.  The organization must provide the notice in its house rules.

 

Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1711, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Sale of tickets.  (a) Tipboard games must be played using only tipboard tickets that are either (1) attached to a placard and arranged in columns or rows, or (2) separate from the placard and contained in a receptacle while the game is in play.  The placard serves as the game flare. 

 

(b) Except for a sports-themed tipboard, the placard must contain a seal that conceals the winning number or symbol.  When a tipboard ticket is purchased and opened from a game containing more than 32 tickets, each player having a tipboard ticket with one or more predesignated numbers or symbols must sign the placard at the line indicated by the number or symbol on the tipboard ticket.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1711, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Determination of winners.  When the predesignated numbers or symbols have all been purchased, or all of the tipboard tickets for that game have been sold, the seal must be removed to reveal a number or symbol that determines which of the predesignated numbers or symbols is the winning number or symbol.  A tipboard may also contain consolation winners, or winning chances that are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events, that need not be determined by the use of the seal.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1721, is amended to read:

 

349.1721 CONDUCT OF PULL-TABS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Cumulative or carryover games.  The board shall by rule permit pull-tab games with multiple seals.  The board shall also adopt rules for pull-tab games with cumulative or carryover prizes.  The rules shall also apply to electronic pull-tab games.

 

Subd. 2.  Event games.  The board shall by rule permit pull-tab games in which certain winners are determined by the random selection of one or more bingo numbers or by another method approved by the board.  The rules shall also apply to electronic pull-tab games. 

 

Subd. 3.  Pull-tab dispensing device location restrictions and requirements.  The following pertain to pull-tab dispensing devices as defined under section 349.12, subdivision 32a.

 

(a) The use of any pull-tab dispensing device must be at a permitted premises which is:

 

(1) a licensed premises for on-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages;


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(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business; or

 

(3) an establishment licensed for the off-sale of intoxicating liquor, other than drug stores and general food stores licensed under section 340A.405, subdivision 1.

 

(b) The number of pull-tab dispensing devices located at any permitted premises is limited to three.

 

Subd. 4.  Electronic pull-tab device requirements and restrictions.  The following pertain to the use of electronic pull-tab devices as defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12b.

 

(a) The use of any electronic pull-tab device may only be at a permitted premises that is:

 

(1) a premises licensed for the on-sale or off-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages, except for a general food store or drug store permitted to sell alcoholic beverages under section 340A.405, subdivision 1; or

 

(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business and has a seating capacity of at least 100; and

 

(3) where the licensed organization sells paper pull-tabs. 

 

(b) The number of electronic pull-tab devices is limited to:

 

(1) no more than six devices in play at any permitted premises with 200 seats or less;

 

(2) no more than 12 devices in play at any permitted premises with 201 seats or more; and

 

(3) no more than 50 devices in play at any permitted premises where the primary business is bingo.

 

Seating capacity is determined as specified under the local fire code.

 

(c) The hours of operation for the devices are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

 

(d) All electronic pull-tab games must be sold and played on the permitted premises and may not be linked to other permitted premises.

 

(e) Electronic pull-tab games may not be transferred electronically or otherwise to any other location by the licensed organization.

 

(f) Electronic pull-tab games may be commingled if the games are from the same family of games and manufacturer and contain the same game name, form number, type of game, ticket count, prize amounts, and prize denominations.  Each commingled game must have a unique serial number.

 

(g) An organization may remove from play a device that a player has not maintained in an activated mode for a specified period of time determined by the organization.  The organization must provide the notice in its house rules. 

 

(h) Before participating in the play of an electronic pull-tab game, a player must present and register a valid picture identification card that includes the player's address and date of birth.

 

(i) Each player is limited to the use of one device at a time.


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Subd. 5.  Multiple chance games.  The board may permit pull-tab games in which the holders of certain predesignated winning tickets, with a prize value not to exceed $75 each, have the option of turning in the winning tickets for the chance to win a prize of greater value.

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Lease or ownership required; rent limitations.  (a) An organization may conduct lawful gambling only on premises it owns or leases.  Leases must be on a form prescribed by the board.  The term of the lease is concurrent with the premises permit.  Leases approved by the board must specify that the board may authorize an organization to withhold rent from a lessor for a period of up to 90 days if the board determines that illegal gambling occurred on the premises or that the lessor or its employees participated in the illegal gambling or knew of the gambling and did not take prompt action to stop the gambling.  The lease must authorize the continued tenancy of the organization without the payment of rent during the time period determined by the board under this paragraph.  Copies of all leases must be made available to employees of the board and the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement on request.

 

(b) Rent paid by an organization for leased premises for the conduct of pull-tabs, tipboards, and paddle wheels lawful gambling is subject to the following limits and restrictions:

 

(1) For booth operations, including booth operations where a pull-tab dispensing device is located, booth operations where a bar operation is also conducted, and booth operations where both a pull-tab dispensing device is located and a bar operation is also conducted, the maximum rent is: monthly rent may not exceed ten percent of gross profits for that month.  Total rent paid to a lessor from all organizations from leases governed by this clause may not exceed $1,750 per month.

 

(i) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises does not exceed $4,000, up to $400; and

 

(ii) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises exceeds $4,000, up to $400 plus not more than ten percent of the gross profit for that month in excess of $4,000;

 

(2) For bar operations, including bar operations where a pull-tab dispensing device is located but not including bar operations subject to clause (1), and for locations where only a pull-tab dispensing device is located: monthly rent may not exceed:

 

(i) 15 percent of the gross profits for that month from pull-tabs sold from a pull-tab dispensing device, electronic pull-tab games, and electronic linked bingo games; and

 

(ii) more than 20 percent of gross profits from all other forms of lawful gambling.

 

(i) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises does not exceed $1,000, up to $200; and

 

(ii) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises exceeds $1,000, up to $200 plus not more than 20 percent of the gross profit for that month in excess of $1,000;

 

(3) a lease not governed by clauses (1) and (2) must be approved by the board before becoming effective; For electronic linked bingo games and electronic pull-tab games that are operated for separate time periods within a business day by an organization and the lessor, monthly rent may not be more than:

 

(i) 15 percent of the gross profits for that month for the time periods operated by the lessor.  The lessor is responsible for cash shortages that occur during the time periods the games are operated by the lessor; and


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(ii) ten percent of gross profits for that month for the time periods operated by the organization.  The organization is responsible for cash shortages that occur during the time periods the games are operated by the organization.

 

(4) total rent paid to a lessor from all organizations from leases governed by clause (1) may not exceed $1,750 per month.

 

(c) Rent paid by an organization for leased premises for the conduct of bingo is subject to either of the following limits at the option of the parties to the lease:

 

(1) (4) For bingo conducted at a leased premises where the primary business is bingo, rent is limited to either not more than ten percent of the monthly gross profit from all lawful gambling activities held during bingo occasions, excluding bar bingo or at a rate based on a cost per square foot not to exceed 110 percent of a comparable cost per square foot for leased space as approved by the director; and.

 

(2) (5) No rent may be paid for bar bingo as defined in section 349.12, subdivision 3c.

 

(6) A lease not governed by clauses (1) to (5) must be approved by the director before becoming effective.

 

(d) (c) Amounts paid as rent under leases are all-inclusive.  No other services or expenses provided or contracted by the lessor may be paid by the organization, including, but not limited to, trash removal, janitorial and cleaning services, snow removal, lawn services, electricity, heat, security, security monitoring, storage, and other utilities or services, and, in the case of bar operations, cash shortages, unless approved by the director.  The lessor shall be responsible for the cost of any communications network or service required to conduct electronic pull-tab games or electronic bingo games.  Any other expenditure made by an organization that is related to a leased premises must be approved by the director.  For bar operations, the lessor is responsible for cash shortages.  An organization may not provide any compensation or thing of value to a lessor or the lessor's employees from any fund source other than its gambling account.  Rent payments may not be made to an individual.

 

(e) (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), an organization may pay a lessor for food or beverages or meeting room rental if the charge made is comparable to similar charges made to other individuals or groups.

 

(f) No entity other than the (e) A licensed organization may not conduct any activity within a booth operation on behalf of the lessor on a leased premises.

 

Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Accounts.  (a) Gross receipts from lawful gambling by each organization must be segregated from all other revenues of the conducting organization and placed in a separate gambling bank account.

 

(b) All expenditures for allowable expenses, taxes, and lawful purposes must be made from the separate account except (1) in the case of expenditures previously approved by the organization's membership for emergencies as defined by board rule, (2) as provided in subdivision 2a, or (3) when restricted to one electronic fund transaction for the payment of taxes for the organization as a whole, the organization may transfer the amount of taxes related to the conduct of gambling to the general account at the time when due and payable.

 

(c) The name and address of the bank, the account number for the separate account, and the names of organization members authorized as signatories on the separate account must be provided to the board when the application is submitted.  Changes in the information must be submitted to the board at least ten days before the change is made.


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(d) Except for gambling receipts from electronic pull-tab games and linked electronic bingo games, gambling receipts must be deposited into the gambling bank account within four business days of completion of the bingo occasion, deal, or game from which they are received.

 

(1) A deal of paper pull-tabs is considered complete when either the last pull-tab of the deal is sold or the organization does not continue the play of the deal during the next scheduled period of time in which the organization will conduct pull-tabs.

 

(2) A tipboard game is considered complete when the seal on the game flare is uncovered or the organization does not continue the play of the deal during the next scheduled period of time in which the organization will conduct tipboards.

 

(e) Gambling receipts from all electronic pull-tab games and all linked electronic bingo games must be recorded on a daily basis and deposited into the gambling bank account within two business days.

 

(e) (f) Deposit records must be sufficient to allow determination of deposits made from each bingo occasion, deal, or game at each permitted premises.

 

(f) (g) The person who accounts for gambling gross receipts and profits may not be the same person who accounts for other revenues of the organization.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Expenditures.  (a) All expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling must be itemized as to payee, purpose, amount, and date of payment.

 

(b) Each licensed organization must report monthly to the board on a form in an electronic format prescribed by the board each expenditure or contribution of net profits from lawful gambling.  The reports must provide for each expenditure or contribution:

 

(1) the name of the recipient of the expenditure or contribution;

 

(2) the date the expenditure or contribution was approved by the organization;

 

(3) the date, amount, and check number or electronic transfer confirmation number of the expenditure or contribution;

 

(4) a brief description of how the expenditure or contribution meets one or more of the purposes in section 349.12, subdivision 25; and

 

(5) in the case of expenditures authorized under section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clause (7), whether the expenditure is for a facility or activity that primarily benefits male or female participants.

 

(c) Authorization of the expenditures must be recorded in the monthly meeting minutes of the licensed organization.

 

(d) Checks or authorizations for electronic fund transfers for expenditures of gross profits must be signed by at least two persons authorized by board rules to sign the checks or authorizations.


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(e) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for local, state, and federal taxes as identified in section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clause (8), may be transferred electronically from the organization's gambling account directly to bank accounts identified by local, state, or federal agencies if the organization's gambling account monthly bank statement specifically identifies the payee by name, the amount transferred, and the date of the transaction.

 

(f) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for payments for lawful purpose expenditures and allowable expenses may be transferred electronically from the organization's gambling account directly to bank accounts identified by the vendor if the organization's gambling account monthly bank statement specifically identifies the payee by name, the amount transferred, the account number of the account into which the funds were transferred, and the date of the transaction.

 

(g) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for payroll compensation to an employee's account and for the payment of local, state, and federal withholding taxes may be transferred electronically to and from the account of a payroll processing firm provided that the firm:

 

(1) is currently registered with and meets the criteria of the Department of Revenue as a third-party bulk filer under section 290.92, subdivision 30;

 

(2) is able to provide proof of a third-party audit and an annual report and statement of financial condition;

 

(3) is able to provide evidence of a fidelity bond; and

 

(4) can provide proof of having been in business as a third-party bulk filer for the most recent three years.

 

(h) Electronic payments of taxes, lawful purpose expenditures, and allowable expenses are permitted only if they have been authorized by the membership, the organization maintains supporting documentation, and the expenditures can be verified.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 57.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Reports.  (a) A licensed organization must report monthly to the Department of Revenue board in an electronic format prescribed by the board and to its membership monthly, or quarterly in the case of a licensed organization which does not report more than $1,000 in gross receipts from lawful gambling in any calendar quarter, on its gross receipts, expenses, profits, and expenditure of profits from lawful gambling for each permitted premises.  The organization must account for and report on each form of lawful gambling conducted.  The report organization must include a reconciliation of the organization's profit carryover with its cash balance on hand.  If the organization conducts both bingo and other forms of lawful gambling, the figures for both must be reported separately.

 

(b) The organization must report annually to its membership and annually file with the board a financial summary report in a format prescribed by the board that identifies the organization's receipts and use of lawful gambling proceeds, including: monthly to the commissioner of revenue as required under section 297E.06.

 

(1) gross receipts;

 

(2) prizes paid;

 

(3) allowable expenses;


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(4) lawful purpose expenditures, including annual totals for types of charitable contributions and all taxes and fees as per section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clauses (8) and (18);

 

(5) the percentage of annual gross profits used for charitable contributions; and

 

(6) the percentage of annual gross profits used for all taxes and fees as per section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clauses (8) and (18).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Pull-tab records.  (a) The board shall by rule require a licensed organization to require each winner of a paper pull-tab prize of $50 or more to present identification in the form of a driver's license, Minnesota identification card, or other identification the board deems sufficient to allow the identification and tracking of the winner.  The rule must require the organization to retain winning paper pull-tabs of $50 or more, and the identification of the winner of the pull-tab, for 3-1/2 years.

 

(b) An organization must maintain separate cash banks for each deal of paper pull-tabs unless (1) the licensed organization uses a pull-tab dispensing device, or (2) the organization uses a cash register, of a type approved by the board, which records all sales of paper pull-tabs by separate deals.

 

(c) The board shall:

 

(1) by rule adopt minimum technical standards for cash registers that may be used by organizations, and shall approve for use by organizations any cash register that meets the standards; and

 

(2) before allowing an organization to use a cash register that commingles receipts from several different paper pull-tab games in play, adopt rules that define how cash registers may be used and that establish a procedure for organizations to reconcile all pull-tab games in play at the end of each month.

 

Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.211, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Linked bingo prizes.  Prizes for a linked bingo game shall be limited as follows:

 

(1) no organization may contribute more than $300 per linked bingo game to a linked bingo prize pool for linked bingo games played without electronic bingo devices, an organization may not contribute to a linked bingo game prize pool more than $300 per linked bingo game per site;

 

(2) for linked bingo games played exclusively with electronic bingo devices, an organization may not contribute more than 85 percent of the gross receipts per permitted premises to a linked bingo game prize pool;

 

(2) (3) no organization may award more than $200 for a linked bingo game consolation prize.  For purposes of this subdivision, a linked bingo game consolation prize is a prize awarded by an organization after a prize from the linked bingo prize pool has been won; and

 

(3) (4) for a progressive linked bingo game, if no player declares a valid bingo within the for a progressive prize or prizes based on a predetermined amount of bingo numbers called and posted win determination, a portion of the prize is gross receipts may be carried over to another occasion game until the accumulated progressive prize is won.  The portion of the prize that is not carried over must be awarded to the first player or players who declares a valid bingo as additional numbers are called.  If a valid bingo is declared within the predetermined amount of bingo


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numbers called, the entire prize pool for that game is awarded to the winner.  The annual limit for progressive bingo game prizes contained in subdivision 2 must be reduced by the amount an organization contributes to progressive linked bingo games during the same calendar year.; and

 

(5) for linked bingo games played exclusively with electronic bingo devices, linked bingo prizes in excess of $599 shall be paid by the linked bingo game provider to the player within three business days.  Winners of linked bingo prizes in excess of $599 will be given a receipt or claim voucher as proof of a win.

 

Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.211, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2c.  Tipboard prizes.  (a) The maximum prize which may be awarded for a tipboard ticket is $599 for $2 and under tipboard tickets, $899 for $3 tipboard tickets, $1,199 for $4 tipboard tickets, and $1,499 for $5 tipboard tickets, not including any cumulative or carryover prizes.  Cumulative or carryover prizes in tipboard games shall not exceed $2,500.  An organization may not sell any tipboard ticket for more than $5.

 

(b) For sports-themed tipboards, the total prize payout may not exceed the amount in section 349.2113, and each chance or ticket may not be sold for more than $10.

 

Sec. 61.  SEVERABILITY.

 

If any provision of this act is found to be invalid because it is in conflict with a provision of the Minnesota Constitution or the Constitution of the United States, or for any other reason, all other provisions of this act shall remain valid and any rights, remedies, and privileges that have been otherwise accrued by this act, shall remain in effect and may be proceeded with and concluded under this act.

 

Sec. 62.  APPROPRIATION.

 

$1,219,000 in fiscal year 2013 is appropriated from the lawful gambling regulation account in the special revenue fund to the Gambling Control Board for operating expenses related to the regulatory oversight of lawful gambling for electronic pull-tabs and electronic linked bingo.

 

Sec. 63.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.02, subdivision 4; 349.15, subdivision 3; and 349.19, subdivision 2a, are repealed.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games sold by a licensed distributor after June 30, 2012, and the commissioner of revenue retains the authority to issue refunds under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), for games sold before July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 64.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specifically provided, this act is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 6

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 1.  USE OF THE STADIUM.

 

Subdivision 1.  Amateur sports use.  The lessee of the stadium must make the facilities of the stadium available to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission up to ten days each year on terms satisfactory to the commission for amateur sports activities consistent with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 240A, each year during the time the bonds issued pursuant to this act are outstanding.  The commission must negotiate in good faith and may be required to pay no more than actual out-of-pocket expenses for the time it uses the stadium.


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Subd. 2.  High school league.  The lessee of the stadium must make the facilities of the stadium available for use by the Minnesota State High School League for at least seven days each year for high school soccer and football tournaments.  The lessee of the stadium must provide, and may not charge the league a fee for, this use, including security, ticket takers, custodial or cleaning services, or other similar services in connection with this use.

 

ARTICLE 7

STADIUM BLINK-ON FUNDING

 

Section 1.  [16A.1524] BACKUP REVENUES; FOOTBALL STADIUM FUNDING.

 

(a) If the commissioner of management and budget determines that the amount of revenues under section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), for the next fiscal year will be less than the amounts specified in section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (b), for that fiscal year, the commissioner may implement the revenue options authorized in this article.  If the commissioner determines to exercise the authority under this section for a fiscal year, the commissioner must implement the revenue options, as necessary, in the following order:

 

(1) a tax on luxury boxes as provided under section 473J.14, paragraph (a), clause (1);

 

(2) a sports-themed lottery game under section 349A.20;

 

(3) an extension of the convention center taxes under article 4 through calendar year 2050;

 

(4) excess revenue from Hennepin County tax as provided under section 473.757, subdivision 11, paragraph (d); and

 

(5) an admissions tax, as provided under section 473J.14, paragraph (a), clause (2).

 

(b) Revenue raised under the authority granted by this section must be deposited in the general fund.

 

(c) If the commissioner determines to implement one or more of the revenue options authorized by this section, each subsequent year the commissioner must determine if the revenue is needed and will be imposed and collected for the next fiscal year.  If the commissioner determines that one or more revenue options implemented for a fiscal year are not needed for a subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner must terminate them in the reverse order they were required to be implemented by paragraph (a) with the last option implemented terminated first and so forth.

 

(d) Before implementing a revenue source authorized under this section, the commissioner must report the intent to do so to the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy.  The commissioner must inform the commission of determinations to continue or discontinue each revenue source for a subsequent fiscal year.

 

Sec. 2.  [349A.20] STADIUM, SPORTS-THEMED GAME.

 

The State Lottery shall conduct a game based on stadium or professional sports themes to generate a minimum of $2,100,000 in additional revenue for the fiscal year for the general fund.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective pursuant to the authority granted under section 1, on the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 473.757, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Uses of tax.  (a) Revenues received from the tax imposed under subdivision 10 may be used:

 

(1) to pay costs of collection;


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(2) to pay or reimburse or secure the payment of any principal of, premium, or interest on bonds issued in accordance with Laws 2006, chapter 257, section 12;

 

(3) to pay costs and make expenditures and grants described in this section, including financing costs related to them;

 

(4) to maintain reserves for the foregoing purposes deemed reasonable and appropriate by the county;

 

(5) to pay for operating costs of the ballpark authority other than the cost of operating or maintaining the ballpark; and

 

(6) to make expenditures and grants for youth activities and amateur sports and extension of library hours as described in subdivision 2;

 

and for no other purpose.

 

(b) Revenues from the tax designated for use under paragraph (a), clause (5), must be deposited in the operating fund of the ballpark authority.

 

(c) After completion of the ballpark and public infrastructure, the tax revenues not required for current payments of the expenditures described in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6), shall be used to (i) redeem or defease the bonds and (ii) prepay or establish a fund for payment of future obligations under grants or other commitments for future expenditures which are permitted by this section.  Upon the redemption or defeasance of the bonds and the establishment of reserves adequate to meet such future obligations, the taxes shall terminate and shall not be reimposed.  For purposes of this subdivision, "reserves adequate to meet such future obligations" means a reserve that does not exceed the net present value of the county's obligation to make grants under paragraph (a), clauses (5) and (6), and to fund the reserve for capital improvements required under section 473.759, subdivision 3, for the 30-year period beginning on the date of the original issuance of the bonds, less those obligations that the county has already paid.  Each fiscal year revenues available for use under this paragraph must be accumulated and may not be expended under this paragraph until 15 days after the close of the county's fiscal year, provided that the county has not received a notice under paragraph (d).

 

(d) Notwithstanding the authority to use revenues under paragraph (c), upon notification by the commissioner of management and budget under section 16A.1524 for a state fiscal year, the county must pay any revenues that would be available under paragraph (c) to the commissioner for that state fiscal year as provided under section 16A.1524.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment without local approval by Hennepin County under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.023, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

 

Sec. 4.  [473J.14] ADMISSIONS TAX.

 

(a) Upon notification by the commissioner of management and budget under section 16A.1524, the commission shall by resolution impose and maintain a ten percent tax on either or both of:

 

(1) the gross receipts received for the rental of box seats, suites, sky boxes, and similar in the NFL stadium; or

 

(2) the granting, issuance, sale, or distribution, by any private or public person, association, or corporation, of the privilege of admission to professional sporting events at the NFL stadium.

 

(b) Each tax must be imposed in the years specified by the commissioner of management and budget.  The suites rental tax under paragraph (a), clause (1), applies to the gross receipts, as defined under section 297A.61, received by the seller, as defined in section 297A.61, and is a debt owed by the seller to the commission.  The admission tax


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under paragraph (a), clause (2), must be stated and charged separately from the sales price so far as practicable and the grantor, seller, or distributor must collect the tax from the person admitted and the tax is a debt from that person to the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor, and the tax required to be collected is a debt owed by the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor to the commission.  Any tax imposed under this section is recoverable at law by the commission from the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor in the same manner as other debts.  Every person granting, issuing, selling, or distributing tickets for taxable admissions or renting boxes, suites, or similar may be required, as provided in resolutions of the commission, to secure a permit, to file returns, to deposit security for the payment of the tax, and to pay the penalties for nonpayment and interest on late payments, as the commission deems necessary or expedient to assure the prompt and uniform collection of either or both of the taxes.

 

(c) The commission shall remit the proceeds of any taxes imposed under this section to the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the state's general fund.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the imposition of an admission tax upon a national superbowl football game conducted at the NFL stadium is discretionary with the commission. 

 

Sec. 5.  [473J.145] MINNEAPOLIS; CONVENTION CENTER TAX EXTENSION.

 

The taxes under Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, may be extended by order of the commissioner of management and budget beyond the 2047 sunset specified under article 4, as an additional source of revenue for repayment of the bonds sold under article 2.  Any revenues collected from the extension of these taxes through 2048, 2049, and 2050 are appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget for repayment of the bonds sold by the state under article 2.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective pursuant to the authority granted under section 1, on the day following final enactment."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to stadiums; providing for a new National Football League stadium in Minnesota; establishing a Minnesota Stadium Authority; authorizing the sale and issuance of state appropriation bonds; abolishing the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission; providing for use of certain local tax revenue; providing for electronic pull-tab games, electronic linked bingo games, and sports-themed tipboard games; providing for the conditional imposition of certain taxes and collection of other revenues; modifying certain rates of tax on lawful gambling; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.971, subdivision 6; 3.9741, by adding a subdivision; 13.55, subdivision 1; 297E.01, subdivisions 7, 8, 9; 297E.02, subdivisions 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, by adding a subdivision; 297E.13, subdivision 5; 349.12, subdivisions 3b, 3c, 5, 6a, 12a, 18, 25, 25b, 25c, 25d, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, by adding subdivisions; 349.13; 349.151, subdivisions 4b, 4c, by adding subdivisions; 349.155, subdivisions 3, 4; 349.161, subdivisions 1, 5; 349.162, subdivision 5; 349.163, subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 349.1635, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; 349.165, subdivision 2; 349.17, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 349.1711, subdivisions 1, 2; 349.1721; 349.18, subdivision 1; 349.19, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 10; 349.211, subdivisions 1a, 2c; 352.01, subdivision 2a; 473.121, subdivision 5a; 473.164; 473.565, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 10A.01, subdivision 35; 340A.404, subdivision 1; 473.757, subdivision 11; Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4, as amended; 5, as amended; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16A; 297A; 349A; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 473J; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.02, subdivision 4; 349.15, subdivision 3; 349.19, subdivision 2a; 473.551; 473.552; 473.553, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 473.556, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17; 473.561; 473.564, subdivisions 2, 3; 473.572; 473.581; 473.592, subdivision 1; 473.595; 473.598; 473.599; 473.76."

 

 

With the recommendation that the bill be amended without further recommendation.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Holberg from the Committee on Ways and Means to which was referred:

 

S. F. No. 1856, A bill for an act relating to lawful gambling; allowing licensed organizations to contribute net profits from lawful gambling to 501(c)(19) organizations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25, by adding a subdivision.

 

Reported the same back with the following amendments to the unofficial engrossment:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

MINNESOTA STADIUM AUTHORITY

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.971, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Financial audits.  The legislative auditor shall audit the financial statements of the state of Minnesota required by section 16A.50 and, as resources permit, shall audit Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, courts, and other state organizations subject to audit by the legislative auditor, including the State Agricultural Society, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., Minnesota Historical Society, Labor Interpretive Center, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Minnesota Stadium Authority, Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.  Financial audits must be conducted according to generally accepted government auditing standards.  The legislative auditor shall see that all provisions of law respecting the appropriate and economic use of public funds are complied with and may, as part of a financial audit or separately, investigate allegations of noncompliance.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.9741, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Minnesota Stadium Authority.  Upon the audit of the financial accounts and affairs of the Minnesota Stadium Authority, the authority is liable to the state for the total cost and expenses of the audit, including the salaries paid to the examiners while actually engaged in making the examination.  The legislative auditor may bill the authority either monthly or at the completion of the audit.  All collections received for the audits must be deposited in the general fund.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 10A.01, subdivision 35, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 35.  Public official.  "Public official" means any:

 

(1) member of the legislature;

 

(2) individual employed by the legislature as secretary of the senate, legislative auditor, chief clerk of the house of representatives, revisor of statutes, or researcher, legislative analyst, or attorney in the Office of Senate Counsel and Research or House Research;

 

(3) constitutional officer in the executive branch and the officer's chief administrative deputy;

 

(4) solicitor general or deputy, assistant, or special assistant attorney general;

 

(5) commissioner, deputy commissioner, or assistant commissioner of any state department or agency as listed in section 15.01 or 15.06, or the state chief information officer;


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(6) member, chief administrative officer, or deputy chief administrative officer of a state board or commission that has either the power to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter 14, or the power to adjudicate contested cases or appeals under chapter 14;

 

(7) individual employed in the executive branch who is authorized to adopt, amend, or repeal rules under chapter 14 or adjudicate contested cases under chapter 14;

 

(8) executive director of the State Board of Investment;

 

(9) deputy of any official listed in clauses (7) and (8);

 

(10) judge of the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals;

 

(11) administrative law judge or compensation judge in the State Office of Administrative Hearings or unemployment law judge in the Department of Employment and Economic Development;

 

(12) member, regional administrator, division director, general counsel, or operations manager of the Metropolitan Council;

 

(13) member or chief administrator of a metropolitan agency;

 

(14) director of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement in the Department of Public Safety;

 

(15) member or executive director of the Higher Education Facilities Authority;

 

(16) member of the board of directors or president of Enterprise Minnesota, Inc.;

 

(17) member of the board of directors or executive director of the Minnesota State High School League;

 

(18) member of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority established in section 473.755;

 

(19) citizen member of the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources;

 

(20) manager of a watershed district, or member of a watershed management organization as defined under section 103B.205, subdivision 13;

 

(21) supervisor of a soil and water conservation district;

 

(22) director of Explore Minnesota Tourism;

 

(23) citizen member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council established in section 97A.056; or

 

(24) a citizen member of the Clean Water Council established in section 114D.30.; or

 

(25) member or chief executive of the Minnesota Stadium Authority established in section 473J.07.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 340A.404, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Cities.  (a) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the following establishments located within its jurisdiction:

 

(1) hotels;


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(2) restaurants;

 

(3) bowling centers;

 

(4) clubs or congressionally chartered veterans organizations with the approval of the commissioner, provided that the organization has been in existence for at least three years and liquor sales will only be to members and bona fide guests, except that a club may permit the general public to participate in a wine tasting conducted at the club under section 340A.419;

 

(5) sports facilities, restaurants, clubs, or bars located on land owned or leased by the Minnesota Stadium Authority;

 

(5) (6) sports facilities located on land owned by the Metropolitan Sports Commission; and

 

(6) (7) exclusive liquor stores.

 

(b) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a theater within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the theater.

 

(c) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a convention center within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the convention center.  This paragraph does not apply to convention centers located in the seven-county metropolitan area.

 

(d) A city may issue an on-sale wine license and an on-sale malt liquor license to a person who is the owner of a summer collegiate league baseball team, or to a person holding a concessions or management contract with the owner, for beverage sales at a ballpark or stadium located within the city for the purposes of summer collegiate league baseball games at the ballpark or stadium, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending baseball games at the ballpark or stadium.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 352.01, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Included employees.  (a) "State employee" includes:

 

(1) employees of the Minnesota Historical Society;

 

(2) employees of the State Horticultural Society;

 

(3) employees of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association;

 

(4) employees of the adjutant general whose salaries are paid from federal funds and who are not covered by any federal civilian employees retirement system;

 

(5) employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who are employed under the university or college activities program;


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(6) currently contributing employees covered by the system who are temporarily employed by the legislature during a legislative session or any currently contributing employee employed for any special service as defined in subdivision 2b, clause (8);

 

(7) employees of the legislature who are appointed without a limit on the duration of their employment and persons employed or designated by the legislature or by a legislative committee or commission or other competent authority to conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation;

 

(8) trainees who are employed on a full-time established training program performing the duties of the classified position for which they will be eligible to receive immediate appointment at the completion of the training period;

 

(9) employees of the Minnesota Safety Council;

 

(10) any employees who are on authorized leave of absence from the Transit Operating Division of the former Metropolitan Transit Commission and who are employed by the labor organization which is the exclusive bargaining agent representing employees of the Transit Operating Division;

 

(11) employees of the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, or Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission unless excluded under subdivision 2b or are covered by another public pension fund or plan under section 473.415, subdivision 3;

 

(12) judges of the Tax Court;

 

(13) personnel who were employed on June 30, 1992, by the University of Minnesota in the management, operation, or maintenance of its heating plant facilities, whose employment transfers to an employer assuming operation of the heating plant facilities, so long as the person is employed at the University of Minnesota heating plant by that employer or by its successor organization;

 

(14) personnel who are employed as seasonal employees in the classified or unclassified service;

 

(15) persons who are employed by the Department of Commerce as a peace officer in the Insurance Fraud Prevention Division under section 45.0135 who have attained the mandatory retirement age specified in section 43A.34, subdivision 4;

 

(16) employees of the University of Minnesota unless excluded under subdivision 2b, clause (3);

 

(17) employees of the Middle Management Association whose employment began after July 1, 2007, and to whom section 352.029 does not apply; and

 

(18) employees of the Minnesota Government Engineers Council to whom section 352.029 does not apply.; and

 

(19) employees of the Minnesota Stadium Authority.

 

(b) Employees specified in paragraph (a), clause (13), are included employees under paragraph (a) if employer and employee contributions are made in a timely manner in the amounts required by section 352.04.  Employee contributions must be deducted from salary.  Employer contributions are the sole obligation of the employer assuming operation of the University of Minnesota heating plant facilities or any successor organizations to that employer.


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Sec. 6.  [473J.01] PURPOSE.

 

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the construction, financing, and long-term use of a stadium and related stadium infrastructure as a venue for professional football and a broad range of other civic, community, athletic, educational, cultural, and commercial activities.  The legislature finds and declares that the expenditure of public money for this purpose is necessary and serves a public purpose, and that property acquired by the Minnesota Stadium Authority for the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure is acquired for a public use or public purpose under chapter 117.  The legislature further finds and declares that any provision in a lease or use agreement with a professional football team that requires the team to play all of its home games in a publicly funded stadium for the duration of the lease or use agreement, with the occasional exception of a game played elsewhere as set forth in such agreement, serves a unique public purpose for which the remedies of specific performance and injunctive relief are essential to its enforcement.  The legislature further finds and declares that government assistance to facilitate the presence of professional football provides to the state of Minnesota and its citizens highly valued intangible benefits that are virtually impossible to quantify and, therefore, not recoverable even if the government receives monetary damages in the event of a team's breach of contract.  Minnesota courts are, therefore, charged with protecting those benefits through the use of specific performance and injunctive relief as provided in this chapter and in the lease and use agreements.

 

Sec. 7.  [473J.03] DEFINITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Application.  For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them, except as otherwise expressly provided or indicated by the context.

 

Subd. 2.  Annual adjustment factor.  "Annual adjustment factor" means the annual adjustment factor under section 297A.994, subdivision 4, paragraph (b).

 

Subd. 3.  Authority.  "Authority" means the Minnesota Stadium Authority established under section 473J.07.

 

Subd. 4.  City.  "City" means the city of Minneapolis.

 

Subd. 5.  NFL.  The "NFL" means the National Football League.

 

Subd. 6.  NFL team.  "NFL team" means the owner and operator of the NFL professional football team known, as of the effective date of this chapter, as the Minnesota Vikings or any team owned and operated by someone who purchases or otherwise takes ownership or control of or reconstitutes the NFL team known as the Minnesota Vikings.

 

Subd. 7.  Stadium.  "Stadium" means the stadium suitable for professional football to be designed, constructed, and financed under this chapter.  A stadium must have a roof that covers the stadium, as set forth in section 473J.11, subdivision 3.

 

Subd. 8.  Stadium costs.  "Stadium costs" means the costs of acquiring land, the costs of stadium infrastructure, and of designing, constructing, equipping, and financing a stadium suitable for professional football.

 

Subd. 9.  Stadium infrastructure.  "Stadium infrastructure" means plazas, parking structures, rights of way, connectors, skyways and tunnels, and other such property, facilities, and improvements, owned by the authority or determined by the authority to facilitate the use and development of the stadium.

 

Subd. 10.  Stadium site.  "Stadium site" means all or portions of the current site of the existing football stadium and adjacent areas, bounded generally by Park and Eleventh Avenues and Third and Sixth Streets in the city of Minneapolis, the definitive boundaries of which shall be determined by the authority and agreed to by the NFL team.


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Sec. 8.  [473J.07] MINNESOTA STADIUM AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Established.  The Minnesota Stadium Authority is established as a public body, corporate and politic, and political subdivision of the state.  The authority is not a joint powers entity or an agency or instrumentality of the city.

 

Subd. 2.  Membership.  (a) The authority shall consist of five members. 

 

(b) The chair and two members shall be appointed by the governor.  One member appointed by the governor shall serve until December 31 of the third year following appointment and one member shall serve until December 31 of the fourth year following appointment.  Thereafter, members appointed by the governor shall serve four-year terms, beginning January 1.  Each member serves until a successor is appointed and takes office.  The chair serves at the pleasure of the governor.  Appointments under this paragraph are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.  Senate confirmation shall be as provided by section 15.066.

 

(c) The mayor of the city shall appoint two members to the authority.  One member appointed by the mayor of the city shall serve until December 31 of the third year following appointment and one member shall serve until December 31 of the fourth year following appointment.  Thereafter, members appointed under this paragraph shall serve four-year terms beginning January 1.  Each member serves until a successor is appointed and takes office.  Members appointed under this paragraph may reside within the city and may be appointed officials of a political subdivision.

 

(d) The initial members of the authority must be appointed not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this chapter.

 

Subd. 3.  Compensation.  The authority may compensate its members, other than the chair, as provided in section 15.0575.  The chair shall receive, unless otherwise provided by other law, a salary in an amount fixed by the authority, and shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses to the same extent as a member.

 

Subd. 4.  Chair.  The chair presides at all meetings of the authority, if present, and performs all other assigned duties and functions.  The authority may appoint from among its members a vice-chair to act for the chair during the temporary absence or disability of the chair, and any other officers the authority determines are necessary or convenient.

 

Subd. 5.  Removal.  A member, other than the chair, may be removed by the appointing authority only for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, upon written charges, and after an opportunity to be heard in defense of the charges.

 

Subd. 6.  Bylaws.  The authority shall adopt bylaws to establish rules of procedure, the powers and duties of its officers, and other matters relating to the governance of the authority and the exercise of its powers.  Except as provided in this section, the bylaws adopted under this subdivision must be similar in form and substance to bylaws adopted by the Minnesota Ballpark Authority pursuant to section 473.755.

 

Subd. 7.  Audit.  The legislative auditor shall audit the books and accounts of the authority once each year or as often as the legislative auditor's funds and personnel permit.  The authority shall pay the total cost of the audit pursuant to section 3.9741.

 

Subd. 8.  Executive director; employees.  The authority may appoint an executive director to serve as the chief executive officer of the authority.  The executive director serves at the pleasure of the authority and receives compensation as determined by the authority.  The executive director may be responsible for the operation, management, and promotion of activities of the authority, as prescribed by the authority.  The executive director has


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the powers necessarily incident to the performance of duties required and powers granted by the authority, but does not have authority to incur liability or make expenditures on behalf of the authority without general or specific directions by the authority, as shown by the bylaws or minutes of a meeting of the authority.  The executive director is responsible for hiring, supervision, and dismissal of all other employees of the authority.

 

Subd. 9.  Web site.  The authority shall establish a Web site for purposes of providing information to the public concerning all actions taken by the authority.  At a minimum, the Web site must contain a current version of the authority's bylaws, notices of upcoming meetings, minutes of the authority's meetings, and contact telephone, electronic mail, and facsimile numbers for public comments.

 

Subd. 10.  Quorum; approvals.  Any three members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business and action may be taken upon the vote of a majority of members present at a meeting duly called and held.  During the design and construction stages of the stadium, a four-fifths vote of the authority is required for authority decisions related to zoning, land use, exterior design of the stadium, related parking, the plaza area, and the selection of the authority's lead representative during design and construction.

 

Sec. 9.  [473J.08] LOCATION.

 

The stadium to be constructed under this chapter shall be located at the stadium site in the city of Minneapolis. 

 

Sec. 10.  [473J.09] POWERS, DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Actions.  The authority may sue and be sued.  The authority is a public body and the stadium and stadium infrastructure are public improvements within the meaning of chapter 562.  The authority is a municipality within the meaning of chapter 466.

 

Subd. 2.  Acquisition of property.  The authority may acquire from any public or private entity by lease, purchase, gift, or devise all necessary right, title, and interest in and to real property, air rights, and personal property deemed necessary to the purposes contemplated by this chapter.  The authority may acquire, by the exercise of condemnation powers under chapter 117, land, other real property, air rights, personal property, and other right, title, and interest in property, within the stadium site and stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 3.  Disposition of property.  The authority may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property acquired by the authority that is no longer required for accomplishment of the authority's purposes.  The property may be sold in accordance with the procedures provided by section 469.065, except subdivisions 6 and 7, to the extent the authority deems it to be practical and consistent with this chapter.  Title to the stadium must not be transferred or sold by the authority prior to the effective date of enactment of any legislation approving such transfer or sale.

 

Subd. 4.  Data practices; open meetings.  Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the authority is subject to chapters 13 and 13D.

 

Subd. 5.  Facility operation.  The authority may develop, construct, equip, improve, own, operate, manage, maintain, finance, and control the stadium, stadium infrastructure, and related facilities constructed or acquired under this chapter, or may delegate such duties through an agreement, subject to the rights and obligations transferred to and assumed by the authority, the NFL team, other user, third-party manager, or program manager, under the terms of a lease, use agreement, or development agreement.

 

Subd. 6.  Employees; contracts for services.  The authority may employ persons and contract for services necessary to carry out its functions, including the utilization of employees and consultants retained by other governmental entities.  The authority shall enter into an agreement with the city regarding traffic control for the stadium.


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Subd. 7.  Gifts, grants, loans.  The authority may accept monetary contributions, property, services, and grants or loans of money or other property from the United States, the state, any subdivision of the state, any agency of those entities, or any person for any of its purposes, and may enter into any agreement required in connection with the gifts, grants, or loans.  The authority shall hold, use, and dispose of the money, property, or services according to the terms of the monetary contributions, grant, loan, or agreement.

 

Subd. 8.  Use agreements.  The authority may lease, license, or enter into use agreements and may fix, alter, charge, and collect rents, fees, and charges for the use, occupation, and availability of part or all of any premises, property, or facilities under its ownership, operation, or control for purposes that will provide athletic, educational, cultural, commercial, or other entertainment, instruction, or activity for the citizens of Minnesota and visitors.  The use agreements may provide that the other contracting party has exclusive use of the premises at the times agreed upon, as well as the right to retain some or all revenues from ticket sales, suite licenses, concessions, advertising, naming rights, NFL team designated broadcast/media, club seats, signage, and other revenues derived from the stadium.  The lease or use agreement with an NFL team must provide for the payment by the NFL team of an agreed-upon portion of operating and maintenance costs and expenses and provide other terms in which the authority and NFL team agree.  In no case may a lease or use agreement permit smoking in the stadium.

 

Subd. 9.  Research.  The authority may conduct research studies and programs; collect and analyze data; prepare reports, maps, charts, and tables; and conduct all necessary hearings and investigations in connection with its functions.

 

Subd. 10.  Insurance.  The authority may require any employee to obtain and file with the authority an individual bond or fidelity insurance policy.  The authority may procure insurance in the amounts the authority considers necessary against liability of the authority or its officers and employees for personal injury or death and property damage or destruction, consistent with chapter 466, and against risks of damage to or destruction of any of its facilities, equipment, or other property.

 

Subd. 11.  Exemption from Metropolitan Council review; Business Subsidy Act.  The acquisition and betterment of a stadium and stadium infrastructure by the authority must be conducted pursuant to this chapter and are not subject to sections 473.165 and 473.173.  Section 116J.994 does not apply to any transactions of the authority or other governmental entity related to the stadium or stadium infrastructure or to any tenant or other users of the stadium or stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 12.  Incidental powers.  In addition to the powers expressly granted in this chapter, the authority has all powers necessary or incidental thereto.

 

Subd. 13.  Transfers to the authority.  In addition to any other payments required under this act, for operating years 2016 to 2020, the NFL team shall annually transfer to the authority amounts equal to the city of Minneapolis share of operating costs and capital reserves.  These amounts shall be repaid to the NFL team by the state on behalf of the city of Minneapolis through a repayment schedule to be specified in law, and agreed to in all subsequent agreements between the city and the NFL team.

 

Sec. 11.  [473J.11] STADIUM DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Contracts.  (a) The design, development, and construction of the stadium shall be a collaborative process between the authority and the NFL team.  The authority and the NFL team shall establish a process to reach consensus on key elements of the stadium program and design, development, and construction.

 

(b) Unless the authority and the NFL team agree otherwise:


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(1) the authority shall create a stadium design and construction group, including representatives of the authority and the NFL team, to manage the design of the stadium and oversee construction;

 

(2) this group shall engage an owner's representative to act on behalf of the group.  The cost of the owner's representative shall be a stadium cost; and

 

(3) the authority and the NFL team shall enter into a development administration agreement providing for rights and responsibilities of the authority and the NFL team, the design and construction group, and the owner's representative for design and construction of the stadium, including but not limited to establishment of minimum design standards.  This development administration agreement shall provide for binding arbitration in the event that the authority and the NFL team are unable to agree on minimum design standards or other material aspects of the design.

 

(c) The authority may enter into an agreement with the NFL team and any other entity relating to the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance, and use of the stadium and related facilities and stadium infrastructure.  The authority may contract for materials, supplies, and equipment in accordance with section 471.345, except that the authority may employ or contract with persons, firms, or corporations to perform one or more or all of the functions of architect, engineer, construction manager, or program manager with respect to all or any part of the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance, and use of the stadium and stadium infrastructure under the traditional separate design and build, integrated design-build, construction manager at risk, or public/private partnership (P3) structures, or a combination thereof.

 

(d) The authority and the NFL team shall prepare a request for proposals for one or more of the functions described in paragraph (c).  The request must be published in the State Register and shall include, at a minimum, such requirements that are agreed to by the authority and the NFL team.  The authority and the NFL team may prequalify offerors by issuing a request for qualifications, in advance of the request for proposals, and select a short list of responsible offerors prior to discussions and evaluations.

 

(e) As provided in the request for proposals, the authority, and the NFL team, may conduct discussions and negotiations with responsible offerors in order to determine which proposal is most advantageous to the authority and the NFL team and to negotiate the terms of an agreement.  In conducting discussions, there shall be no disclosure of any information derived from proposals submitted by competing offerors and the content of all proposals is nonpublic data under chapter 13 until such time as a notice to award a contract is given by the authority.  The agreement shall be subject to the approval of the NFL team.

 

(f) Prior to the time the authority enters into a construction contract with a construction manager or program manager certifying a maximum price and a completion date as provided in paragraph (h), at the request of the NFL team, the authority may authorize, such authorization not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, the NFL team to provide for management of the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure, in which event the NFL team must assume the role and responsibilities of the authority for completion of construction in a manner consistent with the agreed minimum design standards and design documents, subject to the terms of this act, including responsibility for cost overruns.

 

(g) The construction manager or program manager may enter into contracts with contractors for labor, materials, supplies, and equipment for the construction of the stadium and related stadium infrastructure through the process of public bidding, except that the construction manager or program manager may, with the consent of the authority or the NFL team if the NFL team has assumed responsibility for construction:

 

(1) narrow the listing of eligible bidders to those which the construction manager or program manager determines to possess sufficient expertise to perform the intended functions;


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(2) award contracts to the contractors that the construction manager or program manager determines provide the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a), clause (2), and (c), which are not required to be the lowest responsible bidder; and

 

(3) for work the construction manager or program manager determines to be critical to the completion schedule, award contracts on the basis of competitive proposals, or perform work with its own forces without soliciting competitive bids if the construction manager or program manager provides evidence of competitive pricing. 

 

(h) The authority and the NFL team shall require that the construction manager or program manager certify, before the contract is signed, a fixed and stipulated construction price and completion date to the authority and post a performance bond in an amount at least equal to 100 percent of the certified price or such other security satisfactory to the authority, to cover any costs which may be incurred in excess of the certified price including, but not limited to, costs incurred by the authority or loss of revenues resulting from incomplete construction on the completion date.  The authority may secure surety bonds as provided in section 574.26, securing payment of just claims in connection with all public work undertaken by the authority.  Persons entitled to the protection of the bonds may enforce them as provided in sections 574.28 to 574.32 and are not entitled to a lien on any property of the authority under the provisions of sections 514.01 to 514.16.  The construction of the stadium is a project as that term is defined in section 177.42, subdivision 2, and is subject to the prevailing wage law under sections 177.41 to 177.43.

 

Subd. 2.  Changes.  Unless otherwise agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, if either party requests an agreed upon change in minimum design standards, and this change is responsible for requiring the project to exceed the stated budget, the requesting party is liable for any cost overruns or associated liabilities.

 

Subd. 3.  Stadium design.  The stadium and stadium infrastructure shall be designed and constructed incorporating the following general program and design elements:

 

(1) Unless otherwise agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, the stadium shall comprise approximately 1,500,000 square feet with approximately 65,000 seats, expandable to 72,000, shall meet or exceed NFL program requirements, and include approximately 150 suites and approximately 7,500 club seats or other such components as agreed to by the authority and the NFL team;

 

(2) space for NFL team-related exhibitions and sales, which shall include the following:  NFL team museum and Hall of Fame, retail merchandise and gift shop retail venues, and themed concessions and restaurants;

 

(3) year-round space for the NFL team administrative operations, sales, and marketing, including a ticket office, team meeting space, locker, and training rooms;

 

(4) space for administrative offices of the authority;

 

(5) 2,000 parking spaces within one block of the stadium, connected by skyway or tunnel to the stadium, and 500 parking spaces within two blocks of the stadium, with a dedicated walkway on game days;

 

(6) elements sufficient to provide community and civic uses as determined by the authority; and

 

(7) a roof that is fixed or retractable, provided that if the roof is retractable, it is accomplished without any increase to the funding provided by the state or the city.

 

Subd. 4.  Cost overruns, savings.  The authority may accept financial obligations relating to cost overruns associated with acquisition of the stadium site, stadium infrastructure, and stadium design, development, and construction, provided that the authority shall not accept responsibility for cost overruns and shall not be responsible for cost overruns if the authority has authorized the NFL team to provide for management of construction of the


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stadium under section 473J.11, subdivision 1.  Cost savings or additional funds obtained by the authority or the NFL team for the stadium or stadium infrastructure may be used first to fund additional stadium or stadium infrastructure, as agreed to by the authority and the NFL team, if any, and then to fund capital reserves.

 

Sec. 12.  [473J.112] COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS.

 

The authority shall sell commemorative bricks to be displayed at a prominent location in the new stadium, for an amount to be determined by the authority.  The authority shall work with the commissioner to ensure that purchase of a brick is a tax deductible donation on the part of the donating person or organization.  Funds raised through this section shall be appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget for a grant to the Minnesota Stadium Authority.

 

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

 

Sec. 13.  [473J.12] EMPLOYMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Hiring and recruitment.  In the design, development, construction, management, operation, maintenance and capital repair, replacement and improvement of the stadium and stadium infrastructure, the authority shall make every effort to employ, and cause the NFL team, the construction manager and other subcontractors, vendors, and concessionaires to employ women and members of minority communities when hiring.  Further, goals for construction contracts to be awarded to women- and minority-owned businesses will be in a percentage at least equal to the minimum used for city of Minneapolis development projects, and the other construction workforce will establish workforce utilization goals at least equal to current city goals and include workers from city zip codes that have high rates of poverty and unemployment.

 

Subd. 2.  Other required agreements.  The NFL team or the authority shall give food, beverage, retail, and concession workers presently employed by the NFL team or the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission or its vendors at the existing football stadium the opportunity to continue their employment in comparable positions at the new stadium.  Workers who are presently represented under a collective bargaining agreement may seek to continue such representation in the facility and designate such, or another collective bargaining unit, as their representative.

 

Sec. 14.  [473J.13] STADIUM OPERATIONS; CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Stadium operation.  The stadium shall be operated in a first-class manner, similar to and consistent with other comparable NFL stadiums, such as the stadium currently known as Lucas Oil Field.  The authority and the team will mutually agree on a third-party management company or individual to manage the stadium and on certain major vendors to the stadium.  The authority, with the approval of the NFL team, may enter into an agreement with a program manager for management of the stadium, for a maximum of 30 years.

 

Subd. 2.  Operating expenses.  (a) The authority must pay or cause to be paid all operating expenses of the stadium.  The authority must require in the lease or use agreement with the NFL team that the NFL team pay the authority, beginning January 1, 2016, or other date as mutually agreed upon by the parties, toward operating costs of the stadium, $8,500,000 each year, increased by a three percent annual inflation rate.

 

(b) Beginning January 1, 2016, or other date as mutually agreed upon by the parties, and continuing through 2020, the NFL team shall pay the authority operating expenses, $6,000,000 each year, increased by an annual adjustment factor.  The payment of $6,000,000 per year beginning in 2016 is a payment by the team, which shall be repaid to the team by the state, using funds as provided under section 297A.994, subdivision 4, clause (4).  After 2020, the state shall assume this payment, using funds generated in accordance with the city of Minneapolis as specified under section 287A.994.


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(c) The authority may establish an operating reserve to cover operating expense shortfalls and may accept funds from any source for deposit in the operating reserve.  The establishment or funding of an authority operating reserve must not decrease the amounts required to be paid to the authority toward operating costs under this subdivision unless agreed to by the authority.

 

(d) The authority will be responsible for operating cost overruns.

 

(e) After the joint selection of the third-party manager or program manager, the authority may agree with a program manager or other third-party manager of the stadium on a fixed cost operating, management, or employment agreement with operating cost protections under which the program manager or third-party manager assumes responsibility for stadium operating costs and shortfalls.  The agreement with the manager must require the manager to prepare an initial and ongoing operating plan and operating budgets for approval by the authority in consultation with the NFL team.  The manager must agree to operate the stadium in accordance with the approved operating plan and operating budget.

 

Subd. 3.  Public access.  The authority will work to maximize access for public and amateur sports, community, and civic events, and other public events in type and on terms consistent with those currently held at the existing football stadium, as defined in section 473.551, subdivision 9.  The authority may provide that these events have exclusive use of the premises at agreed-upon times subject to the scheduling rights of the NFL team under the lease or use agreement.

 

Subd. 4.  Capital improvements.  (a) The authority shall establish a capital reserve fund.  The authority shall be responsible for making, or for causing others to make, all capital repairs, replacements, and improvements for the stadium and stadium infrastructure.  The authority shall maintain, or cause others to maintain, the stadium and stadium infrastructure in a safe, clean, attractive, and first-class manner so as to cause them to remain in a condition comparable to that of other comparable NFL facilities of similar design and age.  The authority shall make, or cause others to make, all necessary or appropriate repairs, renewals, and replacements, whether structural or nonstructural, interior or exterior, ordinary or extraordinary, foreseen or unforeseen, in a prompt and timely manner.  In addition, the authority, with approval of the NFL team, may enter into an agreement with a program manager to perform some or all of the responsibilities of the authority in this subdivision and to assume and accept financial liability for the cost of performing the responsibilities.

 

(b) The NFL team must contribute $1,500,000 each year, beginning in 2016 or as otherwise determined for the term of the lease or use agreement to the operating reserve fund, increased by a three percent annual inflation rate.

 

(c) The state shall contribute $1,500,000 each year, beginning in 2016 or as otherwise determined for the term of the lease to the operating reserve fund.  The contributions of the state are subject to increase by an annual adjustment factor.  The contribution under this paragraph shall be assumed by the team from 2016 through 2020, and repaid to the team by the state using funds in accordance with section 297A.994, subdivision 4, clause (4).

 

(d) The authority with input from the NFL team shall develop short-term and long-term capital funding plans and shall use those plans to guide the future capital needs of the stadium and stadium infrastructure.  The authority shall make the final determination with respect to funding capital needs.  Any capital improvement proposed by the NFL team intended primarily to provide revenue enhancements to the NFL team shall be paid for by the NFL team, unless otherwise agreed to with the authority.

 

Subd. 5.  Game-day payments.  In addition to operating expense contributions of the NFL team under subdivision 2, the NFL team shall pay all NFL game day, NFL team-owned major league soccer, as provided in section 473J.15, subdivision 15, and other NFL team-sponsored event expenses within the stadium and stadium plaza areas.


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Subd. 6.  Cooperation with financing.  The authority will cooperate with the NFL team to facilitate the financing of the NFL team's contribution.  Such agreement to cooperate shall not require the authority to incur any additional costs or provide conduit financing.  The lease, license, and other transaction documents shall include provisions customarily required by lenders in stadium financings.

 

Sec. 15.  [473J.15] CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Binding and enforceable.  In developing the stadium and entering into related contracts, the authority must follow and enforce the criteria and conditions in this section, provided that a determination by the authority that those criteria or conditions have been met under any agreement or otherwise shall be conclusive.

 

Subd. 2.  NFL team/private contribution; timing of expenditures.  (a) The NFL team/private contribution, including stadium builder license proceeds, for stadium costs must be made in cash in the amount of at least $427,000,000.

 

(b) Prior to the initial deposit of funds under this section, the team must provide security or other credit worthiness in the amount of $50,000,000, subject to the satisfaction of the authority.  Prior to the first issuance of bonds under section 16A.965, the first portion of the NFL team/private contribution in the amount of $50,000,000 must be deposited as costs are incurred to the construction fund to pay for the initial stadium costs.

 

(c) After the first $50,000,000 of stadium costs have been paid from the initial NFL team/private contribution, state funds shall be deposited as costs are incurred to the construction fund to pay for the next $50,000,000 of costs of the project.  Prior to any state funds being deposited in the construction fund, the NFL team must provide security or a financing commitment reasonably satisfactory to the authority for the balance of the required NFL team/private contribution and for payment of cost overruns if the NFL team assumes responsibility for stadium construction under section 473J.11.  Thereafter, budgeted project costs shall be borne by the authority and the NFL team/private contributions in amounts proportionate to their remaining funding commitments.

 

(d) In the event the project terminates before the initial $100,000,000 in contributions are expended by the parties under this subdivision, the parties shall be reimbursed in the amounts they have deposited to the construction fund proportionate to project funding percentages, in the amounts of 56 percent by the authority and 44 percent by the NFL team/private contributions.

 

Subd. 3.  Lease or use agreements; 30-year term.  The authority must enter into a long-term lease or use agreement with the NFL team for the NFL team's use of the stadium.  The NFL team must agree to play all preseason, regular season, and postseason home games at the stadium.  Training facilities must remain in Minnesota during the term of the lease or use agreement.  The lease or use agreement must be for a term of at least 30 years from the date of substantial completion of the stadium for professional football games.  The lease or use agreement may provide options for the NFL team to extend the term for up to four additional periods of five years.  The lease or use agreement must include terms for default, termination, and breach of the agreement.  Recognizing that the presence of professional football provides to the state of Minnesota and its citizens highly valued, intangible benefits that are virtually impossible to quantify and, therefore, not recoverable in the event of the NFL team owner's breach of contract, the lease and use agreements must provide for specific performance and injunctive relief to enforce provisions relating to use of the stadium for professional football and must not include escape clauses or buyout provisions.  The NFL team must not enter into or accept any agreement or requirement with or from any entity that is inconsistent with the NFL team's binding commitment to the 30-year term of the lease or use agreement or that would in any manner dilute, interfere with, or negate the provisions of the lease or use agreement, providing for specific performance or injunctive relief.  The legislature conclusively determines, as a matter of public policy, that the lease or use agreement, and any grant agreement under this chapter that includes a specific performance clause:

 

(1) explicitly authorizes specific performance as a remedy for breach;


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(2) is made for adequate consideration and upon terms which are otherwise fair and reasonable;

 

(3) has not been included through sharp practice, misrepresentation, or mistake;

 

(4) if specifically enforced, does not cause unreasonable or disproportionate hardship or loss to the NFL team or to third parties; and

 

(5) involves performance in a manner and the rendering of services of a nature and under circumstances that the beneficiary cannot be adequately compensated in damages.

 

Subd. 4.  Lease or use agreements; revenues, payments.  A lease or use agreement shall include rent and other fees and expenses to be paid by the NFL team.  The authority shall agree to provide in the lease or use agreement for the NFL team to receive all NFL and team event related revenues, including but not limited to, suite revenues, advertising, concessions, signage, broadcast and media, and club seat revenue.  The agreement shall also provide that all naming rights to the stadium are retained by the NFL team, subject to the approval of the name or names by the authority consistent with those criteria set out in the lease or use agreement.  The agreement shall provide for the authority to receive all general ticket revenues and other event revenues other than from NFL team games, NFL team-owned major league soccer games, and other NFL team events agreed to by the authority.  The stadium authority, or any company managing the stadium facilities on behalf of the authority, shall provide a public notice and seek a formal solicitation for requests for proposals for any contracts for goods, services, sponsorships, or advertising or signage rights at the stadium in excess of $25,000 in accordance with the definitions and terms set forth in chapter 16C, with the stadium authority acting as the responsible authority for seeking any such formal solicitations and awarding any such contracts pursuant to such solicitations.

 

Subd. 5.  Notice of breach or default.  Until 30 years from the date of stadium completion, the NFL team must provide written notice to the authority not less than 180 days prior to any action, including any action imposed upon the NFL team by the NFL, which would result in a breach or default of provisions of the lease or use agreements required to be included under subdivision 3.  If this notice provision is violated and the NFL team has already breached or been in default under the required provisions, the authority or the state of Minnesota may specifically enforce the lease or use agreement and Minnesota courts shall fashion equitable remedies so that the NFL team fulfills the conditions of the lease and use agreements.

 

Subd. 6.  Enforceable financial commitments.  The authority must determine before stadium construction begins that all public and private funding sources for construction, operating expenses, and capital improvements and repairs of the stadium are included in written agreements.  The committed funds must be adequate to design, construct, furnish, and equip the stadium, and pay projected operating expenses and the costs of capital improvements and repairs during the term of the lease or use agreement with the NFL team.  The NFL team must provide the authority access to NFL team financial or other information, which the authority deems necessary for such determination.  Any financial information obtained by the authority under this subdivision is nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

 

Subd. 7.  Environmental requirements.  The authority must comply with all environmental requirements imposed by regulatory agencies for the stadium, site, and structure, except as provided by section 473J.09, subdivision 11, or by section 473J.17.

 

Subd. 8.  Public share on sale of NFL team.  The lease or use agreement must provide that, if the NFL team is sold or an interest in the NFL team is sold after the effective date of this chapter, a portion of the sale price must be paid to the authority and deposited in a reserve fund for improvements to the stadium or expended as the authority may otherwise direct.  The portion required to be so paid to the authority is 18 percent of the amount in excess of the purchase price of the NFL team by the selling owner or owners, declining to zero 15 years after commencement of stadium construction in increments of 1.2 percent each year.  The agreement must provide exceptions for sales to


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members of the owners' family and entities and trusts beneficially owned by family members, sales to employees of equity interests aggregating up to ten percent, sales related to capital infusions not distributed to the owners, and sales amongst existing owners not exceeding 20 percent equity interest in the NFL team.

 

Subd. 9.  Authority's access to NFL team financial information.  A notice provision for a material breach shall be agreed to between the authority and the NFL team.  In the event there is a material breach by the NFL team under the lease or use agreement, the lease or use agreement must provide the authority access to audited financial statements of the NFL team and other financial information that the authority deems necessary to enforce the terms of any lease or use agreements.  Any financial information obtained by the authority under this subdivision is nonpublic data under section 13.02, subdivision 9.

 

Subd. 10.  NFL team name retained.  The lease or use agreement must provide that the NFL team and NFL will transfer to the state of Minnesota the Minnesota Vikings' heritage and records, including the name, logo, colors, history, playing records, trophies, and memorabilia in the event of relocation of the NFL team is in violation of the lease or use agreement.

 

Subd. 11.  Stadium design.  (a) The authority and the NFL team will strive to build a stadium that is environmentally and energy efficient and will make an effort to build a stadium that is eligible to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for environmental design, and to the extent practicable, will strive to make the stadium design architecturally significant.

 

(b) The stadium design must, to the extent feasible, follow sustainable building guidelines established under section 16B.325.

 

(c) The authority and the team must ensure that the stadium be built with American-made steel that is made from Minnesota iron ore.

 

Subd. 12.  Necessary approvals.  The authority and the NFL team must secure any necessary approvals to the terms of the lease and use agreement and the design and construction plans for the stadium, including prior approval of the NFL.

 

Subd. 13.  Affordable access.  The lease or use agreement must provide for an agreed-upon number of affordable tickets to the professional sporting events held in the stadium.

 

Subd. 14.  Stadium builder's licenses.  The authority shall own and retain the exclusive right to sell stadium builder's licenses in the stadium.  The authority will retain the NFL team to act as the authority's agent in marketing and selling such licenses.

 

Subd. 15.  Major league soccer.  The authority shall, for five years after the first NFL team home game is played in the stadium, grant the NFL team the exclusive right to establish major league soccer at the stadium.  The authority and the NFL team may enter into an agreement providing the terms and conditions of such an arrangement, provided:

 

(1) if any of the NFL team owners whose family owns at least three percent of the NFL team purchases full or partial ownership in a major league soccer franchise, such franchise may play in the stadium under a use agreement with similar terms as are applicable to the NFL team at no additional rent, but including a provision of payment of game-day costs and reasonable marginal costs incurred by the authority as a result of the major league soccer team; and

 

(2) capital improvements required by a major league soccer franchise must be financed by the owners of the major league soccer team, unless otherwise agreed to by the authority.


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Subd. 16.  NFL team-related entities.  Subject to the prior approval of the authority, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, any of the obligations by the NFL team may be performed by the NFL team, a related entity, or a third party, and the NFL team, any entity related to the NFL team or third party may receive any revenues to which the NFL team is entitled hereunder; provided, however, the NFL team shall remain liable if any obligations are assigned to a related entity or third party.

 

Sec. 16.  [473J.17] MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Property acquisition and disposition.  The city may, to the extent legally permissible, acquire land, air rights, and other property interests within the development area for the stadium site and stadium infrastructure and convey it to the authority with or without consideration, prepare a site for development as a stadium, and acquire and construct any related stadium infrastructure.  To the extent property parcels or interests acquired are more extensive than the stadium infrastructure requirements, the city may sell or otherwise dispose of the excess.

 

Subd. 2.  Claims.  Except as may be mutually agreed to by the city and the authority, the city has no interest in or claim to any assets or revenues of the authority.

 

Subd. 3.  Environmental; planning and zoning.  The authority is the responsible governmental unit for an environmental impact statement for the stadium prepared under section 116D.04, if an environmental impact statement is necessary.  Notwithstanding section 116D.04, subdivision 2b, and implementing rules:  (1) the environmental impact statement shall not be required to consider alternative stadium sites; and (2) the environmental impact statement must be determined to be adequate before commencing work on the foundation of the stadium, but the stadium and stadium infrastructure may otherwise be started and all preliminary and final government decisions and actions may be made and taken including, but not limited to, acquiring land; obtaining financing; granting permits or other land use approvals; entering into grant, lease, or use agreements; or preparing the site or related stadium infrastructure prior to a determination of the adequacy of the environmental impact statement.

 

Subd. 4.  Local government expenditure.  The city may make expenditures or grants for other costs incidental and necessary to further the purposes of this chapter and may, by agreement, reimburse in whole or in part, any entity that has granted, loaned, or advanced funds to the city to further the purposes of this chapter.  The city may reimburse the authority or a local governmental entity or make a grant to the authority or such a governmental unit or be reimbursed by the authority or local governmental entity for site acquisition, preparation of the site for stadium development, and stadium infrastructure.

 

Subd. 5.  Municipal authority.  The legislature intends that, except as expressly limited herein, the city may acquire and develop stadium infrastructure, enter into contracts with the authority and other governmental or nongovernmental entities, appropriate funds, and make employees, consultants, and other revenues available for those purposes.

 

Subd. 6.  Stadium Implementation Committee; city review.  In order to accomplish the objectives of this act within the required time frame, it is necessary to establish an alternative process for municipal land use and development review.  It is hereby found and declared that the construction of a stadium within the development area is consistent with the adopted area plan, is the preferred stadium location, and is a permitted land use.  This subdivision establishes a procedure for all land use and development reviews and approvals by the city of Minneapolis for the stadium and related stadium infrastructure and supersedes all land use and development rules and restrictions and procedures imposed by other law, charter, or ordinance, including without limitation section 15.99.  No later than 30 days after timely compliance of the city as provided in article 4, section 4, of this act, the city of Minneapolis shall establish a stadium implementation committee to make recommendations on the design plans submitted for the stadium, and stadium infrastructure, and related improvements.  The implementation committee must take action to issue its recommendations within the time frames established in the planning and


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construction timetable issued by the authority which shall provide for no less than 60 days for the committee's review.  The recommendations of the implementation committee shall be forwarded to the city of Minneapolis Planning Commission for an advisory recommendation and then to the city council for final action in a single resolution, which final action must be taken within 45 days of the submission of the recommendations to the planning commission.  The city council shall not impose any unreasonable conditions on the recommendations of the implementation committee, nor take any action or impose any conditions that will result in delay from the time frames established in the planning and construction timetable or in additional overall costs.  Failure of the city council to act within the 45-day period shall be deemed to be approval.  The authority may seek de novo review in the district court of any city council action.  The district court or any appellate court shall expedite review to the maximum extent possible and timely issue relief, orders, or opinions as necessary to give effect to the provisions and objectives in this act.

 

Sec. 17.  [473J.19] PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION; SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.

 

Any real or personal property acquired, owned, leased, controlled, used, or occupied by the authority for any of the purposes of this chapter, is acquired, owned, leased, controlled, used, and occupied for public, governmental, and municipal purposes.  The stadium and stadium infrastructure are exempt from ad valorem taxation by the state or any political subdivision of the state provided that the properties are subject to special assessments levied by a political subdivision for a local improvement in amounts proportionate to and not exceeding the special benefit received by the properties from the improvement.  No possible use of any of the properties in any manner different from their use under this chapter may be considered in determining the special benefit received by the properties.  Notwithstanding section 272.01, subdivision 2, or 273.19, real or personal property which is subject to a lease or use agreement between the authority and another person for uses related to the purposes of this chapter, including the operation of the stadium and related parking facilities, is exempt from taxation regardless of the length of the lease or use agreement or the characteristics of the entity leasing or using the property.  This section, insofar as it provides an exemption or special treatment, does not apply to any real property that is leased for residential, business, or commercial development or to a restaurant that is open for general business more than 200 days a year, or other purposes different from those contemplated in this chapter.

 

Sec. 18.  [473J.21] LIQUOR LICENSES.

 

At the request of the authority, the city may issue intoxicating liquor licenses that are reasonably requested for the premises of the stadium site.  These licenses are in addition to the number authorized by law.  All provisions of chapter 340A not inconsistent with this section apply to the licenses authorized under this section.

 

Sec. 19.  [473J.23] LOCAL TAXES.

 

No new or additional local sales or use tax shall be imposed on sales at the stadium site unless the tax is applicable throughout the taxing jurisdiction.  Except for a tax imposed under article 7, no new or additional local tax shall be imposed on sales of tickets and admissions to NFL team, NFL team-owned major league soccer, or other team related events at the stadium, notwithstanding any law or ordinance, unless the tax is applicable throughout the taxing jurisdiction.  The admissions and amusements tax currently imposed by the city of Minneapolis pursuant to Laws 1969, chapter 1092, may apply to admissions for football and NFL team related events, including NFL team-owned major league soccer, as provided in section 473J.15, subdivision 15, at the stadium.

 

Sec. 20.  [473J.25] METROPOLITAN SPORTS FACILITIES COMMISSION ASSETS; LIABILITIES TO AUTHORITY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Authority expenses.  The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall pay the operating expenses of the authority including salaries, compensation, and other personnel, office, equipment, consultant and any other costs, until the commission is abolished pursuant to subdivision 3.


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Subd. 2.  Transfer.  Within 90 days of the enactment of this chapter, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall pay its outstanding obligations, settle its accounts, and transfer its remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations to the authority, for its purposes.

 

Subd. 3.  Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission abolished; interim powers conferred on authority.  Upon transfer to the authority of all remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, in subdivision 2, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission is abolished.  When the remaining assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission have been transferred to the authority and the commission has been abolished, the powers and duties of the commission under sections 473.551 to 473.599, and any other law shall devolve upon the authority, in addition to the powers and duties of the authority under chapter 473J, until the first NFL home game is played at the stadium.

 

Subd. 4.  Employees.  Upon transfer of ownership all persons employed by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission shall be transferred to the Minnesota Stadium Authority without loss of right or privilege.  Nothing in this section shall be construed to give any such person the right or privilege to continue in the same level or classification of employment previously held.  The Minnesota Stadium Authority may assign any such person to an employment level and classification which it deems appropriate and desirable in accordance with its personnel code.

 

Sec. 21.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Except as otherwise provided, this article is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 2

STATE STADIUM FUNDING

 

Section 1.  [16A.965] STADIUM APPROPRIATION BONDS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definitions.  (a) The definitions in this subdivision and in chapter 473J apply to this section.

 

(b) "Appropriation bond" means a bond, note, or other similar instrument of the state payable during a biennium from one or more of the following sources:

 

(1) money appropriated by law from the general fund, including, without limitation, revenues deposited in the general fund as provided in articles 4 and 5, in any biennium for debt service due with respect to obligations described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(2) proceeds of the sale of obligations described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

 

(3) payments received for that purpose under agreements and ancillary arrangements described in subdivision 2, paragraph (d); and

 

(4) investment earnings on amounts in clauses (1) to (3).

 

(c) "Debt service" means the amount payable in any biennium of principal, premium, if any, and interest on appropriation bonds.

 

Subd. 2.  Authorization to issue appropriation bonds.  (a) Subject to the limitations of this subdivision, the commissioner may sell and issue appropriation bonds of the state under this section for public purposes as provided by law, including, in particular, the financing of all or a portion of the acquisition, construction, improving, and equipping of the stadium project of the Minnesota Stadium Authority as provided by chapter 473J.  Proceeds of the appropriation bonds must be credited to a special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund in the state treasury.  Net income from investment of the proceeds, as estimated by the commissioner, must be credited to the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund.


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(b) Appropriation bonds may be sold and issued in amounts that, in the opinion of the commissioner, are necessary to provide sufficient funds, not to exceed $548,000,000 net of costs of issuance, deposits for debt service reserve funds, and costs of credit enhancement for achieving the purposes authorized as provided under paragraph (a), and pay debt service, pay costs of issuance, make deposits to reserve funds, pay the costs of credit enhancement, or make payments under other agreements entered into under paragraph (d); provided, however, that appropriation bonds issued and unpaid shall not exceed $650,000,000 in principal amount, excluding refunding bonds sold and issued under subdivision 4.

 

(c) Appropriation bonds may be issued from time to time in one or more series on the terms and conditions the commissioner determines to be in the best interests of the state, but the term on any series of appropriation bonds may not exceed 30 years.  The appropriation bonds of each issue and series thereof shall be dated and bear interest, and may be includable in or excludable from the gross income of the owners for federal income tax purposes.

 

(d) At the time of, or in anticipation of, issuing the appropriation bonds, and at any time thereafter, so long as the appropriation bonds are outstanding, the commissioner may enter into agreements and ancillary arrangements relating to the appropriation bonds, including but not limited to trust indentures, grant agreements, lease or use agreements, operating agreements, management agreements, liquidity facilities, remarketing or dealer agreements, letter of credit agreements, insurance policies, guaranty agreements, reimbursement agreements, indexing agreements, or interest exchange agreements.  Any payments made or received according to the agreement or ancillary arrangement shall be made from or deposited as provided in the agreement or ancillary arrangement.  The determination of the commissioner included in an interest exchange agreement that the agreement relates to an appropriation bond shall be conclusive.

 

(e) The commissioner may enter into written agreements or contracts relating to the continuing disclosure of information necessary to comply with, or facilitate the issuance of appropriation bonds in accordance with federal securities laws, rules, and regulations, including Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations in Code of Federal Regulations, title 17, section 240.15c 2-12.  An agreement may be in the form of covenants with purchasers and holders of appropriation bonds set forth in the order or resolution authorizing the issuance of the appropriation bonds, or a separate document authorized by the order or resolution.

 

(f) The appropriation bonds are not subject to chapter 16C.

 

Subd. 3.  Form; procedure.  (a) Appropriation bonds may be issued in the form of bonds, notes, or other similar instruments, and in the manner provided in section 16A.672.  In the event that any provision of section 16A.672 conflicts with this section, this section shall control.

 

(b) Every appropriation bond shall include a conspicuous statement of the limitation established in subdivision 6.

 

(c) Appropriation bonds may be sold at either public or private sale upon such terms as the commissioner shall determine are not inconsistent with this section and may be sold at any price or percentage of par value.  Any bid received may be rejected.

 

(d) Appropriation bonds must bear interest at a fixed or variable rate.

 

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, appropriation bonds issued under this section shall be fully negotiable.

 

Subd. 4.  Refunding bonds.  The commissioner from time to time may issue appropriation bonds for the purpose of refunding any appropriation bonds then outstanding, including the payment of any redemption premiums on the bonds, any interest accrued or to accrue to the redemption date, and costs related to the issuance and sale of the refunding bonds.  The proceeds of any refunding bonds may, in the discretion of the commissioner, be applied to the purchase or payment at maturity of the appropriation bonds to be refunded, to the redemption of the outstanding


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appropriation bonds on any redemption date, or to pay interest on the refunding bonds and may, pending application, be placed in escrow to be applied to the purchase, payment, retirement, or redemption.  Any escrowed proceeds, pending such use, may be invested and reinvested in obligations that are authorized investments under section 11A.24.  The income earned or realized on the investment may also be applied to the payment of the appropriation bonds to be refunded or interest or premiums on the refunded appropriation bonds, or to pay interest on the refunding bonds.  After the terms of the escrow have been fully satisfied, any balance of the proceeds and any investment income may be returned to the general fund or, if applicable, the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund for use in any lawful manner.  All refunding bonds issued under this subdivision must be prepared, executed, delivered, and secured by appropriations in the same manner as the appropriation bonds to be refunded.

 

Subd. 5.  Appropriation bonds as legal investments.  Any of the following entities may legally invest any sinking funds, money, or other funds belonging to them or under their control in any appropriation bonds issued under this section:

 

(1) the state, the investment board, public officers, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and public bodies;

 

(2) banks and bankers, savings and loan associations, credit unions, trust companies, savings banks and institutions, investment companies, insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on a banking or insurance business; and

 

(3) personal representatives, guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries.

 

Subd. 6.  No full faith and credit; state not required to make appropriations.  The appropriation bonds are not public debt of the state, and the full faith, credit, and taxing powers of the state are not pledged to the payment of the appropriation bonds or to any payment that the state agrees to make under this section.  Appropriation bonds shall not be obligations paid directly, in whole or in part, from a tax of statewide application on any class of property, income, transaction, or privilege.  Appropriation bonds shall be payable in each fiscal year only from amounts that the legislature may appropriate for debt service for any fiscal year, provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to require the state to appropriate funds sufficient to make debt service payments with respect to the appropriation bonds in any fiscal year.  Appropriation bonds shall be canceled and shall no longer be outstanding on the earlier of (1) the first day of a fiscal year for which the legislature shall not have appropriated amounts sufficient for debt service, or (2) the date of final payment of the principal of and interest on the appropriation bonds.

 

Subd. 7.  Appropriation of proceeds.  The proceeds of appropriation bonds and interest credited to the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund are appropriated to the commissioner for payment of capital expenses, debt service on outstanding indebtedness of the state, operating and capital reserves of the authority, and the funding of debt service reserves for the appropriation bonds, each as permitted by state and federal law, and nonsalary expenses incurred in conjunction with the sale of the appropriation bonds, and such proceeds may be granted, loaned, or otherwise provided to the authority for the public purpose provided by subdivision 2, paragraph (a).

 

Subd. 8.  Commissioner; determination of available revenues.  (a) By March 15 of each fiscal year, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of revenue, shall determine the estimated increase in revenues received from taxes imposed under chapter 297E over the estimated revenues under the February 2012 revenue forecast for that fiscal year.  For fiscal years after fiscal year 2015, the commissioner shall use the February 2012 revenue forecast for fiscal year 2015 as the baseline.  All calculations under this paragraph must be made net of estimated refunds of the taxes required to be paid.

 

(b) Available revenues for purposes of subdivision 9, equal the amount determined under paragraph (a), less the following amounts for the fiscal year:

 

(1) the appropriation to principal and interest on appropriation bonds under subdivision 9, paragraph (a);


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(2) the appropriations under article 5 for administration and any successor appropriation;

 

(3) the reduction in revenues resulting from the sales tax exemptions under section 297A.71;

 

(4) reimbursements authorized by section 473J.15, subdivision 2; and

 

(5) payment of compulsive gambling appropriations under article 5 and any successor appropriation.

 

(c) If the estimated increase in revenues under paragraph (a) for the fiscal year are less than or equal to $52,000,000, then available revenues, as determined under paragraph (b), are allocated:

 

(1) 50 percent to be used for appropriations under subdivision 9, paragraph (a); and

 

(2) 50 percent to be used for appropriations under subdivision 9, paragraph (b)

 

(d) If the estimated increase in revenues under paragraph (a) for the fiscal year are greater than $52,000,000, the first $16,000,000 of any available revenues, as determined under paragraph (b), is allocated for payment of gambling tax rebates under section 297E.02, subdivision 12, and the remainder is allocated as provided under paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2).

 

(e) The provisions of this subdivision apply only after the issuance of appropriation bonds under subdivision 2.

 

Subd. 9.  Appropriation for debt service and other purposes.  (a) The amount needed to pay principal and interest on appropriation bonds issued under this section is appropriated each year from the general fund to the commissioner, subject to repeal, unallotment under section 16A.152, or cancellation otherwise pursuant to subdivision 6, for deposit into the bond payment accounts established for such purpose in the special appropriation stadium bond proceeds fund.

 

(b) To the extent the commissioner determines revenues are available under the provisions of subdivision 8, paragraph (b), for the fiscal year, the following amounts are appropriated from the general fund:

 

(1) to replenish the amount on deposit in any debt service reserve account established with respect to the appropriation bonds to the debt service reserve requirement amount as determined by order of the commissioner; and

 

(2) to the extent not required under clause (1), for deposit to any general reserve account established by order of the commissioner for application against any shortfall in the amounts deposited to the general fund pursuant to section 297A.994.

 

Subd. 10.  Waiver of immunity.  The waiver of immunity by the state provided for by section 3.751, subdivision 1, shall be applicable to the appropriation bonds and any ancillary contracts to which the commissioner is a party.

 

Subd. 11.  Validation.  (a) Appropriation bonds issued under this section may be validated in the manner provided by this subdivision.  If comparable appropriation bonds are judicially determined to be valid, nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prevent the sale or delivery of any appropriation bonds or notes without entry of a judgment of validation by the Minnesota Supreme Court pursuant to this subdivision with respect to the appropriation bonds authorized under this section.

 

(b) Any appropriation bonds issued under this section that are validated shall be validated in the manner provided by this subdivision.


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(c) The Minnesota Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction to determine the validation of appropriation bonds and all matters connected therewith.

 

(d) The commissioner may determine the commissioner's authority to issue appropriation bonds and the legality of all proceedings in connection with issuing bonds.  For this purpose, a complaint shall be filed by the commissioner in the Minnesota Supreme Court against the state and the taxpayers and citizens.

 

(e) As a condition precedent to filing of a complaint for the validation of appropriation bonds, the commissioner shall take action providing for the issuance of appropriation bonds in accordance with law.

 

(f) The complaint shall set out the state's authority to issue appropriation bonds, the action or proceeding authorizing the issue and its adoption, all other essential proceedings had or taken in connection with issuing bonds, the amount of the appropriation bonds to be issued and the maximum interest they are to bear, and all other pertinent matters.

 

(g) The Minnesota Supreme Court shall issue an order directed against the state and taxpayers, citizens, and others having or claiming any right, title, or interest affected by the issuance of appropriation bonds, or to be affected by the bonds, allowing all persons, in general terms and without naming them, and the state through its attorney general, to appear before the Minnesota Supreme Court at a designated time and place and show why the complaint should not be granted and the proceedings and appropriation bonds validated.  A copy of the complaint and order shall be served on the attorney general at least 20 days before the time fixed for hearing.  The attorney general shall examine the complaint, and, if it appears or there is reason to believe that it is defective, insufficient, or untrue, or if in the opinion of the attorney general the issuance of the appropriation bonds in question has not been duly authorized, defense shall be made by the attorney general as the attorney general deems appropriate.

 

(h) Before the date set for hearing, as directed by the Minnesota Supreme Court, either the clerk of the Minnesota appellate courts or the commissioner shall publish a copy of the order in a legal newspaper of general circulation in Ramsey County and the state, at least once each week for two consecutive weeks, commencing with the first publication, which shall not be less than 20 days before the date set for hearing.  By this publication, all taxpayers, citizens, and others having or claiming any right, title, or interest in the state, are made parties defendant to the action and the Minnesota Supreme Court has jurisdiction of them to the same extent as if named as defendants in the complaint and personally served with process.

 

(i) Any taxpayer, citizen, or person interested may become a party to the action by moving against or pleading to the complaint at or before the time set for hearing.  The Minnesota Supreme Court shall determine all questions of law and fact and make orders that will enable it to properly try and determine the action and render a final judgment within 30 days of the hearing with the least possible delay.

 

(j) If the judgment validates appropriation bonds, the judgment is forever conclusive as to all matters adjudicated and as against all parties affected and all others having or claiming any right, title, or interest affected by the issuance of appropriation bonds, or to be affected in any way by issuing the bonds, and the validity of appropriation bonds or of any revenues pledged for the payment of the bonds, or of the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including any remedies provided for their collection, shall never be called in question in any court by any person or party.

 

(k)(1) Appropriation bonds, when validated under this section, shall have stamped or written on the bonds, by the proper officers of the state issuing them, a statement in substantially the following form:  "This appropriation bond is one of a series of appropriation bonds which were validated by judgment of the Supreme Court of the State of Minnesota, rendered on ……., ....... (year)".

 

(2) A certified copy of the judgment or decree shall be received as evidence in any court in this state.


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(l) The costs shall be paid by the state, except when a taxpayer, citizen, or other person contests the action or intervenes, the court may tax the whole or any part of the costs against the person that is equitable.

 

(m) A justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court is not disqualified in any validation action because the justice is a landowner or taxpayer of the state.

 

Sec. 2.  APPROPRIATION.

 

If state appropriation bonds have not been issued under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.965, amounts not to exceed the increased revenues estimated by the commissioner of management and budget under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), are appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget to make grants to the Minnesota Stadium Authority for stadium costs as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section 473J.03, subdivision 8.

 

ARTICLE 3

CONFORMING CHANGES

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 3.971, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Financial audits.  The legislative auditor shall audit the financial statements of the state of Minnesota required by section 16A.50 and, as resources permit, shall audit Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, courts, and other state organizations subject to audit by the legislative auditor, including the State Agricultural Society, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Enterprise Minnesota, Inc., Minnesota Historical Society, Labor Interpretive Center, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.  Financial audits must be conducted according to generally accepted government auditing standards.  The legislative auditor shall see that all provisions of law respecting the appropriate and economic use of public funds are complied with and may, as part of a financial audit or separately, investigate allegations of noncompliance.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.55, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Not public classification.  The following data received, created, or maintained by or for publicly owned and operated convention facilities, or civic center authorities, or the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission are classified as nonpublic data pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 9; or private data on individuals pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12:

 

(a) a letter or other documentation from any person who makes inquiry to or who is contacted by the facility regarding the availability of the facility for staging events;

 

(b) identity of firms and corporations which contact the facility;

 

(c) type of event which they wish to stage in the facility;

 

(d) suggested terms of rentals; and

 

(e) responses of authority staff to these inquiries.


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Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 340A.404, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Cities.  (a) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license to the following establishments located within its jurisdiction:

 

(1) hotels;

 

(2) restaurants;

 

(3) bowling centers;

 

(4) clubs or congressionally chartered veterans organizations with the approval of the commissioner, provided that the organization has been in existence for at least three years and liquor sales will only be to members and bona fide guests, except that a club may permit the general public to participate in a wine tasting conducted at the club under section 340A.419; and

 

(5) sports facilities located on land owned by the Metropolitan Sports Commission; and

 

(6) exclusive liquor stores.

 

(b) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a theater within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the theater.

 

(c) A city may issue an on-sale intoxicating liquor license, an on-sale wine license, or an on-sale malt liquor license to a convention center within the city, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending events at the convention center.  This paragraph does not apply to convention centers located in the seven-county metropolitan area.

 

(d) A city may issue an on-sale wine license and an on-sale malt liquor license to a person who is the owner of a summer collegiate league baseball team, or to a person holding a concessions or management contract with the owner, for beverage sales at a ballpark or stadium located within the city for the purposes of summer collegiate league baseball games at the ballpark or stadium, notwithstanding any law, local ordinance, or charter provision.  A license issued under this paragraph authorizes sales on all days of the week to persons attending baseball games at the ballpark or stadium.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 352.01, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Included employees.  (a) "State employee" includes:

 

(1) employees of the Minnesota Historical Society;

 

(2) employees of the State Horticultural Society;

 

(3) employees of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association;

 

(4) employees of the adjutant general whose salaries are paid from federal funds and who are not covered by any federal civilian employees retirement system;

 

(5) employees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities who are employed under the university or college activities program;


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(6) currently contributing employees covered by the system who are temporarily employed by the legislature during a legislative session or any currently contributing employee employed for any special service as defined in subdivision 2b, clause (8);

 

(7) employees of the legislature who are appointed without a limit on the duration of their employment and persons employed or designated by the legislature or by a legislative committee or commission or other competent authority to conduct a special inquiry, investigation, examination, or installation;

 

(8) trainees who are employed on a full-time established training program performing the duties of the classified position for which they will be eligible to receive immediate appointment at the completion of the training period;

 

(9) employees of the Minnesota Safety Council;

 

(10) any employees who are on authorized leave of absence from the Transit Operating Division of the former Metropolitan Transit Commission and who are employed by the labor organization which is the exclusive bargaining agent representing employees of the Transit Operating Division;

 

(11) employees of the Metropolitan Council, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, or Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission unless excluded under subdivision 2b or are covered by another public pension fund or plan under section 473.415, subdivision 3;

 

(12) judges of the Tax Court;

 

(13) personnel who were employed on June 30, 1992, by the University of Minnesota in the management, operation, or maintenance of its heating plant facilities, whose employment transfers to an employer assuming operation of the heating plant facilities, so long as the person is employed at the University of Minnesota heating plant by that employer or by its successor organization;

 

(14) personnel who are employed as seasonal employees in the classified or unclassified service;

 

(15) persons who are employed by the Department of Commerce as a peace officer in the Insurance Fraud Prevention Division under section 45.0135 who have attained the mandatory retirement age specified in section 43A.34, subdivision 4;

 

(16) employees of the University of Minnesota unless excluded under subdivision 2b, clause (3);

 

(17) employees of the Middle Management Association whose employment began after July 1, 2007, and to whom section 352.029 does not apply; and

 

(18) employees of the Minnesota Government Engineers Council to whom section 352.029 does not apply.

 

(b) Employees specified in paragraph (a), clause (13), are included employees under paragraph (a) if employer and employee contributions are made in a timely manner in the amounts required by section 352.04.  Employee contributions must be deducted from salary.  Employer contributions are the sole obligation of the employer assuming operation of the University of Minnesota heating plant facilities or any successor organizations to that employer.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.121, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Metropolitan agency.  "Metropolitan agency" means the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission.


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Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.164, is amended to read:

 

473.164 SPORTS, AIRPORT COMMISSIONS TO PAY COUNCIL COSTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Annually reimburse.  The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission and the Metropolitan Airports Commission shall annually reimburse the council for costs incurred by the council in the discharge of its responsibilities relating to the commission.  The costs may be charged against any revenue sources of the commission as determined by the commission.

 

Subd. 2.  Estimates, budget, transfer.  On or before May 1 of each year, the council shall transmit to each the commission an estimate of the costs which the council will incur in the discharge of its responsibilities related to the commission in the next budget year including, without limitation, costs in connection with the preparation, review, implementation and defense of plans, programs and budgets of the commission.  Each The commission shall include the estimates in its budget for the next budget year and may transmit its comments concerning the estimated amount to the council during the budget review process.  Prior to December 15 of each year, the amount budgeted by each the commission for the next budget year may be changed following approval by the council.  During each budget year, the commission shall transfer budgeted funds to the council in advance when requested by the council.

 

Subd. 3.  Final statement.  At the conclusion of each budget year, the council, in cooperation with each the commission, shall adopt a final statement of costs incurred by the council for each the commission.  Where costs incurred in the budget year have exceeded the amount budgeted, each the commission shall transfer to the council the additional moneys needed to pay the amount of the costs in excess of the amount budgeted, and shall include a sum in its next budget.  Any excess of budgeted costs over actual costs may be retained by the council and applied to the payment of budgeted costs in the next year.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 473.565, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  In MSRS; exceptions.  All employees of the former commission shall be members of the Minnesota State Retirement System with respect to service rendered on or after May 17, 1977, except as provided in this section.

 

Sec. 8.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 473.551; 473.552; 473.553, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13; 473.556, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 17; 473.561; 473.564, subdivisions 2 and 3; 473.572; 473.581; 473.592, subdivision 1; 473.595; 473.598; 473.599; and 473.76, are repealed.

 

Sec. 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

This article is effective June 30, 2016.

 

ARTICLE 4

MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

 

Section 1.  [297A.994] CITY OF MINNEAPOLIS SALES TAX; ALLOCATION OF REVENUES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Scope.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 297A.99, subdivision 11, the provisions of this section govern the remittance of the proceeds of taxes imposed by the city of Minneapolis under the special law. 

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  (a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply.


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(b) "City" means the city of Minneapolis.

 

(c) "Special law" means Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, as amended.

 

(d) "Tax" means the sales taxes imposed by the city under the special law.

 

(e) The terms defined under section 473J.03 apply for purposes of this section.

 

Subd. 3.  General allocation of revenues.  The commissioner shall apply the revenues from the taxes as follows:

 

(1) the commissioner must deduct the costs of collecting and administering the taxes, according to the applicable law and agreements between the commissioner and the city.  For revenues from the general sales tax, the commissioner must deduct a proportionate share of the cost of collection, as described in section 297A.99, subdivision 11;

 

(2) after deducting the costs in clause (1), the commissioner must deduct refunds of any of these taxes due to taxpayers, if any;

 

(3) after making the deductions provided in clause (2), notwithstanding the provisions of any agreement between the commissioner and the city providing for collection and remittance of these taxes, the commissioner must deposit to the general fund the amounts specified in subdivision 4; and

 

(4) after depositing to the general fund under clause (3) as specified in subdivision 4, the commissioner must remit the remainder to the city for the uses provided in the special law.

 

Subd. 4.  General fund allocations.  (a) The commissioner must deposit to the general fund the following amounts, as required by subdivision 3, clause (3):

 

(1) for state bond debt service support beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, proportionate amounts periodically so that not later than December 31, 2046, an aggregate annual amount equal to a present value of $150,000,000 has been deposited in the general fund.  To determine aggregate present value, the commissioner must consult with the commissioner of management and budget regarding the present value dates, discount rate or rates, and schedules of annual amounts.  The present value date or dates must be based on the date or dates bonds are sold under section 16A.965, or the date or dates other state funds, if any, are deposited into the construction fund.  The discount rate or rates must be based on the true interest cost of the bonds issued under section 16A.965, or an equivalent 30-year bond index, as determined by the commissioner of management and budget.  The schedule of annual amounts must be certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city;

 

(2) for the capital improvement reserve appropriation to stadium authority beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, so that not later than January 1, 2022, and as of January 1 of each following year, an aggregate annual amount equal to the amount paid by the state for calendar year 2021, under section 473J.13, subdivision 4, increased each year by an annual adjustment factor;

 

(3) for the operating expense appropriation to stadium authority beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter through calendar year 2046, so that not later than January 1, 2022, and as of January 1 of each following year, an aggregate annual amount equal to the amount paid by the state for calendar year 2021 under section 473J.13, subdivision 2, increased each year by an annual adjustment factor;


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(4) for recapture of NFL team advances for capital improvements and operating expenses for calendar years 2016 through 2020 beginning in calendar year 2021, and for each calendar year thereafter until all amounts under this clause have been paid, proportionate amounts periodically until an aggregate amount equal to the present value of all amounts paid by the NFL team have been deposited in the general fund.  To determine the present value of the amounts paid by the NFL team to the authority and the present value of amounts deposited to the general fund under this clause, the commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of management and budget and the NFL team regarding the present value dates, discount rate or rates, and schedule of annual amounts.  The present value dates must be based on the dates NFL team funds are paid to the authority, or the dates the commissioner of revenue deposits taxes for purposes of this clause to the general fund.  The discount rates must be based on the reasonably equivalent cost of NFL team funds as determined by the commissioner of management and budget after consulting with the NFL team.  The schedule of annual amounts must be revised to reflect amounts paid under section 473J.09, subdivision 13, and taxes deposited to the general fund from time to time under this clause, and the schedule and revised schedules must be certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city, and are transferred as accrued from the general fund to the NFL team, for repayment of advances made by the NFL team to the city of Minneapolis; and

 

(5) to capture increases in taxes imposed under the special law, for the benefit of the stadium authority, beginning in calendar year 2013 and for each calendar year thereafter through 2046, there shall be deposited to the general fund by February 15 of each following year, amounts calculated by the commissioner under this clause.  For each year, the commissioner shall determine the excess, if any, of the taxes received by the commissioner over the benchmark scheduled amounts of the taxes, as described in this section.  The benchmark scheduled amounts for each year must be based on the actual amount of the taxes for calendar year 2011 inflated for each subsequent year at an annual rate of two percent, according to a schedule certified to the commissioner by the commissioner of management and budget and the finance officer of the city.  The amounts to be deposited to the general fund by the commissioner for each year equal:

 

(i) zero for the amount of the taxes for the year up to a scheduled benchmark of $1,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011;

 

(ii) 50 percent times the difference, if any, by which the amount of the taxes for the year exceeds the scheduled benchmark in item (i), as inflated, but not greater than a scheduled benchmark of $3,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011; and

 

(iii) 25 percent times the difference, if any, by which the amount of the taxes for the year exceeds the scheduled benchmark of $3,000,000, inflated at two percent per year, in excess of the taxes for calendar year 2011.

 

(b) The annual adjustment factor for purposes of this section and the special law for any year equals the increase, if any, in the amount of these taxes received by the commissioner in the preceding year over the amount received in the year prior to the preceding year, expressed as a percentage of the amount received in the year prior to the preceding year; provided, that the adjustment factor for any year must not be less than zero percent nor more than five percent.

 

Sec. 2.  Laws 1986, chapter 396, section 4, as amended by Laws 1987, chapter 55, sections 5 and 6, and Laws 2009, chapter 88, article 4, sections 11 and 12, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 4.  SALES AND USE TAX.

 

Subdivision 1.  Imposition.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 477A.016, or any other contrary provision of law, ordinance, or city charter, upon approval by the city's board of estimate and taxation by a vote of at least five members, the city of Minneapolis may by ordinance impose an additional sales tax of up to one-half of one percent on sales taxable pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A that occur within the city, and may also by


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ordinance impose an additional compensating use tax of up to one-half of one percent on uses of property within the city, the sale of which would be subject to the additional sales tax but for the fact such property was sold outside the city.  The tax may not be imposed on gross receipts from sales of intoxicating liquor that are exempt from taxation under sections 297A.25 to 297A.257 or other any provision of chapter 297A exempting sales of intoxicating liquor and use from taxation, including amendments adopted after enactment of this act.

 

For purposes of this subdivision, sales that occur within the city shall not include (a) the sale of tangible personal property (i) which, without intermediate use, is shipped or transported outside Minneapolis by the purchaser and thereafter used in a trade or business or is stored, processed, fabricated or manufactured into, attached to or incorporated into other tangible personal property transported or shipped outside Minneapolis and thereafter used in a trade or business outside Minneapolis, and which is not thereafter returned to a point within Minneapolis, except in the course of interstate or intrastate commerce (storage shall not constitute intermediate use); or (ii) which the seller delivers to a common carrier for delivery outside Minneapolis, places in the United States mail or parcel post directed to the purchaser outside Minneapolis, or delivers to the purchaser outside Minneapolis by means of the seller's own delivery vehicles, and which is not thereafter returned to a point within Minneapolis, except in the course of interstate or intrastate commerce; or (b) sales which would be described in clause (e) or (u) of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.25, subdivision 1 297A.68, subdivision 11 or 16, if the word "Minneapolis" were substituted for the words "Minnesota" or "state of Minnesota" in such clauses subdivisions.  A tax may be imposed under this section only if the taxes imposed under section 5 are imposed at the maximum rate allowed under that section.  The tax authorized by this section shall be imposed, until December 31, 2046.  The tax may be further imposed through December 31, 2050, by order of the commissioner of management and budget, as specified under article 7, section 1.  The tax may be imposed and may be adjusted periodically by the city council in conformity with Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 12, such that the rate imposed, rounded to the next highest one-tenth of one percent, does not exceed the rate estimated to be required to produce produces revenue sufficient to finance the costs purposes described in subdivision subdivisions 3 and 4, but in no case may the rate exceed one-half of one percent.

 

Subd. 2.  Enforcement; collection.  (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), these taxes shall be subject to the same interest penalties and other rules imposed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A.  The commissioner of revenue may enter into appropriate agreements with the city to provide for collection of these taxes by the state on behalf of the city.  The commissioner may charge the city a reasonable fee for its collection from the proceeds of any taxes, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 9.

 

(b) A taxpayer located outside of the city of Minneapolis who collects use tax under this section in an amount that does not exceed $10 in a reporting period is not required to remit that tax until the amount of use tax collected is $10.

 

Subd. 3.  Use of property.  Revenues received from the tax may only be used:

 

(1) to pay costs of collection;

 

(2) (1) to pay or secure the payment of any principal of, premium or interest on bonds issued in accordance with this act;

 

(3) (2) to pay costs to acquire, design, equip, construct, improve, maintain, operate, administer, or promote the convention center or related facilities, and other capital projects or economic developments under subdivision 4, including financing costs related to them;

 

(4) (3) to pay reasonable and appropriate costs determined by the city to replace housing and the ice arena removed from the site;

 

(5) (4) to maintain reserves for the foregoing purposes deemed reasonable and appropriate by the city; and


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(6) (5) to fund projects and for other purposes under subdivision 4.

 

Money for replacement housing shall be made available by the city only for new construction, conversion of nonresidential buildings, and for rehabilitation of vacant residential structures, only if all of the units in the newly constructed building, converted nonresidential building, or rehabilitated residential structure are to be used for replacement housing.

 

Subd. 4.  Minneapolis downtown and neighborhood projects.  (a) For revenues collected in calendar years 2009 and 2010, to the extent that revenues from the tax authorized in subdivision 1 exceeds the amount needed to fund the purposes in subdivision 3, the city may use the excess revenue to fund any city services.  The total amount used in both years for this purpose may not exceed the total amount of aid and credit reductions under Minnesota Statutes, sections 273.1384 and 477A.011 to 477A.014 in calendar years 2008, 2009, and 2010 due to a governor's unallotment or due to statutory reductions.

 

(b) Beginning with revenues collected in calendar year 2011, to the extent that revenues from the tax taxes authorized in subdivision 1 exceeds or in section 5 exceed the amount needed to fund the purposes in subdivision 3, the city may use the excess revenue in any year to fund capital projects to further residential, cultural, commercial, and economic development in both downtown Minneapolis and the Minneapolis neighborhoods, to fund other city expenditures in support of the capital projects, or for other economic development, provided the city may direct excess revenue first to convention center debt, operations, capital improvements, and marketing.  The city may issue bonds to fund any such projects or improvements using these taxes or any other available city resources to finance or secure the bonds.

 

Sec. 3.  Laws 1986, chapter 396, section 5, as amended by Laws 2001, First Special Session chapter 5, article 12, section 87, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 5.  LIQUOR, LODGING, AND RESTAURANT TAXES.

 

The city may, by resolution, levy in addition to taxes authorized by other law:

 

(1) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts on retail on-sales of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages described in section 473.592 occurring in the when sold at licensed on-sale liquor establishments located within the downtown taxing area, provided that this tax may not be imposed if sales of intoxicating liquor and fermented malt beverages are exempt from taxation under chapter 297A;

 

(2) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts from the furnishing for consideration of lodging described in section 473.592 for a period of less than 30 days at a hotel, motel, rooming house, tourist court, or trailer camp located within the city by a hotel or motel which has more than 50 rooms available for lodging; the tax imposed under this clause shall be at a rate that, when added to the sum of the rate of the sales tax imposed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A, the rate of the sales tax imposed under section 4, and the rate of any other taxes on lodging in the city of Minneapolis, equals 13 percent; and

 

(3) a sales tax of not more than three percent on the gross receipts on all sales of food primarily for consumption on or off the premises by restaurants and places of refreshment as defined by resolution of the city that occur within the downtown taxing area.

 

The taxes authorized by this section shall be imposed until January 1, 2047.  The taxes may be further imposed through December 31, 2050, by order of the commissioner of management and budget, under the authority granted under article 7, section 1.  The taxes shall be imposed and may be adjusted periodically by the city council such that the rates imposed, produce revenue sufficient, together with the tax imposed under section 4, to finance the purposes described in section 4, subdivisions 3 and 4.  These taxes shall be applied, first, as provided in Minnesota Statutes,


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section 297A.994, subdivision 3, clauses (1) to (3), and then, solely to pay costs of collection and to pay or, secure, maintain, and fund the payment of any principal of, premium on, and interest on any bonds or any costs referred to other purposes in section 4, subdivision 3 or 4.  The commissioner of revenue may enter into appropriate agreements with the city to provide for the collection of these taxes by the state on behalf of the city.  The commissioner may charge the city a reasonable fee for its collection from the proceeds of any taxes.  These taxes shall be subject to the same interest penalties and enforcement provisions as the taxes imposed under section 473.592 Minnesota Statutes, chapter 297A.

 

Sec. 4.  EFFECTIVE DATE; LOCAL APPROVAL.

 

This article is effective the day after the governing body of the city of Minneapolis and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the city of Minneapolis and its chief clerical officer have 30 calendar days following final enactment of this act, to comply with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

 

Sec. 5.  SEVERABILITY; SAVINGS.

 

If any part of this article is found to be invalid because it is in conflict with a provision of the Minnesota Constitution or for any other reason, all other provisions of this article shall remain valid and any rights, remedies, and privileges that have been otherwise accrued by this article, shall remain in effect and may be proceeded with and concluded under the provisions of this article.

 

Sec. 6.  LOCAL SALES TAX REQUIREMENTS NOT TO APPLY.

 

The taxes authorized under Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, as amended, are exempt from the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivisions 2 and 3.

 

ARTICLE 5

LAWFUL GAMBLING

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Gambling product.  "Gambling product" means bingo hard cards, bingo paper sheets, or linked bingo paper sheets, or electronic linked bingo games; pull-tabs; electronic pull-tab games; tipboards; paddle tickets and paddle ticket cards; raffle tickets; or any other ticket, card, board, placard, device, or token that represents a chance, for which consideration is paid, to win a prize.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Gross receipts.  "Gross receipts" means all receipts derived from lawful gambling activity including, but not limited to, the following items:

 

(1) gross sales of bingo hard cards and, paper sheets, linked bingo paper sheets, and electronic linked bingo games before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;

 

(2) the ideal gross of pull-tab, electronic pull-tab games, and tipboard deals or games less the value of unsold and defective tickets and before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;


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(3) gross sales of raffle tickets and paddle tickets before reduction for prizes, expenses, shortages, free plays, or any other charges or offsets;

 

(4) admission, commission, cover, or other charges imposed on participants in lawful gambling activity as a condition for or cost of participation; and

 

(5) interest, dividends, annuities, profit from transactions, or other income derived from the accumulation or use of gambling proceeds.

 

Gross receipts does not include proceeds from rental under section 349.18, subdivision 3.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.01, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Ideal gross.  "Ideal gross" means the total amount of receipts that would be received if every individual ticket in the pull-tab, electronic pull-tab games or tipboard deal, paddle wheel game, and raffle ticket was sold at its face value.  In the calculation of ideal gross and prizes, a free play ticket pull-tab or electronic pull-tab shall be valued at face value.  Ideal gross also means the total amount of receipts that would be received if every bingo paper sheet, linked bingo paper sheet, and electronic linked bingo games were sold at face value.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Imposition.  A tax is imposed on all lawful gambling other than (1) paper or electronic pull-tab deals or games; (2) tipboard deals or games; and (3) electronic linked bingo; and (4) items listed in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, clauses (4) and (5), at the rate of 8.5 percent on the gross receipts as defined in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, less prizes actually paid.  The tax imposed by this subdivision is in lieu of the tax imposed by section 297A.62 and all local taxes and license fees except a fee authorized under section 349.16, subdivision 8, or a tax authorized under subdivision 5.

 

The tax imposed under this subdivision is payable by the organization or party conducting, directly or indirectly, the gambling.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games reported as played after June 30, 2012.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Collection; disposition.  (a) Taxes imposed by this section other than in subdivision 4 are due and payable to the commissioner when the gambling tax return is required to be filed.  Taxes imposed by subdivision 4 are due and payable to the commissioner on or before the last business day of the month following the month in which the taxable sale was made.  Distributors must file their monthly sales figures with the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner.  Returns covering the taxes imposed under this section must be filed with the commissioner on or before the 20th day of the month following the close of the previous calendar month.  The commissioner may require that the returns be filed via magnetic media or electronic data transfer.  The proceeds, along with the revenue received from all license fees and other fees under sections 349.11 to 349.191, 349.211, and 349.213, must be paid to the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the general fund.

 

(b) The sales tax imposed by chapter 297A on the sale of pull-tabs and tipboards by the distributor is imposed on the retail sales price.  The retail sale of pull-tabs or tipboards by the organization is exempt from taxes imposed by chapter 297A and is exempt from all local taxes and license fees except a fee authorized under section 349.16, subdivision 8.


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(c) One-half of one percent of the revenue deposited in the general fund under paragraph (a), is appropriated to the commissioner of human services for the compulsive gambling treatment program established under section 245.98.  One-half of one percent of the revenue deposited in the general fund under paragraph (a), is appropriated to the commissioner of human services for a grant to the state affiliate recognized by the National Council on Problem Gambling to increase public awareness of problem gambling, education and training for individuals and organizations providing effective treatment services to problem gamblers and their families, and research relating to problem gambling.  Money appropriated by this paragraph must supplement and must not replace existing state funding for these programs.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Combined net receipts tax.  In addition to the taxes imposed under subdivisions 1 and 4, a tax is imposed on the combined receipts of the organization.  As used in this section, "combined net receipts" is the sum of the organization's gross receipts from lawful gambling less gross receipts directly derived from the conduct of paper bingo, raffles, and paddle wheels, as defined in section 297E.01, subdivision 8, and less the net prizes actually paid, other than prizes actually paid for paper bingo, raffles, and paddle wheels, for the fiscal year.  The combined net receipts of an organization are subject to a tax computed according to the following schedule:

 

If the combined net receipts for the fiscal year are: 

 

The tax is: 

 

Not over $500,000 $87,500

zero 6.89 percent

 

 

Over $500,000 $87,500, but not over $700,000 $122,500

1.7 $6,029 plus 13.78 percent of the amount over $500,000 $87,500, but not over $700,000 $122,500

 

 

Over $700,000 $122,500, but not over $900,000 $157,500

$3,400 $10,852 plus 3.4 20.67 percent of the amount over $700,000 $122,500, but not over $900,000 $157,500

 

 

Over $900,000 $157,500

$10,200 $18,086 plus 5.1 27.56 percent of the amount over $900,000 $157,500

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Unaccounted games.  If a licensed distributor cannot account for a pull-tab game, an electronic pull-tab game, a tipboard deal, paddletickets, an electronic linked bingo game, bingo paper sheets, or linked bingo paper sheets, the distributor must report the sheets or games to the commissioner as lost and remit a tax of six percent on the ideal gross of the sheets or games.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Untaxed gambling product.  (a) In addition to penalties or criminal sanctions imposed by this chapter, a person, organization, or business entity possessing or selling a pull-tab, electronic pull-tab game or tipboard upon which the tax imposed by subdivision 4 this chapter has not been paid is liable for a tax of six percent of the ideal gross of each pull-tab, electronic pull-tab game, or tipboard.  The tax on a partial deal must be assessed as if it were a full deal.


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(b) In addition to penalties and criminal sanctions imposed by this chapter, a person not licensed by the board who conducts bingo, linked bingo, electronic linked bingo, raffles, or paddle wheel games is liable for a tax of six percent of the gross receipts from that activity.

 

(c) The tax must be assessed by the commissioner.  An assessment must be considered a jeopardy assessment or jeopardy collection as provided in section 270C.36.  The commissioner shall assess the tax based on personal knowledge or information available to the commissioner.  The commissioner shall mail to the taxpayer at the taxpayer's last known address, or serve in person, a written notice of the amount of tax, demand its immediate payment, and, if payment is not immediately made, collect the tax by any method described in chapter 270C, except that the commissioner need not await the expiration of the times specified in chapter 270C.  The tax assessed by the commissioner is presumed to be valid and correctly determined and assessed.  The burden is upon the taxpayer to show its incorrectness or invalidity.  The tax imposed under this subdivision does not apply to gambling that is exempt from taxation under subdivision 2.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Refunds; appropriation.  A person who has, under this chapter, paid to the commissioner an amount of tax for a period in excess of the amount legally due for that period, may file with the commissioner a claim for a refund of the excess.  The amount necessary to pay the refunds under this subdivision and subdivision 4, paragraph (d), is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Unplayed or Defective pull-tabs or tipboards gambling products.  If a deal of pull-tabs or tipboards registered with the board or bar coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the tax imposed by subdivision 4 has been paid is returned unplayed to the distributor, the commissioner shall allow a refund of the tax paid.

 

If a defective deal registered with the board or bar coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the taxes have been paid is returned to the manufacturer, the distributor shall submit to the commissioner of revenue certification from the manufacturer that the deal was returned and in what respect it was defective.  The certification must be on a form prescribed by the commissioner and must contain additional information the commissioner requires.

 

The commissioner may require that no refund under this subdivision be made unless the that all defective and returned pull-tabs or, tipboards have been, paddle tickets, paper bingo sheets, and linked bingo paper sheets be set aside for inspection by the commissioner's employee.

 

Reductions in previously paid taxes authorized by this subdivision must be made when and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games sold by a licensed distributor after June 30, 2012.


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Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Untaxed gambling equipment.  It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to possess gambling equipment for resale in this state that has not been stamped or bar-coded in accordance with this chapter and chapter 349 and upon which the taxes imposed by chapter 297A or section 297E.02, subdivision 4, have not been paid.  The director of alcohol and gambling enforcement or the commissioner or the designated inspectors and employees of the director or commissioner may seize in the name of the state of Minnesota any unregistered or untaxed gambling equipment.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for actions occurring after June 30, 2012.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 3b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3b.  Bar operation.  "Bar operation" means a method of selling and redeeming disposable gambling equipment by an employee of the lessor within a leased premises which is licensed for the on-sale of alcoholic beverages where such sales and redemptions are made by an employee of the lessor from a common area where food and beverages are also sold.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3c.  Bar bingo.  "Bar bingo" is a bingo occasion conducted at a permitted premises in an area where intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages are sold and where the licensed organization conducts another form of lawful gambling.  Bar bingo does not include bingo games linked to other permitted premises.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Bingo occasion.  "Bingo occasion" means a single gathering or session at which a series of one or more successive bingo games is played.  There is no limit on the number of games conducted during a bingo occasion but.  A bingo occasion must not last longer than eight consecutive hours., except that linked bingo games played on electronic bingo devices may be played during regular business hours of the permitted premises, and all play during this period is considered a bingo occasion for reporting purposes.  For permitted premises where the primary business is bingo, regular business hours shall be defined as the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 6a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Booth operation.  "Booth operation" means a method of selling and redeeming disposable gambling equipment by an employee of a licensed organization in a premises the organization leases or owns where such sales and redemptions are made within a separate enclosure that is distinct from areas where food and beverages are sold.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 12a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12a.  Electronic bingo device.  "Electronic bingo device" means an a handheld and portable electronic device that:

 

(a) is used by a bingo player to:

 

(1) monitor bingo paper sheets or a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet when purchased and played at the time and place of an organization's bingo occasion and which (1) provides a means for bingo players to, or to play an electronic bingo game that is linked with other permitted premises;

 

(2) activate numbers announced by a bingo caller; (2) compares or displayed, and to compare the numbers entered by the player to the bingo faces previously stored in the memory of the device; and


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(3) identifies identify a winning bingo pattern. or game requirement; and

 

(4) play against other bingo players;

 

(b) limits the play of bingo faces to 36 faces per game;

 

(c) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of a coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

 

(d) may only be used for play against other bingo players in a bingo game;

 

(e) has no additional function as an amusement or gambling device other than as an electronic pull-tab game defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12c;

 

(f) has the capability to ensure adequate levels of security internal controls;

 

(g) has the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor the operation of the device and the internal accounting systems; and

 

(h) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

 

Electronic bingo device does not mean any device into which coin, currency, or tokens are inserted to activate play.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12b.  Electronic pull-tab device.  "Electronic pull-tab device" means a handheld and portable electronic device that:

 

(a) is used to play one or more electronic pull-tab games;

 

(b) requires coded entry to activate play but does not allow the use of coin, currency, or tokens to be inserted to activate play;

 

(c) requires that a player must activate or open each electronic pull-tab ticket and each individual line, row, or column of each electronic pull-tab ticket;

 

(d) maintains information pertaining to accumulated win credits that may be applied to games in play or redeemed upon termination of play;

 

(e) has no spinning symbols or other representations that mimic a video slot machine;

 

(f) has no additional function as a gambling device other than as an electronic linked bingo game played on a device defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12a;

 

(g) may incorporate an amusement game feature as part of the pull-tab game but may not require additional consideration for that feature or award any prize, or other benefit for that feature;

 

(h) may have auditory or visual enhancements to promote or provide information about the game being played, provided the component does not affect the outcome of a game or display the results of a game;


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(i) maintains, on nonresettable meters, a printable, permanent record of all transactions involving each device electronic pull-tab games played on the device;

 

(j) is not a pull-tab dispensing device as defined under subdivision 32a; and

 

(k) has the capability to allow use by a player who is visually impaired.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12c.  Electronic pull-tab game.  "Electronic pull-tab game" means a pull-tab game containing:

 

(a) facsimiles of pull-tab tickets that are played on an electronic pull-tab device;

 

(b) a predetermined, finite number of winning and losing tickets, not to exceed 7,500 tickets;

 

(c) the same price for each ticket in the game;

 

(d) a price paid by the player of not less than 25 cents per ticket;

 

(e) tickets that are in conformance with applicable board rules for pull-tabs;

 

(f) winning tickets that comply with prize limits under section 349.211;

 

(g) a unique serial number that may not be regenerated;

 

(h) an electronic flare that displays the game name, form number, predetermined, finite number of tickets in the game, and prize tier; and

 

(i) no spinning symbols or other representations that mimic a video slot machine.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 12d.  Electronic pull-tab game system.  "Electronic pull-tab game system" means the equipment leased from a licensed distributor and used by a licensed organization to conduct, manage, and record electronic pull-tab games, and to report and transmit the game results as prescribed by the board and the Department of Revenue.  The system must provide security and access levels sufficient so that internal control objectives are met as prescribed by the board.  The system must contain a point of sale station.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 18, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 18.  Gambling equipment.  "Gambling equipment" means: gambling equipment that is either disposable or permanent gambling equipment. 

 

(a) Disposable gambling equipment includes the following:

 

(1) bingo hard cards or paper sheets, including linked bingo paper sheets, devices for selecting bingo numbers, electronic bingo devices,;

 

(2) paper and electronic pull-tabs,;

 

(3) jar tickets, paddle wheels, paddle wheel tables,;


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(4) paddle tickets, and paddle ticket cards,;

 

(5) tipboards, and tipboard tickets,; and

 

(6) promotional tickets that mimic a pull-tab or tipboard, pull-tab dispensing devices, and programmable electronic devices that have no effect on the outcome of a game and are used to provide a visual or auditory enhancement of a game.

 

(b) Permanent gambling equipment includes the following:

 

(1) devices for selecting bingo numbers;

 

(2) electronic bingo devices;

 

(3) electronic pull-tab devices;

 

(4) pull-tab dispensing devices;

 

(5) programmable electronic devices that have no effect on the outcome of a game and are used to provide a visual or auditory enhancement of a game;

 

(6) paddle wheels; and

 

(7) paddle wheel tables.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25.  Lawful purpose.  (a) "Lawful purpose" means one or more of the following:

 

(1) any expenditure by or contribution to a 501(c)(3) or festival organization, as defined in subdivision 15a, provided that the organization and expenditure or contribution are in conformity with standards prescribed by the board under section 349.154, which standards must apply to both types of organizations in the same manner and to the same extent;

 

(2) a contribution to or expenditure for goods and services for an individual or family suffering from poverty, homelessness, or disability, which is used to relieve the effects of that suffering;

 

(3) a contribution to a program recognized by the Minnesota Department of Human Services for the education, prevention, or treatment of problem gambling;

 

(4) a contribution to or expenditure on a public or private nonprofit educational institution registered with or accredited by this state or any other state;

 

(5) a contribution to an individual, public or private nonprofit educational institution registered with or accredited by this state or any other state, or to a scholarship fund of a nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to award scholarships, for defraying the cost of education to individuals where the funds are awarded through an open and fair selection process;

 

(6) activities by an organization or a government entity which recognize military service to the United States, the state of Minnesota, or a community, subject to rules of the board, provided that the rules must not include mileage reimbursements in the computation of the per diem reimbursement limit and must impose no aggregate annual limit on the amount of reasonable and necessary expenditures made to support:


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(i) members of a military marching or color guard unit for activities conducted within the state;

 

(ii) members of an organization solely for services performed by the members at funeral services;

 

(iii) members of military marching, color guard, or honor guard units may be reimbursed for participating in color guard, honor guard, or marching unit events within the state or states contiguous to Minnesota at a per participant rate of up to $35 per diem; or

 

(iv) active military personnel and their immediate family members in need of support services;

 

(7) recreational, community, and athletic facilities and activities intended primarily for persons under age 21, provided that such facilities and activities do not discriminate on the basis of gender and the organization complies with section 349.154, subdivision 3a;

 

(8) payment of local taxes authorized under this chapter, taxes imposed by the United States on receipts from lawful gambling, the taxes imposed by section 297E.02, subdivisions 1, 4, 5, and 6, and the tax imposed on unrelated business income by section 290.05, subdivision 3;

 

(9) payment of real estate taxes and assessments on permitted gambling premises owned by the licensed organization paying the taxes, or wholly leased by a licensed veterans organization under a national charter recognized under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code;

 

(10) a contribution to the United States, this state or any of its political subdivisions, or any agency or instrumentality thereof other than a direct contribution to a law enforcement or prosecutorial agency;

 

(11) a contribution to or expenditure by a nonprofit organization which is a church or body of communicants gathered in common membership for mutual support and edification in piety, worship, or religious observances;

 

(12) an expenditure for citizen monitoring of surface water quality by individuals or nongovernmental organizations that is consistent with section 115.06, subdivision 4, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance on monitoring procedures, quality assurance protocols, and data management, provided that the resulting data is submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for review and inclusion in the state water quality database;

 

(13) a contribution to or expenditure on projects or activities approved by the commissioner of natural resources for:

 

(i) wildlife management projects that benefit the public at large;

 

(ii) grant-in-aid trail maintenance and grooming established under sections 84.83 and 84.927, and other trails open to public use, including purchase or lease of equipment for this purpose; and

 

(iii) supplies and materials for safety training and educational programs coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources, including the Enforcement Division;

 

(14) conducting nutritional programs, food shelves, and congregate dining programs primarily for persons who are age 62 or older or disabled;

 

(15) a contribution to a community arts organization, or an expenditure to sponsor arts programs in the community, including but not limited to visual, literary, performing, or musical arts;


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(16) an expenditure by a licensed fraternal organization or a licensed veterans organization for payment of water, fuel for heating, electricity, and sewer costs for:

 

(i) up to 100 percent for a building wholly owned or wholly leased by and used as the primary headquarters of the licensed veteran or fraternal organization; or

 

(ii) a proportional amount subject to approval by the director and based on the portion of a building used as the primary headquarters of the licensed veteran or fraternal organization;

 

(17) expenditure by a licensed veterans organization of up to $5,000 in a calendar year in net costs to the organization for meals and other membership events, limited to members and spouses, held in recognition of military service.  No more than $5,000 can be expended in total per calendar year under this clause by all licensed veterans organizations sharing the same veterans post home;

 

(18) payment of fees authorized under this chapter imposed by the state of Minnesota to conduct lawful gambling in Minnesota;

 

(19) a contribution or expenditure to honor an individual's humanitarian service as demonstrated through philanthropy or volunteerism to the United States, this state, or local community;

 

(20) a contribution by a licensed organization to another licensed organization with prior board approval, with the contribution designated to be used for one or more of the following lawful purposes under this section:  clauses (1) to (7), (11) to (15), (19), and (25);

 

(21) an expenditure that is a contribution to a parent organization, if the parent organization:  (i) has not provided to the contributing organization within one year of the contribution any money, grants, property, or other thing of value, and (ii) has received prior board approval for the contribution that will be used for a program that meets one or more of the lawful purposes under subdivision 7a;

 

(22) an expenditure for the repair, maintenance, or improvement of real property and capital assets owned by an organization, or for the replacement of a capital asset that can no longer be repaired, with a fiscal year limit of five percent of gross profits from the previous fiscal year, with no carryforward of unused allowances.  The fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.  Total expenditures for the fiscal year may not exceed the limit unless the board has specifically approved the expenditures that exceed the limit due to extenuating circumstances beyond the organization's control.  An expansion of a building or bar-related expenditures are not allowed under this provision.

 

(i) The expenditure must be related to the portion of the real property or capital asset that must be made available for use free of any charge to other nonprofit organizations, community groups, or service groups, or is used for the organization's primary mission or headquarters.

 

(ii) An expenditure may be made to bring an existing building that the organization owns into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

(iii) An organization may apply the amount that is allowed under item (ii) to the erection or acquisition of a replacement building that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act if the board has specifically approved the amount.  The cost of the erection or acquisition of a replacement building may not be made from gambling proceeds, except for the portion allowed under this item;

 

(23) an expenditure for the acquisition or improvement of a capital asset with a cost greater than $2,000, excluding real property, that will be used exclusively for lawful purposes under this section if the board has specifically approved the amount;


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(24) an expenditure for the acquisition, erection, improvement, or expansion of real property, if the board has first specifically authorized the expenditure after finding that the real property will be used exclusively for lawful purpose under this section; or

 

(25) an expenditure, including a mortgage payment or other debt service payment, for the erection or acquisition of a comparable building to replace an organization-owned building that was destroyed or made uninhabitable by fire or catastrophe or to replace an organization-owned building that was taken or sold under an eminent domain proceeding.  The expenditure may be only for that part of the replacement cost not reimbursed by insurance for the fire or catastrophe or compensation not received from a governmental unit under the eminent domain proceeding, if the board has first specifically authorized the expenditure.

 

(b) Expenditures authorized by the board under clauses (24) and (25) must be 51 percent completed within two years of the date of board approval; otherwise the organization must reapply to the board for approval of the project.  "Fifty-one percent completed" means that the work completed must represent at least 51 percent of the value of the project as documented by the contractor or vendor.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), "lawful purpose" does not include:

 

(1) any expenditure made or incurred for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of a candidate for public office or for the purpose of promoting or defeating a ballot question;

 

(2) any activity intended to influence an election or a governmental decision-making process;

 

(3) a contribution to a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town by a licensed organization with the knowledge that the governmental unit intends to use the contribution for a pension or retirement fund; or

 

(4) a contribution to a 501(c)(3) organization or other entity with the intent or effect of not complying with lawful purpose restrictions or requirements.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25b.  Linked bingo game provider.  "Linked bingo game provider" means any person who provides the means to link bingo prizes in a linked bingo game, who provides linked bingo paper sheets to the participating organizations games, who provides linked bingo prize management, and who provides the linked bingo game system.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25c.  Linked bingo game system.  "Linked bingo game system" means the equipment used by the linked bingo provider to conduct, transmit, and track a linked bingo game.  The system must be approved by the board before its use in this state and it must have dial-up or other the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor its operation remotely.  For linked electronic bingo games, the system includes electronic bingo devices.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25d, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25d.  Linked bingo prize pool.  "Linked bingo prize pool" means the total of all prize money that each participating organization has contributed to a linked bingo game prize and includes any portion of the prize pool that is carried over from one occasion game to another in a progressive linked bingo game.


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Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 29, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 29.  Paddle wheel.  "Paddle wheel" means a vertical wheel marked off into sections containing one or more numbers, and which, after being turned or spun, uses a pointer or marker to indicate winning chances, and may only be used to determine a winning number or numbers matching a winning paddle ticket purchased by a player.  A paddle wheel may be an electronic device that simulates a paddle wheel.

 

Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 31, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 31.  Promotional ticket.  A paper pull-tab ticket or paper tipboard ticket created and printed by a licensed manufacturer with the words "no purchase necessary" and "for promotional use only" and for which no consideration is given is a promotional ticket.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 32, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 32.  Pull-tab.  "Pull-tab" means a single folded or banded paper ticket or a, multi-ply card with perforated break-open tabs, or a facsimile of a paper pull-tab ticket used in conjunction with an electronic pull-tab device, the face of which is initially covered to conceal one or more numbers or symbols, and where one or more of each set of tickets or, cards, or facsimiles has been designated in advance as a winner.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 34, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 34.  Tipboard.  "Tipboard" means a board, placard or other device containing a seal that conceals the winning number or symbol, and that serves as the game flare for a tipboard game.  A sports-themed tipboard is a board, placard, or other device that contains a grid of predesignated numbers for which the winning numbers are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events, serves as the game flare for player registration, but is not required to contain a seal.  For a sports-themed tipboard, the winning numbers must be determined solely by the numerical outcome.

 

Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 35, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 35.  Tipboard ticket.  "Tipboard ticket" is a single folded or banded ticket, or multi-ply card, the face of which is initially covered or otherwise hidden from view to conceal a number, symbol, or set of symbols, some of which have been designated in advance and at random as prize winners.  For a sports-themed tipboard, the tipboard ticket contains a set of numbers used to determine the winner based on the numerical outcome of a professional sporting event.

 

Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.13, is amended to read:

 

349.13 LAWFUL GAMBLING.

 

Lawful gambling is not a lottery or gambling within the meaning of sections 609.75 to 609.76 if it is conducted under this chapter.  A pull-tab dispensing device, electronic bingo device, and electronic pull-tab device permitted under this chapter and by board rule is not a gambling device within the meaning of sections 609.75 to 609.76 and chapter 299L.  An electronic game device allowed under this chapter may not be a slot machine.  Electronic game devices, including but not limited to electronic bingo devices, electronic paddle wheels, and electronic pull-tab devices authorized under this chapter, may only be used in the conduct of lawful gambling permitted under this chapter and board rule and may not display or simulate any other form of gambling or entertainment, except as otherwise allowed under this chapter. 


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Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, subdivision 4b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4b.  Pull-tab sales from dispensing devices.  (a) The board may by rule authorize but not require the use of pull-tab dispensing devices.

 

(b) Rules adopted under paragraph (a):

 

(1) must limit the number of pull-tab dispensing devices on any permitted premises to three; and

 

(2) must limit the use of pull-tab dispensing devices to a permitted premises which is (i) a licensed premises for on-sales of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages; or (ii) a premises where bingo is conducted and admission is restricted to persons 18 years or older.

 

(c) Notwithstanding rules adopted under paragraph (b), pull-tab dispensing devices may be used in establishments licensed for the off-sale of intoxicating liquor, other than drugstores and general food stores licensed under section 340A.405, subdivision 1.

 

Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, subdivision 4c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4c.  Electronic bingo devices.  (a) The board may by rule authorize but not require the use of electronic bingo devices.

 

(b) Rules adopted under paragraph (a):

 

(1) must limit the number of bingo faces that can be played using an electronic bingo device to 36;

 

(2) must require that an electronic bingo device be used with corresponding bingo paper sheets or a facsimile, printed at the point of sale, as approved by the board;

 

(3) must require that the electronic bingo device site system have dial-up capability to permit the board to remotely monitor the operation of the device and the internal accounting systems; and

 

(4) must prohibit the price of a face played on an electronic bingo device from being less than the price of a face on a bingo paper sheet sold at the same occasion.

 

(b) The board, or the director if authorized by the board, may require the deactivation of an electronic bingo device for violation of a law or rule and to implement any other controls deemed necessary to ensure and maintain the integrity of electronic bingo devices and the electronic bingo games played on the devices.

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4d.  Electronic pull-tab devices and electronic pull-tab game system.  (a) The board may adopt rules it deems necessary to ensure the integrity of electronic pull-tab devices, the electronic pull-tab games played on the devices, and the electronic pull-tab game system necessary to operate them.

 

(b) The board may not require an organization to use electronic pull-tab devices.

 

(c) Before authorizing the lease or sale of electronic pull-tab devices and the electronic pull-tab game system, the board shall examine electronic pull-tab devices allowed under section 349.12, subdivision 12b.  The board may contract for the examination of the game system and electronic pull-tab devices and may require a working model to be transported to locations the board designates for testing, examination, and analysis.  The manufacturer must pay


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all costs of any testing, examination, analysis, and transportation of the model.  The system must be approved by the board before its use in the state and must have the capability to permit the board to electronically monitor its operation and internal accounting systems. 

 

(d) The board may require a manufacturer to submit a certificate from an independent testing laboratory approved by the board to perform testing services, stating that the equipment has been tested, analyzed, and meets the standards required in this chapter and any applicable board rules.

 

(e) The board, or the director if authorized by the board, may require the deactivation of an electronic pull-tab device for violation of a law or rule and to implement any other controls deemed necessary to ensure and maintain the integrity of electronic pull-tab devices and the electronic pull-tab games played on the devices.

 

Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.151, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4e.  Sports-themed tipboard rules.  The board may adopt rules for the conduct of tipboards for which the winning numbers are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events.  The rules must provide for operation procedures, internal control standards, posted information, records, and reports.  The rules must provide for the award of prizes, method of payout, wagers, determination of winners, and the specifications of these tipboards. 

 

Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.155, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Mandatory disqualifications.  (a) In the case of licenses for manufacturers, distributors, distributor salespersons, linked bingo game providers, and gambling managers, the board may not issue or renew a license under this chapter, and shall revoke a license under this chapter, if the applicant or licensee, or a director, officer, partner, governor, or person in a supervisory or management position of the applicant or licensee:

 

(1) has ever been convicted of a felony or a crime involving gambling;

 

(2) has ever been convicted of (i) assault, (ii) a criminal violation involving the use of a firearm, or (iii) making terroristic threats;

 

(3) is or has ever been connected with or engaged in an illegal business;

 

(4) owes $500 or more in delinquent taxes as defined in section 270C.72;

 

(5) had a sales and use tax permit revoked by the commissioner of revenue within the past two years; or

 

(6) after demand, has not filed tax returns required by the commissioner of revenue.  The board may deny or refuse to renew a license under this chapter, and may revoke a license under this chapter, if any of the conditions in this paragraph are applicable to an affiliate or direct or indirect holder of more than a five percent financial interest in the applicant or licensee.

 

(b) In the case of licenses for organizations, the board may not issue a license under this chapter, and shall revoke a license under this chapter, if the organization, or an officer or member of the governing body of the organization:

 

(1) has been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving theft or fraud; or

 

(2) has ever been convicted of a crime involving gambling; or.


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(3) has had a license issued by the board or director permanently revoked for violation of law or board rule.

 

Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.155, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  License revocation, suspension, denial; censure.  (a) The board may by order (i) deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license or premises permit, or (ii) censure a licensee or applicant, if it finds that the order is in the public interest and that the applicant or licensee, or a director, officer, partner, governor, person in a supervisory or management position of the applicant or licensee, an employee eligible to make sales on behalf of the applicant or licensee, or direct or indirect holder of more than a five percent financial interest in the applicant or licensee:

 

(1) has violated or failed to comply with any provision of this chapter or chapter 297E or 299L, or any rule adopted or order issued thereunder;

 

(2) has filed an application for a license that is incomplete in any material respect, or contains a statement that, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, is false, misleading, fraudulent, or a misrepresentation;

 

(3) has made a false statement in a document or report required to be submitted to the board or the commissioner of revenue, or has made a false statement to the board, the compliance review group, or the director;

 

(4) has been convicted of a crime in another jurisdiction that would be a felony if committed in Minnesota;

 

(5) is permanently or temporarily enjoined by any gambling regulatory agency from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of gambling;

 

(6) has had a gambling-related license revoked or suspended, or has paid or been required to pay a monetary penalty of $2,500 or more, by a gambling regulator in another state or jurisdiction;

 

(7) has been the subject of any of the following actions by the director of alcohol and gambling enforcement or commissioner of public safety:  (i) had a license under chapter 299L denied, suspended, or revoked, (ii) been censured, reprimanded, has paid or been required to pay a monetary penalty or fine, or (iii) has been the subject of any other discipline by the director or commissioner;

 

(8) has engaged in conduct that is contrary to the public health, welfare, or safety, or to the integrity of gambling; or

 

(9) based on past activities or criminal record poses a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation and control of gambling, or creates or enhances the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of gambling or the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental to the conduct of gambling.

 

(b) The revocation or suspension of an organization's license may not exceed a period of ten years, including any revocation or suspension imposed by the board prior to the effective date of this paragraph, except that:

 

(1) any prohibition placed by the board on who may be involved in the conduct, oversight, or management of the revoked organization's lawful gambling activity is permanent; and

 

(2) a revocation or suspension will remain in effect until any taxes, fees, and fines that are delinquent have been paid by the organization to the satisfaction of the board.


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Sec. 37.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.161, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Prohibited acts; licenses required.  (a) No person may:

 

(1) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state other than for lawful gambling exempt or excluded from licensing, except to an organization licensed for lawful gambling;

 

(2) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state without having obtained a distributor license or a distributor salesperson license under this section except that an organization authorized to conduct bingo by the board may loan bingo hard cards and devices for selecting bingo numbers to another organization authorized to conduct bingo and a linked bingo game provider may provide electronic bingo devices for linked electronic bingo games;

 

(3) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state that is not purchased or obtained from a manufacturer or distributor licensed under this chapter; or

 

(4) sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state that has the same serial number as another item of gambling equipment of the same type sold or offered for sale or furnished for use in the state by that distributor.

 

(b) No licensed distributor salesperson may sell, offer for sale, or furnish gambling equipment for use within the state without being employed by a licensed distributor or owning a distributor license.

 

(c) No distributor or distributor salesperson may also be licensed as a linked bingo game provider under section 349.1635.

 

Sec. 38.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.161, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Prohibition.  (a) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or other employee of a distributor, may also be a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages or an employee of a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages.

 

(b) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor, may:  (1) be involved in the conduct of lawful gambling by an organization; (2) keep or assist in the keeping of an organization's financial records, accounts, and inventories; or (3) prepare or assist in the preparation of tax forms and other reporting forms required to be submitted to the state by an organization.

 

(c) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may provide a lessor of gambling premises any compensation, gift, gratuity, premium, or other thing of value.

 

(d) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may provide an employee or agent of the organization any compensation, gift, gratuity, premium, or other thing of value greater than $25 per organization in a calendar year.

 

(e) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may participate in any gambling activity at any gambling site or premises where gambling equipment purchased or leased from that distributor or distributor salesperson is being used in the conduct of lawful gambling.

 

(f) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may alter or modify any gambling equipment, except to add a "last ticket sold" prize sticker for a paper pull-tab game.


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(g) No distributor, distributor salesperson, or any representative, agent, affiliate, or other employee of a distributor may:  (1) recruit a person to become a gambling manager of an organization or identify to an organization a person as a candidate to become gambling manager for the organization; or (2) identify for an organization a potential gambling location.

 

(h) No distributor or distributor salesperson may purchase or lease gambling equipment for resale or lease to a person for use within the state from any person not licensed as a manufacturer under section 349.163, except for gambling equipment returned from an organization licensed under section 349.16, or exempt or excluded from licensing under section 349.166.

 

(i) No distributor or distributor salesperson may sell gambling equipment, except gambling equipment identified as a promotional ticket, to any person for use in Minnesota other than (i) a licensed organization or organization excluded or exempt from licensing, or (ii) the governing body of an Indian tribe.

 

(j) No distributor or distributor salesperson may sell or otherwise provide a paper pull-tab or tipboard deal with the symbol required by section 349.163, subdivision 5, paragraph (d), visible on the flare to any person other than in Minnesota to a licensed organization or organization exempt from licensing.

 

Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.162, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Sales from facilities.  (a) All gambling equipment purchased or possessed by a licensed distributor for resale or lease to any person for use in Minnesota must, prior to the equipment's resale or lease, be unloaded into a storage facility located in Minnesota which the distributor owns or leases; and which has been registered, in advance and in writing, with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement as a storage facility of the distributor.  All unregistered gambling equipment and all unaffixed registration stamps owned by, or in the possession of, a licensed distributor in the state of Minnesota shall be stored at a storage facility which has been registered with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement.  No gambling equipment may be moved from the facility unless the gambling equipment has been first registered with the board or the Department of Revenue.  A distributor must notify the board of the method that it will use to sell and transfer electronic pull-tab games to licensed organizations, and must receive approval of the board before implementing or making changes to the approved method.

 

(b) Notwithstanding section 349.163, subdivisions 5, 6, and 8, a licensed manufacturer may ship into Minnesota approved or unapproved gambling equipment if the licensed manufacturer ships the gambling equipment to a Minnesota storage facility that is:  (1) owned or leased by the licensed manufacturer; and (2) registered, in advance and in writing, with the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement as a manufacturer's storage facility.  No gambling equipment may be shipped into Minnesota to the manufacturer's registered storage facility unless the shipment of the gambling equipment is reported to the Department of Revenue in a manner prescribed by the department.  No gambling equipment may be moved from the storage facility unless the gambling equipment is sold to a licensed distributor and is otherwise in conformity with this chapter, is shipped to an out-of-state site and the shipment is reported to the Department of Revenue in a manner prescribed by the department, or is otherwise sold and shipped as permitted by board rule.  A manufacturer must notify the board of the method that it will use to sell and transfer electronic pull-tab games to licensed distributors, and must receive approval of the board before implementing or making changes to the approved method.

 

(c) All storage facilities owned, leased, used, or operated by a licensed distributor or manufacturer may be entered upon and inspected by the employees of the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement, the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement director's authorized representatives, employees of the Gambling Control Board or its authorized representatives, employees of the Department of Revenue, or authorized representatives of the director of the Division of Special Taxes of the Department of Revenue during reasonable and regular business hours.  Obstruction of, or failure to permit, entry and inspection is cause for revocation or suspension of a manufacturer's or distributor's licenses and permits issued under this chapter.


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(d) Unregistered gambling equipment found at any location in Minnesota other than the manufacturing plant of a licensed manufacturer or a registered storage facility are contraband under section 349.2125.  This paragraph does not apply:

 

(1) to unregistered gambling equipment being transported in interstate commerce between locations outside this state, if the interstate shipment is verified by a bill of lading or other valid shipping document; and

 

(2) to gambling equipment registered with the Department of Revenue for distribution to the tribal casinos.

 

Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  License required.  No manufacturer of gambling equipment may sell any gambling equipment to any person for use or resale within the state, unless the manufacturer has a current and valid license issued by the board under this section and has satisfied other criteria prescribed by the board by rule.  A manufacturer licensed under this section may also be licensed as a linked bingo game provider under section 349.1635. 

 

A manufacturer licensed under this section may not also be directly or indirectly licensed as a distributor under section 349.161.

 

Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Paper pull-tab and tipboard flares.  (a) A manufacturer may not ship or cause to be shipped into this state or sell for use or resale in this state any deal of paper pull-tabs or tipboards that does not have its own individual flare as required for that deal by this subdivision and rule of the board.  A person other than a manufacturer may not manufacture, alter, modify, or otherwise change a flare for a deal of paper pull-tabs or tipboards except as allowed by this chapter or board rules.

 

(b) The flare of each paper pull-tab and tipboard game must have affixed to or imprinted at the bottom a bar code that provides all information required by the commissioner of revenue under section 297E.04, subdivision 2.

 

The serial number included in the bar code must be the same as the serial number of the tickets included in the deal.  A manufacturer who manufactures a deal of paper pull-tabs must affix to the outside of the box containing that game the same bar code that is affixed to or imprinted at the bottom of a flare for that deal.

 

(c) No person may alter the bar code that appears on the outside of a box containing a deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards.  Possession of a box containing a deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards that has a bar code different from the bar code of the deal inside the box is prima facie evidence that the possessor has altered the bar code on the box.

 

(d) The flare of each deal of paper pull-tabs and tipboards sold by a manufacturer for use or resale in Minnesota must have imprinted on it a symbol that is at least one inch high and one inch wide consisting of an outline of the geographic boundaries of Minnesota with the letters "MN" inside the outline.  The flare must be placed inside the wrapping of the deal which the flare describes.

 

(e) Each paper pull-tab and tipboard flare must bear the following statement printed in letters large enough to be clearly legible:

 

"Pull-tab (or tipboard) purchasers -- This pull-tab (or tipboard) game is not legal in Minnesota unless:

 

-- an outline of Minnesota with letters "MN" inside it is imprinted on this sheet, and


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-- the serial number imprinted on the bar code at the bottom of this sheet is the same as the serial number on the pull-tab (or tipboard) ticket you have purchased."

 

(f) The flare of each paper pull-tab and tipboard game must have the serial number of the game imprinted on the bar code at the bottom of the flare in numerals at least one-half inch high.

 

Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.163, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Samples of gambling equipment.  (a) The board shall require each licensed manufacturer to submit to the board one or more samples of each item of gambling equipment the manufacturer manufactures manufactured for use or resale in this state.  For purposes of this subdivision, a manufacturer is also required to submit the applicable version of any software necessary to operate electronic devices and related systems.

 

(b) The board shall inspect and test all the equipment, including software and software upgrades, it deems necessary to determine the equipment's compliance with law and board rules.  Samples required under this subdivision must be approved by the board before the equipment being sampled is shipped into or sold for use or resale in this state.  The board shall impose a fee of $25 for each item of gambling equipment that the manufacturer submits for approval or for which the manufacturer requests approval.  The board shall impose a fee of $100 for each sample of gambling equipment that it tests.

 

(c) The board may require samples of gambling equipment to be tested by an independent testing laboratory prior to submission to the board for approval.  All costs of testing by an independent testing laboratory must be borne by the manufacturer.  An independent testing laboratory used by a manufacturer to test samples of gambling equipment must be approved by the board before the equipment is submitted to the laboratory for testing.

 

(d) The board may request the assistance of the commissioner of public safety and the director of the State Lottery in performing the tests.

 

Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  License application.  The board may issue a license to a linked bingo game provider or to a manufacturer licensed under section 349.163 who meets the qualifications of this chapter and the rules promulgated by the board.  The application shall be on a form prescribed by the board.  The license is valid for two years and the fee for a linked bingo game provider license is $5,000 per year.

 

Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Attachments to application.  An applicant for a linked bingo game provider license must attach to its application:

 

(1) evidence of a bond in the principal amount of $100,000 payable to the state of Minnesota conditioned on the payment of all linked bingo prizes and any other money due and payable under this chapter;

 

(2) detailed plans and specifications for the operation of the linked bingo game and the linked bingo system, along with a proposed fee schedule for the cost of providing services and equipment to licensed organizations which may not exceed 15 percent of gross profits, unless a higher percentage, not to exceed 20 percent, is authorized by the board.  The fee schedule must incorporate costs paid to distributors for services provided under subdivision 5; and

 

(3) any other information required by the board by rule.


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Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1635, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Linked bingo game services requirements.  (a) A linked bingo game provider must contract with licensed distributors for linked bingo game services including, but not limited to, the solicitation of agreements with licensed organizations, and installation, repair, or maintenance of the linked bingo game system.

 

(b) A distributor may not charge a fee to licensed organizations for services authorized and rendered under paragraph (a).

 

(c) A linked bingo game provider may not contract with any distributor on an exclusive basis.

 

(d) A linked bingo game provider may refuse to contract with a licensed distributor if the linked bingo game provider demonstrates that the licensed distributor is not capable of performing the services under the contract.

 

Sec. 46.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.165, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents of application.  An application for a premises permit must contain:

 

(1) the name and address of the applying organization;

 

(2) a description of the site for which the permit is sought, including its address and, where applicable, its placement within another premises or establishment;

 

(3) if the site is leased, the name and address of the lessor and information about the lease the board requires, including all rents and other charges for the use of the site.  The lease term is concurrent with the term of the premises permit.  The lease must contain a 30-day termination clause.  No lease is required for the conduct of a raffle; and

 

(4) other information the board deems necessary to carry out its purposes.

 

An organization holding a premises permit must notify the board in writing within ten days whenever any material change is made in the above information.

 

Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Conduct of bingo.  The price of a face played on an electronic bingo device may not be less than the price of a face on a bingo paper sheet sold for the same game at the same occasion.  A game of bingo begins with the first letter and number called or displayed.  Each player must cover, mark, or activate the numbers when bingo numbers are randomly selected, and announced, and or displayed to the players, either manually or with a flashboard and monitor.  The game is won when a player, using bingo paper, bingo hard card, or a facsimile of a bingo paper sheet, has completed, as described in the bingo program, a previously designated pattern or previously determined requirements of the game and declared bingo.  The game is completed when a winning card, sheet, or facsimile is verified and a prize awarded pursuant to subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 48.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Bar bingo.  An organization may conduct bar bingo subject to the following restrictions:

 

(1) the bingo is conducted at a site the organization owns or leases and which has a license for the sale of intoxicating beverages on the premises under chapter 340A; and


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(2) the bingo is conducted using only bingo paper sheets or facsimiles of bingo paper sheets purchased from a licensed distributor or licensed linked bingo game provider; and.

 

(3) no rent may be paid for a bar bingo occasion.

 

Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Linked bingo games.  (a) A licensed organization may conduct or participate in not more than two linked bingo games per occasion, one of which may be a, including progressive game games in which a portion of the prize is carried over from one occasion game to another until won by a player achieving a valid bingo within a predetermined amount of bingo numbers called based upon a predetermined and posted win determination.

 

(b) Each participating licensed organization shall contribute to each prize awarded in a linked bingo game in an amount not to exceed $300.  Linked bingo games may only be conducted by licensed organizations who have a valid agreement with the linked bingo game provider.

 

(c) An electronic bingo device as defined in section 349.12, subdivision 12a, may be used for a linked bingo game.

 

(d) The board may adopt rules to:

 

(1) specify the manner in which a linked bingo game must be played and how the linked bingo prizes must be awarded;

 

(2) specify the records to be maintained by a linked bingo game provider;

 

(3) require the submission of periodic reports by the linked bingo game provider and specify the content of the reports;

 

(4) establish the qualifications required to be licensed as a linked bingo game provider; and

 

(5) any other matter involving the operation of a linked bingo game.

 

Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.17, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Linked bingo games played exclusively on electronic bingo devices.  In addition to the requirements of subdivision 8, the following requirements and restrictions apply when linked bingo games are played exclusively on electronic bingo devices.

 

(a) The permitted premises must be:

 

(1) a premises licensed for the on-sale or off-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages, except for a general food store or drug store permitted to sell alcoholic beverages under section 340A.405, subdivision 1; or

 

(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business and has a seating capacity of at least 100.

 

(b) The number of electronic bingo devices is limited to:

 

(1) no more than six devices in play for permitted premises with 200 seats or less;

 

(2) no more than 12 devices in play for permitted premises with 201 seats or more; and


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(3) no more than 50 devices in play for permitted premises where bingo is the primary business.

 

Seating capacity is determined as specified under the local fire code.

 

(c) Prior to a bingo occasion, the linked bingo game provider, on behalf of the participating organizations, must provide to the board a bingo program in a format prescribed by the board.

 

(d) Before participating in the play of a linked bingo game, a player must present and register a valid picture identification card that includes the player's address and date of birth.

 

(e) An organization may remove from play a device that a player has not maintained in an activated mode for a specified period of time determined by the organization.  The organization must provide the notice in its house rules.

 

Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1711, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Sale of tickets.  (a) Tipboard games must be played using only tipboard tickets that are either (1) attached to a placard and arranged in columns or rows, or (2) separate from the placard and contained in a receptacle while the game is in play.  The placard serves as the game flare. 

 

(b) Except for a sports-themed tipboard, the placard must contain a seal that conceals the winning number or symbol.  When a tipboard ticket is purchased and opened from a game containing more than 32 tickets, each player having a tipboard ticket with one or more predesignated numbers or symbols must sign the placard at the line indicated by the number or symbol on the tipboard ticket.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1711, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Determination of winners.  When the predesignated numbers or symbols have all been purchased, or all of the tipboard tickets for that game have been sold, the seal must be removed to reveal a number or symbol that determines which of the predesignated numbers or symbols is the winning number or symbol.  A tipboard may also contain consolation winners, or winning chances that are determined in whole or in part by the numerical outcome of one or more professional sporting events, that need not be determined by the use of the seal.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.1721, is amended to read:

 

349.1721 CONDUCT OF PULL-TABS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Cumulative or carryover games.  The board shall by rule permit pull-tab games with multiple seals.  The board shall also adopt rules for pull-tab games with cumulative or carryover prizes.  The rules shall also apply to electronic pull-tab games.

 

Subd. 2.  Event games.  The board shall by rule permit pull-tab games in which certain winners are determined by the random selection of one or more bingo numbers or by another method approved by the board.  The rules shall also apply to electronic pull-tab games. 

 

Subd. 3.  Pull-tab dispensing device location restrictions and requirements.  The following pertain to pull-tab dispensing devices as defined under section 349.12, subdivision 32a.

 

(a) The use of any pull-tab dispensing device must be at a permitted premises which is:

 

(1) a licensed premises for on-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages;


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(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business; or

 

(3) an establishment licensed for the off-sale of intoxicating liquor, other than drug stores and general food stores licensed under section 340A.405, subdivision 1.

 

(b) The number of pull-tab dispensing devices located at any permitted premises is limited to three.

 

Subd. 4.  Electronic pull-tab device requirements and restrictions.  The following pertain to the use of electronic pull-tab devices as defined under section 349.12, subdivision 12b.

 

(a) The use of any electronic pull-tab device may only be at a permitted premises that is:

 

(1) a premises licensed for the on-sale or off-sale of intoxicating liquor or 3.2 percent malt beverages, except for a general food store or drug store permitted to sell alcoholic beverages under section 340A.405, subdivision 1; or

 

(2) a premises where bingo is conducted as the primary business and has a seating capacity of at least 100; and

 

(3) where the licensed organization sells paper pull-tabs. 

 

(b) The number of electronic pull-tab devices is limited to:

 

(1) no more than six devices in play at any permitted premises with 200 seats or less;

 

(2) no more than 12 devices in play at any permitted premises with 201 seats or more; and

 

(3) no more than 50 devices in play at any permitted premises where the primary business is bingo.

 

Seating capacity is determined as specified under the local fire code.

 

(c) The hours of operation for the devices are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

 

(d) All electronic pull-tab games must be sold and played on the permitted premises and may not be linked to other permitted premises.

 

(e) Electronic pull-tab games may not be transferred electronically or otherwise to any other location by the licensed organization.

 

(f) Electronic pull-tab games may be commingled if the games are from the same family of games and manufacturer and contain the same game name, form number, type of game, ticket count, prize amounts, and prize denominations.  Each commingled game must have a unique serial number.

 

(g) An organization may remove from play a device that a player has not maintained in an activated mode for a specified period of time determined by the organization.  The organization must provide the notice in its house rules. 

 

(h) Before participating in the play of an electronic pull-tab game, a player must present and register a valid picture identification card that includes the player's address and date of birth.

 

(i) Each player is limited to the use of one device at a time.


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Subd. 5.  Multiple chance games.  The board may permit pull-tab games in which the holders of certain predesignated winning tickets, with a prize value not to exceed $75 each, have the option of turning in the winning tickets for the chance to win a prize of greater value.

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Lease or ownership required; rent limitations.  (a) An organization may conduct lawful gambling only on premises it owns or leases.  Leases must be on a form prescribed by the board.  The term of the lease is concurrent with the premises permit.  Leases approved by the board must specify that the board may authorize an organization to withhold rent from a lessor for a period of up to 90 days if the board determines that illegal gambling occurred on the premises or that the lessor or its employees participated in the illegal gambling or knew of the gambling and did not take prompt action to stop the gambling.  The lease must authorize the continued tenancy of the organization without the payment of rent during the time period determined by the board under this paragraph.  Copies of all leases must be made available to employees of the board and the Division of Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement on request.

 

(b) Rent paid by an organization for leased premises for the conduct of pull-tabs, tipboards, and paddle wheels lawful gambling is subject to the following limits and restrictions:

 

(1) For booth operations, including booth operations where a pull-tab dispensing device is located, booth operations where a bar operation is also conducted, and booth operations where both a pull-tab dispensing device is located and a bar operation is also conducted, the maximum rent is: monthly rent may not exceed ten percent of gross profits for that month.  Total rent paid to a lessor from all organizations from leases governed by this clause may not exceed $1,750 per month.

 

(i) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises does not exceed $4,000, up to $400; and

 

(ii) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises exceeds $4,000, up to $400 plus not more than ten percent of the gross profit for that month in excess of $4,000;

 

(2) For bar operations, including bar operations where a pull-tab dispensing device is located but not including bar operations subject to clause (1), and for locations where only a pull-tab dispensing device is located: monthly rent may not exceed:

 

(i) 15 percent of the gross profits for that month from pull-tabs sold from a pull-tab dispensing device, electronic pull-tab games, and electronic linked bingo games; and

 

(ii) more than 20 percent of gross profits from all other forms of lawful gambling.

 

(i) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises does not exceed $1,000, up to $200; and

 

(ii) in any month where the organization's gross profit at those premises exceeds $1,000, up to $200 plus not more than 20 percent of the gross profit for that month in excess of $1,000;

 

(3) a lease not governed by clauses (1) and (2) must be approved by the board before becoming effective; For electronic linked bingo games and electronic pull-tab games that are operated for separate time periods within a business day by an organization and the lessor, monthly rent may not be more than:

 

(i) 15 percent of the gross profits for that month for the time periods operated by the lessor.  The lessor is responsible for cash shortages that occur during the time periods the games are operated by the lessor; and


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(ii) ten percent of gross profits for that month for the time periods operated by the organization.  The organization is responsible for cash shortages that occur during the time periods the games are operated by the organization.

 

(4) total rent paid to a lessor from all organizations from leases governed by clause (1) may not exceed $1,750 per month.

 

(c) Rent paid by an organization for leased premises for the conduct of bingo is subject to either of the following limits at the option of the parties to the lease:

 

(1) (4) For bingo conducted at a leased premises where the primary business is bingo, rent is limited to either not more than ten percent of the monthly gross profit from all lawful gambling activities held during bingo occasions, excluding bar bingo or at a rate based on a cost per square foot not to exceed 110 percent of a comparable cost per square foot for leased space as approved by the director; and.

 

(2) (5) No rent may be paid for bar bingo as defined in section 349.12, subdivision 3c.

 

(6) A lease not governed by clauses (1) to (5) must be approved by the director before becoming effective.

 

(d) (c) Amounts paid as rent under leases are all-inclusive.  No other services or expenses provided or contracted by the lessor may be paid by the organization, including, but not limited to, trash removal, janitorial and cleaning services, snow removal, lawn services, electricity, heat, security, security monitoring, storage, and other utilities or services, and, in the case of bar operations, cash shortages, unless approved by the director.  The lessor shall be responsible for the cost of any communications network or service required to conduct electronic pull-tab games or electronic bingo games.  Any other expenditure made by an organization that is related to a leased premises must be approved by the director.  For bar operations, the lessor is responsible for cash shortages.  An organization may not provide any compensation or thing of value to a lessor or the lessor's employees from any fund source other than its gambling account.  Rent payments may not be made to an individual.

 

(e) (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), an organization may pay a lessor for food or beverages or meeting room rental if the charge made is comparable to similar charges made to other individuals or groups.

 

(f) No entity other than the (e) A licensed organization may not conduct any activity within a booth operation on behalf of the lessor on a leased premises.

 

Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Accounts.  (a) Gross receipts from lawful gambling by each organization must be segregated from all other revenues of the conducting organization and placed in a separate gambling bank account.

 

(b) All expenditures for allowable expenses, taxes, and lawful purposes must be made from the separate account except (1) in the case of expenditures previously approved by the organization's membership for emergencies as defined by board rule, (2) as provided in subdivision 2a, or (3) when restricted to one electronic fund transaction for the payment of taxes for the organization as a whole, the organization may transfer the amount of taxes related to the conduct of gambling to the general account at the time when due and payable.

 

(c) The name and address of the bank, the account number for the separate account, and the names of organization members authorized as signatories on the separate account must be provided to the board when the application is submitted.  Changes in the information must be submitted to the board at least ten days before the change is made.


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(d) Except for gambling receipts from electronic pull-tab games and linked electronic bingo games, gambling receipts must be deposited into the gambling bank account within four business days of completion of the bingo occasion, deal, or game from which they are received.

 

(1) A deal of paper pull-tabs is considered complete when either the last pull-tab of the deal is sold or the organization does not continue the play of the deal during the next scheduled period of time in which the organization will conduct pull-tabs.

 

(2) A tipboard game is considered complete when the seal on the game flare is uncovered or the organization does not continue the play of the deal during the next scheduled period of time in which the organization will conduct tipboards.

 

(e) Gambling receipts from all electronic pull-tab games and all linked electronic bingo games must be recorded on a daily basis and deposited into the gambling bank account within two business days.

 

(e) (f) Deposit records must be sufficient to allow determination of deposits made from each bingo occasion, deal, or game at each permitted premises.

 

(f) (g) The person who accounts for gambling gross receipts and profits may not be the same person who accounts for other revenues of the organization.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Expenditures.  (a) All expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling must be itemized as to payee, purpose, amount, and date of payment.

 

(b) Each licensed organization must report monthly to the board on a form in an electronic format prescribed by the board each expenditure or contribution of net profits from lawful gambling.  The reports must provide for each expenditure or contribution:

 

(1) the name of the recipient of the expenditure or contribution;

 

(2) the date the expenditure or contribution was approved by the organization;

 

(3) the date, amount, and check number or electronic transfer confirmation number of the expenditure or contribution;

 

(4) a brief description of how the expenditure or contribution meets one or more of the purposes in section 349.12, subdivision 25; and

 

(5) in the case of expenditures authorized under section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clause (7), whether the expenditure is for a facility or activity that primarily benefits male or female participants.

 

(c) Authorization of the expenditures must be recorded in the monthly meeting minutes of the licensed organization.

 

(d) Checks or authorizations for electronic fund transfers for expenditures of gross profits must be signed by at least two persons authorized by board rules to sign the checks or authorizations.

 

(e) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for local, state, and federal taxes as identified in section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clause (8), may be transferred electronically from the organization's gambling account directly to bank accounts identified by local, state, or federal agencies if the organization's gambling account monthly bank statement specifically identifies the payee by name, the amount transferred, and the date of the transaction.


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(f) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for payments for lawful purpose expenditures and allowable expenses may be transferred electronically from the organization's gambling account directly to bank accounts identified by the vendor if the organization's gambling account monthly bank statement specifically identifies the payee by name, the amount transferred, the account number of the account into which the funds were transferred, and the date of the transaction.

 

(g) Expenditures of gross profits from lawful gambling for payroll compensation to an employee's account and for the payment of local, state, and federal withholding taxes may be transferred electronically to and from the account of a payroll processing firm provided that the firm:

 

(1) is currently registered with and meets the criteria of the Department of Revenue as a third-party bulk filer under section 290.92, subdivision 30;

 

(2) is able to provide proof of a third-party audit and an annual report and statement of financial condition;

 

(3) is able to provide evidence of a fidelity bond; and

 

(4) can provide proof of having been in business as a third-party bulk filer for the most recent three years.

 

(h) Electronic payments of taxes, lawful purpose expenditures, and allowable expenses are permitted only if they have been authorized by the membership, the organization maintains supporting documentation, and the expenditures can be verified.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 57.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Reports.  (a) A licensed organization must report monthly to the Department of Revenue board in an electronic format prescribed by the board and to its membership monthly, or quarterly in the case of a licensed organization which does not report more than $1,000 in gross receipts from lawful gambling in any calendar quarter, on its gross receipts, expenses, profits, and expenditure of profits from lawful gambling for each permitted premises.  The organization must account for and report on each form of lawful gambling conducted.  The report organization must include a reconciliation of the organization's profit carryover with its cash balance on hand.  If the organization conducts both bingo and other forms of lawful gambling, the figures for both must be reported separately.

 

(b) The organization must report annually to its membership and annually file with the board a financial summary report in a format prescribed by the board that identifies the organization's receipts and use of lawful gambling proceeds, including: monthly to the commissioner of revenue as required under section 297E.06.

 

(1) gross receipts;

 

(2) prizes paid;

 

(3) allowable expenses;

 

(4) lawful purpose expenditures, including annual totals for types of charitable contributions and all taxes and fees as per section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clauses (8) and (18);

 

(5) the percentage of annual gross profits used for charitable contributions; and


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(6) the percentage of annual gross profits used for all taxes and fees as per section 349.12, subdivision 25, paragraph (a), clauses (8) and (18).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.19, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Pull-tab records.  (a) The board shall by rule require a licensed organization to require each winner of a paper pull-tab prize of $50 or more to present identification in the form of a driver's license, Minnesota identification card, or other identification the board deems sufficient to allow the identification and tracking of the winner.  The rule must require the organization to retain winning paper pull-tabs of $50 or more, and the identification of the winner of the pull-tab, for 3-1/2 years.

 

(b) An organization must maintain separate cash banks for each deal of paper pull-tabs unless (1) the licensed organization uses a pull-tab dispensing device, or (2) the organization uses a cash register, of a type approved by the board, which records all sales of paper pull-tabs by separate deals.

 

(c) The board shall:

 

(1) by rule adopt minimum technical standards for cash registers that may be used by organizations, and shall approve for use by organizations any cash register that meets the standards; and

 

(2) before allowing an organization to use a cash register that commingles receipts from several different paper pull-tab games in play, adopt rules that define how cash registers may be used and that establish a procedure for organizations to reconcile all pull-tab games in play at the end of each month.

 

Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.211, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Linked bingo prizes.  Prizes for a linked bingo game shall be limited as follows:

 

(1) no organization may contribute more than $300 per linked bingo game to a linked bingo prize pool for linked bingo games played without electronic bingo devices, an organization may not contribute to a linked bingo game prize pool more than $300 per linked bingo game per site;

 

(2) for linked bingo games played exclusively with electronic bingo devices, an organization may not contribute more than 85 percent of the gross receipts per permitted premises to a linked bingo game prize pool;

 

(2) (3) no organization may award more than $200 for a linked bingo game consolation prize.  For purposes of this subdivision, a linked bingo game consolation prize is a prize awarded by an organization after a prize from the linked bingo prize pool has been won; and

 

(3) (4) for a progressive linked bingo game, if no player declares a valid bingo within the for a progressive prize or prizes based on a predetermined amount of bingo numbers called and posted win determination, a portion of the prize is gross receipts may be carried over to another occasion game until the accumulated progressive prize is won.  The portion of the prize that is not carried over must be awarded to the first player or players who declares a valid bingo as additional numbers are called.  If a valid bingo is declared within the predetermined amount of bingo numbers called, the entire prize pool for that game is awarded to the winner.  The annual limit for progressive bingo game prizes contained in subdivision 2 must be reduced by the amount an organization contributes to progressive linked bingo games during the same calendar year.; and


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(5) for linked bingo games played exclusively with electronic bingo devices, linked bingo prizes in excess of $599 shall be paid by the linked bingo game provider to the player within three business days.  Winners of linked bingo prizes in excess of $599 will be given a receipt or claim voucher as proof of a win.

 

Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.211, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2c.  Tipboard prizes.  (a) The maximum prize which may be awarded for a tipboard ticket is $599 for $2 and under tipboard tickets, $899 for $3 tipboard tickets, $1,199 for $4 tipboard tickets, and $1,499 for $5 tipboard tickets, not including any cumulative or carryover prizes.  Cumulative or carryover prizes in tipboard games shall not exceed $2,500.  An organization may not sell any tipboard ticket for more than $5.

 

(b) For sports-themed tipboards, the total prize payout may not exceed the amount in section 349.2113, and each chance or ticket may not be sold for more than $10.

 

Sec. 61.  SEVERABILITY.

 

If any provision of this act is found to be invalid because it is in conflict with a provision of the Minnesota Constitution or the Constitution of the United States, or for any other reason, all other provisions of this act shall remain valid and any rights, remedies, and privileges that have been otherwise accrued by this act, shall remain in effect and may be proceeded with and concluded under this act.

 

Sec. 62.  APPROPRIATION.

 

$1,219,000 in fiscal year 2013 is appropriated from the lawful gambling regulation account in the special revenue fund to the Gambling Control Board for operating expenses related to the regulatory oversight of lawful gambling for electronic pull-tabs and electronic linked bingo.

 

Sec. 63.  REPEALER.

 

Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.02, subdivision 4; 349.15, subdivision 3; and 349.19, subdivision 2a, are repealed.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective for games sold by a licensed distributor after June 30, 2012, and the commissioner of revenue retains the authority to issue refunds under Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 297E.02, subdivision 4, paragraph (d), for games sold before July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 64.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Unless otherwise specifically provided, this act is effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 6

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 1.  USE OF THE STADIUM.

 

Subdivision 1.  Amateur sports use.  The lessee of the stadium must make the facilities of the stadium available to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission up to ten days each year on terms satisfactory to the commission for amateur sports activities consistent with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 240A, each year during the time the bonds issued pursuant to this act are outstanding.  The commission must negotiate in good faith and may be required to pay no more than actual out-of-pocket expenses for the time it uses the stadium.


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Subd. 2.  High school league.  The lessee of the stadium must make the facilities of the stadium available for use by the Minnesota State High School League for at least seven days each year for high school soccer and football tournaments.  The lessee of the stadium must provide, and may not charge the league a fee for, this use, including security, ticket takers, custodial or cleaning services, or other similar services in connection with this use.

 

ARTICLE 7

STADIUM BLINK-ON FUNDING

 

Section 1.  [16A.1524] BACKUP REVENUES; FOOTBALL STADIUM FUNDING.

 

(a) If the commissioner of management and budget determines that the amount of revenues under section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (a), for the next fiscal year will be less than the amounts specified in section 16A.965, subdivision 8, paragraph (b), for that fiscal year, the commissioner may implement the revenue options authorized in this article.  If the commissioner determines to exercise the authority under this section for a fiscal year, the commissioner must implement the revenue options, as necessary, in the following order:

 

(1) a tax on luxury boxes as provided under section 473J.14, paragraph (a), clause (1);

 

(2) a sports-themed lottery game under section 349A.20;

 

(3) an extension of the convention center taxes under article 4 through calendar year 2050;

 

(4) excess revenue from Hennepin County tax as provided under section 473.757, subdivision 11, paragraph (d); and

 

(5) an admissions tax, as provided under section 473J.14, paragraph (a), clause (2).

 

(b) Revenue raised under the authority granted by this section must be deposited in the general fund.

 

(c) If the commissioner determines to implement one or more of the revenue options authorized by this section, each subsequent year the commissioner must determine if the revenue is needed and will be imposed and collected for the next fiscal year.  If the commissioner determines that one or more revenue options implemented for a fiscal year are not needed for a subsequent fiscal year, the commissioner must terminate them in the reverse order they were required to be implemented by paragraph (a) with the last option implemented terminated first and so forth.

 

(d) Before implementing a revenue source authorized under this section, the commissioner must report the intent to do so to the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy.  The commissioner must inform the commission of determinations to continue or discontinue each revenue source for a subsequent fiscal year.

 

Sec. 2.  [349A.20] STADIUM, SPORTS-THEMED GAME.

 

The State Lottery shall conduct a game based on stadium or professional sports themes to generate a minimum of $2,100,000 in additional revenue for the fiscal year for the general fund.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective pursuant to the authority granted under section 1, on the day following final enactment.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 473.757, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Uses of tax.  (a) Revenues received from the tax imposed under subdivision 10 may be used:

 

(1) to pay costs of collection;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8852

(2) to pay or reimburse or secure the payment of any principal of, premium, or interest on bonds issued in accordance with Laws 2006, chapter 257, section 12;

 

(3) to pay costs and make expenditures and grants described in this section, including financing costs related to them;

 

(4) to maintain reserves for the foregoing purposes deemed reasonable and appropriate by the county;

 

(5) to pay for operating costs of the ballpark authority other than the cost of operating or maintaining the ballpark; and

 

(6) to make expenditures and grants for youth activities and amateur sports and extension of library hours as described in subdivision 2;

 

and for no other purpose.

 

(b) Revenues from the tax designated for use under paragraph (a), clause (5), must be deposited in the operating fund of the ballpark authority.

 

(c) After completion of the ballpark and public infrastructure, the tax revenues not required for current payments of the expenditures described in paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (6), shall be used to (i) redeem or defease the bonds and (ii) prepay or establish a fund for payment of future obligations under grants or other commitments for future expenditures which are permitted by this section.  Upon the redemption or defeasance of the bonds and the establishment of reserves adequate to meet such future obligations, the taxes shall terminate and shall not be reimposed.  For purposes of this subdivision, "reserves adequate to meet such future obligations" means a reserve that does not exceed the net present value of the county's obligation to make grants under paragraph (a), clauses (5) and (6), and to fund the reserve for capital improvements required under section 473.759, subdivision 3, for the 30-year period beginning on the date of the original issuance of the bonds, less those obligations that the county has already paid.  Each fiscal year revenues available for use under this paragraph must be accumulated and may not be expended under this paragraph until 15 days after the close of the county's fiscal year, provided that the county has not received a notice under paragraph (d).

 

(d) Notwithstanding the authority to use revenues under paragraph (c), upon notification by the commissioner of management and budget under section 16A.1524 for a state fiscal year, the county must pay any revenues that would be available under paragraph (c) to the commissioner for that state fiscal year as provided under section 16A.1524.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment without local approval by Hennepin County under Minnesota Statutes, section 645.023, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

 

Sec. 4.  [473J.14] ADMISSIONS TAX.

 

(a) Upon notification by the commissioner of management and budget under section 16A.1524, the commission shall by resolution impose and maintain a ten percent tax on either or both of:

 

(1) the gross receipts received for the rental of box seats, suites, sky boxes, and similar in the NFL stadium; or

 

(2) the granting, issuance, sale, or distribution, by any private or public person, association, or corporation, of the privilege of admission to professional sporting events at the NFL stadium.

 

(b) Each tax must be imposed in the years specified by the commissioner of management and budget.  The suites rental tax under paragraph (a), clause (1), applies to the gross receipts, as defined under section 297A.61, received by the seller, as defined in section 297A.61, and is a debt owed by the seller to the commission.  The admission tax


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under paragraph (a), clause (2), must be stated and charged separately from the sales price so far as practicable and the grantor, seller, or distributor must collect the tax from the person admitted and the tax is a debt from that person to the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor, and the tax required to be collected is a debt owed by the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor to the commission.  Any tax imposed under this section is recoverable at law by the commission from the grantor, issuer, seller, or distributor in the same manner as other debts.  Every person granting, issuing, selling, or distributing tickets for taxable admissions or renting boxes, suites, or similar may be required, as provided in resolutions of the commission, to secure a permit, to file returns, to deposit security for the payment of the tax, and to pay the penalties for nonpayment and interest on late payments, as the commission deems necessary or expedient to assure the prompt and uniform collection of either or both of the taxes.

 

(c) The commission shall remit the proceeds of any taxes imposed under this section to the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the state's general fund.

 

(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the imposition of an admission tax upon a national superbowl football game conducted at the NFL stadium is discretionary with the commission. 

 

Sec. 5.  [473J.145] MINNEAPOLIS; CONVENTION CENTER TAX EXTENSION.

 

The taxes under Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4 and 5, may be extended by order of the commissioner of management and budget beyond the 2047 sunset specified under article 4, as an additional source of revenue for repayment of the bonds sold under article 2.  Any revenues collected from the extension of these taxes through 2048, 2049, and 2050 are appropriated to the commissioner of management and budget for repayment of the bonds sold by the state under article 2.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective pursuant to the authority granted under section 1, on the day following final enactment."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to stadiums; providing for a new National Football League stadium in Minnesota; establishing a Minnesota Stadium Authority; authorizing the sale and issuance of state appropriation bonds; abolishing the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission; providing for use of certain local tax revenue; providing for electronic pull-tab games, electronic linked bingo games, and sports-themed tipboard games; providing for the conditional imposition of certain taxes and collection of other revenues; modifying certain rates of tax on lawful gambling; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.971, subdivision 6; 3.9741, by adding a subdivision; 13.55, subdivision 1; 297E.01, subdivisions 7, 8, 9; 297E.02, subdivisions 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, by adding a subdivision; 297E.13, subdivision 5; 349.12, subdivisions 3b, 3c, 5, 6a, 12a, 18, 25, 25b, 25c, 25d, 29, 31, 32, 34, 35, by adding subdivisions; 349.13; 349.151, subdivisions 4b, 4c, by adding subdivisions; 349.155, subdivisions 3, 4; 349.161, subdivisions 1, 5; 349.162, subdivision 5; 349.163, subdivisions 1, 5, 6; 349.1635, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding a subdivision; 349.165, subdivision 2; 349.17, subdivisions 6, 7, 8, by adding a subdivision; 349.1711, subdivisions 1, 2; 349.1721; 349.18, subdivision 1; 349.19, subdivisions 2, 3, 5, 10; 349.211, subdivisions 1a, 2c; 352.01, subdivision 2a; 473.121, subdivision 5a; 473.164; 473.565, subdivision 1; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 10A.01, subdivision 35; 340A.404, subdivision 1; 473.757, subdivision 11; Laws 1986, chapter 396, sections 4, as amended; 5, as amended; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 16A; 297A; 349A; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapter 473J; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 297E.02, subdivision 4; 349.15, subdivision 3; 349.19, subdivision 2a; 473.551; 473.552; 473.553, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; 473.556, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17; 473.561; 473.564, subdivisions 2, 3; 473.572; 473.581; 473.592, subdivision 1; 473.595; 473.598; 473.599; 473.76."

 

 

With the recommendation that the bill be amended without further recommendation.

 

      The report was adopted.


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Dean from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration to which was referred:

 

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11, A Senate concurrent resolution relating to the delivery of bills to the Governor after final adjournment.

 

Reported the same back with the recommendation that the Senate concurrent resolution be adopted.

 

      The report was adopted.

 

 

SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS

 

 

      H. F. No. 1485 was read for the second time.

 

 

SECOND READING OF SENATE BILLS

 

 

      S. F. Nos. 2098 and 1856 were read for the second time.

 

 

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF HOUSE BILLS

 

 

      The following House Files were introduced:

 

 

Dettmer introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3024, A bill for an act relating to education; complying with the Military Interstate Children's Compact.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Education Reform.

 

 

Kahn introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3025, A bill for an act relating to data practices; government data; genetic test; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 13.386, subdivision 1.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Civil Law.

 

 

Abeler introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3026, A bill for an act relating to health; regulating laser treatment; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 147.081, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 147.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services Reform.


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Mullery introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3027, A bill for an act relating to mortgage foreclosures; providing foreclosed homeowners with the right to stay in the home for a longer period of time; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 580.041, subdivision 2a; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 580.06, subdivision 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 580.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Mullery introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3028, A bill for an act relating to mortgage lending; requiring lenders to make certain calculations prior to foreclosure; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 580.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

Mullery introduced:

 

H. F. No. 3029, A bill for an act relating to mortgage foreclosures; requiring lenders to make certain postforeclosure offers to former homeowners; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 580.

 

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Regulatory Reform.

 

 

      Dean moved that the House recess subject to the call of the Chair.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

RECESS

 

 

RECONVENED

 

      The House reconvened and was called to order by the Speaker.

 

 

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

 

 

      The following messages were received from the Senate:

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned: 

 

H. F. No. 2447, A bill for an act relating to marriage; authorizing a judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings to perform marriages; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 517.04.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate


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Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce that the Senate has concurred in and adopted the report of the Conference Committee on: 

 

H. F. No. 2508, A bill for an act relating to public safety; aligning state-controlled substance schedules with federal controlled substance schedules; modifying the authority of the Board of Pharmacy to regulate controlled substances; providing for penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 152.02, as amended; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 152.027, subdivision 6.

 

The Senate has repassed said bill in accordance with the recommendation and report of the Conference Committee.  Said House File is herewith returned to the House.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce that the Senate has concurred in and adopted the report of the Conference Committee on: 

 

H. F. No. 2949, A bill for an act relating to education; modifying certain early childhood and kindergarten through grade 12 policy and finance provisions; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 120B.13, subdivision 4; 124D.09, subdivisions 9, 10, 12, 24; 135A.101, subdivision 1; 471.975; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 120B.07; 120B.08; 120B.09; 120B.36, subdivision 1; 124D.09, subdivision 5; 126C.126; 126C.40, subdivision 1; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 11, article 5, section 11; article 7, section 2, subdivision 8; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 124D.09, subdivision 23.

 

The Senate has repassed said bill in accordance with the recommendation and report of the Conference Committee.  Said House File is herewith returned to the House.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned, as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested:

 

H. F. No. 2164, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; providing for apprentice riders; modifying aquatic invasive species provisions; modifying local government trail authority; modifying enforcement provisions; modifying certain bait provisions; modifying prior appropriations; modifying and eliminating certain reporting, plan, and meeting requirements; eliminating loan program; modifying La Salle Lake State Recreation Area administration; prohibiting commissioner of natural resources from purchasing land at more than 20 percent above estimated market value; modifying waste management provisions; clarifying certain environmental review; eliminating certain fees; modifying toxic pollution prevention requirements; modifying certain standards for stationary sources; extending prohibition on new open air swine basins; modifying local water management; modifying acid deposition control requirements; modifying sewage sludge management; modifying Wetland Conservation Act; providing for continued operation of the Minnesota Zoological Garden, and state parks and recreation areas when biennial appropriations have not been enacted; requiring the availability of game and fish licenses by electronic transaction; creating citizen's board; authorizing and clarifying the use of general permits; modifying mineral lease provisions; modifying authority of Executive Council; modifying provisions for Three Rivers Park District; prohibiting sale of children's products containing formaldehyde; modifying state park permit


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provisions; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 9.071; 84.027, subdivision 15; 84.0272, subdivision 1; 84.0895, subdivision 7; 84.631; 84.67; 84.91, subdivision 1; 84D.05, subdivision 1; 85.018, subdivision 2; 85.052, subdivision 3; 85.053, subdivision 7; 85.055, subdivision 2; 85.20, subdivision 1; 85.46, subdivision 1; 85A.04, subdivision 1; 86B.331, subdivision 1; 90.031, subdivision 4; 92.45; 92.50, subdivision 1; 93.17, subdivision 3; 93.1925, subdivision 1; 93.20, subdivisions 2, 30, 38; 93.2236; 93.25, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; 97A.401, subdivision 1; 97A.421, subdivision 4a; 103A.43; 103B.101, subdivisions 2, 7, 10, by adding subdivisions; 103B.311, subdivision 4; 103B.3363, by adding a subdivision; 103B.3369; 103B.355; 103G.2241, subdivision 9; 103G.2242, subdivision 3; 103G.245, subdivision 3; 103G.271, subdivision 1; 103G.301, subdivisions 2, 4, 5, 5a; 103G.611, by adding a subdivision; 103H.175, subdivision 3; 115.01, by adding a subdivision; 115.06, subdivision 4; 115.073; 115.42; 115A.15, subdivision 5; 115A.411; 115A.551, subdivisions 2a, 4; 115A.557, subdivision 4; 115D.08; 116.011; 116.02, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6; 116.03, subdivision 1; 116.06, subdivision 22; 116.0714; 116.10; 116C.833, subdivision 2; 116D.04, by adding a subdivision; 216C.055; 216H.07, subdivision 3; 383B.68, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision; 473.149, subdivisions 1, 6; 473.846; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 84.027, subdivision 14a; 84D.01, subdivision 15a; 84D.03, subdivision 3; 84D.09, subdivision 2; 84D.10, subdivisions 1, 4; 84D.105, subdivision 2; 84D.13, subdivision 5; 97C.341; 103G.222, subdivision 1; 103G.615, subdivisions 1, 2; 115A.1320, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 2b; 116D.04, subdivision 2a; Laws 2007, chapter 57, article 1, section 4, subdivision 2, as amended; Laws 2010, chapter 362, section 2, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 1, section 4, subdivision 7; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 6, article 3, section 8, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 84; 86B; 92; 103B; 103G; 115; 115A; 116; 161; 574; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.946, subdivision 3; 86A.12, subdivision 5; 89.06; 90.042; 97A.4742, subdivision 4; 103G.705; 115.447; 115A.07, subdivision 2; 115A.965, subdivision 7; 116.02, subdivisions 7, 8; 216H.07, subdivision 4; 383B.68, subdivisions 2, 3; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 86B.508; 86B.811, subdivision 1a; Laws 2011, chapter 107, section 105; Minnesota Rules, parts 7002.0025, subpart 2a; 7011.7030; 7021.0010, subpart 3; 7021.0050, subparts 1, 2, 3; 7041.0500, subparts 5, 6, 7.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      McNamara moved that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments to H. F. No. 2164, that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 5 members of the House, and that the House requests that a like committee be appointed by the Senate to confer on the disagreeing votes of the two houses.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned, as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested:

 

H. F. No. 2171, A bill for an act relating to natural resources; modifying game and fish license provisions; providing for taking wolf; modifying requirements to take and transport wild animals; modifying department authority and duties; creating walk-in access program; modifying predator control program; modifying deer baiting restrictions; modifying authority to remove beavers; providing for disposition of certain receipts; eliminating venison donation program; modifying snowmobile registration and trail sticker requirements; modifying snowmobile operation provisions; modifying watercraft license fees; modifying shooting range provisions; modifying temporary drawdown of public waters provisions; modifying 2012 fishing opener date; requiring rulemaking; providing civil penalties; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 84.027, subdivisions 14, 15; 84.82, subdivisions 2, 3; 84.8205, subdivision 1; 84.83, subdivisions 2, 3; 84.86, subdivision 1; 84.8712, subdivision 1; 86B.301, subdivision 2; 86B.415, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 87A.01, subdivision 4; 87A.02, subdivision 2; 97A.015, subdivisions 3a, 53; 97A.065, subdivision 6; 97A.085, by adding a subdivision; 97A.095, subdivisions 1, 2; 97A.137, subdivision 5; 97A.405, subdivision 4, by adding a subdivision;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8858

97A.421, subdivision 3; 97A.441, subdivision 7; 97A.451, subdivisions 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 97A.473, subdivisions 3, 5, 5a; 97A.475, subdivisions 2, 3, 3a, 4, 20, 44; 97A.482; 97B.001, subdivision 7; 97B.031, subdivisions 1, 2; 97B.035, subdivision 1a; 97B.071; 97B.085, subdivision 3; 97B.328; 97B.601, subdivisions 3a, 4; 97B.603; 97B.605; 97B.671, subdivisions 3, 4; 97B.711, subdivision 1; 97B.805, subdivision 1; 97B.901; 97C.355, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 97C.395, subdivision 1; 97C.515, subdivisions 2, 4, 5; 103G.005, by adding a subdivision; 103G.408; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 97A.075, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 97B.075; 97B.645, subdivision 9; 97B.667; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 31; 87A; 97A; 97B; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.035; 17.4993, subdivision 2; 87A.02, subdivision 1; 97A.045, subdivisions 8, 13; 97A.065, subdivision 1; 97A.095, subdivision 3; 97A.331, subdivision 7; 97A.485, subdivision 12; 97A.552; 97B.303; 97B.645, subdivision 2; 97C.031.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Hackbarth moved that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments to H. F. No. 2171, that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 5 members of the House, and that the House requests that a like committee be appointed by the Senate to confer on the disagreeing votes of the two houses.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned, as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested:

 

H. F. No. 2958, A bill for an act relating to finance; modifying the membership of the Legislative Advisory Commission; authorizing the Legislative Advisory Commission to review requests to spend federal money; limiting the authority to spend federal money without legislative review to certain emergency management purposes; providing for the validation of certain appropriation bonds; establishing an apprenticeship and on-the-job training program to administer a portion of the Minnesota GI Bill program; eliminating a surcharge on special veteran's plates for certain trucks; appropriating money for honor guards, soft body armor, and disaster deficiency; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 3.30, subdivision 2; 3.3005, subdivisions 2a, 4, 5, 6, by adding a subdivision; 12.22, subdivision 1; 116.03, subdivision 3; 197.791, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 16A.96, by adding a subdivision; 168.123, subdivision 1.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Holberg moved that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments to H. F. No. 2958, that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 3 members of the House, and that the House requests that a like committee be appointed by the Senate to confer on the disagreeing votes of the two houses.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the Senate refuses to concur in the House amendments to the following Senate File:

 

S. F. No. 506, A bill for an act relating to courts; increasing conciliation court civil claim limit; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 491A.01, subdivision 3.


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The Senate respectfully requests that a Conference Committee be appointed thereon.  The Senate has appointed as such committee:

 

Senators Ortman, Limmer and Metzen.

 

Said Senate File is herewith transmitted to the House with the request that the House appoint a like committee.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Shimanski moved that the House accede to the request of the Senate and that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 3 members of the House to meet with a like committee appointed by the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the two houses on S. F. No. 506.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the Senate refuses to concur in the House amendments to the following Senate File:

 

S. F. No. 946, A bill for an act relating to education; establishing a pilot project to examine how school districts might operate jointly to provide innovative delivery of programs and activities and share resources.

 

The Senate respectfully requests that a Conference Committee be appointed thereon.  The Senate has appointed as such committee:

 

Senators DeKruif, Olson and Nienow.

 

Said Senate File is herewith transmitted to the House with the request that the House appoint a like committee.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Erickson moved that the House accede to the request of the Senate and that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 3 members of the House to meet with a like committee appointed by the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the two houses on S. F. No. 946.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the Senate refuses to concur in the House amendments to the following Senate File:

 

S. F. No. 1573, A bill for an act relating to higher education; requiring the provision of textbook information to certain students; providing for the continued operation of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in certain circumstances; increasing Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system revenue bond authority; prescribing uses of the permanent university fund; providing a graduate study benefit to certain safety officer survivors; making


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8860

miscellaneous technical changes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 135A.25, subdivision 5; 136F.58, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 136F.71, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 136F.98, subdivision 1; 136G.03, subdivision 7; 137.022, subdivision 4; 141.35; 299A.45, subdivisions 1, 2.

 

The Senate respectfully requests that a Conference Committee be appointed thereon.  The Senate has appointed as such committee:

 

Senators Fischbach, Carlson, Miller, Robling and Tomassoni.

 

Said Senate File is herewith transmitted to the House with the request that the House appoint a like committee.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Nornes moved that the House accede to the request of the Senate and that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 5 members of the House to meet with a like committee appointed by the Senate on the disagreeing votes of the two houses on S. F. No. 1573.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

      The following Conference Committee Reports were received:

 

 

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. NO. 2294

 

A bill for an act relating to state government; making adjustments to health and human services appropriations; making changes to provisions related to health care, the Department of Health, children and family services, continuing care, chemical dependency, child support, background studies, homelessness, and vulnerable children and adults; providing for data sharing; requiring eligibility determinations; requiring the University of Minnesota to request funding for rural primary care training; providing for the release of medical assistance liens; requiring reporting of potential welfare fraud; providing penalties; providing appointments; providing grants; requiring studies and reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 62D.02, subdivision 3; 62D.05, subdivision 6; 62D.12, subdivision 1; 62J.496, subdivision 2; 62Q.80; 62U.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5; 119B.13, subdivision 3a; 144.1222, by adding a subdivision; 144.292, subdivision 6; 144.293, subdivision 2; 144.298, subdivision 2; 144A.351; 144D.04, subdivision 2; 145.906; 245.697, subdivision 1; 245A.03, by adding a subdivision; 245A.10, by adding a subdivision; 245A.11, subdivision 7; 245B.07, subdivision 1; 245C.04, subdivision 6; 245C.05, subdivision 7; 252.27, subdivision 2a; 254A.19, by adding a subdivision; 256.01, by adding subdivisions; 256.9831, subdivision 2; 256B.056, subdivision 1a; 256B.0625, subdivisions 9, 28a, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0659, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0751, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0754, subdivision 2; 256B.0915, subdivision 3g; 256B.092, subdivisions 1b, 7, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0943, subdivision 9; 256B.431, subdivision 17e, by adding a subdivision; 256B.441, by adding a subdivision; 256B.49, by adding a subdivision; 256B.69, subdivision 9, by adding subdivisions; 256D.06, subdivision 1b; 256D.44, subdivision 5; 256E.37, subdivision 1; 256I.05, subdivision 1e; 256J.08, by adding a subdivision; 256J.26, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 256J.45, subdivision 2; 256J.50, by adding a subdivision; 256J.521, subdivision 2; 256L.07, subdivision 3; 462A.29; 514.981, subdivision 5; 518A.40, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 62E.14, subdivision 4g; 62U.04, subdivisions 3, 9; 119B.13, subdivision 7; 245A.03, subdivision 7; 256.045, subdivision 3; 256.987, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding subdivisions; 256B.056, subdivision 3; 256B.057, subdivision 9; 256B.0625, subdivisions 8, 8a, 8b, 38; 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a, 3c; 256B.0915, subdivisions 3e, 3h; 256B.097, subdivision 3; 256B.49, subdivisions 14, 15, 23; 256B.5012, subdivision 13; 256B.69, subdivisions 5a, 5c; 256E.35, subdivisions 5, 6; 256I.05, subdivision 1a; 256J.49, subdivision 13; 256L.031, subdivisions 2, 3, 6; 256L.12, subdivision 9; 256M.40, subdivision 1; Laws 2010, chapter 374, section 1; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, sections 52; 54; article 9, section 18; article 10, section 3, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 144; 256B; 626.


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April 23, 2012

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

The Honorable Michelle L. Fischbach

President of the Senate

 

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 2294 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

 

That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 2294 be further amended as follows:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

HEALTH CARE

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 62E.14, subdivision 4g, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4g.  Waiver of preexisting conditions for persons covered by healthy Minnesota contribution program.  A person may enroll in the comprehensive plan with a waiver of the preexisting condition limitation in subdivision 3 if the person is eligible for the healthy Minnesota contribution program, and has been denied coverage as described under section 256L.031, subdivision 6.  The six-month durational residency requirement specified in section 62E.02, subdivision 13, does not apply to individuals enrolled in the healthy Minnesota contribution program.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 72A.201, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Standards for claim denial.  The following acts by an insurer, adjuster, or self-insured, or self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:

 

(1) denying a claim or any element of a claim on the grounds of a specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion, without informing the insured of the policy provision, condition, or exclusion on which the denial is based;

 

(2) denying a claim without having made a reasonable investigation of the claim;

 

(3) denying a liability claim because the insured has requested that the claim be denied;

 

(4) denying a liability claim because the insured has failed or refused to report the claim, unless an independent evaluation of available information indicates there is no liability;

 

(5) denying a claim without including the following information:

 

(i) the basis for the denial;

 

(ii) the name, address, and telephone number of the insurer's claim service office or the claim representative of the insurer to whom the insured or claimant may take any questions or complaints about the denial;

 

(iii) the claim number and the policy number of the insured; and

 

(iv) if the denied claim is a fire claim, the insured's right to file with the Department of Commerce a complaint regarding the denial, and the address and telephone number of the Department of Commerce;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8862

(6) denying a claim because the insured or claimant failed to exhibit the damaged property unless:

 

(i) the insurer, within a reasonable time period, made a written demand upon the insured or claimant to exhibit the property; and

 

(ii) the demand was reasonable under the circumstances in which it was made;

 

(7) denying a claim by an insured or claimant based on the evaluation of a chemical dependency claim reviewer selected by the insurer unless the reviewer meets the qualifications specified under subdivision 8a.  An insurer that selects chemical dependency reviewers to conduct claim evaluations must annually file with the commissioner of commerce a report containing the specific evaluation standards and criteria used in these evaluations.  The report must be filed at the same time its annual statement is submitted under section 60A.13.  The report must also include the number of evaluations performed on behalf of the insurer during the reporting period, the types of evaluations performed, the results, the number of appeals of denials based on these evaluations, the results of these appeals, and the number of complaints filed in a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18c.  Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee.  (a) The Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee shall advise the commissioner on the administration of nonemergency medical transportation covered under medical assistance.  The advisory committee shall meet at least quarterly and may meet more frequently as required by the commissioner.  The advisory committee shall annually elect a chair from among its members, who shall work with the commissioner or the commissioner's designee to establish the agenda for each meeting.  The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall attend all advisory committee meetings.

 

(b) The Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the commissioner on:

 

(1) the development of, and periodic updates to, a policy manual for nonemergency medical transportation services;

 

(2) policies and a funding source for reimbursing no-load miles;

 

(3) policies to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and to improve the efficiency of the nonemergency medical transportation system;

 

(4) other issues identified in the 2011 evaluation report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor on medical nonemergency transportation; and

 

(5) other aspects of the nonemergency medical transportation system, as requested by the commissioner.

 

(c) The Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee shall coordinate its activities with the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access established under section 174.285.  The chair of the advisory committee, or the chair's designee, shall attend all meetings of the Minnesota Council on Transportation Access.

 

(d) The Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee shall expire December 1, 2014.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8863

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18d.  Advisory committee members.  (a) The Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee consists of:

 

(1) two voting members who represent counties, at least one of whom must represent a county or counties other than Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright;

 

(2) four voting members who represent medical assistance recipients, including persons with physical and developmental disabilities, persons with mental illness, seniors, children, and low-income individuals;

 

(3) four voting members who represent providers that deliver nonemergency medical transportation services to medical assistance enrollees;

 

(4) two voting members of the house of representatives, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, appointed by the speaker of the house, and two voting members from the senate, one from the majority party and one from the minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;

 

(5) one voting member who represents demonstration providers as defined in section 256B.69, subdivision 2;

 

(6) one voting member who represents an organization that contracts with state or local governments to coordinate transportation services for medical assistance enrollees; and

 

(7) the commissioner of transportation or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve as a voting member.

 

(b) Members of the advisory committee shall not be employed by the Department of Human Services.  Members of the advisory committee shall receive no compensation.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18e.  Single administrative structure and delivery system.  (a) The commissioner shall implement a single administrative structure and delivery system for nonemergency medical transportation, beginning July 1, 2013.  The single administrative structure and delivery system must:

 

(1) eliminate the distinction between access transportation services and special transportation services;

 

(2) enable all medical assistance recipients to follow the same process to obtain nonemergency medical transportation, regardless of their level of need;

 

(3) provide a single oversight framework for all providers of nonemergency medical transportation; and

 

(4) provide flexibility in service delivery, recognizing that clients fall along a continuum of needs and resources.

 

(b) The commissioner shall present to the legislature, by January 15, 2013, any draft legislation necessary to implement the single administrative structure and delivery system for nonemergency medical transportation.

 

(c) In developing the single administrative structure and delivery system and the draft legislation, the commissioner shall consult with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee.


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Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18f.  Enrollee assessment process.  (a) The commissioner, in consultation with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee, shall develop and implement, by July 1, 2013, a comprehensive, statewide, standard assessment process for medical assistance enrollees seeking nonemergency medical transportation services.  The assessment process must identify a client's level of needs, abilities, and resources, and match the client with the mode of transportation in the client's service area that best meets those needs.

 

(b) The assessment process must:

 

(1) address mental health diagnoses when determining the most appropriate mode of transportation;

 

(2) base decisions on clearly defined criteria that are available to clients, providers, and counties;

 

(3) be standardized across the state and be aligned with other similar existing processes;

 

(4) allow for extended periods of eligibility for certain types of nonemergency transportation, when a client's condition is unlikely to change; and

 

(5) increase the use of public transportation when appropriate and cost-effective, including offering monthly bus passes to clients.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18g.  Use of standardized measures.  The commissioner, in consultation with the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Advisory Committee, shall establish performance measures to assess the cost-effectiveness and quality of nonemergency medical transportation.  At a minimum, performance measures should include the number of unique participants served by type of transportation provider, number of trips provided by type of transportation provider, and cost per trip by type of transportation provider.  The commissioner must also consider the measures identified in the January 2012 Department of Human Services report to the legislature on nonemergency medical transportation.  Beginning in calendar year 2013, the commissioner shall collect, audit, and analyze performance data on nonemergency medical transportation annually and report this information on the agency's Web site.  The commissioner shall periodically supplement this information with the results of consumer surveys of the quality of services, and shall make these survey findings available to the public on the agency Web site.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0625, subdivision 28a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 28a.  Licensed physician assistant services.  (a) Medical assistance covers services performed by a licensed physician assistant if the service is otherwise covered under this chapter as a physician service and if the service is within the scope of practice of a licensed physician assistant as defined in section 147A.09.

 

(b) Licensed physician assistants, who are supervised by a physician certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or eligible for board certification in psychiatry, may bill for medication management and evaluation and management services provided to medical assistance enrollees in inpatient hospital settings, consistent with their authorized scope of practice, as defined in section 147A.09, with the exception of performing psychotherapy, diagnostic assessments, or providing clinical supervision.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0625, subdivision 38, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 38.  Payments for mental health services.  Payments for mental health services covered under the medical assistance program that are provided by masters-prepared mental health professionals shall be 80 percent of the rate paid to doctoral-prepared professionals.  Payments for mental health services covered under the medical


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assistance program that are provided by masters-prepared mental health professionals employed by community mental health centers shall be 100 percent of the rate paid to doctoral-prepared professionals.  Payments for mental health services covered under the medical assistance program that are provided by physician assistants shall be 80.4 percent of the base rate paid to psychiatrists.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0631, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Cost-sharing.  (a) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the medical assistance benefit plan shall include the following cost-sharing for all recipients, effective for services provided on or after September 1, 2011:

 

(1) $3 per nonpreventive visit, except as provided in paragraph (b).  For purposes of this subdivision, a visit means an episode of service which is required because of a recipient's symptoms, diagnosis, or established illness, and which is delivered in an ambulatory setting by a physician or physician ancillary, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse midwife, advanced practice nurse, audiologist, optician, or optometrist;

 

(2) $3 for eyeglasses;

 

(3) $3.50 for nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room, except that this co-payment shall be increased to $20 upon federal approval;

 

(4) $3 per brand-name drug prescription and $1 per generic drug prescription, subject to a $12 per month maximum for prescription drug co-payments.  No co-payments shall apply to antipsychotic drugs when used for the treatment of mental illness;

 

(5) effective January 1, 2012, a family deductible equal to the maximum amount allowed under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 447.54; and

 

(6) for individuals identified by the commissioner with income at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, total monthly cost-sharing must not exceed five percent of family income.  For purposes of this paragraph, family income is the total earned and unearned income of the individual and the individual's spouse, if the spouse is enrolled in medical assistance and also subject to the five percent limit on cost-sharing.

 

(b) Recipients of medical assistance are responsible for all co-payments and deductibles in this subdivision.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the commissioner, through the contracting process under sections 256B.69 and 256B.692, may allow managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to waive the family deductible under paragraph (a), clause (5).  The value of the family deductible shall not be included in the capitation payment to managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans.  Managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans shall certify annually to the commissioner the dollar value of the family deductible.

 

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), the commissioner may waive the collection of the family deductible described under paragraph (a), clause (5), from individuals and allow long-term care and waivered service providers to assume responsibility for payment.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  Paragraph (c) is effective January 1, 2012.  Paragraph (d) is effective July 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0751, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Pediatric care coordination.  The commissioner shall implement a pediatric care coordination service for children with high-cost medical or high-cost psychiatric conditions who are at risk of recurrent hospitalization or emergency room use for acute, chronic, or psychiatric illness, who receive medical assistance services.  Care


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8866

coordination services must be targeted to children not already receiving care coordination through another service and may include but are not limited to the provision of health care home services to children admitted to hospitals that do not currently provide care coordination.  Care coordination services must be provided by care coordinators who are directly linked to provider teams in the care delivery setting, but who may be part of a community care team shared by multiple primary care providers or practices.  For purposes of this subdivision, the commissioner shall, to the extent possible, use the existing health care home certification and payment structure established under this section and section 256B.0753.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.69, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5a.  Managed care contracts.  (a) Managed care contracts under this section and section 256L.12 shall be entered into or renewed on a calendar year basis beginning January 1, 1996.  Managed care contracts which were in effect on June 30, 1995, and set to renew on July 1, 1995, shall be renewed for the period July 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995 at the same terms that were in effect on June 30, 1995.  The commissioner may issue separate contracts with requirements specific to services to medical assistance recipients age 65 and older.

 

(b) A prepaid health plan providing covered health services for eligible persons pursuant to chapters 256B and 256L is responsible for complying with the terms of its contract with the commissioner.  Requirements applicable to managed care programs under chapters 256B and 256L established after the effective date of a contract with the commissioner take effect when the contract is next issued or renewed.

 

(c) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2003, the commissioner shall withhold five percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program pending completion of performance targets.  Each performance target must be quantifiable, objective, measurable, and reasonably attainable, except in the case of a performance target based on a federal or state law or rule.  Criteria for assessment of each performance target must be outlined in writing prior to the contract effective date.  Clinical or utilization performance targets and their related criteria must consider evidence-based research and reasonable interventions when available or applicable to the populations served, and must be developed with input from external clinical experts and stakeholders, including managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, and providers.  The managed care or county-based purchasing plan must demonstrate, to the commissioner's satisfaction, that the data submitted regarding attainment of the performance target is accurate.  The commissioner shall periodically change the administrative measures used as performance targets in order to improve plan performance across a broader range of administrative services.  The performance targets must include measurement of plan efforts to contain spending on health care services and administrative activities.  The commissioner may adopt plan-specific performance targets that take into account factors affecting only one plan, including characteristics of the plan's enrollee population.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July of the following year if performance targets in the contract are achieved.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(d) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2009, the commissioner shall withhold three percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(e) Effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2010, the commissioner shall require that managed care plans use the assessment and authorization processes, forms, timelines, standards, documentation, and data reporting requirements, protocols, billing processes, and policies consistent with medical assistance fee-for-service or the Department of Human Services contract requirements consistent with medical assistance fee-for-service or the Department of Human Services contract requirements for all personal care assistance services under section 256B.0659.


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(f) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010, the commissioner shall withhold 4.5 percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(g) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the health plan's emergency room utilization rate for state health care program enrollees by a measurable rate of five percent from the plan's utilization rate for state health care program enrollees for the previous calendar year.  Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the health plan's emergency department utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  For 2012, the reduction shall be based on the health plan's utilization in 2009.  To earn the return of the withhold each subsequent year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than ten percent of the plan's emergency department utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous calendar measurement year until the final performance target is reached.  When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a reduction in the utilization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the target amount.

 

The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's emergency room utilization rate for state health care program enrollees is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's emergency room utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees for calendar year 2011 2009.  Hospitals shall cooperate with the health plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

 

(h) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than five percent of the plan's hospital admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous calendar year until the final performance target is reached.  When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that this reduction in the hospitalization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.


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The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue until there is a 25 percent reduction in the hospital admission rate compared to the hospital admission rates in calendar year 2011, as determined by the commissioner.  The hospital admissions in this performance target do not include the admissions applicable to the subsequent hospital admission performance target under paragraph (i).  Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

 

(i) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (c) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization admission rates for subsequent hospitalizations within 30 days of a previous hospitalization of a patient regardless of the reason, for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of the subsequent hospitalization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, of no less than five percent compared to the previous calendar year until the final performance target is reached.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a qualifying reduction in the subsequent hospitalization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less that the targeted amount.

 

The withhold described in this paragraph must continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in subdivisions 23 and 28, is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for calendar year 2011.  Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that must be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

 

(j) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, the commissioner shall withhold 4.5 percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(k) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, the commissioner shall withhold 4.5 percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(l) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, the commissioner shall withhold 4.5 percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.

 

(m) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2014, the commissioner shall withhold three percent of managed care plan payments under this section and county-based purchasing plan payments under section 256B.692 for the prepaid medical assistance program.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following year.  The commissioner may exclude special demonstration projects under subdivision 23.


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(n) A managed care plan or a county-based purchasing plan under section 256B.692 may include as admitted assets under section 62D.044 any amount withheld under this section that is reasonably expected to be returned.

 

(o) Contracts between the commissioner and a prepaid health plan are exempt from the set-aside and preference provisions of section 16C.16, subdivisions 6, paragraph (a), and 7.

 

(p) The return of the withhold under paragraphs (d), (f), and (j) to (m) is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (c).

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.69, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Reporting.  (a) Each demonstration provider shall submit information as required by the commissioner, including data required for assessing client satisfaction, quality of care, cost, and utilization of services for purposes of project evaluation.  The commissioner shall also develop methods of data reporting and collection in order to provide aggregate enrollee information on encounters and outcomes to determine access and quality assurance.  Required information shall be specified before the commissioner contracts with a demonstration provider.

 

(b) Aggregate nonpersonally identifiable health plan encounter data, aggregate spending data for major categories of service as reported to the commissioners of health and commerce under section 62D.08, subdivision 3, clause (a), and criteria for service authorization and service use are public data that the commissioner shall make available and use in public reports.  The commissioner shall require each health plan and county-based purchasing plan to provide:

 

(1) encounter data for each service provided, using standard codes and unit of service definitions set by the commissioner, in a form that the commissioner can report by age, eligibility groups, and health plan; and

 

(2) criteria, written policies, and procedures required to be disclosed under section 62M.10, subdivision 7, and Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 438.210(b)(1), used for each type of service for which authorization is required.

 

(c) Each demonstration provider shall report to the commissioner on the extent to which providers employed by or under contract with the demonstration provider use patient-centered decision-making tools or procedures designed to engage patients early in the decision-making process and the steps taken by the demonstration provider to encourage their use.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.69, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 9d.  Financial audit.  (a) The legislative auditor shall contract with an audit firm to conduct a biennial independent third-party financial audit of the information required to be provided by managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans under subdivision 9c, paragraph (b).  The audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards issued by the United States Government Accountability Office.  The contract with the audit firm shall be designed and administered so as to render the independent third-party audit eligible for a federal subsidy, if available.  The contract shall require the audit to include a determination of compliance with the federal Medicaid rate certification process.  The contract shall require the audit to determine if the administrative expenses and investment income reported by the managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans are compliant with state and federal law.

 

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "independent third-party" means an audit firm that is independent in accordance with government auditing standards issued by the United States Government Accountability Office and licensed in accordance with chapter 326A.  An audit firm under contract to provide services in accordance with this subdivision must not have provided services to a managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan during the period for which the audit is being conducted.


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(c) The commissioner shall require in the request for bids and resulting contracts with managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans under this section and section 256B.692, that each managed care plan and county-based purchasing plan submit to and fully cooperate with the independent third-party financial audit of the information required under subdivision 9c, paragraph (b).  Each contract with a managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan under this section or section 256B.692, must provide the commissioner and the audit firm contracting with the legislative auditor access to all data required to complete the audit.  For purposes of this subdivision, the contracting audit firm shall have the same investigative power as the legislative auditor under section 3.978, subdivision 2.

 

(d) Each managed care plan and county-based purchasing plan providing services under this section shall provide to the commissioner biweekly encounter data and claims data for state public health care programs and shall participate in a quality assurance program that verifies the timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and consistency of the data provided.  The commissioner shall develop written protocols for the quality assurance program and shall make the protocols publicly available.  The commissioner shall contract for an independent third-party audit to evaluate the quality assurance protocols as to the capacity of the protocols to ensure complete and accurate data and to evaluate the commissioner's implementation of the protocols.  The audit firm under contract to provide this evaluation must meet the requirements in paragraph (b).

 

(e) Upon completion of the audit under paragraph (a) and receipt by the legislative auditor, the legislative auditor shall provide copies of the audit report to the commissioner, the state auditor, the attorney general, and the chairs and ranking minority members of the health and human services finance committees of the legislature.  Upon completion of the evaluation under paragraph (d), the commissioner shall provide copies of the report to the legislative auditor and the chairs and ranking minority members of the health finance committees of the legislature.

 

(f) Any actuary under contract with the commissioner to provide actuarial services must meet the independence requirements under the professional code for fellows in the Society of Actuaries and must not have provided actuarial services to a managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan that is under contract with the commissioner pursuant to this section and section 256B.692 during the period in which the actuarial services are being provided.  An actuary or actuarial firm meeting the requirements of this paragraph must certify and attest to the rates paid to the managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans under this section and section 256B.692, and the certification and attestation must be auditable.

 

(g) Nothing in this subdivision shall allow the release of information that is nonpublic data pursuant to section 13.02.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment and applies to the managed care and county-based purchasing plan contracts that are effective January 1, 2014, and biennially thereafter.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.69, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 32.  Initiatives to reduce incidence of low birth weight.  The commissioner shall require managed care and county-based purchasing plans, as a condition of contract, to implement strategies to reduce the incidence of low birth weight in geographic areas identified by the commissioner as having a higher than average incidence of low birth weight.  The strategies must coordinate health care with social services and the local public health system.  Each plan shall develop and report to the commissioner outcome measures related to reducing the incidence of low birth weight.  The commissioner shall consider the outcomes reported when considering plan participation in the competitive bidding program established under subdivision 33.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.69, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 33.  Competitive bidding.  (a) For managed care contracts effective on or after January 1, 2014, the commissioner may utilize a competitive price bidding program for nonelderly, nondisabled adults and children in medical assistance and MinnesotaCare in the seven-county metropolitan area.  The program must allow a minimum of two managed care plans to serve the metropolitan area.


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(b) In designing the competitive bid program, the commissioner shall consider, and incorporate where appropriate, the procedures and criteria used in the competitive bidding pilot authorized under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 6, section 96.  The pilot program operating in Hennepin County under the authority of section 256B.0756 shall continue to be exempt from competitive bid.

 

(c) The commissioner shall use past performance data as a factor in selecting vendors and shall consider this information, along with competitive bid and other information, in determining whether to contract with a managed care plan under this subdivision.  Where possible, the assessment of past performance in serving persons on public programs shall be based on encounter data submitted to the commissioner.  The commissioner shall evaluate past performance based on both the health outcomes of care and success rates in securing participation in recommended preventive and early diagnostic care.  Data provided by managed care plans must be provided in a uniform manner as specified by the commissioner and must include only data on medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees.  The data submitted must include health outcome measures on reducing the incidence of low birth weight established by the managed care plan under subdivision 32.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.76, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Critical access dental providers.  (a) Effective for dental services rendered on or after January 1, 2002, the commissioner shall increase reimbursements to dentists and dental clinics deemed by the commissioner to be critical access dental providers.  For dental services rendered on or after July 1, 2007, the commissioner shall increase reimbursement by 30 percent above the reimbursement rate that would otherwise be paid to the critical access dental provider.  The commissioner shall pay the managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans in amounts sufficient to reflect increased reimbursements to critical access dental providers as approved by the commissioner.

 

(b) The commissioner shall designate the following dentists and dental clinics as critical access dental providers:

 

(1) nonprofit community clinics that:

 

(i) have nonprofit status in accordance with chapter 317A;

 

(ii) have tax exempt status in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, section 501(c)(3);

 

(iii) are established to provide oral health services to patients who are low income, uninsured, have special needs, and are underserved;

 

(iv) have professional staff familiar with the cultural background of the clinic's patients;

 

(v) charge for services on a sliding fee scale designed to provide assistance to low-income patients based on current poverty income guidelines and family size;

 

(vi) do not restrict access or services because of a patient's financial limitations or public assistance status; and

 

(vii) have free care available as needed;

 

(2) federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and public health clinics;

 

(3) county owned and operated hospital-based dental clinics;

 

(4) a dental clinic or dental group owned and operated by a nonprofit corporation in accordance with chapter 317A with more than 10,000 patient encounters per year with patients who are uninsured or covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare; and


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(5) a dental clinic owned and operated by the University of Minnesota or the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

 

(c) The commissioner may designate a dentist or dental clinic as a critical access dental provider if the dentist or dental clinic is willing to provide care to patients covered by medical assistance, general assistance medical care, or MinnesotaCare at a level which significantly increases access to dental care in the service area.

 

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), critical access payments must not be made for dental services provided from April 1, 2010, through June 30, 2010.  A designated critical access clinic shall receive the reimbursement rate specified in paragraph (a) for dental services provided off-site at a private dental office if the following requirements are met:

 

(1) the designated critical access dental clinic is located within a health professional shortage area as defined under the Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 5, and the United States Code, title 42, section 254E, and is located outside the seven-county metropolitan area;

 

(2) the designated critical access dental clinic is not able to provide the service and refers the patient to the off-site dentist;

 

(3) the service, if provided at the critical access dental clinic, would be reimbursed at the critical access reimbursement rate;

 

(4) the dentist and allied dental professionals providing the services off-site are licensed and in good standing under chapter 150A;

 

(5) the dentist providing the services is enrolled as a medical assistance provider;

 

(6) the critical access dental clinic submits the claim for services provided off-site and receives the payment for the services; and

 

(7) the critical access dental clinic maintains dental records for each claim submitted under this paragraph, including the name of the dentist, the off-site location, and the license number of the dentist and allied dental professionals providing the services.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2012, or upon federal approval, whichever is later.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256L.03, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Cost-sharing.  (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c), the MinnesotaCare benefit plan shall include the following cost-sharing requirements for all enrollees:

 

(1) ten percent of the paid charges for inpatient hospital services for adult enrollees, subject to an annual inpatient out-of-pocket maximum of $1,000 per individual;

 

(2) $3 per prescription for adult enrollees;

 

(3) $25 for eyeglasses for adult enrollees;

 

(4) $3 per nonpreventive visit.  For purposes of this subdivision, a "visit" means an episode of service which is required because of a recipient's symptoms, diagnosis, or established illness, and which is delivered in an ambulatory setting by a physician or physician ancillary, chiropractor, podiatrist, nurse midwife, advanced practice nurse, audiologist, optician, or optometrist;


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(5) $6 for nonemergency visits to a hospital-based emergency room for services provided through December 31, 2010, and $3.50 effective January 1, 2011; and

 

(6) a family deductible equal to the maximum amount allowed under Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 447.54.

 

(b) Paragraph (a), clause (1), does not apply to parents and relative caretakers of children under the age of 21.

 

(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to pregnant women and children under the age of 21.

 

(d) Paragraph (a), clause (4), does not apply to mental health services.

 

(e) Adult enrollees with family gross income that exceeds 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or 215 percent of the federal poverty guidelines on or after July 1, 2009, and who are not pregnant shall be financially responsible for the coinsurance amount, if applicable, and amounts which exceed the $10,000 inpatient hospital benefit limit.

 

(f) When a MinnesotaCare enrollee becomes a member of a prepaid health plan, or changes from one prepaid health plan to another during a calendar year, any charges submitted towards the $10,000 annual inpatient benefit limit, and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the enrollee for inpatient services, that were submitted or incurred prior to enrollment, or prior to the change in health plans, shall be disregarded.

 

(g) MinnesotaCare reimbursements to fee-for-service providers and payments to managed care plans or county-based purchasing plans shall not be increased as a result of the reduction of the co-payments in paragraph (a), clause (5), effective January 1, 2011.

 

(h) The commissioner, through the contracting process under section 256L.12, may allow managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans to waive the family deductible under paragraph (a), clause (6).  The value of the family deductible shall not be included in the capitation payment to managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans.  Managed care plans and county-based purchasing plans shall certify annually to the commissioner the dollar value of the family deductible.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective January 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256L.031, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Use of defined contribution; health plan requirements.  (a) An enrollee may use up to the monthly defined contribution to pay premiums for coverage under a health plan as defined in section 62A.011, subdivision 3, or as provided in section 256L.031, subdivision 6.

 

(b) An enrollee must select a health plan within three four calendar months of approval of MinnesotaCare eligibility.  If a health plan is not selected and purchased within this time period, the enrollee must reapply and must meet all eligibility criteria.  The commissioner may determine criteria under which an enrollee has more than four calendar months to select a health plan.

 

(c) A health plan Coverage purchased under this section must:

 

(1) provide coverage for include mental health and chemical dependency treatment services; and

 

(2) comply with the coverage limitations specified in section 256L.03, subdivision 1, the second paragraph.


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Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256L.031, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Determination of defined contribution amount.  (a) The commissioner shall determine the defined contribution sliding scale using the base contribution specified in paragraph (b) this paragraph for the specified age ranges.  The commissioner shall use a sliding scale for defined contributions that provides:

 

(1) persons with household incomes equal to 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines with a defined contribution of 93 percent of the base contribution;

 

(2) persons with household incomes equal to 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines with a defined contribution of 80 percent of the base contribution; and

 

(3) persons with household incomes in evenly spaced increments between the percentages of the federal poverty guideline or income level specified in clauses (1) and (2) with a base contribution that is a percentage interpolated from the defined contribution percentages specified in clauses (1) and (2).

 

19-29

$125

30-34

$135

35-39

$140

40-44

$175

45-49

$215

50-54

$295

55-59

$345

60+

$360

 

(b) The commissioner shall multiply the defined contribution amounts developed under paragraph (a) by 1.20 for enrollees who are denied coverage under an individual health plan by a health plan company and who purchase coverage through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256L.031, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA).  Beginning July 1, 2012, MinnesotaCare enrollees who are denied coverage in the individual health market by a health plan company in accordance with section 62A.65 are eligible for coverage through a health plan offered by the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association and may enroll in MCHA in accordance with section 62E.14.  Any difference between the revenue and actual covered losses to MCHA related to the implementation of this section are appropriated annually to the commissioner of human services from the health care access fund and shall be paid to MCHA.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256L.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Other health coverage.  (a) Families and individuals enrolled in the MinnesotaCare program must have no health coverage while enrolled or for at least four months prior to application and renewal.  Children enrolled in the original children's health plan and children in families with income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, who have other health insurance, are eligible if the coverage:

 

(1) lacks two or more of the following:

 

(i) basic hospital insurance;

 

(ii) medical-surgical insurance;


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(iii) prescription drug coverage;

 

(iv) dental coverage; or

 

(v) vision coverage;

 

(2) requires a deductible of $100 or more per person per year; or

 

(3) lacks coverage because the child has exceeded the maximum coverage for a particular diagnosis or the policy excludes a particular diagnosis.

 

The commissioner may change this eligibility criterion for sliding scale premiums in order to remain within the limits of available appropriations.  The requirement of no health coverage does not apply to newborns.

 

(b) Coverage purchased as provided under section 256L.031, subdivision 2, medical assistance, general assistance medical care, and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Service, CHAMPUS, or other coverage provided under United States Code, title 10, subtitle A, part II, chapter 55, are not considered insurance or health coverage for purposes of the four-month requirement described in this subdivision.

 

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, an applicant or enrollee who is entitled to Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B coverage under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, United States Code, title 42, sections 1395c to 1395w-152, is considered to have health coverage.  An applicant or enrollee who is entitled to premium-free Medicare Part A may not refuse to apply for or enroll in Medicare coverage to establish eligibility for MinnesotaCare.

 

(d) Applicants who were recipients of medical assistance or general assistance medical care within one month of application must meet the provisions of this subdivision and subdivision 2.

 

(e) Cost-effective health insurance that was paid for by medical assistance is not considered health coverage for purposes of the four-month requirement under this section, except if the insurance continued after medical assistance no longer considered it cost-effective or after medical assistance closed.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256L.12, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Rate setting; performance withholds.  (a) Rates will be prospective, per capita, where possible.  The commissioner may allow health plans to arrange for inpatient hospital services on a risk or nonrisk basis.  The commissioner shall consult with an independent actuary to determine appropriate rates.

 

(b) For services rendered on or after January 1, 2004, the commissioner shall withhold five percent of managed care plan payments and county-based purchasing plan payments under this section pending completion of performance targets.  Each performance target must be quantifiable, objective, measurable, and reasonably attainable, except in the case of a performance target based on a federal or state law or rule.  Criteria for assessment of each performance target must be outlined in writing prior to the contract effective date.  Clinical or utilization performance targets and their related criteria must consider evidence-based research and reasonable interventions, when available or applicable to the populations served, and must be developed with input from external clinical experts and stakeholders, including managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, and providers.  The managed care plan must demonstrate, to the commissioner's satisfaction, that the data submitted regarding attainment of the performance target is accurate.  The commissioner shall periodically change the administrative measures used as performance targets in order to improve plan performance across a broader range of administrative services.  The performance targets must include measurement of plan efforts to contain spending on health care services and administrative activities.  The commissioner may adopt plan-specific performance targets that take into


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account factors affecting only one plan, such as characteristics of the plan's enrollee population.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if performance targets in the contract are achieved.

 

(c) For services rendered on or after January 1, 2011, the commissioner shall withhold an additional three percent of managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan payments under this section.  The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year.  The return of the withhold under this paragraph is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (b).

 

(d) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (b) a reduction in the plan's emergency room utilization rate for state health care program enrollees by a measurable rate of five percent from the plan's utilization rate for the previous calendar year.  Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (b) a reduction in the health plan's emergency department utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  For 2012, the reductions shall be based on the health plan's utilization in 2009.  To earn the return of the withhold each subsequent year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than ten percent of the plan's utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in section 256B.69, subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous calendar measurement year, until the final performance target is reached.  When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a reduction in the utilization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.

 

The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's emergency room utilization rate for state health care program enrollees is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's emergency room utilization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees for calendar year 2011 2009.  Hospitals shall cooperate with the health plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

 

(e) Effective for services rendered on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (b) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of no less than five percent of the plan's hospital admission rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in section 256B.69, subdivisions 23 and 28, compared to the previous calendar year, until the final performance target is reached.  When measuring performance, the commissioner must consider the difference in health risk in a managed care or county-based purchasing plan's membership in the baseline year compared to the measurement year, and work with the managed care or county-based purchasing plan to account for differences that they agree are significant.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that this reduction in the hospitalization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.


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The withhold described in this paragraph shall continue until there is a 25 percent reduction in the hospitals admission rate compared to the hospital admission rate for calendar year 2011 as determined by the commissioner.  Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that may be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.  The hospital admissions in this performance target do not include the admissions applicable to the subsequent hospital admission performance target under paragraph (f).

 

(f) Effective for services provided on or after January 1, 2012, the commissioner shall include as part of the performance targets described in paragraph (b) a reduction in the plan's hospitalization rate for a subsequent hospitalization within 30 days of a previous hospitalization of a patient regardless of the reason, for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, as determined by the commissioner.  To earn the return of the withhold each year, the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan must achieve a qualifying reduction of the subsequent hospital admissions rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees, excluding Medicare enrollees in programs described in section 256B.69, subdivisions 23 and 28, of no less than five percent compared to the previous calendar year until the final performance target is reached.

 

The withheld funds must be returned no sooner than July 1 and no later than July 31 of the following calendar year if the managed care plan or county-based purchasing plan demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that a reduction in the subsequent hospitalization rate was achieved.  The commissioner shall structure the withhold so that the commissioner returns a portion of the withheld funds in amounts commensurate with achieved reductions in utilization less than the targeted amount.

 

The withhold described in this paragraph must continue for each consecutive contract period until the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for medical assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees is reduced by 25 percent of the plan's subsequent hospitalization rate for calendar year 2011.  Hospitals shall cooperate with the plans in meeting this performance target and shall accept payment withholds that must be returned to the hospitals if the performance target is achieved.

 

(g) A managed care plan or a county-based purchasing plan under section 256B.692 may include as admitted assets under section 62D.044 any amount withheld under this section that is reasonably expected to be returned.

 

Sec. 24.  NONEMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.

 

(a) The commissioner of human services shall issue a request for information from vendors about potential solutions for the management of nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provided to recipients of Minnesota health care programs.  The request for information must require vendors to submit responses by November 1, 2012.  The request for information shall seek information from vendors, including but not limited to, the following aspects:

 

(1) administration of the NEMT program within a single administrative structure, that may include a statewide or regionalized solution;

 

(2) oversight of transportation services;

 

(3) a process for assessing an individual's level of need;

 

(4) methods that promote the appropriate use of public transportation; and


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(5) an electronic system that assists providers in managing services to clients and is consistent with the recommendations in the 2011 evaluation report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor on NEMT, related to the use of data to inform decision-making and reduce waste and fraud.

 

(b) The commissioner shall provide the information obtained from the request for information to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy and financing by November 15, 2012.

 

Sec. 25.  PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AND OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH.

 

The commissioner of human services shall convene a group of interested stakeholders to assist the commissioner in developing recommendations on how to improve access to, and the quality of, outpatient mental health services for medical assistance enrollees through the use of physician assistants.  The commissioner shall report these recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health care policy and financing by January 15, 2013.

 

Sec. 26.  HEALTH SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL.

 

The Health Services Advisory Council shall review currently available literature regarding the efficacy of various treatments for autism spectrum disorder, including an evaluation of age-based variation in the appropriateness of existing medical and behavioral interventions.  The council shall recommend to the commissioner of human services authorization criteria for services based on existing evidence.  The council may recommend coverage with ongoing collection of outcomes evidence in circumstances where evidence is currently unavailable, or where the strength of the evidence is low.  The council shall make this recommendation by December 31, 2012.

 

Sec. 27.  REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Evidence-based childbirth program.  The commissioner of human services may discontinue the evidence-based childbirth program and shall discontinue all affiliated reporting requirements established under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivision 3g, once the commissioner determines that hospitals representing at least 90 percent of births covered by medical assistance or MinnesotaCare have approved policies and processes in place that prohibit elective inductions prior to 39 weeks' gestation.

 

Subd. 2.  Provider networks.  The commissioner of health, the commissioner of commerce, and the commissioner of human services shall merge reporting requirements for health maintenance organizations and county-based purchasing plans related to Minnesota Department of Health oversight of network adequacy under Minnesota Statutes, section 62D.124, and the provider network list reported to the Department of Human Services under Minnesota Rules, part 4685.2100.  The commissioners shall work with health maintenance organizations and county-based purchasing plans to ensure that the report merger is done in a manner that simplifies health maintenance organization and county-based purchasing plan reporting processes.

 

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

 

Sec. 28.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE STUDY.

 

(a) The commissioner of human services shall develop a plan to provide coordinated and cost-effective health care and coverage for individuals who meet eligibility standards for emergency medical assistance and who are ineligible for other state public programs.  The commissioner shall consult with relevant stakeholders in the development of the plan.  The commissioner shall consider the following elements:


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(1) strategies to provide individuals with the most appropriate care in the appropriate setting, utilizing higher quality and lower cost providers;

 

(2) payment mechanisms to encourage providers to manage the care of these populations, and to produce lower cost of care and better patient outcomes;

 

(3) ensure coverage and payment options that address the unique needs of those needing episodic care, chronic care, and long-term care services;

 

(4) strategies for coordinating health care and nonhealth care services, and integrating with existing coverage; and

 

(5) other issues and strategies to ensure cost-effective and coordinated delivery of coverage and services.

 

(b) The commissioner shall submit the plan to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy and financing by January 15, 2013.

 

Sec. 29.  EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITION COVERAGE EXCEPTIONS.

 

(a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.06, subdivision 4, paragraph (h), clause (2), the following services are covered as emergency medical conditions under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.06, subdivision 4, paragraph (f):

 

(1) dialysis services provided in a hospital or free-standing dialysis facility; and

 

(2) surgery and the administration of chemotherapy, radiation, and related services necessary to treat cancer if the recipient has a cancer diagnosis that is not in remission and requires surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

 

(b) Coverage under paragraph (a) is effective May 1, 2012, until June 30, 2013.

 

Sec. 30.  COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS STUDY.

 

The commissioner of human services, in consultation with managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, and other relevant stakeholders, shall develop recommendations to implement a revised cost-sharing structure for state public health care programs that ensures application of meaningful cost-sharing requirements within the limits of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, section 447.54, for enrollees in these programs.  The commissioner shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over these issues by January 15, 2013, with draft legislation to implement these recommendations effective January 1, 2014.

 

Sec. 31.  STUDY OF MANAGED CARE.

 

(a) The commissioner of human services must contract with an independent vendor with demonstrated expertise in evaluating Medicaid managed care programs to evaluate the value of managed care for state public health care programs provided under Minnesota Statutes, sections 256B.69, 256B.692, and 256L.12.  Determination of the value of managed care must include consideration of the following, as compared to a fee-for-service program:

 

(1) the satisfaction of state public health care program recipients and providers;

 

(2) the ability to measure and improve health outcomes of recipients;

 

(3) the access to health services for recipients;


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(4) the availability of additional services such as care coordination, case management, disease management, transportation, and after-hours nurse lines;

 

(5) actual and potential cost savings to the state;

 

(6) the level of alignment with state and federal health reform policies, including a health benefit exchange for individuals not enrolled in state public health care programs; and

 

(7) the ability to use different provider payment models that provide incentives for cost-effective health care.

 

(b) The evaluation described in paragraph (a) must also consider the need to continue the requirement for health maintenance organizations to participate in the medical assistance and MinnesotaCare programs as a condition of licensure under Minnesota Statutes, section 62D.04, subdivision 5, and under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0644, in terms of continued stability and access to services for enrollees of these programs.

 

(c) A preliminary report of the evaluation must be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the health and human services legislative committees by February 15, 2013, and the final report must be submitted by July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 32.  REPEALER.

 

Subdivision 1.  Summary of complaints and grievances.  (a) Minnesota Rules, part 4685.2000, is repealed effective the day following final enactment.

 

Subd. 2.  Medical necessity denials and appeals.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62M.09, subdivision 9, is repealed effective the day following final enactment.

 

Subd. 3.  Salary reports.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62Q.64, is repealed effective the day following final enactment.

 

ARTICLE 2

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62Q.80, is amended to read:

 

62Q.80 COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CARE COVERAGE PROGRAM.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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

 

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

 

Subd. 1a.  Demonstration project.  The commissioner of health and the commissioner of human services shall award demonstration project grants to community-based health care initiatives to develop and operate community-based health care coverage programs in Minnesota.  The demonstration projects shall extend for five years and must comply with the requirements of this section.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(c) "Community-based health initiative" or "initiative" means a nonprofit corporation that is governed by a board that has at least 80 percent of its members residing in the community and includes representatives of the participating network providers and employers, or a county-based purchasing organization as defined in section 256B.692.

 

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

 

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

 

Subd. 3.  Approval.  (a) Prior to the operation of a community-based health care coverage program, a community-based health initiative, defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), and receiving funds from the Department of Health, shall submit to the commissioner of health for approval the community-based health care coverage program developed by the initiative.  Each community-based health initiative as defined in subdivision 2, paragraph (c), and receiving State Health Access Program (SHAP) grant funding shall submit to the commissioner of human services for approval prior to its operation the community-based health care coverage programs developed by the initiatives.  The commissioners commissioner shall ensure that each program meets the federal grant requirements and any requirements described in this section and is actuarially sound based on a review of appropriate records and methods utilized by the community-based health initiative in establishing premium rates for the community-based health care coverage programs.

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(3) providing payment to participating providers;

 

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

 

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

 

(6) initiating disease management services, as appropriate.

 

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

 

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

 

(2) be employed by a qualifying employer, be an employee's dependent, or be self-employed on a full-time basis;

 

(3) not be enrolled in or have currently available health coverage, except for catastrophic health care coverage; and

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(2) pay its employees a median wage that equals 350 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or less for an individual; and

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(2) preventive services, including:

 

(i) health education and wellness services;

 

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

 

(iii) immunizations; and

 

(iv) early disease detection.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Subd. 13.  Report.  Each initiative shall submit quarterly an annual status reports report to the commissioner of health on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15 of each year, with the first report due January 15, 2008.  Each initiative receiving funding from the Department of Human Services shall submit status reports to the commissioner of human services as defined in the terms of the contract with the Department of Human Services.  Each status report shall include:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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


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Subd. 14.  Sunset.  This section expires August 31, 2014.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 144.1222, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Swimming pond exemption Exemptions.  (a) A public swimming pond in existence before January 1, 2008, is not a public pool for purposes of this section and section 157.16, and is exempt from the requirements for public swimming pools under Minnesota Rules, chapter 4717.

 

(b) A naturally treated swimming pool located in the city of Minneapolis is not a public pool for purposes of this section and section 157.16, and is exempt from the requirements for public swimming pools under Minnesota Rules, chapter 4717.

 

(b) (c) Notwithstanding paragraph paragraphs (a) and (b), a public swimming pond and a naturally treated swimming pool must meet the requirements for public pools described in subdivisions 1c and 1d.

 

(c) (d) For purposes of this subdivision, a "public swimming pond" means an artificial body of water contained within a lined, sand-bottom basin, intended for public swimming, relaxation, or recreational use that includes a water circulation system for maintaining water quality and does not include any portion of a naturally occurring lake or stream.

 

(e) For purposes of this subdivision, a "naturally treated swimming pool" means an artificial body of water contained in a basin, intended for public swimming, relaxation, or recreational use that uses a chemical free filtration system for maintaining water quality through natural processes, including the use of plants, beneficial bacteria, and microbes.

 

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

 

Sec. 3.  [144.1225] ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definition.  For purposes of this section, "advanced diagnostic imaging services" has the meaning given in United States Code, title 42, section 1395M, except that it does not include x-ray, ultrasound, or fluoroscopy.

 

Subd. 2.  Accreditation required.  (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), advanced diagnostic imaging services eligible for reimbursement from any source, including, but not limited to, the individual receiving such services and any individual or group insurance contract, plan, or policy delivered in this state, including, but not limited to, private health insurance plans, workers' compensation insurance, motor vehicle insurance, the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP), and other state health care programs, shall be reimbursed only if the facility at which the service has been conducted and processed is accredited by one of the following entities:

 

(i) American College of Radiology (ACR);

 

(ii) Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC);

 

(iii) the Joint Commission; or

 

(iv) other relevant accreditation organization designated by the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to United States Code, title 42, section 1395M.

 

(2) All accreditation standards recognized under this section must include, but are not limited to:

 

(i) provisions establishing qualifications of the physician;


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(ii) standards for quality control and routine performance monitoring by a medical physicist;

 

(iii) qualifications of the technologist, including minimum standards of supervised clinical experience;

 

(iv) guidelines for personnel and patient safety; and

 

(v) standards for initial and ongoing quality control using clinical image review and quantitative testing.

 

(b) Any facility that performs advanced diagnostic imaging services and is eligible to receive reimbursement for such services from any source in paragraph (a)(1) must obtain accreditation by August 1, 2013.  Thereafter, all facilities that provide advanced diagnostic imaging services in the state must obtain accreditation prior to commencing operations and must, at all times, maintain accreditation with an accrediting organization as provided in paragraph (a).

 

Subd. 3.  Reporting.  (a) Advanced diagnostic imaging facilities and providers of advanced diagnostic imaging services must annually report to the commissioner demonstration of accreditation as required under this section.

 

(b) The commissioner may promulgate any rules necessary to administer the reporting required under paragraph (a).

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.292, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Cost.  (a) When a patient requests a copy of the patient's record for purposes of reviewing current medical care, the provider must not charge a fee.

 

(b) When a provider or its representative makes copies of patient records upon a patient's request under this section, the provider or its representative may charge the patient or the patient's representative no more than 75 cents per page, plus $10 for time spent retrieving and copying the records, unless other law or a rule or contract provide for a lower maximum charge.  This limitation does not apply to x-rays.  The provider may charge a patient no more than the actual cost of reproducing x-rays, plus no more than $10 for the time spent retrieving and copying the x-rays.

 

(c) The respective maximum charges of 75 cents per page and $10 for time provided in this subdivision are in effect for calendar year 1992 and may be adjusted annually each calendar year as provided in this subdivision.  The permissible maximum charges shall change each year by an amount that reflects the change, as compared to the previous year, in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, Minneapolis-St. Paul (CPI-U), published by the Department of Labor.

 

(d) A provider or its representative may charge the $10 retrieval fee, but must not charge a per page fee to provide copies of records requested by a patient or the patient's authorized representative if the request for copies of records is for purposes of appealing a denial of Social Security disability income or Social Security disability benefits under title II or title XVI of the Social Security Act; except that no fee shall be charged to a person who is receiving public assistance, who is represented by an attorney on behalf of a civil legal services program or a volunteer attorney program based on indigency.  For the purpose of further appeals, a patient may receive no more than two medical record updates without charge, but only for medical record information previously not provided.  For purposes of this paragraph, a patient's authorized representative does not include units of state government engaged in the adjudication of Social Security disability claims.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.298, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Liability of provider or other person.  A person who does any of the following is liable to the patient for compensatory damages caused by an unauthorized release or an intentional, unauthorized access, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees:


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(1) negligently or intentionally requests or releases a health record in violation of sections 144.291 to 144.297;

 

(2) forges a signature on a consent form or materially alters the consent form of another person without the person's consent; or

 

(3) obtains a consent form or the health records of another person under false pretenses; or

 

(4) intentionally violates sections 144.291 to 144.297 by intentionally accessing a record locator service without authorization.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144.5509, is amended to read:

 

144.5509 RADIATION THERAPY FACILITY CONSTRUCTION.

 

(a) A radiation therapy facility may be constructed only by an entity owned, operated, or controlled by a hospital licensed according to sections 144.50 to 144.56 either alone or in cooperation with another entity.

 

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), there shall be a moratorium on the construction of any radiation therapy facility located in the following counties:  Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, Carver, Scott, St. Louis, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Chisago, Isanti, and Wright.  This paragraph does not apply to the relocation or reconstruction of an existing facility owned by a hospital if the relocation or reconstruction is within one mile of the existing facility.  This paragraph does not apply to a radiation therapy facility that is being built attached to a community hospital in Wright County and meets the following conditions prior to August 1, 2007:  the capital expenditure report required under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.17, has been filed with the commissioner of health; a timely construction schedule is developed, stipulating dates for beginning, achieving various stages, and completing construction; and all zoning and building permits applied for.  Beginning January 1, 2013, this paragraph does not apply to any construction necessary to relocate a radiation therapy machine from a community hospital-owned radiation therapy facility located in the city of Maplewood to a community hospital campus in the city of Woodbury within the same health system.  This paragraph expires August 1, 2014.

 

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), after August 1, 2014, the construction of a radiation therapy facility located in any of the following counties:  Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, Anoka, Carver, Scott, St. Louis, Sherburne, Benton, Stearns, Chisago, Isanti, and Wright, may occur only if the following requirements are met:

 

(1) the entity constructing the radiation therapy facility is controlled by or is under common control with a hospital licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56; and

 

(2) the new radiation therapy facility is located at least seven miles from an existing radiation therapy facility.

 

(d) Any referring physician located within a county identified in paragraph (c) must provide each patient who is in need of radiation therapy services with a list of all radiation therapy facilities located within the counties identified in paragraph (c).  Physicians with a financial interest in any radiation therapy facility must disclose to the patient the existence of the interest.

 

(e) For purposes of this section, "controlled by" or "under common control with" means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the policies, operations, or activities of an entity, through the ownership of, or right to vote or to direct the disposition of shares, membership interests, or ownership interests of the entity.


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(f) For purposes of this section, "financial interest in any radiation therapy facility" means a direct or indirect ownership or investment interest in a radiation therapy facility or a compensation arrangement with a radiation therapy facility.

 

(g) This section does not apply to the relocation or reconstruction of an existing radiation therapy facility if:

 

(1) the relocation or reconstruction of the facility remains owned by the same entity;

 

(2) the relocation or reconstruction is located within one mile of the existing facility; and

 

(3) the period in which the existing facility is closed and the relocated or reconstructed facility begins providing services does not exceed 12 months.

 

Sec. 7.  [145.8811] MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH ADVISORY TASK FORCE.

 

Subdivision 1.  Composition of task force.  The commissioner shall establish and appoint a Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force consisting of 15 members who will provide equal representation from:

 

(1) professionals with expertise in maternal and child health services;

 

(2) representatives of community health boards as defined in section 145A.02, subdivision 5; and

 

(3) consumer representatives interested in the health of mothers and children.

 

No members shall be employees of the Minnesota Department of Health.  Section 15.059 governs the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, the Maternal and Child Health Advisory Task Force expires June 30, 2015.

 

Subd. 2.  Duties.  The advisory task force shall meet on a regular basis to perform the following duties:

 

(1) review and report on the health care needs of mothers and children throughout the state of Minnesota;

 

(2) review and report on the type, frequency, and impact of maternal and child health care services provided to mothers and children under existing maternal and child health care programs, including programs administered by the commissioner of health;

 

(3) establish, review, and report to the commissioner a list of program guidelines and criteria which the advisory task force considers essential to providing an effective maternal and child health care program to low-income populations and high-risk persons and fulfilling the purposes defined in section 145.88;

 

(4) make recommendations to the commissioner for the use of other federal and state funds available to meet maternal and child health needs;

 

(5) make recommendations to the commissioner of health on priorities for funding the following maternal and child health services:

 

(i) prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care;

 

(ii) comprehensive health care for children, especially from birth through five years of age;

 

(iii) adolescent health services;


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(iv) family planning services;

 

(v) preventive dental care;

 

(vi) special services for chronically ill and disabled children; and

 

(vii) any other services that promote the health of mothers and children; and

 

(6) establish, in consultation with the commissioner and the State Community Health Advisory Committee established under section 145A.10, subdivision 10, paragraph (a), statewide outcomes that will improve the health status of mothers and children as required in section 145A.12, subdivision 7.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 145.906, is amended to read:

 

145.906 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION EDUCATION AND INFORMATION.

 

(a) The commissioner of health shall work with health care facilities, licensed health and mental health care professionals, the women, infants, and children (WIC) program, mental health advocates, consumers, and families in the state to develop materials and information about postpartum depression, including treatment resources, and develop policies and procedures to comply with this section.

 

(b) Physicians, traditional midwives, and other licensed health care professionals providing prenatal care to women must have available to women and their families information about postpartum depression.

 

(c) Hospitals and other health care facilities in the state must provide departing new mothers and fathers and other family members, as appropriate, with written information about postpartum depression, including its symptoms, methods of coping with the illness, and treatment resources.

 

(d) Information about postpartum depression, including its symptoms, potential impact on families, and treatment resources, must be available at WIC sites.

 

Sec. 9.  EVALUATION OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

Relating to the evaluations and legislative report completed pursuant to Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 2, section 26, the following activities must be completed:

 

(1) the commissioners of health and human services must update, revise, and link the contents of their Web sites related to supervised living facilities, intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled, nursing facilities, board and lodging establishments, and human services licensed programs so that consumers and providers can access consistent clear information about the regulations affecting these facilities; and

 

(2) the commissioner of management and budget, in consultation with the commissioners of health and human services, must evaluate and recommend options for administering health and human services regulations.  The evaluation and recommendations must be submitted in a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the health and human services legislative committees no later than August 1, 2013, and shall at a minimum:  (i) identify and evaluate the regulatory responsibilities of the Departments of Health and Human Services to determine whether to reorganize these regulatory responsibilities to improve how the state administers health and human services regulatory functions, or whether there are ways to improve these regulatory activities without reorganizing; (ii) describe and evaluate the multiple roles of the Department of Human Services as a direct provider of care services, a regulator, and a payor for state program services; and (iii) for long-term care regulated in both departments, evaluate and make recommendations for reasonable client risk assessments, planning for client risk reductions, and determining reasonable assumptions of client risks in relation to directing health care, client health care rights, provider liabilities, and provider responsibilities to provide minimum standards of care.


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Sec. 10.  HEALTH RECORD ACCESS STUDY.

 

The commissioner of health, in consultation with the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee, shall study the following:

 

(1) the extent to which providers have audit procedures in place to monitor use of representation of consent and unauthorized access to a patient's health records in violation of Minnesota Statutes, sections 144.291 to 144.297;

 

(2) the feasibility of informing patients if an intentional, unauthorized access of their health records occurs; and

 

(3) the feasibility of providing patients with a copy of a provider's audit log showing who has accessed their health records.

 

The commissioner shall report study findings and any relevant patient privacy and other recommendations to the legislature by February 15, 2013.

 

Sec. 11.  REPORTING PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE.

 

The commissioner of health must routinely report to the public and to the legislature data on the prevalence and incidence of sexual violence in Minnesota, to the extent federal funding is available for this purpose.  The commissioner must use existing data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or other source as identified by commissioner.

 

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

 

Sec. 12.  LICENSED HOME CARE PROVIDERS.

 

By February 1, 2013, the commissioner of health must report recommendations to the legislature as to development of a comprehensive home care plan to increase inspection and oversight of licensed home care providers under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144A.

 

Sec. 13.  EVALUATION OF HEALTH AND COMMERCE REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITIES.

 

The commissioner of health, in consultation with the commissioner of commerce, shall report to the legislature by February 15, 2013, on recommendations to maximize administrative efficiency in the regulation of health maintenance organizations, county-based purchasers, insurance carriers, and related entities while maintaining quality health outcomes, regulatory stability, and price stability.

 

Sec. 14.  STUDY OF RADIATION THERAPY FACILITIES CAPACITY.

 

(a) To the extent of available appropriations, the commissioner of health shall conduct a study of the following:  (1) current treatment capacity of the existing radiation therapy facilities within the state; (2) the present need for radiation therapy services based on population demographics and new cancer cases; and (3) the projected need in the next ten years for radiation therapy services and whether the current facilities can sustain this projected need.

 

(b) The commissioner may contract with a qualified entity to conduct the study.  The study shall be completed by March 15, 2013, and the results shall be submitted to the chairs and ranking minority members of the health and human services committees of the legislature.


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Sec. 15.  MERC DISTRIBUTION.

 

(a) For the distribution of funds for fiscal year 2013, as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.692, subdivision 4, the commissioner of health shall distribute $300,000 to Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare before following the distribution described under Minnesota Statutes, section 62J.692, subdivision 4, paragraph (a).

 

(b) This section is effective upon federal approval.

 

ARTICLE 3

CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 119B.13, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Absent days.  (a) Licensed child care providers and license-exempt centers must not be reimbursed for more than ten full-day absent days per child, excluding holidays, in a fiscal year.  Legal nonlicensed family child care providers must not be reimbursed for absent days.  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 must be reimbursed but the time must not count toward the ten absent day limit.  Child care providers must 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) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), children in families may exceed the ten absent days limit if at least one parent is:  (1) under the age of 21; (2) does not have a high school or general equivalency diploma; and (3) is a student in a school district or another similar program that provides or arranges for child care, parenting support, social services, career and employment supports, and academic support to achieve high school graduation, 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.

 

(b) (c) 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 absent day limit.

 

(c) (d) A family or child care provider must 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) (e) The provider and family shall receive notification of the number of absent days used upon initial provider authorization for a family and ongoing notification of the number of absent days used as of the date of the notification.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective January 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18c.  Drug convictions.  (a) The state court administrator shall provide a report every six months by electronic means to the commissioner of human services, including the name, address, date of birth, and, if available, driver's license or state identification card number, date of sentence, effective date of the sentence, and county in which the conviction occurred of each person convicted of a felony under chapter 152 during the previous six months.

 

(b) The commissioner shall determine whether the individuals who are the subject of the data reported under paragraph (a) are receiving public assistance under chapter 256D or 256J, and if the individual is receiving assistance under chapter 256D or 256J, the commissioner shall instruct the county to proceed under section 256D.024 or 256J.26, whichever is applicable, for this individual.


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(c) The commissioner shall not retain any data received under paragraph (a) or (d) that does not relate to an individual receiving publicly funded assistance under chapter 256D or 256J.

 

(d) In addition to the routine data transfer under paragraph (a), the state court administrator shall provide a onetime report of the data fields under paragraph (a) for individuals with a felony drug conviction under chapter 152 dated from July 1, 1997, until the date of the data transfer.  The commissioner shall perform the tasks identified under paragraph (b) related to this data and shall retain the data according to paragraph (c).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18d.  Data sharing with the Department of Human Services; multiple identification cards.  (a) The commissioner of public safety shall, on a monthly basis, provide the commissioner of human services with the first, middle, and last name, the address, date of birth, and driver's license or state identification card number of all applicants and holders whose drivers' licenses and state identification cards have been canceled under section 171.14, paragraph (a), clauses (2) or (3), by the commissioner of public safety.  After the initial data report has been provided by the commissioner of public safety to the commissioner of human services under this paragraph, subsequent reports shall only include cancellations that occurred after the end date of the cancellations represented in the previous data report.

 

(b) The commissioner of human services shall compare the information provided under paragraph (a) with the commissioner's data regarding recipients of all public assistance programs managed by the Department of Human Services to determine whether any individual with multiple identification cards issued by the Department of Public Safety has illegally or improperly enrolled in any public assistance program managed by the Department of Human Services.

 

(c) If the commissioner of human services determines that an applicant or recipient has illegally or improperly enrolled in any public assistance program, the commissioner shall provide all due process protections to the individual before terminating the individual from the program according to applicable statute and notifying the county attorney.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.01, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 18e.  Data sharing with the Department of Human Services; legal presence date.  (a) The commissioner of public safety shall, on a monthly basis, provide the commissioner of human services with the first, middle, and last name, address, date of birth, and driver's license or state identification number of all applicants and holders of drivers' licenses and state identification cards whose temporary legal presence date has expired and as a result the driver's license or identification card has been accordingly canceled under section 171.14 by the commissioner of public safety.

 

(b) The commissioner of human services shall use the information provided under paragraph (a) to determine whether the eligibility of any recipients of public assistance programs managed by the Department of Human Services has changed as a result of the status change in the Department of Public Safety data.

 

(c) If the commissioner of human services determines that a recipient has illegally or improperly received benefits from any public assistance program, the commissioner shall provide all due process protections to the individual before terminating the individual from the program according to applicable statute and notifying the county attorney.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2013.


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Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.9831, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Financial transaction cards.  The commissioner shall take all actions necessary to ensure that no person may obtain benefits under chapter 256 or, 256D, or 256J through the use of a financial transaction card, as defined in section 609.821, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), at a terminal located in or attached to a gambling establishment, liquor store, tobacco store, or tattoo parlor.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256.987, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card.  Cash benefits for the general assistance and Minnesota supplemental aid programs under chapter 256D and programs under chapter 256J must be issued on a separate an EBT card with the name of the head of household printed on the card.  The card must include the following statement:  "It is unlawful to use this card to purchase tobacco products or alcoholic beverages."  This card must be issued within 30 calendar days of an eligibility determination.  During the initial 30 calendar days of eligibility, a recipient may have cash benefits issued on an EBT card without a name printed on the card.  This card may be the same card on which food support benefits are issued and does not need to meet the requirements of this section.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256.987, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Prohibited purchases.  An individual with an EBT debit cardholders in card issued for one of the programs listed under subdivision 1 are is prohibited from using the EBT debit card to purchase tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, as defined in section 340A.101, subdivision 2.  It is unlawful for an EBT cardholder to purchase or attempt to purchase tobacco products or alcoholic beverages with the cardholder's EBT card.  Any unlawful use prohibited purchases made under this subdivision shall constitute fraud unlawful use and result in disqualification of the cardholder from the program under section 256.98, subdivision 8 as provided in subdivision 4.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256.987, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3.  EBT use restricted to certain states.  EBT debit cardholders in programs listed under subdivision 1 are prohibited from using the cash portion of the EBT card at vendors and automatic teller machines located outside of Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin.  This subdivision does not apply to the food portion.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective March 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256.987, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Disqualification.  (a) Any person found to be guilty of purchasing tobacco products or alcoholic beverages with their EBT debit card by a federal or state court or by an administrative hearing determination, or waiver thereof, through a disqualification consent agreement, or as part of any approved diversion plan under section 401.065, or any court-ordered stay which carries with it any probationary or other conditions, in the:  (1) Minnesota family investment program and any affiliated program to include the diversionary work program and the work participation cash benefit program under chapter 256J; (2) general assistance program under chapter 256D; or (3) Minnesota supplemental aid program under chapter 256D, shall be disqualified from all of the listed programs.

 

(b) The needs of the disqualified individual shall not be taken into consideration in determining the grant level for that assistance unit:  (1) for one year after the first offense; (2) for two years after the second offense; and (3) permanently after the third or subsequent offense.


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(c) The period of program disqualification shall begin on the date stipulated on the advance notice of disqualification without possibility for postponement for administrative stay or administrative hearing and shall continue through completion unless and until the findings upon which the sanctions were imposed are reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction.  The period for which sanctions are imposed is not subject to review.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective June 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256D.06, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  Earned income savings account.  In addition to the $50 disregard required under subdivision 1, the county agency shall disregard an additional earned income up to a maximum of $150 $500 per month for:  (1) persons residing in facilities licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0500 to 9520.0690 and 9530.2500 to 9530.4000, and for whom discharge and work are part of a treatment plan; (2) persons living in supervised apartments with services funded under Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.0100 to 9535.1600, and for whom discharge and work are part of a treatment plan; and (3) persons residing in group residential housing, as that term is defined in section 256I.03, subdivision 3, for whom the county agency has approved a discharge plan which includes work.  The additional amount disregarded must be placed in a separate savings account by the eligible individual, to be used upon discharge from the residential facility into the community.  For individuals residing in a chemical dependency program licensed under Minnesota Rules, part 9530.4100, subpart 22, item D, withdrawals from the savings account require the signature of the individual and for those individuals with an authorized representative payee, the signature of the payee.  A maximum of $1,000 $2,000, including interest, of the money in the savings account must be excluded from the resource limits established by section 256D.08, subdivision 1, clause (1).  Amounts in that account in excess of $1,000 $2,000 must be applied to the resident's cost of care.  If excluded money is removed from the savings account by the eligible individual at any time before the individual is discharged from the facility into the community, the money is income to the individual in the month of receipt and a resource in subsequent months.  If an eligible individual moves from a community facility to an inpatient hospital setting, the separate savings account is an excluded asset for up to 18 months.  During that time, amounts that accumulate in excess of the $1,000 $2,000 savings limit must be applied to the patient's cost of care.  If the patient continues to be hospitalized at the conclusion of the 18-month period, the entire account must be applied to the patient's cost of care.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective October 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256E.35, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Household eligibility; participation.  (a) To be eligible for state or TANF matching funds in the family assets for independence initiative, a household must meet the eligibility requirements of the federal Assets for Independence Act, Public Law 105-285, in Title IV, section 408 of that act.

 

(b) Each participating household must sign a family asset agreement that includes the amount of scheduled deposits into its savings account, the proposed use, and the proposed savings goal.  A participating household must agree to complete an economic literacy training program.

 

Participating households may only deposit money that is derived from household earned income or from state and federal income tax credits.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256E.35, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Withdrawal; matching; permissible uses.  (a) To receive a match, a participating household must transfer funds withdrawn from a family asset account to its matching fund custodial account held by the fiscal agent, according to the family asset agreement.  The fiscal agent must determine if the match request is for a permissible use consistent with the household's family asset agreement.


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The fiscal agent must ensure the household's custodial account contains the applicable matching funds to match the balance in the household's account, including interest, on at least a quarterly basis and at the time of an approved withdrawal.  Matches must be provided as follows:

 

(1) from state grant and TANF funds, a matching contribution of $1.50 for every $1 of funds withdrawn from the family asset account equal to the lesser of $720 per year or a $3,000 lifetime limit; and

 

(2) from nonstate funds, a matching contribution of no less than $1.50 for every $1 of funds withdrawn from the family asset account equal to the lesser of $720 per year or a $3,000 lifetime limit.

 

(b) Upon receipt of transferred custodial account funds, the fiscal agent must make a direct payment to the vendor of the goods or services for the permissible use.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256E.37, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Grant authority.  The commissioner may make grants to state agencies and political subdivisions to construct or rehabilitate facilities for early childhood programs, crisis nurseries, or parenting time centers.  The following requirements apply:

 

(1) The facilities must be owned by the state or a political subdivision, but may be leased under section 16A.695 to organizations that operate the programs.  The commissioner must prescribe the terms and conditions of the leases.

 

(2) A grant for an individual facility must not exceed $500,000 for each program that is housed in the facility, up to a maximum of $2,000,000 for a facility that houses three programs or more.  Programs include Head Start, School Readiness, Early Childhood Family Education, licensed child care, and other early childhood intervention programs.

 

(3) State appropriations must be matched on a 50 percent basis with nonstate funds.  The matching requirement must apply program wide and not to individual grants.

 

(4) At least 80 percent of grant funds must be distributed to facilities located in counties not included in the definition under section 473.121, subdivision 4.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256I.05, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Supplementary service rates.  (a) Subject to the provisions of section 256I.04, subdivision 3, the county agency may negotiate a payment not to exceed $426.37 for other services necessary to provide room and board provided by the group residence if the residence is licensed by or registered by the Department of Health, or licensed by the Department of Human Services to provide services in addition to room and board, and if the provider of services is not also concurrently receiving funding for services for a recipient under a home and community-based waiver under title XIX of the Social Security Act; or funding from the medical assistance program under section 256B.0659, for personal care services for residents in the setting; or residing in a setting which receives funding under Minnesota Rules, parts 9535.2000 to 9535.3000.  If funding is available for other necessary services through a home and community-based waiver, or personal care services under section 256B.0659, then the GRH rate is limited to the rate set in subdivision 1.  Unless otherwise provided in law, in no case may the supplementary service rate exceed $426.37.  The registration and licensure requirement does not apply to establishments which are exempt from state licensure because they are located on Indian reservations and for which the tribe has prescribed health and safety requirements.  Service payments under this section may be prohibited under rules to prevent the supplanting of federal funds with state funds.  The commissioner shall pursue the feasibility of obtaining the approval of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide home and community-based waiver services under title XIX of the Social Security Act for residents who are not eligible for an existing home and community-based waiver due to a primary diagnosis of mental illness or chemical dependency and shall apply for a waiver if it is determined to be cost-effective.


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(b) The commissioner is authorized to make cost-neutral transfers from the GRH fund for beds under this section to other funding programs administered by the department after consultation with the county or counties in which the affected beds are located.  The commissioner may also make cost-neutral transfers from the GRH fund to county human service agencies for beds permanently removed from the GRH census under a plan submitted by the county agency and approved by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall report the amount of any transfers under this provision annually to the legislature.

 

(c) The provisions of paragraph (b) do not apply to a facility that has its reimbursement rate established under section 256B.431, subdivision 4, paragraph (c).

 

(d) Counties must not negotiate supplementary service rates with providers of group residential housing that are licensed as board and lodging with special services and that do not encourage a policy of sobriety on their premises and make referrals to available community services for volunteer and employment opportunities for residents.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256I.05, subdivision 1e, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1e.  Supplementary rate for certain facilities.  (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 1a and 1c, beginning July 1, 2005, a county agency shall negotiate a supplementary rate in addition to the rate specified in subdivision 1, not to exceed $700 per month, including any legislatively authorized inflationary adjustments, for a group residential housing provider that:

 

(1) is located in Hennepin County and has had a group residential housing contract with the county since June 1996;

 

(2) operates in three separate locations a 75-bed facility, a 50-bed facility, and a 26-bed facility; and

 

(3) serves a chemically dependent clientele, providing 24 hours per day supervision and limiting a resident's maximum length of stay to 13 months out of a consecutive 24-month period.

 

(b) Notwithstanding subdivisions 1a and 1c, a county agency shall negotiate a supplementary rate in addition to the rate specified in subdivision 1, not to exceed $700 per month, including any legislatively authorized inflationary adjustments, of a group residential provider that:

 

(1) is located in St. Louis County and has had a group residential housing contract with the county since 2006;

 

(2) operates a 62-bed facility; and

 

(3) serves a chemically dependent adult male clientele, providing 24 hours per day supervision and limiting a resident's maximum length of stay to 13 months out of a consecutive 24-month period.

 

(c) Notwithstanding subdivisions 1a and 1c, beginning July 1, 2013, a county agency shall negotiate a supplementary rate in addition to the rate specified in subdivision 1, not to exceed $700 per month, including any legislatively authorized inflationary adjustments, for the group residential provider described under paragraphs (a) and (b), not to exceed an additional 115 beds.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.26, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Person convicted of drug offenses.  (a) Applicants or participants An individual who have has been convicted of a felony level drug offense committed after July 1, 1997, may, if otherwise eligible, receive MFIP benefits subject to the following conditions: during the previous ten years from the date of application or recertification is subject to the following:


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(1) Benefits for the entire assistance unit must be paid in vendor form for shelter and utilities during any time the applicant is part of the assistance unit.

 

(2) The convicted applicant or participant shall be subject to random drug testing as a condition of continued eligibility and following any positive test for an illegal controlled substance is subject to the following sanctions:

 

(i) for failing a drug test the first time, the residual amount of the participant's grant after making vendor payments for shelter and utility costs, if any, must be reduced by an amount equal to 30 percent of the MFIP standard of need for an assistance unit of the same size.  When a sanction under this subdivision is in effect, the job counselor must attempt to meet with the person face-to-face.  During the face-to-face meeting, the job counselor must explain the consequences of a subsequent drug test failure and inform the participant of the right to appeal the sanction under section 256J.40.  If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, the county agency must send the participant a notice of adverse action as provided in section 256J.31, subdivisions 4 and 5, and must include the information required in the face-to-face meeting; or

 

(ii) for failing a drug test two times, the participant is permanently disqualified from receiving MFIP assistance, both the cash and food portions.  The assistance unit's MFIP grant must be reduced by the amount which would have otherwise been made available to the disqualified participant.  Disqualification under this item does not make a participant ineligible for food stamps or food support.  Before a disqualification under this provision is imposed, the job counselor must attempt to meet with the participant face-to-face.  During the face-to-face meeting, the job counselor must identify other resources that may be available to the participant to meet the needs of the family and inform the participant of the right to appeal the disqualification under section 256J.40.  If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, the county agency must send the participant a notice of adverse action as provided in section 256J.31, subdivisions 4 and 5, and must include the information required in the face-to-face meeting.

 

(3) A participant who fails a drug test the first time and is under a sanction due to other MFIP program requirements is considered to have more than one occurrence of noncompliance and is subject to the applicable level of sanction as specified under section 256J.46, subdivision 1, paragraph (d).

 

(b) Applicants requesting only food stamps or food support or participants receiving only food stamps or food support, who have been convicted of a drug offense that occurred after July 1, 1997, may, if otherwise eligible, receive food stamps or food support if the convicted applicant or participant is subject to random drug testing as a condition of continued eligibility.  Following a positive test for an illegal controlled substance, the applicant is subject to the following sanctions:

 

(1) for failing a drug test the first time, food stamps or food support shall be reduced by an amount equal to 30 percent of the applicable food stamp or food support allotment.  When a sanction under this clause is in effect, a job counselor must attempt to meet with the person face-to-face.  During the face-to-face meeting, a job counselor must explain the consequences of a subsequent drug test failure and inform the participant of the right to appeal the sanction under section 256J.40.  If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, a county agency must send the participant a notice of adverse action as provided in section 256J.31, subdivisions 4 and 5, and must include the information required in the face-to-face meeting; and

 

(2) for failing a drug test two times, the participant is permanently disqualified from receiving food stamps or food support.  Before a disqualification under this provision is imposed, a job counselor must attempt to meet with the participant face-to-face.  During the face-to-face meeting, the job counselor must identify other resources that may be available to the participant to meet the needs of the family and inform the participant of the right to appeal the disqualification under section 256J.40.  If a face-to-face meeting is not possible, a county agency must send the participant a notice of adverse action as provided in section 256J.31, subdivisions 4 and 5, and must include the information required in the face-to-face meeting.


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(c) (b) For the purposes of this subdivision, "drug offense" means an offense that occurred after July 1, 1997, during the previous ten years from the date of application or recertification of sections 152.021 to 152.025, 152.0261, 152.0262, or 152.096, or 152.137.  Drug offense also means a conviction in another jurisdiction of the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance, or conspiracy to commit any of these offenses, if the offense occurred after July 1, 1997, during the previous ten years from the date of application or recertification and the conviction is a felony offense in that jurisdiction, or in the case of New Jersey, a high misdemeanor.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective October 1, 2012, for all new MFIP applicants who apply on or after that date and for all recertifications occurring on or after that date.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.26, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Vendor payment; uninhabitable units.  Upon discovery by the county that a unit has been deemed uninhabitable under section 504B.131, the county shall immediately notify the landlord to return the vendor paid rent under this section for the month in which the discovery occurred.  The county shall cease future rent payments for the uninhabitable housing units until the landlord demonstrates the premises are fit for the intended use.  A landlord who is required to return vendor paid rent or is prohibited from receiving future rent under this subdivision may not take an eviction action against anyone in the assistance unit.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.575, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Purpose.  (a) The Family stabilization services serve families who are not making significant progress within the regular employment and training services track of 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.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.575, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  The terms used in this section have the meanings given them in paragraphs (a) to (d) and (b).

 

(a) "Case manager" means the county-designated staff person or employment services counselor.

 

(b) "Case management" "Family stabilization services" means the services programs, activities, and services provided by or through the county agency or through the employment services agency to participating families, including.  Services include, but are not limited to, assessment as defined in section 256J.521, subdivision 1, information, referrals, and assistance in the preparation and implementation of a family stabilization plan under subdivision 5.

 

(c) (b) "Family stabilization plan" means a plan developed by a case manager and with 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;


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(2) family stability;

 

(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.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.575, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Case management; Family stabilization plans; coordinated services.  (a) The county agency or employment services provider 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 is determined to be eligible for 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.  Once a participant has been determined eligible for family stabilization services, the county agency or employment services provider must attempt to meet with the participant to develop a plan within 30 days.

 

(b) 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;

 

(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.


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(c) Participants determined eligible for family stabilization services must have access to employment and training services under sections 256J.515 to 256J.575, to the extent these services are available to other MFIP participants.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.575, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Cooperation with services requirements.  (a) A participant who is eligible for family stabilization services under this section shall comply with paragraphs (b) to (d).

 

(b) Participants shall engage in family stabilization plan services for the appropriate number of hours per week that the activities are scheduled and available, based on the needs of the participant and the participant's family, 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 county agency or employment services agency 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) 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, or 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.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256J.575, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Funding.  (a) The commissioner of human services shall 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 a caregiver with a child under the age of six is working at least 87 hours per month in paid or unpaid employment, or a caregiver without a child under the age of six is working at least 130 hours per month in paid or unpaid employment, whichever occurs sooner.

 

Sec. 23.  [626.5533] REPORTING POTENTIAL WELFARE FRAUD.

 

Subdivision 1.  Reports required.  A peace officer must report to the head of the officer's department every arrest where the person arrested possesses more than one welfare electronic benefit transfer card.  Each report must include all of the following:

 

(1) the name of the suspect;

 

(2) the suspect's drivers license or state identification card number, where available;

 

(3) the suspect's home address;

 

(4) the number on each card;


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(5) the name on each electronic benefit card in the possession of the suspect, in cases where the card has a name printed on it;

 

(6) the date of the alleged offense;

 

(7) the location of the alleged offense;

 

(8) the alleged offense; and

 

(9) any other information the commissioner of human services deems necessary.

 

Subd. 2.  Use of information collected.  The head of a local law enforcement agency or state law enforcement department that employs peace officers licensed under section 626.843 must forward the report required under subdivision 1 to the commissioner of human services within 30 days of receiving the report.  The commissioner of human services shall use the report to determine whether the suspect is authorized to possess any of the electronic benefit cards found in the suspect's possession.

 

Subd. 3.  Reporting forms.  The commissioner of human services, in consultation with the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, shall adopt reporting forms to be used by law enforcement agencies in making the reports required under this section.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 626.556, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 10n.  Required referral to early intervention services.  A child under age three who is involved in a substantiated case of maltreatment shall be referred for screening under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, part C.  Parents must be informed that the evaluation and acceptance of services are voluntary.  The commissioner of human services shall monitor referral rates by county and annually report the information to the legislature beginning March 15, 2014.  Refusal to have a child screened is not a basis for a child in need of protection or services petition under chapter 260C.

 

Sec. 25.  Laws 2010, chapter 374, section 1, is amended to read:

 

Section 1.  LADDER OUT OF POVERTY ASSET DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL LITERACY TASK FORCE.

 

Subdivision 1.  Creation.  (a) The task force consists of the following members:

 

(1) four senators, including two members of the majority party and two members of the minority party, appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the senate;

 

(2) four members of the house of representatives, including two members of the majority party, appointed by the speaker of the house, and two members of the minority party, appointed by the minority leader; and

 

(3) the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce or the commissioner's designee; and.

 

(4) the attorney general or the attorney general's designee.

 

(b) The task force shall ensure that representatives of the following have the opportunity to meet with and present views to the task force:  the attorney general; credit unions; independent community banks; state and federal financial institutions; community action agencies; faith-based financial counseling agencies; faith-based social justice organizations; legal services organizations representing low-income persons; nonprofit organizations


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providing free tax preparation services as part of the volunteer income tax assistance program; relevant state and local agencies; University of Minnesota faculty involved in personal and family financial education; philanthropic organizations that have as one of their missions combating predatory lending; organizations representing older Minnesotans; and organizations representing the interests of women, Latinos and Latinas, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, American Indians, and immigrants.

 

Subd. 2.  Duties.  (a) At a minimum, the task force must identify specific policies, strategies, and actions to:  reduce asset poverty and increase household financial security by improving opportunities for households to earn, learn, save, invest, and protect assets through expansion of such asset building opportunities as the Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) program and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program.

 

(1) increase opportunities for poor and near-poor families and individuals to acquire assets and create and build wealth;

 

(2) expand the utilization of Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) or other culturally specific individual development account programs;

 

(3) reduce or eliminate predatory financial practices in Minnesota through regulatory actions, legislative enactments, and the development and deployment of alternative, nonpredatory financial products;

 

(4) provide incentives or assistance to private sector financial institutions to offer additional programs and services that provide alternatives to and education about predatory financial products;

 

(5) provide financial literacy information to low-income families and individuals at the time the recipient has the ability, opportunity, and motivation to receive, understand, and act on the information provided; and

 

(6) identify incentives and mechanisms to increase community engagement in combating poverty and helping poor and near-poor families and individuals to acquire assets and create and build wealth.

 

For purposes of this section, "asset poverty" means an individual's or family's inability to meet fixed financial obligations and other financial requirements of daily living with existing assets for a three-month period in the event of a disruption in income or extraordinary economic emergency.

 

(b) By June 1, 2012 During the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions, the task force must provide the legislature with written recommendations and any draft legislation necessary to implement the recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over commerce and consumer protection fulfill the duties enumerated in paragraph (a).  The recommendations may include draft legislation.

 

Subd. 3.  Administrative provisions.  (a) The director of the Legislative Coordinating Commission, or a designee of the director, must convene the initial meeting of the task force by September 15, 2010.  The members of the task force must elect a chair or cochairs from the legislative members at the initial meeting.

 

(b) Members of the task force serve without compensation or payment of expenses except as provided in this paragraph.  To the extent possible, meetings of the task force shall be scheduled on dates when legislative members of the task force are able to attend legislative meetings that would make them eligible to receive legislative per diem payments.

 

(c) The task force expires June 1, 2012, or upon the submission of the report required under subdivision 3, whichever is earlier 2014.


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(d) The task force may accept gifts and grants, which are accepted on behalf of the state and constitute donations to the state.  The funds must be deposited in an account in the special revenue fund and are appropriated to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for purposes of the task force.

 

(e) The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide fiscal services to the task force as needed under this subdivision.

 

Subd. 4.  Deadline for appointments and designations.  The appointments and designations authorized under this section must be completed no later than August 15, 2010 2012.

 

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

 

Sec. 26.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 10, section 3, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation

 

$6,259,280,000

 

$6,212,085,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

5,657,737,000

5,584,471,000

State Government Special Revenue

 

3,565,000

 

3,565,000

Health Care Access

330,435,000

353,283,000

Federal TANF

265,378,000

268,101,000

Lottery Prize

1,665,000

1,665,000

Special Revenue

500,000

1,000,000

 

Receipts for Systems Projects.  Appropriations and federal receipts for information systems projects for MAXIS, PRISM, MMIS, and SSIS must be deposited in the state systems account authorized in Minnesota Statutes, section 256.014.  Money appropriated for computer projects approved by the Minnesota Office of Enterprise Technology, funded by the legislature, and approved by the commissioner of management and budget, may be transferred from one project to another and from development to operations as the commissioner of human services considers necessary.  Any unexpended balance in the appropriation for these projects does not cancel but is available for ongoing development and operations.

 

Nonfederal Share Transfers.  The nonfederal share of activities for which federal administrative reimbursement is appropriated to the commissioner may be transferred to the special revenue fund.

 

TANF Maintenance of Effort.

 

(a) In order to meet the basic maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements of the TANF block grant specified under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 263.1, the commissioner may only report nonfederal money expended for allowable activities listed in the following clauses as TANF/MOE expenditures:


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(1) MFIP cash, diversionary work program, and food assistance benefits under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256J;

 

(2) the child care assistance programs under Minnesota Statutes, sections 119B.03 and 119B.05, and county child care administrative costs under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.15;

 

(3) state and county MFIP administrative costs under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 256J and 256K;

 

(4) state, county, and tribal MFIP employment services under Minnesota Statutes, chapters 256J and 256K;

 

(5) expenditures made on behalf of legal noncitizen MFIP recipients who qualify for the MinnesotaCare program under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256L;

 

(6) qualifying working family credit expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section 290.0671; and

 

(7) qualifying Minnesota education credit expenditures under Minnesota Statutes, section 290.0674.

 

(b) The commissioner shall ensure that sufficient qualified nonfederal expenditures are made each year to meet the state's TANF/MOE requirements.  For the activities listed in paragraph (a), clauses (2) to (7), the commissioner may only report expenditures that are excluded from the definition of assistance under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 260.31.

 

(c) For fiscal years beginning with state fiscal year 2003, the commissioner shall assure that the maintenance of effort used by the commissioner of management and budget for the February and November forecasts required under Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.103, contains expenditures under paragraph (a), clause (1), equal to at least 16 percent of the total required under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 263.1.

 

(d) Minnesota Statutes, section 256.011, subdivision 3, which requires that federal grants or aids secured or obtained under that subdivision be used to reduce any direct appropriations provided by law, do not apply if the grants or aids are federal TANF funds.

 

(e) For the federal fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007, the commissioner may not claim an amount of TANF/MOE in excess of the 75 percent standard in Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 263.1(a)(2), except:

 

(1) to the extent necessary to meet the 80 percent standard under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 263.1(a)(1), if it is determined by the commissioner that the state will not meet the TANF work participation target rate for the current year;


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(2) to provide any additional amounts under Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 264.5, that relate to replacement of TANF funds due to the operation of TANF penalties; and

 

(3) to provide any additional amounts that may contribute to avoiding or reducing TANF work participation penalties through the operation of the excess MOE provisions of Code of Federal Regulations, title 45, section 261.43 (a)(2).

 

For the purposes of clauses (1) to (3), the commissioner may supplement the MOE claim with working family credit expenditures or other qualified expenditures to the extent such expenditures are otherwise available after considering the expenditures allowed in this subdivision.

 

(f) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this article, paragraphs (a) to (e) expire June 30, 2015.

 

Working Family Credit Expenditures as TANF/MOE.  The commissioner may claim as TANF maintenance of effort up to $6,707,000 per year of working family credit expenditures for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

 

Working Family Credit Expenditures to be Claimed for TANF/MOE.  The commissioner may count the following amounts of working family credit expenditures as TANF/MOE:

 

(1) fiscal year 2012, $23,692,000;

 

(2) fiscal year 2013, $44,969,000 $51,978,000;

 

(3) fiscal year 2014, $32,579,000 $43,576,000; and

 

(4) fiscal year 2015, $32,476,000 $43,548,000.

 

Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this article, this rider expires June 30, 2015.

 

TANF Transfer to Federal Child Care and Development Fund.  (a) The following TANF fund amounts are appropriated to the commissioner for purposes of MFIP/Transition Year Child Care Assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.05:

 

(1) fiscal year 2012, $10,020,000;

 

(2) fiscal year 2013, $28,020,000 $28,022,000;

 

(3) fiscal year 2014, $14,020,000 $14,030,000; and

 

(4) fiscal year 2015, $14,020,000 $14,030,000.


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(b) The commissioner shall authorize the transfer of sufficient TANF funds to the federal child care and development fund to meet this appropriation and shall ensure that all transferred funds are expended according to federal child care and development fund regulations.

 

Food Stamps Employment and Training Funds.  (a) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, sections 256D.051, subdivisions 1a, 6b, and 6c, and 256J.626, federal food stamps employment and training funds received as reimbursement for child care assistance program expenditures must be deposited in the general fund.  The amount of funds must be limited to $500,000 per year in fiscal years 2012 through 2015, contingent upon approval by the federal Food and Nutrition Service.

 

(b) Consistent with the receipt of these federal funds, the commissioner may adjust the level of working family credit expenditures claimed as TANF maintenance of effort.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this article, this rider expires June 30, 2015.

 

ARRA Food Support Benefit Increases.  The funds provided for food support benefit increases under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 must be used for benefit increases beginning July 1, 2009.

 

Supplemental Security Interim Assistance Reimbursement Funds.  $2,800,000 of uncommitted revenue available to the commissioner of human services for SSI advocacy and outreach services must be transferred to and deposited into the general fund by October 1, 2011.

 

Sec. 27.  MINNESOTA VISIBLE CHILD WORK GROUP.

 

Subdivision 1.  Purpose.  The Minnesota visible child work group is established to identify and recommend issues that should be addressed in a statewide, comprehensive plan to improve the well-being of children who are homeless or have experienced homelessness.

 

Subd. 2.  Membership.  The members of the Minnesota visible child work group include:  (1) two members of the Minnesota house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house, one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party; (2) two members of the Minnesota senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party; (3) three representatives from family shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing providers appointed by the governor; (4) two individuals appointed by the governor who have experienced homelessness; (5) three housing and child advocates appointed by the governor; (6) three representatives from the business or philanthropic community; and (7) children's cabinet members, or their designees.  Work group membership should include people from rural, suburban, and urban areas of the state.


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Subd. 3.  Duties.  The work group shall:  (1) recommend goals and objectives for a comprehensive, statewide plan to improve the well-being of children who are homeless or who have experienced homelessness; (2) recommend a definition of "child well-being"; (3) identify evidence-based interventions and best practices improving the well-being of young children; (4) plan implementation timelines and ways to measure progress, including measures of child well-being from birth through adolescence; (5) identify ways to address issues of collaboration and coordination across systems, including education, health, human services, and housing; (6) recommend the type of data and information necessary to develop, effectively implement, and monitor a strategic plan; (7) examine and make recommendations regarding funding to implement an effective plan; and (8) provide recommendations for ongoing reports on the well-being of children, monitoring progress in implementing the statewide comprehensive plan, and any other issues determined to be relevant to achieving the goals of this section.

 

Subd. 4.  Work group convening and facilitation.  The work group must be organized, scheduled, and facilitated by the staff of a nonprofit child advocacy, outreach, research, and youth development organization focusing on a wide range of issues affecting children who are vulnerable, and a nonprofit organization working to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable homes for children and families in the seven-county metropolitan area through partnerships with the public and private sector.  These two organizations will also be responsible for preparing and submitting the work group's recommendations.

 

Subd. 5.  Report.  The work group shall make recommendations under subdivision 3 to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over education, housing, health, and human services policy and finance by December 15, 2012.  The recommendations must also be submitted to the children's cabinet to provide the foundation for a statewide visible child plan.

 

Subd. 6.  Expiration.  The Minnesota visible child work group expires on June 30, 2013.

 

Sec. 28.  UNIFORM ASSET LIMIT REQUIREMENTS.

 

The commissioner of human services, in consultation with county human services representatives, shall analyze the differences in asset limit requirements across human services assistance programs, including group residential housing, Minnesota supplemental aid, general assistance, Minnesota family investment program, diversionary work program, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance programs, and child care programs.  The goal of the analysis is to establish a consistent asset limit across human services programs and minimize the administrative burdens on counties in implementing asset tests.  The commissioner shall report its findings and conclusions to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy and finance by January 15, 2013, and include draft legislation establishing a uniform asset limit for human services assistance programs.

 

Sec. 29.  DIRECTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER.

 

The commissioner of human services, in consultation with the commissioner of public safety, shall report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services policy and finance regarding the implementation of Minnesota Statutes, section 256.01, subdivisions 18c, 18d, and 18e, the number of persons affected, and fiscal impact by program by December 1, 2013.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 30.  REVISOR INSTRUCTION.

 

The revisor of statutes shall change the term "assistance transaction card" or similar terms to "electronic benefit transaction" or similar terms wherever they appear in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 256.  The revisor may make changes necessary to correct the punctuation, grammar, or structure of the remaining text and preserve its meaning.


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ARTICLE 4

CONTINUING CARE

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62J.496, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Eligibility.  (a) "Eligible borrower" means one of the following:

 

(1) federally qualified health centers;

 

(2) community clinics, as defined under section 145.9268;

 

(3) nonprofit or local unit of government hospitals licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.56;

 

(4) individual or small group physician practices that are focused primarily on primary care;

 

(5) nursing facilities licensed under sections 144A.01 to 144A.27;

 

(6) local public health departments as defined in chapter 145A; and

 

(7) other providers of health or health care services approved by the commissioner for which interoperable electronic health record capability would improve quality of care, patient safety, or community health.

 

(b) The commissioner shall administer the loan fund to prioritize support and assistance to:

 

(1) critical access hospitals;

 

(2) federally qualified health centers;

 

(3) entities that serve uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved individuals, regardless of whether such area is urban or rural; and

 

(4) individual or small group practices that are primarily focused on primary care.;

 

(5) nursing facilities certified to participate in the medical assistance program; and

 

(6) providers enrolled in the elderly waiver program of customized living or 24-hour customized living of the medical assistance program, if at least half of their annual operating revenue is paid under the medical assistance program.

 

(c) An eligible applicant must submit a loan application to the commissioner of health on forms prescribed by the commissioner.  The application must include, at a minimum:

 

(1) the amount of the loan requested and a description of the purpose or project for which the loan proceeds will be used;

 

(2) a quote from a vendor;

 

(3) a description of the health care entities and other groups participating in the project;

 

(4) evidence of financial stability and a demonstrated ability to repay the loan; and


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(5) a description of how the system to be financed interoperates or plans in the future to interoperate with other health care entities and provider groups located in the same geographical area;

 

(6) a plan on how the certified electronic health record technology will be maintained and supported over time; and

 

(7) any other requirements for applications included or developed pursuant to section 3014 of the HITECH Act.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144A.073, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 13.  Moratorium exception funding.  In fiscal year 2013, the commissioner of health may approve moratorium exception projects under this section for which the full annualized state share of medical assistance costs does not exceed $1,000,000.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144A.351, is amended to read:

 

144A.351 BALANCING LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS:  REPORT REQUIRED.

 

The commissioners of health and human services, with the cooperation of counties and in consultation with stakeholders, including persons who need or are using long-term care services and supports, lead agencies, regional entities, senior, disability, and mental health organization representatives, service providers, and community members shall prepare a report to the legislature by August 15, 2004 2013, and biennially thereafter, regarding the status of the full range of long-term care services and supports for the elderly and children and adults with disabilities and mental illnesses in Minnesota.  The report shall address:

 

(1) demographics and need for long-term care services and supports in Minnesota;

 

(2) summary of county and regional reports on long-term care gaps, surpluses, imbalances, and corrective action plans;

 

(3) status of long-term care services and mental illnesses, housing options, and supports by county and region including:

 

(i) changes in availability of the range of long-term care services and housing options;

 

(ii) access problems, including access to the least restrictive and most integrated services and settings, regarding long-term care services; and

 

(iii) comparative measures of long-term care services availability, including serving people in their home areas near family, and progress changes over time; and

 

(4) recommendations regarding goals for the future of long-term care services and supports, policy and fiscal changes, and resource development and transition needs.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 144D.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Contents of contract.  A housing with services contract, which need not be entitled as such to comply with this section, shall include at least the following elements in itself or through supporting documents or attachments:

 

(1) the name, street address, and mailing address of the establishment;


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(2) the name and mailing address of the owner or owners of the establishment and, if the owner or owners is not a natural person, identification of the type of business entity of the owner or owners;

 

(3) the name and mailing address of the managing agent, through management agreement or lease agreement, of the establishment, if different from the owner or owners;

 

(4) the name and address of at least one natural person who is authorized to accept service of process on behalf of the owner or owners and managing agent;

 

(5) a statement describing the registration and licensure status of the establishment and any provider providing health-related or supportive services under an arrangement with the establishment;

 

(6) the term of the contract;

 

(7) a description of the services to be provided to the resident in the base rate to be paid by resident, including a delineation of the portion of the base rate that constitutes rent and a delineation of charges for each service included in the base rate;

 

(8) a description of any additional services, including home care services, available for an additional fee from the establishment directly or through arrangements with the establishment, and a schedule of fees charged for these services;

 

(9) a description of the process through which the contract may be modified, amended, or terminated, including whether a move to a different room or sharing a room would be required in the event that the tenant can no longer pay the current rent;

 

(10) a description of the establishment's complaint resolution process available to residents including the toll-free complaint line for the Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care;

 

(11) the resident's designated representative, if any;

 

(12) the establishment's referral procedures if the contract is terminated;

 

(13) requirements of residency used by the establishment to determine who may reside or continue to reside in the housing with services establishment;

 

(14) billing and payment procedures and requirements;

 

(15) a statement regarding the ability of residents to receive services from service providers with whom the establishment does not have an arrangement;

 

(16) a statement regarding the availability of public funds for payment for residence or services in the establishment; and

 

(17) a statement regarding the availability of and contact information for long-term care consultation services under section 256B.0911 in the county in which the establishment is located.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245A.03, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Adult foster care homes serving people with mental illness; certification.  (a) The commissioner of human services shall issue a mental health certification for adult foster care homes licensed under this chapter and Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265, that serve people with mental illness where the home is not the


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primary residence of the license holder when a provider is determined to have met the requirements under paragraph (b).  This certification is voluntary for license holders.  The certification shall be printed on the license, and identified on the commissioner's public Web site.

 

(b) The requirements for certification are:

 

(1) all staff working in the adult foster care home have received at least seven hours of annual training covering all of the following topics:

 

(i) mental health diagnoses;

 

(ii) mental health crisis response and de-escalation techniques;

 

(iii) recovery from mental illness;

 

(iv) treatment options including evidence-based practices;

 

(v) medications and their side effects;

 

(vi) co-occurring substance abuse and health conditions; and

 

(vii) community resources;

 

(2) a mental health professional, as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 18, or a mental health practitioner as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 17, are available for consultation and assistance;

 

(3) there is a plan and protocol in place to address a mental health crisis; and

 

(4) each individual's Individual Placement Agreement identifies who is providing clinical services and their contact information, and includes an individual crisis prevention and management plan developed with the individual.

 

(c) License holders seeking certification under this subdivision must request this certification on forms provided by the commissioner and must submit the request to the county licensing agency in which the home is located.  The county licensing agency must forward the request to the commissioner with a county recommendation regarding whether the commissioner should issue the certification.

 

(d) Ongoing compliance with the certification requirements under paragraph (b) shall be reviewed by the county licensing agency at each licensing review.  When a county licensing agency determines that the requirements of paragraph (b) are not met, the county shall inform the commissioner, and the commissioner will remove the certification.

 

(e) A denial of the certification or the removal of the certification based on a determination that the requirements under paragraph (b) have not been met by the adult foster care license holder are not subject to appeal.  A license holder that has been denied a certification or that has had a certification removed may again request certification when the license holder is in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (b).

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 245A.03, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Licensing moratorium.  (a) The commissioner shall not issue an initial license for child foster care licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 2960.3000 to 2960.3340, or adult foster care licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265, under this chapter for a physical location that will not be the primary residence of the


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license holder for the entire period of licensure.  If a license is issued during this moratorium, and the license holder changes the license holder's primary residence away from the physical location of the foster care license, the commissioner shall revoke the license according to section 245A.07.  Exceptions to the moratorium include:

 

(1) foster care settings that are required to be registered under chapter 144D;

 

(2) foster care licenses replacing foster care licenses in existence on May 15, 2009, and determined to be needed by the commissioner under paragraph (b);

 

(3) new foster care licenses determined to be needed by the commissioner under paragraph (b) for the closure of a nursing facility, ICF/MR, or regional treatment center, or restructuring of state-operated services that limits the capacity of state-operated facilities;

 

(4) new foster care licenses determined to be needed by the commissioner under paragraph (b) for persons requiring hospital level care; or

 

(5) new foster care licenses determined to be needed by the commissioner for the transition of people from personal care assistance to the home and community-based services.

 

(b) The commissioner shall determine the need for newly licensed foster care homes as defined under this subdivision.  As part of the determination, the commissioner shall consider the availability of foster care capacity in the area in which the licensee seeks to operate, and the recommendation of the local county board.  The determination by the commissioner must be final.  A determination of need is not required for a change in ownership at the same address.

 

(c) Residential settings that would otherwise be subject to the moratorium established in paragraph (a), that are in the process of receiving an adult or child foster care license as of July 1, 2009, shall be allowed to continue to complete the process of receiving an adult or child foster care license.  For this paragraph, all of the following conditions must be met to be considered in the process of receiving an adult or child foster care license:

 

(1) participants have made decisions to move into the residential setting, including documentation in each participant's care plan;

 

(2) the provider has purchased housing or has made a financial investment in the property;

 

(3) the lead agency has approved the plans, including costs for the residential setting for each individual;

 

(4) the completion of the licensing process, including all necessary inspections, is the only remaining component prior to being able to provide services; and

 

(5) the needs of the individuals cannot be met within the existing capacity in that county.

 

To qualify for the process under this paragraph, the lead agency must submit documentation to the commissioner by August 1, 2009, that all of the above criteria are met.

 

(d) The commissioner shall study the effects of the license moratorium under this subdivision and shall report back to the legislature by January 15, 2011.  This study shall include, but is not limited to the following:

 

(1) the overall capacity and utilization of foster care beds where the physical location is not the primary residence of the license holder prior to and after implementation of the moratorium;


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(2) the overall capacity and utilization of foster care beds where the physical location is the primary residence of the license holder prior to and after implementation of the moratorium; and

 

(3) the number of licensed and occupied ICF/MR beds prior to and after implementation of the moratorium.

 

(e) When a foster care recipient moves out of a foster home that is not the primary residence of the license holder according to section 256B.49, subdivision 15, paragraph (f), the county shall immediately inform the Department of Human Services Licensing Division, and.  The department shall immediately decrease the statewide licensed capacity for the home foster care settings where the physical location is not the primary residence of the license holder, if the voluntary changes described in paragraph (g) are not sufficient to meet the savings required by reductions in licensed bed capacity under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, sections 1 and 40, paragraph (f), and maintain statewide long-term care residential services capacity within budgetary limits.  Implementation of the statewide licensed capacity reduction shall begin on July 1, 2013.  The commissioner shall delicense up to 128 beds by June 30, 2014, using the needs determination process.  Under this paragraph, the commissioner has the authority to reduce unused licensed capacity of a current foster care program to accomplish the consolidation or closure of settings.  A decreased licensed capacity according to this paragraph is not subject to appeal under this chapter.

 

(f) Residential settings that would otherwise be subject to the decreased license capacity established in paragraph (e) shall be exempt under the following circumstances:

 

(1) until August 1, 2013, the license holder's beds occupied by residents whose primary diagnosis is mental illness and the license holder is:

 

(i) a provider of assertive community treatment (ACT) or adult rehabilitative mental health services (ARMHS) as defined in section 256B.0623;

 

(ii) a mental health center certified under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0750 to 9520.0870;

 

(iii) a mental health clinic certified under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0750 to 9520.0870; or

 

(iv) a provider of intensive residential treatment services (IRTS) licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9520.0500 to 9520.0670; or

 

(2) the license holder is certified under the requirements in subdivision 6a.

 

(g) A resource need determination process, managed at the state level, using the available reports required by section 144A.351, and other data and information shall be used to determine where the reduced capacity required under paragraph (e) will be implemented.  The commissioner shall consult with the stakeholders described in section 144A.351, and employ a variety of methods to improve the state's capacity to meet long-term care service needs within budgetary limits, including seeking proposals from service providers or lead agencies to change service type, capacity, or location to improve services, increase the independence of residents, and better meet needs identified by the long-term care services reports and statewide data and information.  By February 1 of each year, the commissioner shall provide information and data on the overall capacity of licensed long-term care services, actions taken under this subdivision to manage statewide long-term care services and supports resources, and any recommendations for change to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services budget.


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Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245A.11, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Adult foster care license capacity.  (a) The commissioner shall issue adult foster care licenses with a maximum licensed capacity of four beds, including nonstaff roomers and boarders, except that the commissioner may issue a license with a capacity of five beds, including roomers and boarders, according to paragraphs (b) to (f).

 

(b) An adult foster care license holder may have a maximum license capacity of five if all persons in care are age 55 or over and do not have a serious and persistent mental illness or a developmental disability.

 

(c) The commissioner may grant variances to paragraph (b) to allow a foster care provider with a licensed capacity of five persons to admit an individual under the age of 55 if the variance complies with section 245A.04, subdivision 9, and approval of the variance is recommended by the county in which the licensed foster care provider is located.

 

(d) The commissioner may grant variances to paragraph (b) to allow the use of a fifth bed for emergency crisis services for a person with serious and persistent mental illness or a developmental disability, regardless of age, if the variance complies with section 245A.04, subdivision 9, and approval of the variance is recommended by the county in which the licensed foster care provider is located.

 

(e) The commissioner may grant a variance to paragraph (b) to allow for the use of a fifth bed for respite services, as defined in section 245A.02, for persons with disabilities, regardless of age, if the variance complies with section 245A.03, subdivision 7, and section 245A.04, subdivision 9, and approval of the variance is recommended by the county in which the licensed foster care provider is licensed.  Respite care may be provided under the following conditions:

 

(1) staffing ratios cannot be reduced below the approved level for the individuals being served in the home on a permanent basis;

 

(2) no more than two different individuals can be accepted for respite services in any calendar month and the total respite days may not exceed 120 days per program in any calendar year;

 

(3) the person receiving respite services must have his or her own bedroom, which could be used for alternative purposes when not used as a respite bedroom, and cannot be the room of another person who lives in the foster care home; and

 

(4) individuals living in the foster care home must be notified when the variance is approved.  The provider must give 60 days' notice in writing to the residents and their legal representatives prior to accepting the first respite placement.  Notice must be given to residents at least two days prior to service initiation, or as soon as the license holder is able if they receive notice of the need for respite less than two days prior to initiation, each time a respite client will be served, unless the requirement for this notice is waived by the resident or legal guardian.

 

(e) If the 2009 legislature adopts a rate reduction that impacts providers of adult foster care services, (f) The commissioner may issue an adult foster care license with a capacity of five adults if the fifth bed does not increase the overall statewide capacity of licensed adult foster care beds in homes that are not the primary residence of the license holder, over the licensed capacity in such homes on July 1, 2009, as identified in a plan submitted to the commissioner by the county, when the capacity is recommended by the county licensing agency of the county in which the facility is located and if the recommendation verifies that:

 

(1) the facility meets the physical environment requirements in the adult foster care licensing rule;

 

(2) the five-bed living arrangement is specified for each resident in the resident's:


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(i) individualized plan of care;

 

(ii) individual service plan under section 256B.092, subdivision 1b, if required; or

 

(iii) individual resident placement agreement under Minnesota Rules, part 9555.5105, subpart 19, if required;

 

(3) the license holder obtains written and signed informed consent from each resident or resident's legal representative documenting the resident's informed choice to remain living in the home and that the resident's refusal to consent would not have resulted in service termination; and

 

(4) the facility was licensed for adult foster care before March 1, 2009 2011.

 

(f) (g) The commissioner shall not issue a new adult foster care license under paragraph (e) (f) after June 30, 2011 2016.  The commissioner shall allow a facility with an adult foster care license issued under paragraph (e) (f) before June 30, 2011 2016, to continue with a capacity of five adults if the license holder continues to comply with the requirements in paragraph (e) (f).

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245A.11, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Adult foster care; variance for alternate overnight supervision.  (a) The commissioner may grant a variance under section 245A.04, subdivision 9, to rule parts requiring a caregiver to be present in an adult foster care home during normal sleeping hours to allow for alternative methods of overnight supervision.  The commissioner may grant the variance if the local county licensing agency recommends the variance and the county recommendation includes documentation verifying that:

 

(1) the county has approved the license holder's plan for alternative methods of providing overnight supervision and determined the plan protects the residents' health, safety, and rights;

 

(2) the license holder has obtained written and signed informed consent from each resident or each resident's legal representative documenting the resident's or legal representative's agreement with the alternative method of overnight supervision; and

 

(3) the alternative method of providing overnight supervision, which may include the use of technology, is specified for each resident in the resident's:  (i) individualized plan of care; (ii) individual service plan under section 256B.092, subdivision 1b, if required; or (iii) individual resident placement agreement under Minnesota Rules, part 9555.5105, subpart 19, if required.

 

(b) To be eligible for a variance under paragraph (a), the adult foster care license holder must not have had a licensing action conditional license issued under section 245A.06, or any other licensing sanction issued under section 245A.07 during the prior 24 months based on failure to provide adequate supervision, health care services, or resident safety in the adult foster care home.

 

(c) A license holder requesting a variance under this subdivision to utilize technology as a component of a plan for alternative overnight supervision may request the commissioner's review in the absence of a county recommendation.  Upon receipt of such a request from a license holder, the commissioner shall review the variance request with the county.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245A.11, subdivision 7a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7a.  Alternate overnight supervision technology; adult foster care license.  (a) The commissioner may grant an applicant or license holder an adult foster care license for a residence that does not have a caregiver in the residence during normal sleeping hours as required under Minnesota Rules, part 9555.5105, subpart 37, item B, but


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uses monitoring technology to alert the license holder when an incident occurs that may jeopardize the health, safety, or rights of a foster care recipient.  The applicant or license holder must comply with all other requirements under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265, and the requirements under this subdivision.  The license printed by the commissioner must state in bold and large font:

 

(1) that the facility is under electronic monitoring; and

 

(2) the telephone number of the county's common entry point for making reports of suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults under section 626.557, subdivision 9.

 

(b) Applications for a license under this section must be submitted directly to the Department of Human Services licensing division.  The licensing division must immediately notify the host county and lead county contract agency and the host county licensing agency.  The licensing division must collaborate with the county licensing agency in the review of the application and the licensing of the program.

 

(c) Before a license is issued by the commissioner, and for the duration of the license, the applicant or license holder must establish, maintain, and document the implementation of written policies and procedures addressing the requirements in paragraphs (d) through (f).

 

(d) The applicant or license holder must have policies and procedures that:

 

(1) establish characteristics of target populations that will be admitted into the home, and characteristics of populations that will not be accepted into the home;

 

(2) explain the discharge process when a foster care recipient requires overnight supervision or other services that cannot be provided by the license holder due to the limited hours that the license holder is on site;

 

(3) describe the types of events to which the program will respond with a physical presence when those events occur in the home during time when staff are not on site, and how the license holder's response plan meets the requirements in paragraph (e), clause (1) or (2);

 

(4) establish a process for documenting a review of the implementation and effectiveness of the response protocol for the response required under paragraph (e), clause (1) or (2).  The documentation must include:

 

(i) a description of the triggering incident;

 

(ii) the date and time of the triggering incident;

 

(iii) the time of the response or responses under paragraph (e), clause (1) or (2);

 

(iv) whether the response met the resident's needs;

 

(v) whether the existing policies and response protocols were followed; and

 

(vi) whether the existing policies and protocols are adequate or need modification.

 

When no physical presence response is completed for a three-month period, the license holder's written policies and procedures must require a physical presence response drill to be conducted for which the effectiveness of the response protocol under paragraph (e), clause (1) or (2), will be reviewed and documented as required under this clause; and


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(5) establish that emergency and nonemergency phone numbers are posted in a prominent location in a common area of the home where they can be easily observed by a person responding to an incident who is not otherwise affiliated with the home.

 

(e) The license holder must document and include in the license application which response alternative under clause (1) or (2) is in place for responding to situations that present a serious risk to the health, safety, or rights of people receiving foster care services in the home:

 

(1) response alternative (1) requires only the technology to provide an electronic notification or alert to the license holder that an event is underway that requires a response.  Under this alternative, no more than ten minutes will pass before the license holder will be physically present on site to respond to the situation; or

 

(2) response alternative (2) requires the electronic notification and alert system under alternative (1), but more than ten minutes may pass before the license holder is present on site to respond to the situation.  Under alternative (2), all of the following conditions are met:

 

(i) the license holder has a written description of the interactive technological applications that will assist the license holder in communicating with and assessing the needs related to the care, health, and safety of the foster care recipients.  This interactive technology must permit the license holder to remotely assess the well being of the foster care recipient without requiring the initiation of the foster care recipient.  Requiring the foster care recipient to initiate a telephone call does not meet this requirement;

 

(ii) the license holder documents how the remote license holder is qualified and capable of meeting the needs of the foster care recipients and assessing foster care recipients' needs under item (i) during the absence of the license holder on site;

 

(iii) the license holder maintains written procedures to dispatch emergency response personnel to the site in the event of an identified emergency; and

 

(iv) each foster care recipient's individualized plan of care, individual service plan under section 256B.092, subdivision 1b, if required, or individual resident placement agreement under Minnesota Rules, part 9555.5105, subpart 19, if required, identifies the maximum response time, which may be greater than ten minutes, for the license holder to be on site for that foster care recipient.

 

(f) All Each foster care recipient's placement agreements agreement, individual service agreements, and plans applicable to the foster care recipient agreement, and plan must clearly state that the adult foster care license category is a program without the presence of a caregiver in the residence during normal sleeping hours; the protocols in place for responding to situations that present a serious risk to the health, safety, or rights of foster care recipients under paragraph (e), clause (1) or (2); and a signed informed consent from each foster care recipient or the person's legal representative documenting the person's or legal representative's agreement with placement in the program.  If electronic monitoring technology is used in the home, the informed consent form must also explain the following:

 

(1) how any electronic monitoring is incorporated into the alternative supervision system;

 

(2) the backup system for any electronic monitoring in times of electrical outages or other equipment malfunctions;

 

(3) how the license holder is caregivers are trained on the use of the technology;

 

(4) the event types and license holder response times established under paragraph (e);


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(5) how the license holder protects the foster care recipient's privacy related to electronic monitoring and related to any electronically recorded data generated by the monitoring system.  A foster care recipient may not be removed from a program under this subdivision for failure to consent to electronic monitoring.  The consent form must explain where and how the electronically recorded data is stored, with whom it will be shared, and how long it is retained; and

 

(6) the risks and benefits of the alternative overnight supervision system.

 

The written explanations under clauses (1) to (6) may be accomplished through cross-references to other policies and procedures as long as they are explained to the person giving consent, and the person giving consent is offered a copy.

 

(g) Nothing in this section requires the applicant or license holder to develop or maintain separate or duplicative policies, procedures, documentation, consent forms, or individual plans that may be required for other licensing standards, if the requirements of this section are incorporated into those documents.

 

(h) The commissioner may grant variances to the requirements of this section according to section 245A.04, subdivision 9.

 

(i) For the purposes of paragraphs (d) through (h), "license holder" has the meaning under section 245A.2, subdivision 9, and additionally includes all staff, volunteers, and contractors affiliated with the license holder.

 

(j) For the purposes of paragraph (e), the terms "assess" and "assessing" mean to remotely determine what action the license holder needs to take to protect the well-being of the foster care recipient.

 

(k) The commissioner shall evaluate license applications using the requirements in paragraphs (d) to (f).  The commissioner shall provide detailed application forms, including a checklist of criteria needed for approval.

 

(l) To be eligible for a license under paragraph (a), the adult foster care license holder must not have had a conditional license issued under section 245A.06 or any licensing sanction under section 245A.07 during the prior 24 months based on failure to provide adequate supervision, health care services, or resident safety in the adult foster care home.

 

(m) The commissioner shall review an application for an alternative overnight supervision license within 60 days of receipt of the application.  When the commissioner receives an application that is incomplete because the applicant failed to submit required documents or that is substantially deficient because the documents submitted do not meet licensing requirements, the commissioner shall provide the applicant written notice that the application is incomplete or substantially deficient.  In the written notice to the applicant, the commissioner shall identify documents that are missing or deficient and give the applicant 45 days to resubmit a second application that is substantially complete.  An applicant's failure to submit a substantially complete application after receiving notice from the commissioner is a basis for license denial under section 245A.05.  The commissioner shall complete subsequent review within 30 days.

 

(n) Once the application is considered complete under paragraph (m), the commissioner will approve or deny an application for an alternative overnight supervision license within 60 days.

 

(o) For the purposes of this subdivision, "supervision" means:

 

(1) oversight by a caregiver as specified in the individual resident's place agreement and awareness of the resident's needs and activities; and


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(2) the presence of a caregiver in a residence during normal sleeping hours, unless a determination has been made and documented in the individual's support plan that the individual does not require the presence of a caregiver during normal sleeping hours.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Consumer data file.  The license holder must maintain the following information for each consumer:

 

(1) identifying information that includes date of birth, medications, legal representative, history, medical, and other individual-specific information, and names and telephone numbers of contacts;

 

(2) consumer health information, including individual medication administration and monitoring information;

 

(3) the consumer's individual service plan.  When a consumer's case manager does not provide a current individual service plan, the license holder shall make a written request to the case manager to provide a copy of the individual service plan and inform the consumer or the consumer's legal representative of the right to an individual service plan and the right to appeal under section 256.045.  In the event the case manager fails to provide an individual service plan after a written request from the license holder, the license holder shall not be sanctioned or penalized financially for not having a current individual service plan in the consumer's data file;

 

(4) copies of assessments, analyses, summaries, and recommendations;

 

(5) progress review reports;

 

(6) incidents involving the consumer;

 

(7) reports required under section 245B.05, subdivision 7;

 

(8) discharge summary, when applicable;

 

(9) record of other license holders serving the consumer that includes a contact person and telephone numbers, services being provided, services that require coordination between two license holders, and name of staff responsible for coordination;

 

(10) information about verbal aggression directed at the consumer by another consumer; and

 

(11) information about self-abuse.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245C.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Unlicensed home and community-based waiver providers of service to seniors and individuals with disabilities.  (a) Providers required to initiate background studies under section 256B.4912 must initiate a study before the individual begins in a position allowing direct contact with persons served by the provider.

 

(b) The commissioner shall conduct Except as provided in paragraph (c), the providers must initiate a background study annually of an individual required to be studied under section 245C.03, subdivision 6.

 

(c) After an initial background study under this subdivision is initiated on an individual by a provider of both services licensed by the commissioner and the unlicensed services under this subdivision, a repeat annual background study is not required if:


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(1) the provider maintains compliance with the requirements of section 245C.07, paragraph (a), regarding one individual with one address and telephone number as the person to receive sensitive background study information for the multiple programs that depend on the same background study, and that the individual who is designated to receive the sensitive background information is capable of determining, upon the request of the commissioner, whether a background study subject is providing direct contact services in one or more of the provider's programs or services and, if so, at which location or locations; and

 

(2) the individual who is the subject of the background study provides direct contact services under the provider's licensed program for at least 40 hours per year so the individual will be recognized by a probation officer or corrections agent to prompt a report to the commissioner regarding criminal convictions as required under section 245C.05, subdivision 7.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245C.05, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Probation officer and corrections agent.  (a) A probation officer or corrections agent shall notify the commissioner of an individual's conviction if the individual is:

 

(1) has been affiliated with a program or facility regulated by the Department of Human Services or Department of Health, a facility serving children or youth licensed by the Department of Corrections, or any type of home care agency or provider of personal care assistance services within the preceding year; and

 

(2) has been convicted of a crime constituting a disqualification under section 245C.14.

 

(b) For the purpose of this subdivision, "conviction" has the meaning given it in section 609.02, subdivision 5.

 

(c) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of corrections, shall develop forms and information necessary to implement this subdivision and shall provide the forms and information to the commissioner of corrections for distribution to local probation officers and corrections agents.

 

(d) The commissioner shall inform individuals subject to a background study that criminal convictions for disqualifying crimes will be reported to the commissioner by the corrections system.

 

(e) A probation officer, corrections agent, or corrections agency is not civilly or criminally liable for disclosing or failing to disclose the information required by this subdivision.

 

(f) Upon receipt of disqualifying information, the commissioner shall provide the notice required under section 245C.17, as appropriate, to agencies on record as having initiated a background study or making a request for documentation of the background study status of the individual.

 

(g) This subdivision does not apply to family child care programs.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 252.27, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Contribution amount.  (a) The natural or adoptive parents of a minor child, including a child determined eligible for medical assistance without consideration of parental income, must contribute to the cost of services used by making monthly payments on a sliding scale based on income, unless the child is married or has been married, parental rights have been terminated, or the child's adoption is subsidized according to section 259.67 or through title IV-E of the Social Security Act.  The parental contribution is a partial or full payment for medical services provided for diagnostic, therapeutic, curing, treating, mitigating, rehabilitation, maintenance, and personal care services as defined in United States Code, title 26, section 213, needed by the child with a chronic illness or disability.


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(b) For households with adjusted gross income equal to or greater than 100 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be computed by applying the following schedule of rates to the adjusted gross income of the natural or adoptive parents:

 

(1) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 100 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution is $4 per month;

 

(2) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than or equal to 545 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be determined using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner of human services which begins at one percent of adjusted gross income at 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines and increases to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income for those with adjusted gross income up to 545 percent of federal poverty guidelines;

 

(3) if the adjusted gross income is greater than 545 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income;

 

(4) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 975 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be determined using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner of human services which begins at 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income at 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines and increases to ten percent of adjusted gross income for those with adjusted gross income up to 975 percent of federal poverty guidelines; and

 

(5) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 975 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be 12.5 percent of adjusted gross income.

 

If the child lives with the parent, the annual adjusted gross income is reduced by $2,400 prior to calculating the parental contribution.  If the child resides in an institution specified in section 256B.35, the parent is responsible for the personal needs allowance specified under that section in addition to the parental contribution determined under this section.  The parental contribution is reduced by any amount required to be paid directly to the child pursuant to a court order, but only if actually paid.

 

(c) The household size to be used in determining the amount of contribution under paragraph (b) includes natural and adoptive parents and their dependents, including the child receiving services.  Adjustments in the contribution amount due to annual changes in the federal poverty guidelines shall be implemented on the first day of July following publication of the changes.

 

(d) For purposes of paragraph (b), "income" means the adjusted gross income of the natural or adoptive parents determined according to the previous year's federal tax form, except, effective retroactive to July 1, 2003, taxable capital gains to the extent the funds have been used to purchase a home shall not be counted as income.

 

(e) The contribution shall be explained in writing to the parents at the time eligibility for services is being determined.  The contribution shall be made on a monthly basis effective with the first month in which the child receives services.  Annually upon redetermination or at termination of eligibility, if the contribution exceeded the cost of services provided, the local agency or the state shall reimburse that excess amount to the parents, either by direct reimbursement if the parent is no longer required to pay a contribution, or by a reduction in or waiver of parental fees until the excess amount is exhausted.  All reimbursements must include a notice that the amount reimbursed may be taxable income if the parent paid for the parent's fees through an employer's health care flexible spending account under the Internal Revenue Code, section 125, and that the parent is responsible for paying the taxes owed on the amount reimbursed.


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(f) The monthly contribution amount must be reviewed at least every 12 months; when there is a change in household size; and when there is a loss of or gain in income from one month to another in excess of ten percent.  The local agency shall mail a written notice 30 days in advance of the effective date of a change in the contribution amount.  A decrease in the contribution amount is effective in the month that the parent verifies a reduction in income or change in household size.

 

(g) Parents of a minor child who do not live with each other shall each pay the contribution required under paragraph (a).  An amount equal to the annual court-ordered child support payment actually paid on behalf of the child receiving services shall be deducted from the adjusted gross income of the parent making the payment prior to calculating the parental contribution under paragraph (b).

 

(h) The contribution under paragraph (b) shall be increased by an additional five percent if the local agency determines that insurance coverage is available but not obtained for the child.  For purposes of this section, "available" means the insurance is a benefit of employment for a family member at an annual cost of no more than five percent of the family's annual income.  For purposes of this section, "insurance" means health and accident insurance coverage, enrollment in a nonprofit health service plan, health maintenance organization, self-insured plan, or preferred provider organization.

 

Parents who have more than one child receiving services shall not be required to pay more than the amount for the child with the highest expenditures.  There shall be no resource contribution from the parents.  The parent shall not be required to pay a contribution in excess of the cost of the services provided to the child, not counting payments made to school districts for education-related services.  Notice of an increase in fee payment must be given at least 30 days before the increased fee is due.

 

(i) The contribution under paragraph (b) shall be reduced by $300 per fiscal year if, in the 12 months prior to July 1:

 

(1) the parent applied for insurance for the child;

 

(2) the insurer denied insurance;

 

(3) the parents submitted a complaint or appeal, in writing to the insurer, submitted a complaint or appeal, in writing, to the commissioner of health or the commissioner of commerce, or litigated the complaint or appeal; and

 

(4) as a result of the dispute, the insurer reversed its decision and granted insurance.

 

For purposes of this section, "insurance" has the meaning given in paragraph (h).

 

A parent who has requested a reduction in the contribution amount under this paragraph shall submit proof in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner or county agency, including, but not limited to, the insurer's denial of insurance, the written letter or complaint of the parents, court documents, and the written response of the insurer approving insurance.  The determinations of the commissioner or county agency under this paragraph are not rules subject to chapter 14.

 

(j) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), for the period from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013 2015, the parental contribution shall be computed by applying the following contribution schedule to the adjusted gross income of the natural or adoptive parents:

 

(1) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 100 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution is $4 per month;


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(2) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than or equal to 525 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be determined using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner of human services which begins at one percent of adjusted gross income at 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines and increases to eight percent of adjusted gross income for those with adjusted gross income up to 525 percent of federal poverty guidelines;

 

(3) if the adjusted gross income is greater than 525 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be 9.5 percent of adjusted gross income;

 

(4) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines and less than 900 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be determined using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner of human services which begins at 9.5 percent of adjusted gross income at 675 percent of federal poverty guidelines and increases to 12 percent of adjusted gross income for those with adjusted gross income up to 900 percent of federal poverty guidelines; and

 

(5) if the adjusted gross income is equal to or greater than 900 percent of federal poverty guidelines, the parental contribution shall be 13.5 percent of adjusted gross income.  If the child lives with the parent, the annual adjusted gross income is reduced by $2,400 prior to calculating the parental contribution.  If the child resides in an institution specified in section 256B.35, the parent is responsible for the personal needs allowance specified under that section in addition to the parental contribution determined under this section.  The parental contribution is reduced by any amount required to be paid directly to the child pursuant to a court order, but only if actually paid.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256.975, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Consumer information and assistance and long-term care options counseling; Senior LinkAge Line.  (a) The Minnesota Board on Aging shall operate a statewide service to aid older Minnesotans and their families in making informed choices about long-term care options and health care benefits.  Language services to persons with limited English language skills may be made available.  The service, known as Senior LinkAge Line, must be available during business hours through a statewide toll-free number and must also be available through the Internet.

 

(b) The service must provide long-term care options counseling by assisting older adults, caregivers, and providers in accessing information and options counseling about choices in long-term care services that are purchased through private providers or available through public options.  The service must:

 

(1) develop a comprehensive database that includes detailed listings in both consumer- and provider-oriented formats;

 

(2) make the database accessible on the Internet and through other telecommunication and media-related tools;

 

(3) link callers to interactive long-term care screening tools and make these tools available through the Internet by integrating the tools with the database;

 

(4) develop community education materials with a focus on planning for long-term care and evaluating independent living, housing, and service options;

 

(5) conduct an outreach campaign to assist older adults and their caregivers in finding information on the Internet and through other means of communication;

 

(6) implement a messaging system for overflow callers and respond to these callers by the next business day;


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(7) link callers with county human services and other providers to receive more in-depth assistance and consultation related to long-term care options;

 

(8) link callers with quality profiles for nursing facilities and other providers developed by the commissioner of health;

 

(9) incorporate information about the availability of housing options, as well as registered housing with services and consumer rights within the MinnesotaHelp.info network long-term care database to facilitate consumer comparison of services and costs among housing with services establishments and with other in-home services and to support financial self-sufficiency as long as possible.  Housing with services establishments and their arranged home care providers shall provide information that will facilitate price comparisons, including delineation of charges for rent and for services available.  The commissioners of health and human services shall align the data elements required by section 144G.06, the Uniform Consumer Information Guide, and this section to provide consumers standardized information and ease of comparison of long-term care options.  The commissioner of human services shall provide the data to the Minnesota Board on Aging for inclusion in the MinnesotaHelp.info network long-term care database;

 

(10) provide long-term care options counseling.  Long-term care options counselors shall:

 

(i) for individuals not eligible for case management under a public program or public funding source, provide interactive decision support under which consumers, family members, or other helpers are supported in their deliberations to determine appropriate long-term care choices in the context of the consumer's needs, preferences, values, and individual circumstances, including implementing a community support plan;

 

(ii) provide Web-based educational information and collateral written materials to familiarize consumers, family members, or other helpers with the long-term care basics, issues to be considered, and the range of options available in the community;

 

(iii) provide long-term care futures planning, which means providing assistance to individuals who anticipate having long-term care needs to develop a plan for the more distant future; and

 

(iv) provide expertise in benefits and financing options for long-term care, including Medicare, long-term care insurance, tax or employer-based incentives, reverse mortgages, private pay options, and ways to access low or no-cost services or benefits through volunteer-based or charitable programs; and

 

(11) using risk management and support planning protocols, provide long-term care options counseling to current residents of nursing homes deemed appropriate for discharge by the commissioner.  In order to meet this requirement, the commissioner shall provide designated Senior LinkAge Line contact centers with a list of nursing home residents appropriate for discharge planning via a secure Web portal.  Senior LinkAge Line shall provide these residents, if they indicate a preference to receive long-term care options counseling, with initial assessment, review of risk factors, independent living support consultation, or referral to:

 

(i) long-term care consultation services under section 256B.0911;

 

(ii) designated care coordinators of contracted entities under section 256B.035 for persons who are enrolled in a managed care plan; or

 

(iii) the long-term care consultation team for those who are appropriate for relocation service coordination due to high-risk factors or psychological or physical disability.; and


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(12) develop referral protocols and processes that will assist certified health care homes and hospitals to identify at-risk older adults and determine when to refer these individuals to the Senior LinkAge Line for long-term care options counseling under this section.  The commissioner is directed to work with the commissioner of health to develop protocols that would comply with the health care home designation criteria and protocols available at the time of hospital discharge.  The commissioner shall keep a record of the number of people who choose long-term care options counseling as a result of this section.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.056, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Income and assets generally.  Unless specifically required by state law or rule or federal law or regulation, the methodologies used in counting income and assets to determine eligibility for medical assistance for persons whose eligibility category is based on blindness, disability, or age of 65 or more years, the methodologies for the supplemental security income program shall be used, except as provided under subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (6).  Increases in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act shall not be counted as income for purposes of this subdivision until July 1 of each year.  Effective upon federal approval, for children eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 12, or for home and community-based waiver services whose eligibility for medical assistance is determined without regard to parental income, child support payments, including any payments made by an obligor in satisfaction of or in addition to a temporary or permanent order for child support, and Social Security payments are not counted as income.  For families and children, which includes all other eligibility categories, the methodologies under the state's AFDC plan in effect as of July 16, 1996, as required by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), Public Law 104-193, shall be used, except that effective October 1, 2003, the earned income disregards and deductions are limited to those in subdivision 1c.  For these purposes, a "methodology" does not include an asset or income standard, or accounting method, or method of determining effective dates.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective April 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.056, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Asset limitations for individuals and families.  (a) To be eligible for medical assistance, a person must not individually own more than $3,000 in assets, or if a member of a household with two family members, husband and wife, or parent and child, the household must not own more than $6,000 in assets, plus $200 for each additional legal dependent.  In addition to these maximum amounts, an eligible individual or family may accrue interest on these amounts, but they must be reduced to the maximum at the time of an eligibility redetermination.  The accumulation of the clothing and personal needs allowance according to section 256B.35 must also be reduced to the maximum at the time of the eligibility redetermination.  The value of assets that are not considered in determining eligibility for medical assistance is the value of those assets excluded under the supplemental security income program for aged, blind, and disabled persons, with the following exceptions:

 

(1) household goods and personal effects are not considered;

 

(2) capital and operating assets of a trade or business that the local agency determines are necessary to the person's ability to earn an income are not considered;

 

(3) motor vehicles are excluded to the same extent excluded by the supplemental security income program;

 

(4) assets designated as burial expenses are excluded to the same extent excluded by the supplemental security income program.  Burial expenses funded by annuity contracts or life insurance policies must irrevocably designate the individual's estate as contingent beneficiary to the extent proceeds are not used for payment of selected burial expenses; and


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(5) for a person who no longer qualifies as an employed person with a disability due to loss of earnings, assets allowed while eligible for medical assistance under section 256B.057, subdivision 9, are not considered for 12 months, beginning with the first month of ineligibility as an employed person with a disability, to the extent that the person's total assets remain within the allowed limits of section 256B.057, subdivision 9, paragraph (d).; and

 

(6) when a person enrolled in medical assistance under section 256B.057, subdivision 9, is age 65 or older and has been enrolled during each of the 24 consecutive months before the person's 65th birthday, the assets owned by the person and the person's spouse must be disregarded, up to the limits of section 256B.057, subdivision 9, paragraph (d), when determining eligibility for medical assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 7.  The income of a spouse of a person enrolled in medical assistance under section 256B.057, subdivision 9, during each of the 24 consecutive months before the person's 65th birthday must be disregarded when determining eligibility for medical assistance under section 256B.055, subdivision 7.  Persons eligible under this clause are not subject to the provisions in section 256B.059.  A person whose 65th birthday occurs in 2012 or 2013 is required to have qualified for medical assistance under section 256B.057, subdivision 9, prior to age 65 for at least 20 months in the 24 months prior to reaching age 65.

 

(b) No asset limit shall apply to persons eligible under section 256B.055, subdivision 15.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective April 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.057, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Employed persons with disabilities.  (a) Medical assistance may be paid for a person who is employed and who:

 

(1) but for excess earnings or assets, meets the definition of disabled under the Supplemental Security Income program;

 

(2) is at least 16 but less than 65 years of age;

 

(3) meets the asset limits in paragraph (d); and

 

(4) (3) pays a premium and other obligations under paragraph (e).

 

(b) For purposes of eligibility, there is a $65 earned income disregard.  To be eligible for medical assistance under this subdivision, a person must have more than $65 of earned income.  Earned income must have Medicare, Social Security, and applicable state and federal taxes withheld.  The person must document earned income tax withholding.  Any spousal income or assets shall be disregarded for purposes of eligibility and premium determinations.

 

(c) After the month of enrollment, a person enrolled in medical assistance under this subdivision who:

 

(1) is temporarily unable to work and without receipt of earned income due to a medical condition, as verified by a physician; or

 

(2) loses employment for reasons not attributable to the enrollee, and is without receipt of earned income may retain eligibility for up to four consecutive months after the month of job loss.  To receive a four-month extension, enrollees must verify the medical condition or provide notification of job loss.  All other eligibility requirements must be met and the enrollee must pay all calculated premium costs for continued eligibility.


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(d) For purposes of determining eligibility under this subdivision, a person's assets must not exceed $20,000, excluding:

 

(1) all assets excluded under section 256B.056;

 

(2) retirement accounts, including individual accounts, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Keogh plans, and pension plans;

 

(3) medical expense accounts set up through the person's employer; and

 

(4) spousal assets, including spouse's share of jointly held assets.

 

(e) All enrollees must pay a premium to be eligible for medical assistance under this subdivision, except as provided under section 256.01, subdivision 18b.

 

(1) An enrollee must pay the greater of a $65 premium or the premium calculated based on the person's gross earned and unearned income and the applicable family size using a sliding fee scale established by the commissioner, which begins at one percent of income at 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and increases to 7.5 percent of income for those with incomes at or above 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

 

(2) Annual adjustments in the premium schedule based upon changes in the federal poverty guidelines shall be effective for premiums due in July of each year.

 

(3) All enrollees who receive unearned income must pay five percent of unearned income in addition to the premium amount, except as provided under section 256.01, subdivision 18b.

 

(4) Increases in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act shall not be counted as income for purposes of this subdivision until July 1 of each year.

 

(f) A person's eligibility and premium shall be determined by the local county agency.  Premiums must be paid to the commissioner.  All premiums are dedicated to the commissioner.

 

(g) Any required premium shall be determined at application and redetermined at the enrollee's six-month income review or when a change in income or household size is reported.  Enrollees must report any change in income or household size within ten days of when the change occurs.  A decreased premium resulting from a reported change in income or household size shall be effective the first day of the next available billing month after the change is reported.  Except for changes occurring from annual cost-of-living increases, a change resulting in an increased premium shall not affect the premium amount until the next six-month review.

 

(h) Premium payment is due upon notification from the commissioner of the premium amount required.  Premiums may be paid in installments at the discretion of the commissioner.

 

(i) Nonpayment of the premium shall result in denial or termination of medical assistance unless the person demonstrates good cause for nonpayment.  Good cause exists if the requirements specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9506.0040, subpart 7, items B to D, are met.  Except when an installment agreement is accepted by the commissioner, all persons disenrolled for nonpayment of a premium must pay any past due premiums as well as current premiums due prior to being reenrolled.  Nonpayment shall include payment with a returned, refused, or dishonored instrument.  The commissioner may require a guaranteed form of payment as the only means to replace a returned, refused, or dishonored instrument.


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(j) The commissioner shall notify enrollees annually beginning at least 24 months before the person's 65th birthday of the medical assistance eligibility rules affecting income, assets, and treatment of a spouse's income and assets that will be applied upon reaching age 65.

 

(k) For enrollees whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and who are also enrolled in Medicare, the commissioner shall reimburse the enrollee for Medicare part B premiums under section 256B.0625, subdivision 15, paragraph (a).

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective April 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0659, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Personal care assistant; requirements.  (a) A personal care assistant must meet the following requirements:

 

(1) be at least 18 years of age with the exception of persons who are 16 or 17 years of age with these additional requirements:

 

(i) supervision by a qualified professional every 60 days; and

 

(ii) employment by only one personal care assistance provider agency responsible for compliance with current labor laws;

 

(2) be employed by a personal care assistance provider agency;

 

(3) enroll with the department as a personal care assistant after clearing a background study.  Except as provided in subdivision 11a, before a personal care assistant provides services, the personal care assistance provider agency must initiate a background study on the personal care assistant under chapter 245C, and the personal care assistance provider agency must have received a notice from the commissioner that the personal care assistant is:

 

(i) not disqualified under section 245C.14; or

 

(ii) is disqualified, but the personal care assistant has received a set aside of the disqualification under section 245C.22;

 

(4) be able to effectively communicate with the recipient and personal care assistance provider agency;

 

(5) be able to provide covered personal care assistance services according to the recipient's personal care assistance care plan, respond appropriately to recipient needs, and report changes in the recipient's condition to the supervising qualified professional or physician;

 

(6) not be a consumer of personal care assistance services;

 

(7) maintain daily written records including, but not limited to, time sheets under subdivision 12;

 

(8) effective January 1, 2010, complete standardized training as determined by the commissioner before completing enrollment.  The training must be available in languages other than English and to those who need accommodations due to disabilities.  Personal care assistant training must include successful completion of the following training components:  basic first aid, vulnerable adult, child maltreatment, OSHA universal precautions, basic roles and responsibilities of personal care assistants including information about assistance with lifting and transfers for recipients, emergency preparedness, orientation to positive behavioral practices, fraud issues, and completion of time sheets.  Upon completion of the training components, the personal care assistant must demonstrate the competency to provide assistance to recipients;


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(9) complete training and orientation on the needs of the recipient within the first seven days after the services begin; and

 

(10) be limited to providing and being paid for up to 275 hours per month, except that this limit shall be 275 hours per month for the period July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011, of personal care assistance services regardless of the number of recipients being served or the number of personal care assistance provider agencies enrolled with.  The number of hours worked per day shall not be disallowed by the department unless in violation of the law.

 

(b) A legal guardian may be a personal care assistant if the guardian is not being paid for the guardian services and meets the criteria for personal care assistants in paragraph (a).

 

(c) Persons who do not qualify as a personal care assistant include parents and stepparents of minors, spouses, paid legal guardians, family foster care providers, except as otherwise allowed in section 256B.0625, subdivision 19a, or staff of a residential setting.  When the personal care assistant is a relative of the recipient, the commissioner shall pay 80 percent of the provider rate.  This rate reduction is effective July 1, 2013.  For purposes of this section, relative means the parent or adoptive parent of an adult child, a sibling aged 16 years or older, an adult child, a grandparent, or a grandchild.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0659, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 31.  Commissioner's access.  When the commissioner is investigating a possible overpayment of Medicaid funds, the commissioner must be given immediate access without prior notice to the office during regular business hours and to documentation and records related to services provided and submission of claims for services provided.  Denying the commissioner access to records is cause for immediate suspension of payment and/or terminating the personal care provider organization's enrollment according to section 256B.064.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0911, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3a.  Assessment and support planning.  (a) Persons requesting assessment, services planning, or other assistance intended to support community-based living, including persons who need assessment in order to determine waiver or alternative care program eligibility, must be visited by a long-term care consultation team within 15 calendar days after the date on which an assessment was requested or recommended.  After January 1, 2011, these requirements also apply to personal care assistance services, private duty nursing, and home health agency services, on timelines established in subdivision 5.  Face-to-face assessments must be conducted according to paragraphs (b) to (i).

 

(b) The county may utilize a team of either the social worker or public health nurse, or both.  After January 1, 2011, lead agencies shall use certified assessors to conduct the assessment in a face-to-face interview.  The consultation team members must confer regarding the most appropriate care for each individual screened or assessed.

 

(c) The assessment must be comprehensive and include a person-centered assessment of the health, psychological, functional, environmental, and social needs of referred individuals and provide information necessary to develop a support plan that meets the consumers needs, using an assessment form provided by the commissioner.

 

(d) The assessment must be conducted in a face-to-face interview with the person being assessed and the person's legal representative, as required by legally executed documents, and other individuals as requested by the person, who can provide information on the needs, strengths, and preferences of the person necessary to develop a support plan that ensures the person's health and safety, but who is not a provider of service or has any financial interest in the provision of services.  For persons who are to be assessed for elderly waiver customized living services under section 256B.0915, with the permission of the person being assessed or the person's designated or legal representative, the client's current or proposed provider of services may submit a copy of the provider's nursing


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assessment or written report outlining their recommendations regarding the client's care needs.  The person conducting the assessment will notify the provider of the date by which this information is to be submitted.  This information shall be provided to the person conducting the assessment prior to the assessment.

 

(e) The person, or the person's legal representative, must be provided with written recommendations for community-based services, including consumer-directed options, or institutional care that include documentation that the most cost-effective alternatives available were offered to the individual, and alternatives to residential settings, including, but not limited to, foster care settings that are not the primary residence of the license holder.  For purposes of this requirement, "cost-effective alternatives" means community services and living arrangements that cost the same as or less than institutional care.

 

(f) If the person chooses to use community-based services, the person or the person's legal representative must be provided with a written community support plan, regardless of whether the individual is eligible for Minnesota health care programs.  A person may request assistance in identifying community supports without participating in a complete assessment.  Upon a request for assistance identifying community support, the person must be transferred or referred to the services available under sections 256.975, subdivision 7, and 256.01, subdivision 24, for telephone assistance and follow up.

 

(g) The person has the right to make the final decision between institutional placement and community placement after the recommendations have been provided, except as provided in subdivision 4a, paragraph (c).

 

(h) The team must give the person receiving assessment or support planning, or the person's legal representative, materials, and forms supplied by the commissioner containing the following information:

 

(1) the need for and purpose of preadmission screening if the person selects nursing facility placement;

 

(2) the role of the long-term care consultation assessment and support planning in waiver and alternative care program eligibility determination;

 

(3) information about Minnesota health care programs;

 

(4) the person's freedom to accept or reject the recommendations of the team;

 

(5) the person's right to confidentiality under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, chapter 13;

 

(6) the long-term care consultant's decision regarding the person's need for institutional level of care as determined under criteria established in section 144.0724, subdivision 11, or 256B.092; and

 

(7) the person's right to appeal the decision regarding the need for nursing facility level of care or the county's final decisions regarding public programs eligibility according to section 256.045, subdivision 3.

 

(i) Face-to-face assessment completed as part of eligibility determination for the alternative care, elderly waiver, community alternatives for disabled individuals, community alternative care, and traumatic brain injury waiver programs under sections 256B.0915, 256B.0917, and 256B.49 is valid to establish service eligibility for no more than 60 calendar days after the date of assessment.  The effective eligibility start date for these programs can never be prior to the date of assessment.  If an assessment was completed more than 60 days before the effective waiver or alternative care program eligibility start date, assessment and support plan information must be updated in a face-to-face visit and documented in the department's Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).  The effective date of program eligibility in this case cannot be prior to the date the updated assessment is completed.


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Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0911, subdivision 3c, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3c.  Consultation for housing with services.  (a) The purpose of long-term care consultation for registered housing with services is to support persons with current or anticipated long-term care needs in making informed choices among options that include the most cost-effective and least restrictive settings.  Prospective residents maintain the right to choose housing with services or assisted living if that option is their preference.

 

(b) Registered housing with services establishments shall inform all prospective residents or the prospective resident's designated or legal representative of the availability of long-term care consultation and the need to receive and verify the consultation prior to signing a lease or contract.  Long-term care consultation for registered housing with services is provided as determined by the commissioner of human services.  The service is delivered under a partnership between lead agencies as defined in subdivision 1a, paragraph (d), and the Area Agencies on Aging, and is a point of entry to a combination of telephone-based long-term care options counseling provided by Senior LinkAge Line and in-person long-term care consultation provided by lead agencies.  The point of entry service must be provided within five working days of the request of the prospective resident as follows:

 

(1) the consultation shall be conducted with the prospective resident, or in the alternative, the resident's designated or legal representative, if:

 

(i) the resident verbally requests; or

 

(ii) the registered housing with services provider has documentation of the designated or legal representative's authority to enter into a lease or contract on behalf of the prospective resident and accepts the documentation in good faith;

 

(2) the consultation shall be performed in a manner that provides objective and complete information;

 

(2) (3) the consultation must include a review of the prospective resident's reasons for considering housing with services, the prospective resident's personal goals, a discussion of the prospective resident's immediate and projected long-term care needs, and alternative community services or housing with services settings that may meet the prospective resident's needs;

 

(3) (4) the prospective resident shall be informed of the availability of a face-to-face visit at no charge to the prospective resident to assist the prospective resident in assessment and planning to meet the prospective resident's long-term care needs; and

 

(4) (5) verification of counseling shall be generated and provided to the prospective resident by Senior LinkAge Line upon completion of the telephone-based counseling.

 

(c) Housing with services establishments registered under chapter 144D shall:

 

(1) inform all prospective residents or the prospective resident's designated or legal representative of the availability of and contact information for consultation services under this subdivision;

 

(2) except for individuals seeking lease-only arrangements in subsidized housing settings, receive a copy of the verification of counseling prior to executing a lease or service contract with the prospective resident, and prior to executing a service contract with individuals who have previously entered into lease-only arrangements; and

 

(3) retain a copy of the verification of counseling as part of the resident's file.


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(d) Emergency admissions to registered housing with services establishments prior to consultation under paragraph (b) are permitted according to policies established by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0911, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3d.  Exemptions.  Individuals shall be exempt from the requirements outlined in subdivision 3c in the following circumstances:

 

(1) the individual is seeking a lease-only arrangement in a subsidized housing setting;

 

(2) the individual has previously received a long-term care consultation assessment under this section.  In this instance, the assessor who completes the long-term care consultation will issue a verification code and provide it to the individual;

 

(3) the individual is receiving or is being evaluated for hospice services from a hospice provider licensed under sections 144A.75 to 144A.755; or

 

(4) the individual has used financial planning services and created a long-term care plan as defined by the commissioner in the 12 months prior to signing a lease or contract with a registered housing with services establishment.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0911, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 3e.  Consultation at hospital discharge.  (a) Hospitals shall refer all individuals described in paragraph (b) prior to discharge from an inpatient hospital stay to the Senior LinkAge Line for long-term care options counseling.  Hospitals shall make these referrals using referral protocols and processes developed under section 256.975, subdivision 7.  The purpose of the counseling is to support persons with current or anticipated long-term care needs in making informed choices among options that include the most cost-effective and least restrictive setting.

 

(b) The individuals who shall be referred under paragraph (a) include older adults who are at risk of nursing home placement.  Protocols for identifying at-risk individuals shall be developed under section 256.975, subdivision 7, paragraph (b), clause (12).

 

(c) Counseling provided under this subdivision shall meet the requirements for the consultation required under section 256B.0911, subdivision 3c.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective October 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0915, subdivision 3e, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3e.  Customized living service rate.  (a) Payment for customized living services shall be a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner.  The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in the recipient's customized living service plan.  The lead agency, with input from the provider of customized living services, shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized.

 

(b) The payment rate must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner.  Counties and tribes shall use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living service plans and rates.


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(c) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale.  Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

 

(d) With the exception of individuals described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), the individualized monthly authorized payment for the customized living service plan shall not exceed 50 percent of the greater of either the statewide or any of the geographic groups' weighted average monthly nursing facility rate of the case mix resident class to which the elderly waiver eligible client would be assigned under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, less the maintenance needs allowance as described in subdivision 1d, paragraph (a), until the July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented.  Effective on July 1 of the state fiscal year in which the resident assessment system as described in section 256B.438 for nursing home rate determination is implemented and July 1 of each subsequent state fiscal year, the individualized monthly authorized payment for the services described in this clause shall not exceed the limit which was in effect on June 30 of the previous state fiscal year updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rate maximums for home and community-based service providers.

 

(e) Effective July 1, 2011, the individualized monthly payment for the customized living service plan for individuals described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), must be the monthly authorized payment limit for customized living for individuals classified as case mix A, reduced by 25 percent.  This rate limit must be applied to all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011, who meet the criteria described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b).  This monthly limit also applies to all other participants who meet the criteria described in subdivision 3a, paragraph (b), at reassessment.

 

(f) Customized living services are delivered by a provider licensed by the Department of Health as a class A or class F home care provider and provided in a building that is registered as a housing with services establishment under chapter 144D.  Licensed home care providers are subject to section 256B.0651, subdivision 14.

 

(g) A provider may not bill or otherwise charge an elderly waiver participant or their family for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those available under the service rate limits described in paragraph (d), nor for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those approved in the service plan by the lead agency.

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.0915, subdivision 3h, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3h.  Service rate limits; 24-hour customized living services.  (a) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services is a monthly rate authorized by the lead agency within the parameters established by the commissioner of human services.  The payment agreement must delineate the amount of each component service included in each recipient's customized living service plan.  The lead agency, with input from the provider of customized living services, shall ensure that there is a documented need within the parameters established by the commissioner for all component customized living services authorized.  The lead agency shall not authorize 24-hour customized living services unless there is a documented need for 24-hour supervision.

 

(b) For purposes of this section, "24-hour supervision" means that the recipient requires assistance due to needs related to one or more of the following:

 

(1) intermittent assistance with toileting, positioning, or transferring;

 

(2) cognitive or behavioral issues;

 

(3) a medical condition that requires clinical monitoring; or


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(4) for all new participants enrolled in the program on or after July 1, 2011, and all other participants at their first reassessment after July 1, 2011, dependency in at least three of the following activities of daily living as determined by assessment under section 256B.0911:  bathing; dressing; grooming; walking; or eating when the dependency score in eating is three or greater; and needs medication management and at least 50 hours of service per month.  The lead agency shall ensure that the frequency and mode of supervision of the recipient and the qualifications of staff providing supervision are described and meet the needs of the recipient.

 

(c) The payment rate for 24-hour customized living services must be based on the amount of component services to be provided utilizing component rates established by the commissioner.  Counties and tribes will use tools issued by the commissioner to develop and document customized living plans and authorize rates.

 

(d) Component service rates must not exceed payment rates for comparable elderly waiver or medical assistance services and must reflect economies of scale.

 

(e) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payments, in combination with the payment for other elderly waiver services, including case management, must not exceed the recipient's community budget cap specified in subdivision 3a.  Customized living services must not include rent or raw food costs.

 

(f) The individually authorized 24-hour customized living payment rates shall not exceed the 95 percentile of statewide monthly authorizations for 24-hour customized living services in effect and in the Medicaid management information systems on March 31, 2009, for each case mix resident class under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, to which elderly waiver service clients are assigned.  When there are fewer than 50 authorizations in effect in the case mix resident class, the commissioner shall multiply the calculated service payment rate maximum for the A classification by the standard weight for that classification under Minnesota Rules, parts 9549.0050 to 9549.0059, to determine the applicable payment rate maximum.  Service payment rate maximums shall be updated annually based on legislatively adopted changes to all service rates for home and community-based service providers.

 

(g) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs (d) and (f), the commissioner may establish alternative payment rate systems for 24-hour customized living services in housing with services establishments which are freestanding buildings with a capacity of 16 or fewer, by applying a single hourly rate for covered component services provided in either:

 

(1) licensed corporate adult foster homes; or

 

(2) specialized dementia care units which meet the requirements of section 144D.065 and in which:

 

(i) each resident is offered the option of having their own apartment; or

 

(ii) the units are licensed as board and lodge establishments with maximum capacity of eight residents, and which meet the requirements of Minnesota Rules, part 9555.6205, subparts 1, 2, 3, and 4, item A.

 

(h) 24-hour customized living services are delivered by a provider licensed by the Department of Health as a class A or class F home care provider and provided in a building that is registered as a housing with services establishment under chapter 144D.  Licensed home care providers are subject to section 256B.0651, subdivision 14.

 

(h) (i) A provider may not bill or otherwise charge an elderly waiver participant or their family for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those available under the service rate limits described in paragraph (e), nor for additional units of any allowable component service beyond those approved in the service plan by the lead agency.


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Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.092, subdivision 1b, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1b.  Individual service plan.  (a) The individual service plan must:

 

(1) include the results of the assessment information on the person's need for service, including identification of service needs that will be or that are met by the person's relatives, friends, and others, as well as community services used by the general public;

 

(2) identify the person's preferences for services as stated by the person, the person's legal guardian or conservator, or the parent if the person is a minor;

 

(3) identify long- and short-range goals for the person;

 

(4) identify specific services and the amount and frequency of the services to be provided to the person based on assessed needs, preferences, and available resources.  The individual service plan shall also specify other services the person needs that are not available;

 

(5) identify the need for an individual program plan to be developed by the provider according to the respective state and federal licensing and certification standards, and additional assessments to be completed or arranged by the provider after service initiation;

 

(6) identify provider responsibilities to implement and make recommendations for modification to the individual service plan;

 

(7) include notice of the right to request a conciliation conference or a hearing under section 256.045;

 

(8) be agreed upon and signed by the person, the person's legal guardian or conservator, or the parent if the person is a minor, and the authorized county representative; and

 

(9) be reviewed by a health professional if the person has overriding medical needs that impact the delivery of services.

 

(b) Service planning formats developed for interagency planning such as transition, vocational, and individual family service plans may be substituted for service planning formats developed by county agencies.

 

(c) Approved, written, and signed changes to a consumer's services that meet the criteria in this subdivision shall be an addendum to that consumer's individual service plan.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.092, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Screening teams.  (a) For persons with developmental disabilities, screening teams shall be established which shall evaluate the need for the level of care provided by residential-based habilitation services, residential services, training and habilitation services, and nursing facility services.  The evaluation shall address whether home and community-based services are appropriate for persons who are at risk of placement in an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities, or for whom there is reasonable indication that they might require this level of care.  The screening team shall make an evaluation of need within 60 working days of a request for service by a person with a developmental disability, and within five working days of an emergency admission of a person to an intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities.

 

(b) The screening team shall consist of the case manager for persons with developmental disabilities, the person, the person's legal guardian or conservator, or the parent if the person is a minor, and a qualified developmental disability professional, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, section 483.430, as amended through June 3, 1988.  The case manager may also act as the qualified developmental disability professional if the case manager meets the federal definition.


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(c) County social service agencies may contract with a public or private agency or individual who is not a service provider for the person for the public guardianship representation required by the screening or individual service planning process.  The contract shall be limited to public guardianship representation for the screening and individual service planning activities.  The contract shall require compliance with the commissioner's instructions and may be for paid or voluntary services.

 

(d) For persons determined to have overriding health care needs and are seeking admission to a nursing facility or an ICF/MR, or seeking access to home and community-based waivered services, a registered nurse must be designated as either the case manager or the qualified developmental disability professional.

 

(e) For persons under the jurisdiction of a correctional agency, the case manager must consult with the corrections administrator regarding additional health, safety, and supervision needs.

 

(f) The case manager, with the concurrence of the person, the person's legal guardian or conservator, or the parent if the person is a minor, may invite other individuals to attend meetings of the screening team.  With the permission of the person being screened or the person's designated legal representative, the person's current provider of services may submit a written report outlining their recommendations regarding the person's care needs prepared by a direct service employee with at least 20 hours of service to that client.  The screening team must notify the provider of the date by which this information is to be submitted.  This information must be provided to the screening team and the person or the person's legal representative and must be considered prior to the finalization of the screening.

 

(g) No member of the screening team shall have any direct or indirect service provider interest in the case.

 

(h) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the screening team meeting to be separate from the service planning meeting.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.097, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  State Quality Council.  (a) There is hereby created a State Quality Council which must define regional quality councils, and carry out a community-based, person-directed quality review component, and a comprehensive system for effective incident reporting, investigation, analysis, and follow-up.

 

(b) By August 1, 2011, the commissioner of human services shall appoint the members of the initial State Quality Council.  Members shall include representatives from the following groups:

 

(1) disability service recipients and their family members;

 

(2) during the first two years of the State Quality Council, there must be at least three members from the Region 10 stakeholders.  As regional quality councils are formed under subdivision 4, each regional quality council shall appoint one member;

 

(3) disability service providers;

 

(4) disability advocacy groups; and

 

(5) county human services agencies and staff from the Department of Human Services and Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

 

(c) Members of the council who do not receive a salary or wages from an employer for time spent on council duties may receive a per diem payment when performing council duties and functions.


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(d) The State Quality Council shall:

 

(1) assist the Department of Human Services in fulfilling federally mandated obligations by monitoring disability service quality and quality assurance and improvement practices in Minnesota; and

 

(2) establish state quality improvement priorities with methods for achieving results and provide an annual report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over policy and funding of disability services on the outcomes, improvement priorities, and activities undertaken by the commission during the previous state fiscal year;

 

(3) identify issues pertaining to financial and personal risk that impede Minnesotans with disabilities from optimizing choice of community-based services; and

 

(4) recommend to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over human services and civil law by January 15, 2013, statutory and rule changes related to the findings under clause (3) that promote individualized service and housing choices balanced with appropriate individualized protection.

 

(e) The State Quality Council, in partnership with the commissioner, shall:

 

(1) approve and direct implementation of the community-based, person-directed system established in this section;

 

(2) recommend an appropriate method of funding this system, and determine the feasibility of the use of Medicaid, licensing fees, as well as other possible funding options;

 

(3) approve measurable outcomes in the areas of health and safety, consumer evaluation, education and training, providers, and systems;

 

(4) establish variable licensure periods not to exceed three years based on outcomes achieved; and

 

(5) in cooperation with the Quality Assurance Commission, design a transition plan for licensed providers from Region 10 into the alternative licensing system by July 1, 2013.

 

(f) The State Quality Council shall notify the commissioner of human services that a facility, program, or service has been reviewed by quality assurance team members under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), clause (13), and qualifies for a license.

 

(g) The State Quality Council, in partnership with the commissioner, shall establish an ongoing review process for the system.  The review shall take into account the comprehensive nature of the system which is designed to evaluate the broad spectrum of licensed and unlicensed entities that provide services to persons with disabilities.  The review shall address efficiencies and effectiveness of the system.

 

(h) The State Quality Council may recommend to the commissioner certain variances from the standards governing licensure of programs for persons with disabilities in order to improve the quality of services so long as the recommended variances do not adversely affect the health or safety of persons being served or compromise the qualifications of staff to provide services.

 

(i) The safety standards, rights, or procedural protections referenced under subdivision 2, paragraph (c), shall not be varied.  The State Quality Council may make recommendations to the commissioner or to the legislature in the report required under paragraph (c) regarding alternatives or modifications to the safety standards, rights, or procedural protections referenced under subdivision 2, paragraph (c).

 

(j) The State Quality Council may hire staff to perform the duties assigned in this subdivision.


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Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.431, subdivision 17e, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 17e.  Replacement-costs-new per bed limit effective October 1, 2007.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0060, subpart 11, item C, subitem (2), for a total replacement, as defined in subdivision 17d, authorized under section 144A.071 or 144A.073 after July 1, 1999, any building project that is a relocation, renovation, upgrading, or conversion completed on or after July 1, 2001, or any building project eligible for reimbursement under section 256B.434, subdivision 4f, the replacement-costs-new per bed limit shall be $74,280 per licensed bed in multiple-bed rooms, $92,850 per licensed bed in semiprivate rooms with a fixed partition separating the resident beds, and $111,420 per licensed bed in single rooms.  Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0060, subpart 11, item C, subitem (2), does not apply.  These amounts must be adjusted annually as specified in subdivision 3f, paragraph (a), beginning January 1, 2000.  These amounts must be increased annually as specified in subdivision 3f, paragraph (a), beginning October 1, 2012.

 

Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.431, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 45.  Rate adjustments for some moratorium exception projects.  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, money available for moratorium exception projects under section 144A.073, subdivisions 2 and 11, shall be used to fund the incremental rate increases resulting from this section for any nursing facility with a moratorium exception project approved under section 144A.073, and completed after August 30, 2010, where the replacement-costs-new limits under subdivision 17e were higher at any time after project approval than at the time of project completion.  The commissioner shall calculate the property rate increase for these facilities using the highest set of limits; however, any rate increase under this section shall not be effective until on or after the effective date of this section, contingent upon federal approval.  No property rate decrease shall result from this section.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective upon federal approval.

 

Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.434, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Exemptions.  (a) To the extent permitted by federal law, (1) a facility that has entered into a contract under this section is not required to file a cost report, as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 9549.0020, subpart 13, for any year after the base year that is the basis for the calculation of the contract payment rate for the first rate year of the alternative payment demonstration project contract; and (2) a facility under contract is not subject to audits of historical costs or revenues, or paybacks or retroactive adjustments based on these costs or revenues, except audits, paybacks, or adjustments relating to the cost report that is the basis for calculation of the first rate year under the contract.

 

(b) A facility that is under contract with the commissioner under this section is not subject to the moratorium on licensure or certification of new nursing home beds in section 144A.071, unless the project results in a net increase in bed capacity or involves relocation of beds from one site to another.  Contract payment rates must not be adjusted to reflect any additional costs that a nursing facility incurs as a result of a construction project undertaken under this paragraph.  In addition, as a condition of entering into a contract under this section, a nursing facility must agree that any future medical assistance payments for nursing facility services will not reflect any additional costs attributable to the sale of a nursing facility under this section and to construction undertaken under this paragraph that otherwise would not be authorized under the moratorium in section 144A.073.  Nothing in this section prevents a nursing facility participating in the alternative payment demonstration project under this section from seeking approval of an exception to the moratorium through the process established in section 144A.073, and if approved the facility's rates shall be adjusted to reflect the cost of the project.  Nothing in this section prevents a nursing facility participating in the alternative payment demonstration project from seeking legislative approval of an exception to the moratorium under section 144A.071, and, if enacted, the facility's rates shall be adjusted to reflect the cost of the project.


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(c) Notwithstanding section 256B.48, subdivision 6, paragraphs (c), (d), and (e), and pursuant to any terms and conditions contained in the facility's contract, a nursing facility that is under contract with the commissioner under this section is in compliance with section 256B.48, subdivision 6, paragraph (b), if the facility is Medicare certified.

 

(d) (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if by April 1, 1996, the health care financing administration has not approved a required waiver, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services otherwise requires cost reports to be filed prior to the waiver's approval, the commissioner shall require a cost report for the rate year.

 

(e) (d) A facility that is under contract with the commissioner under this section shall be allowed to change therapy arrangements from an unrelated vendor to a related vendor during the term of the contract.  The commissioner may develop reasonable requirements designed to prevent an increase in therapy utilization for residents enrolled in the medical assistance program.

 

(f) (e) Nursing facilities participating in the alternative payment system demonstration project must either participate in the alternative payment system quality improvement program established by the commissioner or submit information on their own quality improvement process to the commissioner for approval.  Nursing facilities that have had their own quality improvement process approved by the commissioner must report results for at least one key area of quality improvement annually to the commissioner.

 

Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.441, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 63.  Critical access nursing facilities.  (a) The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of health, may designate certain nursing facilities as critical access nursing facilities.  The designation shall be granted on a competitive basis, within the limits of funds appropriated for this purpose.

 

(b) The commissioner shall request proposals from nursing facilities every two years.  Proposals must be submitted in the form and according to the timelines established by the commissioner.  In selecting applicants to designate, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of health, and with input from stakeholders, shall develop criteria designed to preserve access to nursing facility services in isolated areas, rebalance long-term care, and improve quality.

 

(c) The commissioner shall allow the benefits in clauses (1) to (5) for nursing facilities designated as critical access nursing facilities:

 

(1) partial rebasing, with operating payment rates being the sum of 60 percent of the operating payment rate determined in accordance with subdivision 54 and 40 percent of the operating payment rate that would have been allowed had the facility not been designated;

 

(2) enhanced payments for leave days.  Notwithstanding section 256B.431, subdivision 2r, upon designation as a critical access nursing facility, the commissioner shall limit payment for leave days to 60 percent of that nursing facility's total payment rate for the involved resident, and shall allow this payment only when the occupancy of the nursing facility, inclusive of bed hold days, is equal to or greater than 90 percent;

 

(3) two designated critical access nursing facilities, with up to 100 beds in active service, may jointly apply to the commissioner of health for a waiver of Minnesota Rules, part 4658.0500, subpart 2, in order to jointly employ a director of nursing.  The commissioner of health will consider each waiver request independently based on the criteria under Minnesota Rules, part 4658.0040;

 

(4) the minimum threshold under section 256B.431, subdivisions 3f, paragraph (a), and 17e, shall be 40 percent of the amount that would otherwise apply; and


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(5) notwithstanding subdivision 58, beginning October 1, 2014, the quality-based rate limits under subdivision 50 shall apply to designated critical access nursing facilities.

 

(d) Designation of a critical access nursing facility shall be for a period of two years, after which the benefits allowed under paragraph (c) shall be removed.  Designated facilities may apply for continued designation.

 

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

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.48, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 6a.  Referrals to Medicare providers required.  Notwithstanding subdivision 1, nursing facility providers that do not participate in or accept Medicare assignment must refer and document the referral of dual eligible recipients for whom placement is requested and for whom the resident would be qualified for a Medicare-covered stay to Medicare providers.  The commissioner shall audit nursing facilities that do not accept Medicare and determine if dual eligible individuals with Medicare qualifying stays have been admitted.  If such a determination is made, the commissioner shall deny Medicaid payment for the first 20 days of that resident's stay.

 

Sec. 34.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.49, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Assessment and reassessment.  (a) Assessments of each recipient's strengths, informal support systems, and need for services shall be completed within 20 working days of the recipient's request as provided in section 256B.0911.  Reassessment of each recipient's strengths, support systems, and need for services shall be conducted at least every 12 months and at other times when there has been a significant change in the recipient's functioning.  With the permission of the recipient or the recipient's designated legal representative, the recipient's current provider of services may submit a written report outlining their recommendations regarding the recipient's care needs prepared by a direct service employee with at least 20 hours of service to that client.  The person conducting the assessment or reassessment must notify the provider of the date by which this information is to be submitted.  This information shall be provided to the person conducting the assessment and the person or the person's legal representative and must be considered prior to the finalization of the assessment or reassessment.

 

(b) There must be a determination that the client requires a hospital level of care or a nursing facility level of care as defined in section 256B.0911, subdivision 4a, paragraph (d), at initial and subsequent assessments to initiate and maintain participation in the waiver program.

 

(c) Regardless of other assessments identified in section 144.0724, subdivision 4, as appropriate to determine nursing facility level of care for purposes of medical assistance payment for nursing facility services, only face-to-face assessments conducted according to section 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a, 3b, and 4d, that result in a hospital level of care determination or a nursing facility level of care determination must be accepted for purposes of initial and ongoing access to waiver services payment.

 

(d) Persons with developmental disabilities who apply for services under the nursing facility level waiver programs shall be screened for the appropriate level of care according to section 256B.092.

 

(e) Recipients who are found eligible for home and community-based services under this section before their 65th birthday may remain eligible for these services after their 65th birthday if they continue to meet all other eligibility factors.

 

(f) The commissioner shall develop criteria to identify recipients whose level of functioning is reasonably expected to improve and reassess these recipients to establish a baseline assessment.  Recipients who meet these criteria must have a comprehensive transitional service plan developed under subdivision 15, paragraphs (b) and (c), and be reassessed every six months until there has been no significant change in the recipient's functioning for at


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least 12 months.  After there has been no significant change in the recipient's functioning for at least 12 months, reassessments of the recipient's strengths, informal support systems, and need for services shall be conducted at least every 12 months and at other times when there has been a significant change in the recipient's functioning.  Counties, case managers, and service providers are responsible for conducting these reassessments and shall complete the reassessments out of existing funds.

 

Sec. 35.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.49, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Individualized service plan; comprehensive transitional service plan; maintenance service plan.  (a) Each recipient of home and community-based waivered services shall be provided a copy of the written service plan which:

 

(1) is developed and signed by the recipient within ten working days of the completion of the assessment;

 

(2) meets the assessed needs of the recipient;

 

(3) reasonably ensures the health and safety of the recipient;

 

(4) promotes independence;

 

(5) allows for services to be provided in the most integrated settings; and

 

(6) provides for an informed choice, as defined in section 256B.77, subdivision 2, paragraph (p), of service and support providers.

 

(b) In developing the comprehensive transitional service plan, the individual receiving services, the case manager, and the guardian, if applicable, will identify the transitional service plan fundamental service outcome and anticipated timeline to achieve this outcome.  Within the first 20 days following a recipient's request for an assessment or reassessment, the transitional service planning team must be identified.  A team leader must be identified who will be responsible for assigning responsibility and communicating with team members to ensure implementation of the transition plan and ongoing assessment and communication process.  The team leader should be an individual, such as the case manager or guardian, who has the opportunity to follow the recipient to the next level of service.

 

Within ten days following an assessment, a comprehensive transitional service plan must be developed incorporating elements of a comprehensive functional assessment and including short-term measurable outcomes and timelines for achievement of and reporting on these outcomes.  Functional milestones must also be identified and reported according to the timelines agreed upon by the transitional service planning team.  In addition, the comprehensive transitional service plan must identify additional supports that may assist in the achievement of the fundamental service outcome such as the development of greater natural community support, increased collaboration among agencies, and technological supports.

 

The timelines for reporting on functional milestones will prompt a reassessment of services provided, the units of services, rates, and appropriate service providers.  It is the responsibility of the transitional service planning team leader to review functional milestone reporting to determine if the milestones are consistent with observable skills and that milestone achievement prompts any needed changes to the comprehensive transitional service plan.

 

For those whose fundamental transitional service outcome involves the need to procure housing, a plan for the recipient to seek the resources necessary to secure the least restrictive housing possible should be incorporated into the plan, including employment and public supports such as housing access and shelter needy funding.


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(c) Counties and other agencies responsible for funding community placement and ongoing community supportive services are responsible for the implementation of the comprehensive transitional service plans.  Oversight responsibilities include both ensuring effective transitional service delivery and efficient utilization of funding resources.

 

(d) Following one year of transitional services, the transitional services planning team will make a determination as to whether or not the individual receiving services requires the current level of continuous and consistent support in order to maintain the recipient's current level of functioning.  Recipients who are determined to have not had a significant change in functioning for 12 months must move from a transitional to a maintenance service plan.  Recipients on a maintenance service plan must be reassessed to determine if the recipient would benefit from a transitional service plan at least every 12 months and at other times when there has been a significant change in the recipient's functioning.  This assessment should consider any changes to technological or natural community supports.

 

(e) When a county is evaluating denials, reductions, or terminations of home and community-based services under section 256B.49 for an individual, the case manager shall offer to meet with the individual or the individual's guardian in order to discuss the prioritization of service needs within the individualized service plan, comprehensive transitional service plan, or maintenance service plan.  The reduction in the authorized services for an individual due to changes in funding for waivered services may not exceed the amount needed to ensure medically necessary services to meet the individual's health, safety, and welfare.

 

(f) At the time of reassessment, local agency case managers shall assess each recipient of community alternatives for disabled individuals or traumatic brain injury waivered services currently residing in a licensed adult foster home that is not the primary residence of the license holder, or in which the license holder is not the primary caregiver, to determine if that recipient could appropriately be served in a community-living setting.  If appropriate for the recipient, the case manager shall offer the recipient, through a person-centered planning process, the option to receive alternative housing and service options.  In the event that the recipient chooses to transfer from the adult foster home, the vacated bed shall not be filled with another recipient of waiver services and group residential housing, unless and the licensed capacity shall be reduced accordingly, unless the savings required by the licensed bed closure reductions under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, sections 1 and 40, paragraph (f), for foster care settings where the physical location is not the primary residence of the license holder are met through voluntary changes described in section 245A.03, subdivision 7, paragraph (g), or as provided under section 245A.03, subdivision 7, paragraph (a), clauses (3) and (4), and the licensed capacity shall be reduced accordingly.  If the adult foster home becomes no longer viable due to these transfers, the county agency, with the assistance of the department, shall facilitate a consolidation of settings or closure.  This reassessment process shall be completed by June 30, 2012 July 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 36.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.49, subdivision 23, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 23.  Community-living settings.  "Community-living settings" means a single-family home or apartment where the service recipient or their family owns or rents, as demonstrated by a lease agreement, and maintains control over the individual unit as demonstrated by the lease agreement, or has a plan for transition of a lease from a service provider to the individual.  Within two years of signing the initial lease, the service provider shall transfer the lease to the individual.  In the event the landlord denies the transfer, the commissioner may approve an exception within sufficient time to ensure the continued occupancy by the individual.  Community-living settings are subject to the following:

 

(1) individuals are not required to receive services;

 

(2) individuals are not required to have a disability or specific diagnosis to live in the community-living setting;

 

(3) individuals may hire service providers of their choice;


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(4) individuals may choose whether to share their household and with whom;

 

(5) the home or apartment must include living, sleeping, bathing, and cooking areas;

 

(6) individuals must have lockable access and egress;

 

(7) individuals must be free to receive visitors and leave the settings at times and for durations of their own choosing;

 

(8) leases must not reserve the right to assign units or change unit assignments; and

 

(9) access to the greater community must be easily facilitated based on the individual's needs and preferences.

 

Sec. 37.  [256B.492] HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SETTINGS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.

 

(a) Individuals receiving services under a home and community-based waiver under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.092 or 256B.49, may receive services in the following settings:

 

(1) an individual's own home or family home;

 

(2) a licensed adult foster care setting of up to five people; and

 

(3) community living settings as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.49, subdivision 23, where individuals with disabilities may reside in all of the units in a building of four or fewer units, and no more than the greater of four or 25 percent of the units in a multifamily building of more than four units.

 

(b) The settings in paragraph (a) must not:

 

(1) be located in a building that is a publicly or privately operated facility that provides institutional treatment or custodial care;

 

(2) be located in a building on the grounds of or adjacent to a public or private institution;

 

(3) be a housing complex designed expressly around an individual's diagnosis or disability;

 

(4) be segregated based on a disability, either physically or because of setting characteristics, from the larger community; and

 

(5) have the qualities of an institution which include, but are not limited to:  regimented meal and sleep times, limitations on visitors, and lack of privacy.  Restrictions agreed to and documented in the person's individual service plan shall not result in a residence having the qualities of an institution as long as the restrictions for the person are not imposed upon others in the same residence and are the least restrictive alternative, imposed for the shortest possible time to meet the person's needs.

 

(c) The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply to any setting in which individuals receive services under a home and community-based waiver as of the effective date of this section and the setting does not meet the criteria of this section.

 

(d) Notwithstanding paragraph (c), a program in Hennepin County established as part of a Hennepin County demonstration project is qualified for the exception allowed under paragraph (c).

 

(e) The commissioner shall submit an amendment to the waiver plan no later than December 31, 2012.


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Sec. 38.  [256B.493] ADULT FOSTER CARE PLANNED CLOSURE.

 

Subdivision 1.  Commissioner's duties; report.  The commissioner of human services shall solicit proposals for the conversion of services provided for persons with disabilities in settings licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9555.5105 to 9555.6265, to other types of community settings in conjunction with the closure of identified licensed adult foster care settings.

 

Subd. 2.  Planned closure process needs determination.  The commissioner shall announce and implement a program for planned closure of adult foster care homes.  Planned closure shall be the preferred method for achieving necessary budgetary savings required by the licensed bed closure budget reduction in section 245A.03, subdivision 7, paragraph (e).  If additional closures are required to achieve the necessary savings, the commissioner shall use the process and priorities in section 245A.03, subdivision 7, paragraph (e).

 

Subd. 3.  Application process.  (a) The commissioner shall establish a process for the application, review, and approval of proposals from license holders for the closure of adult foster care settings.

 

(b) When an application for a planned closure rate adjustment is submitted, the license holder shall provide written notification within five working days to the lead agencies responsible for authorizing the licensed services for the residents of the affected adult foster care settings.  This notification shall be deemed confidential until the license holder has received approval of the application by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 4.  Review and approval process.  (a) To be considered for approval, an application must include:

 

(1) a description of the proposed closure plan, which must identify the home or homes, and occupied beds for which a planned closure rate adjustment is requested;

 

(2) the proposed timetable for any proposed closure, including the proposed dates for notification to residents and the affected lead agencies, commencement of closure, and completion of closure;

 

(3) the proposed relocation plan jointly developed by the counties of financial responsibility, the residents and their legal representatives, if any, who wish to continue to receive services from the provider, and the providers for current residents of any adult foster care home designated for closure; and

 

(4) documentation in a format approved by the commissioner that all the adult foster care homes receiving a planned closure rate adjustment under the plan have accepted joint and several liability for recovery of overpayments under section 256B.0641, subdivision 2, for the facilities designated for closure under this plan.

 

(b) In reviewing and approving closure proposals, the commissioner shall give first priority to proposals that:

 

(1) target counties and geographic areas which have:

 

(i) need for other types of services;

 

(ii) need for specialized services;

 

(iii) higher than average per capita use of foster care settings where the license holder does not reside; or

 

(iv) residents not living in the geographic area of their choice;

 

(2) demonstrate savings of medical assistance expenditures; and


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(3) demonstrate that alternative services are based on the recipient's choice of provider and are consistent with federal law, state law, and federally approved waiver plans.

 

The commissioner shall also consider any information provided by service recipients, their legal representatives, family members, or the lead agency on the impact of the planned closure on the recipients and the services they need.

 

(c) The commissioner shall select proposals that best meet the criteria established in this subdivision for planned closure of adult foster care settings.  The commissioner shall notify license holders of the selections approved by the commissioner.

 

(d) For each proposal approved by the commissioner, a contract must be established between the commissioner, the counties of financial responsibility, and the participating license holder.

 

Subd. 5.  Notification of approved proposal.  (a) Once the license holder receives notification from the commissioner that the proposal has been approved, the license holder shall provide written notification within five working days to:

 

(1) the lead agencies responsible for authorizing the licensed services for the residents of the affected adult foster care settings; and

 

(2) current and prospective residents, any legal representatives, and family members involved.

 

(b) This notification must occur at least 45 days prior to the implementation of the closure proposal.

 

Subd. 6.  Adjustment to rates.  (a) For purposes of this section, the commissioner shall establish enhanced medical assistance payment rates under sections 256B.092 and 256B.49, to facilitate an orderly transition for persons with disabilities from adult foster care to other community-based settings.

 

(b) The enhanced payment rate shall be effective the day after the first resident has moved until the day the last resident has moved, not to exceed six months.

 

Sec. 39.  Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.5012, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 13.  ICF/DD rate decrease effective July 1, 2012 2013.  Notwithstanding subdivision 12, and if the commissioner has not received federal approval before July 1, 2013, of the Long-Term Care Realignment Waiver application submitted under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, section 52, or only receives approval to implement portions of the waiver request, for each facility reimbursed under this section for services provided from July 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013, the commissioner shall decrease operating payments equal up to 1.67 percent of the operating payment rates in effect on June 30, 2012 2013.  The commissioner shall prorate the reduction in the event that only portions of the waiver request are approved and after application of the continuing care provider payment delay provision in article 6, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (f).  For each facility, the commissioner shall apply the rate reduction based on occupied beds, using the percentage specified in this subdivision multiplied by the total payment rate, including the variable rate but excluding the property-related payment rate, in effect on the preceding date.  The total rate reduction shall include the adjustment provided in section 256B.501, subdivision 12.

 

Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256D.44, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Special needs.  In addition to the state standards of assistance established in subdivisions 1 to 4, payments are allowed for the following special needs of recipients of Minnesota supplemental aid who are not residents of a nursing home, a regional treatment center, or a group residential housing facility.


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(a) The county agency shall pay a monthly allowance for medically prescribed diets if the cost of those additional dietary needs cannot be met through some other maintenance benefit.  The need for special diets or dietary items must be prescribed by a licensed physician.  Costs for special diets shall be determined as percentages of the allotment for a one-person household under the thrifty food plan as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.  The types of diets and the percentages of the thrifty food plan that are covered are as follows:

 

(1) high protein diet, at least 80 grams daily, 25 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(2) controlled protein diet, 40 to 60 grams and requires special products, 100 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(3) controlled protein diet, less than 40 grams and requires special products, 125 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(4) low cholesterol diet, 25 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(5) high residue diet, 20 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(6) pregnancy and lactation diet, 35 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(7) gluten-free diet, 25 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(8) lactose-free diet, 25 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(9) antidumping diet, 15 percent of thrifty food plan;

 

(10) hypoglycemic diet, 15 percent of thrifty food plan; or

 

(11) ketogenic diet, 25 percent of thrifty food plan.

 

(b) Payment for nonrecurring special needs must be allowed for necessary home repairs or necessary repairs or replacement of household furniture and appliances using the payment standard of the AFDC program in effect on July 16, 1996, for these expenses, as long as other funding sources are not available.

 

(c) A fee for guardian or conservator service is allowed at a reasonable rate negotiated by the county or approved by the court.  This rate shall not exceed five percent of the assistance unit's gross monthly income up to a maximum of $100 per month.  If the guardian or conservator is a member of the county agency staff, no fee is allowed.

 

(d) The county agency shall continue to pay a monthly allowance of $68 for restaurant meals for a person who was receiving a restaurant meal allowance on June 1, 1990, and who eats two or more meals in a restaurant daily.  The allowance must continue until the person has not received Minnesota supplemental aid for one full calendar month or until the person's living arrangement changes and the person no longer meets the criteria for the restaurant meal allowance, whichever occurs first.

 

(e) A fee of ten percent of the recipient's gross income or $25, whichever is less, is allowed for representative payee services provided by an agency that meets the requirements under SSI regulations to charge a fee for representative payee services.  This special need is available to all recipients of Minnesota supplemental aid regardless of their living arrangement.

 

(f)(1) Notwithstanding the language in this subdivision, an amount equal to the maximum allotment authorized by the federal Food Stamp Program for a single individual which is in effect on the first day of July of each year will be added to the standards of assistance established in subdivisions 1 to 4 for adults under the age of 65 who qualify as shelter needy and are:  (i) relocating from an institution, or an adult mental health residential treatment program


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under section 256B.0622; (ii) eligible for the self-directed supports option as defined under section 256B.0657, subdivision 2; or (iii) home and community-based waiver recipients living in their own home or rented or leased apartment which is not owned, operated, or controlled by a provider of service not related by blood or marriage, unless allowed under paragraph (g).

 

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision 3, paragraph (c), an individual eligible for the shelter needy benefit under this paragraph is considered a household of one.  An eligible individual who receives this benefit prior to age 65 may continue to receive the benefit after the age of 65.

 

(3) "Shelter needy" means that the assistance unit incurs monthly shelter costs that exceed 40 percent of the assistance unit's gross income before the application of this special needs standard.  "Gross income" for the purposes of this section is the applicant's or recipient's income as defined in section 256D.35, subdivision 10, or the standard specified in subdivision 3, paragraph (a) or (b), whichever is greater.  A recipient of a federal or state housing subsidy, that limits shelter costs to a percentage of gross income, shall not be considered shelter needy for purposes of this paragraph.

 

(g) Notwithstanding this subdivision, to access housing and services as provided in paragraph (f), the recipient may choose housing that may be owned, operated, or controlled by the recipient's service provider.  In a multifamily building of four or more units, the maximum number of apartments that may be used by recipients of this program shall be 50 percent of the units in a building.  This paragraph expires on June 30, 2012.  of more than four units, the maximum number of units that may be used by recipients of this program shall be the greater of four units of 25 percent of the units in the building.  In multifamily buildings of four or fewer units, all of the units may be used by recipients of this program.  When housing is controlled by the service provider, the individual may choose their own service provider as provided in section 256B.49, subdivision 23, clause (3).  When the housing is controlled by the service provider, the service provider shall implement a plan with the recipient to transition the lease to the recipient's name.  Within two years of signing the initial lease, the service provider shall transfer the lease entered into under this subdivision to the recipient.  In the event the landlord denies this transfer, the commissioner may approve an exception within sufficient time to ensure the continued occupancy by the recipient.  This paragraph expires June 30, 2016.

 

Sec. 41.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, section 52, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 52.  IMPLEMENT NURSING HOME LEVEL OF CARE CRITERIA.

 

The commissioner shall seek any necessary federal approval in order to implement the changes to the level of care criteria in Minnesota Statutes, section 144.0724, subdivision 11, on or after July 1, 2012, for adults and children.

 

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

 

Sec. 42.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, section 54, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 54.  CONTINGENCY PROVIDER RATE AND GRANT REDUCTIONS.

 

(a) Notwithstanding any other rate reduction in this article, if the commissioner of human services has not received federal approval before July 1, 2013, of the long-term care realignment waiver application submitted under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, section 52, or only receives approval to implement portions of the waiver request, the commissioner of human services shall decrease grants, allocations, reimbursement rates, individual limits, and rate limits, as applicable, by 1.67 percent effective July 1, 2012 2013, for services rendered on or after those dates from July 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013.  The commissioner shall prorate the reduction in the event that only portions of the waiver request are approved and after application of the continuing care provider payment delay provision in article 6, section 2, subdivision 4, paragraph (f).  County or tribal contracts for services specified in this section must be amended to pass through these rate reductions within 60 days of the effective date of the decrease, and must be retroactive from the effective date of the rate decrease.


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(b) The rate changes described in this section must be provided to:

 

(1) home and community-based waivered services for persons with developmental disabilities or related conditions, including consumer-directed community supports, under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.501;

 

(2) home and community-based waivered services for the elderly, including consumer-directed community supports, under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0915;

 

(3) waivered services under community alternatives for disabled individuals, including consumer-directed community supports, under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.49;

 

(4) community alternative care waivered services, including consumer-directed community supports, under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.49;

 

(5) traumatic brain injury waivered services, including consumer-directed community supports, under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.49;

 

(6) nursing services and home health services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivision 6a;

 

(7) personal care services and qualified professional supervision of personal care services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivisions 6a and 19a;

 

(8) private duty nursing services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0625, subdivision 7;

 

(9) day training and habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities or related conditions, under Minnesota Statutes, sections 252.40 to 252.46, including the additional cost of rate adjustments on day training and habilitation services, provided as a social service under Minnesota Statutes, section 256M.60; and

 

(10) alternative care services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0913.

 

(c) A managed care plan receiving state payments for the services in this section must include these decreases in their payments to providers.  To implement the rate reductions in this section, capitation rates paid by the commissioner to managed care organizations under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, shall reflect up to a 2.34 1.67 percent reduction for the specified services for the period of January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013, and a 1.67 percent reduction for those services on and after July 1 July 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013.

 

The above payment rate reduction, allocation rates, and rate limits shall expire for services rendered on December 31, 2013.

 

Sec. 43.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 10, section 3, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Forecasted Programs

 

 

 

 

 

The amounts that may be spent from this appropriation for each purpose are as follows:

 

(a) MFIP/DWP Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

 

General

84,680,000

91,978,000

 

Federal TANF

84,425,000

75,417,000

 


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(b) MFIP Child Care Assistance Grants

 

55,456,000

 

30,923,000

 

(c) General Assistance Grants

 

49,192,000

 

46,938,000

 

General Assistance Standard.  The commissioner shall set the monthly standard of assistance for general assistance units consisting of an adult recipient who is childless and unmarried or living apart from parents or a legal guardian at $203.  The commissioner may reduce this amount according to Laws 1997, chapter 85, article 3, section 54.

 

Emergency General Assistance.  The amount appropriated for emergency general assistance funds is limited to no more than $6,689,812 in fiscal year 2012 and $6,729,812 in fiscal year 2013.  Funds to counties shall be allocated by the commissioner using the allocation method specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 256D.06.

 

(d) Minnesota Supplemental Aid Grants

 

38,095,000

 

39,120,000

 

(e) Group Residential Housing Grants

 

121,080,000

 

129,238,000

 

(f) MinnesotaCare Grants

 

295,046,000

 

317,272,000

 

This appropriation is from the health care access fund.

 

(g) Medical Assistance Grants

 

4,501,582,000

 

4,437,282,000

 

Managed Care Incentive Payments.  The commissioner shall not make managed care incentive payments for expanding preventive services during fiscal years beginning July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2012.

 

Reduction of Rates for Congregate Living for Individuals with Lower Needs.  Beginning October 1, 2011, lead agencies must reduce rates in effect on January 1, 2011, by ten percent for individuals with lower needs living in foster care settings where the license holder does not share the residence with recipients on the CADI and DD waivers and customized living settings for CADI.  Lead agencies shall consult with providers to review individual service plans and identify changes or modifications to reduce the utilization of services while maintaining the health and safety of the individual receiving services.  Lead agencies must adjust contracts within 60 days of the effective date.  If federal waiver approval is obtained under the long-term care realignment waiver application submitted on February 13, 2012, and federal financial participation is authorized for the alternative care program, the commissioner shall adjust this payment rate reduction from ten to five percent for services rendered on or after July 1, 2012, or the first day of the month following federal approval, whichever is later.


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Reduction of Lead Agency Waiver Allocations to Implement Rate Reductions for Congregate Living for Individuals with Lower Needs.  Beginning October 1, 2011, the commissioner shall reduce lead agency waiver allocations to implement the reduction of rates for individuals with lower needs living in foster care settings where the license holder does not share the residence with recipients on the CADI and DD waivers and customized living settings for CADI.

 

Reduce customized living and 24-hour customized living component rates.  Effective July 1, 2011, the commissioner shall reduce elderly waiver customized living and 24-hour customized living component service spending by five percent through reductions in component rates and service rate limits.  The commissioner shall adjust the elderly waiver capitation payment rates for managed care organizations paid under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, subdivisions 6a and 23, to reflect reductions in component spending for customized living services and 24-hour customized living services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0915, subdivisions 3e and 3h, for the contract period beginning January 1, 2012.  To implement the reduction specified in this provision, capitation rates paid by the commissioner to managed care organizations under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, shall reflect a ten percent reduction for the specified services for the period January 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012, and a five percent reduction for those services on or after July 1, 2012.

 

Limit Growth in the Developmental Disability Waiver.  The commissioner shall limit growth in the developmental disability waiver to six diversion allocations per month beginning July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, and 15 diversion allocations per month beginning July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2015.  Waiver allocations shall be targeted to individuals who meet the priorities for accessing waiver services identified in Minnesota Statutes, 256B.092, subdivision 12.  The limits do not include conversions from intermediate care facilities for persons with developmental disabilities.  Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this article, this paragraph expires June 30, 2015.

 

Limit Growth in the Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals Waiver.  The commissioner shall limit growth in the community alternatives for disabled individuals waiver to 60 allocations per month beginning July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013, and 85 allocations per month beginning July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2015.  Waiver allocations must be targeted to individuals who meet the priorities for accessing waiver services identified in Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.49, subdivision 11a.  The limits include conversions and diversions, unless the commissioner has approved a plan to convert funding due to the closure or downsizing of a residential facility or nursing facility to serve directly affected individuals on the community alternatives for disabled individuals waiver.  Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this article, this paragraph expires June 30, 2015.


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Personal Care Assistance Relative Care.  The commissioner shall adjust the capitation payment rates for managed care organizations paid under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, to reflect the rate reductions for personal care assistance provided by a relative pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0659, subdivision 11.  This rate reduction is effective July 1, 2013.

 

(h) Alternative Care Grants

 

46,421,000

 

46,035,000

 

Alternative Care Transfer.  Any money allocated to the alternative care program that is not spent for the purposes indicated does not cancel but shall be transferred to the medical assistance account.

 

(i) Chemical Dependency Entitlement Grants

 

94,675,000

 

93,298,000

 

Sec. 44.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 10, section 3, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Grant Programs

 

 

 

 

 

The amounts that may be spent from this appropriation for each purpose are as follows:

 

(a) Support Services Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

8,715,000

8,715,000

Federal TANF

100,525,000

94,611,000

 

MFIP Consolidated Fund Grants.  The TANF fund base is reduced by $10,000,000 each year beginning in fiscal year 2012.

 

Subsidized Employment Funding Through ARRA.  The commissioner is authorized to apply for TANF emergency fund grants for subsidized employment activities.  Growth in expenditures for subsidized employment within the supported work program and the MFIP consolidated fund over the amount expended in the calendar year quarters in the TANF emergency fund base year shall be used to leverage the TANF emergency fund grants for subsidized employment and to fund supported work.  The commissioner shall develop procedures to maximize reimbursement of these expenditures over the TANF emergency fund base year quarters, and may contract directly with employers and providers to maximize these TANF emergency fund grants.

 

(b) Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance Grants

 

37,144,000

 

38,678,000

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is decreased by $990,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $979,000 in fiscal year 2015.


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Child Care and Development Fund Unexpended Balance.  In addition to the amount provided in this section, the commissioner shall expend $5,000,000 in fiscal year 2012 from the federal child care and development fund unexpended balance for basic sliding fee child care under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03.  The commissioner shall ensure that all child care and development funds are expended according to the federal child care and development fund regulations.

 

(c) Child Care Development Grants

 

774,000

 

774,000

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $713,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

(d) Child Support Enforcement Grants

 

50,000

 

50,000

 

Federal Child Support Demonstration Grants.  Federal administrative reimbursement resulting from the federal child support grant expenditures authorized under section 1115a of the Social Security Act is appropriated to the commissioner for this activity.

 

(e) Children's Services Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

47,949,000

48,507,000

Federal TANF

140,000

140,000

 

Adoption Assistance and Relative Custody Assistance Transfer.  The commissioner may transfer unencumbered appropriation balances for adoption assistance and relative custody assistance between fiscal years and between programs.

 

Privatized Adoption Grants.  Federal reimbursement for privatized adoption grant and foster care recruitment grant expenditures is appropriated to the commissioner for adoption grants and foster care and adoption administrative purposes.

 

Adoption Assistance Incentive Grants.  Federal funds available during fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2013 for adoption incentive grants are appropriated to the commissioner for these purposes.

 

(f) Children and Community Services Grants

 

53,301,000

 

53,301,000

 

(g) Children and Economic Support Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

16,103,000

16,180,000

Federal TANF

700,000

0


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Long-Term Homeless Services.  $700,000 is appropriated from the federal TANF fund for the biennium beginning July 1, 2011, to the commissioner of human services for long-term homeless services for low-income homeless families under Minnesota Statutes, section 256K.26.  This is a onetime appropriation and is not added to the base.

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $42,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $43,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

Minnesota Food Assistance Program.  $333,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $408,000 in fiscal year 2013 are to increase the general fund base for the Minnesota food assistance program.  Unexpended funds for fiscal year 2012 do not cancel but are available to the commissioner for this purpose in fiscal year 2013.

 

(h) Health Care Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

26,000

66,000

Health Care Access

190,000

190,000

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $24,000 in each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

(i) Aging and Adult Services Grants

 

12,154,000

 

11,456,000

 

Aging Grants Reduction.  Effective July 1, 2011, funding for grants made under Minnesota Statutes, sections 256.9754 and 256B.0917, subdivision 13, is reduced by $3,600,000 for each year of the biennium.  These reductions are onetime and do not affect base funding for the 2014-2015 biennium.  Grants made during the 2012-2013 biennium under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.9754, must not be used for new construction or building renovation.

 

Essential Community Support Grant Delay.  Upon federal approval to implement the nursing facility level of care on July 1, 2013, essential community supports grants under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0917, subdivision 14, are reduced by $6,410,000 in fiscal year 2013.  Base level funding is increased by $5,541,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $6,410,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $10,035,000 in fiscal year 2014 and increased by $10,901,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

(j) Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Grants

 

1,936,000

 

1,767,000

 

(k) Disabilities Grants

 

15,945,000

 

18,284,000


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Grants for Housing Access Services.  In fiscal year 2012, the commissioner shall make available a total of $161,000 in housing access services grants to individuals who relocate from an adult foster care home to a community living setting for assistance with completion of rental applications or lease agreements; assistance with publicly financed housing options; development of household budgets; and assistance with funding affordable furnishings and related household matters.

 

HIV Grants.  The general fund appropriation for the HIV drug and insurance grant program shall be reduced by $2,425,000 in fiscal year 2012 and increased by $2,425,000 in fiscal year 2014.  These adjustments are onetime and shall not be applied to the base.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision, this provision expires June 30, 2014.

 

Region 10.  Of this appropriation, $100,000 each year is for a grant provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.097.

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $2,944,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $653,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

Local Planning Grants for Creating Alternatives to Congregate Living for Individuals with Lower Needs.  (1) The commissioner shall make available a total of $250,000 per year in local planning grants, beginning July 1, 2011, to assist lead agencies and provider organizations in developing alternatives to congregate living within the available level of resources for the home and community-based services waivers for persons with disabilities.

 

(2) Notwithstanding clause (1), for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 only, the appropriation of $250,000 for fiscal year 2012 carries forward to fiscal year 2013, effective the day following final enactment.

 

Of the appropriations available for fiscal year 2013, $100,000 is for administrative functions related to the planning process required under Minnesota Statutes, sections 144A.351 and 245A.03, subdivision 7, paragraphs (e) and (g), and $400,000 is for grants required to accomplish that planning process.

 

(3) Base funding for the grants under clause (1) is not affected by the appropriations under clause (2).

 

Disability Linkage Line.  Of this appropriation, $125,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $300,000 in fiscal year 2013 are for assistance to people with disabilities who are considering enrolling in managed care.


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(l) Adult Mental Health Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

General

70,570,000

70,570,000

Health Care Access

750,000

750,000

Lottery Prize

1,508,000

1,508,000

 

Funding Usage.  Up to 75 percent of a fiscal year's appropriation for adult mental health grants may be used to fund allocations in that portion of the fiscal year ending December 31.

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $200,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

(m) Children's Mental Health Grants

 

16,457,000

 

16,457,000

 

Funding Usage.  Up to 75 percent of a fiscal year's appropriation for children's mental health grants may be used to fund allocations in that portion of the fiscal year ending December 31.

 

Base Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $225,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

(n) Chemical Dependency Nonentitlement Grants

 

1,336,000

 

1,336,000

 

Sec. 45.  INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES BILLING.

 

The commissioner shall allow for daily rate and 15-minute increment billing for independent living services under the brain injury (BI) and CADI waivers.  If necessary to comply with this requirement, the commissioner shall submit a waiver amendment to the state plan no later than December 31, 2012.

 

Sec. 46.  HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WAIVERS AMENDMENT FOR EXCEPTION.

 

By September 1, 2012, the commissioner of human services shall submit amendments to the home and community-based waiver plans consistent with the definition of home and community-based settings under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.492, including a request to allow an exception for those settings that serve persons with disabilities under a home and community-based service waiver in more than 25 percent of the units in a building as of January 1, 2012, but otherwise meet the definition under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.492.

 

Sec. 47.  COMMISSIONER TO SEEK AMENDMENT FOR EXCEPTION TO CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS BUDGET METHODOLOGY.

 

By July 1, 2012, the commissioner shall request an amendment to the home and community-based services waivers authorized under Minnesota Statutes, sections 256B.092 and 256B.49, to establish an exception to the consumer-directed community supports budget methodology to provide up to 20 percent more funds for those participants who have their 21st birthday and graduate from high school during 2013 and are authorized for more services under consumer-directed community supports prior to graduation than what they are eligible to receive under the current consumer-directed community supports budget methodology.  The exception is limited to those who can demonstrate that they will have to leave consumer-directed community supports and use other waiver services because their need for day or employment supports cannot be met within the consumer-directed community


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supports budget limits.  The commissioner shall consult with the stakeholder group authorized under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0657, subdivision 11, to implement this provision.  The exception process shall be effective upon federal approval for persons eligible during 2013 and 2014.

 

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

 

Sec. 48.  DIRECTION TO OMBUDSMAN FOR LONG-TERM CARE.

 

The ombudsman for long-term care shall:

 

(1) research the existence of differential treatment based on source of payment in assisted living settings;

 

(2) convene stakeholders to provide technical assistance and expertise in studying and addressing these issues, including but not limited to consumers, health care and housing providers, advocates representing seniors and younger persons with disabilities or mental health challenges, county representatives, and representatives of the Departments of Health and Human Services; and

 

(3) submit a report of findings to the legislature no later than January 31, 2013, with recommendations for the development of policies and procedures to prevent and remedy instances of discrimination based on participation in or potential eligibility for medical assistance.

 

Sec. 49.  LICENSING PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT SERVICES.

 

The commissioner of human services shall study the feasibility of licensing personal care attendant services and issue a report to the legislature no later than January 15, 2013, that includes recommendations and proposed legislation for licensure and oversight of these services.

 

Sec. 50.  AUTISM HOUSING WITH SUPPORTS STUDY.

 

The commissioner of human services, in consultation with the commissioners of education, health, and employment and economic development, shall complete a study to determine one or more models of housing with supports that involve coordination or integration across the human services, educational, and vocational systems for children with a diagnosis of autistic disorder as defined by diagnostic code 299.0 in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).  This study must include research on recent efforts undertaken or under consideration in other states to address the housing and long-term support needs of children with severe autism, including a campus model.  The study shall result in an implementation plan that responds to the housing and service needs of persons with autism.  The study is due to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services by January 15, 2013.

 

Sec. 51.  REPEALER.

 

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 144A.073, subdivision 9; and 256B.48, subdivision 6, are repealed.

 

(b) Minnesota Rules, part 4640.0800, subpart 4, is repealed.

 

ARTICLE 5

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 62A.047, is amended to read:

 

62A.047 CHILDREN'S HEALTH SUPERVISION SERVICES AND PRENATAL CARE SERVICES.

 

A policy of individual or group health and accident insurance regulated under this chapter, or individual or group subscriber contract regulated under chapter 62C, health maintenance contract regulated under chapter 62D, or health benefit certificate regulated under chapter 64B, issued, renewed, or continued to provide coverage to a Minnesota resident, must provide coverage for child health supervision services and prenatal care services.  The policy, contract, or certificate must specifically exempt reasonable and customary charges for child health supervision services and prenatal care services from a deductible, co-payment, or other coinsurance or dollar limitation


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requirement.  Nothing in this section prohibits a health carrier that has a network of providers from imposing a deductible, co-payment, or other coinsurance or dollar limitation requirement for child health supervision services and prenatal care services that are delivered by an out-of-network provider.  This section does not prohibit the use of policy waiting periods or preexisting condition limitations for these services.  Minimum benefits may be limited to one visit payable to one provider for all of the services provided at each visit cited in this section subject to the schedule set forth in this section.  Nothing in this section applies to a commercial health insurance policy issued as a companion to a health maintenance organization contract, a policy designed primarily to provide coverage payable on a per diem, fixed indemnity, or nonexpense incurred basis, or a policy that provides only accident coverage Nothing in this section applies to a policy designed primarily to provide coverage payable on a per diem, fixed indemnity, or non-expense-incurred basis, or a policy that provides only accident coverage.

 

"Child health supervision services" means pediatric preventive services, appropriate immunizations, developmental assessments, and laboratory services appropriate to the age of a child from birth to age six, and appropriate immunizations from ages six to 18, as defined by Standards of Child Health Care issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Reimbursement must be made for at least five child health supervision visits from birth to 12 months, three child health supervision visits from 12 months to 24 months, once a year from 24 months to 72 months.

 

"Prenatal care services" means the comprehensive package of medical and psychosocial support provided throughout the pregnancy, including risk assessment, serial surveillance, prenatal education, and use of specialized skills and technology, when needed, as defined by Standards for Obstetric-Gynecologic Services issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  The amendments to this section are effective for policies issued on or after August 1, 2012, and expire June 30, 2013.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 245.697, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Creation.  (a) A State Advisory Council on Mental Health is created.  The council must have 30 members appointed by the governor in accordance with federal requirements.  In making the appointments, the governor shall consider appropriate representation of communities of color.  The council must be composed of:

 

(1) the assistant commissioner of mental health for the department of human services;

 

(2) a representative of the Department of Human Services responsible for the medical assistance program;

 

(3) one member of each of the four core mental health professional disciplines (psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing); following professions:

 

(i) psychiatry;

 

(ii) psychology;

 

(iii) social work;

 

(iv) nursing;

 

(v) marriage and family therapy; and


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(vi) professional clinical counseling;

 

(4) one representative from each of the following advocacy groups:  Mental Health Association of Minnesota, NAMI-MN, Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network of Minnesota, and Minnesota Disability Law Center;

 

(5) providers of mental health services;

 

(6) consumers of mental health services;

 

(7) family members of persons with mental illnesses;

 

(8) legislators;

 

(9) social service agency directors;

 

(10) county commissioners; and

 

(11) other members reflecting a broad range of community interests, including family physicians, or members as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services may prescribe by regulation or as may be selected by the governor.

 

(b) The council shall select a chair.  Terms, compensation, and removal of members and filling of vacancies are governed by section 15.059.  Notwithstanding provisions of section 15.059, the council and its subcommittee on children's mental health do not expire.  The commissioner of human services shall provide staff support and supplies to the council.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 254A.19, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Civil commitments.  A Rule 25 assessment, under Minnesota Rules, part 9530.6615, does not need to be completed for an individual being committed as a chemically dependent person, as defined in section 253B.02, and for the duration of a civil commitment under section 253B.065, 253B.09, or 253B.095 in order for a county to access consolidated chemical dependency treatment funds under section 254B.04.  The county must determine if the individual meets the financial eligibility requirements for the consolidated chemical dependency treatment funds under section 254B.04.  Nothing in this subdivision prohibits placement in a treatment facility or treatment program governed under this chapter or Minnesota Rules, parts 9530.6600 to 9530.6655.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 256B.0943, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Service delivery criteria.  (a) In delivering services under this section, a certified provider entity must ensure that:

 

(1) each individual provider's caseload size permits the provider to deliver services to both clients with severe, complex needs and clients with less intensive needs.  The provider's caseload size should reasonably enable the provider to play an active role in service planning, monitoring, and delivering services to meet the client's and client's family's needs, as specified in each client's individual treatment plan;

 

(2) site-based programs, including day treatment and preschool programs, provide staffing and facilities to ensure the client's health, safety, and protection of rights, and that the programs are able to implement each client's individual treatment plan;


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(3) a day treatment program is provided to a group of clients by a multidisciplinary team under the clinical supervision of a mental health professional.  The day treatment program must be provided in and by:  (i) an outpatient hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations and licensed under sections 144.50 to 144.55; (ii) a community mental health center under section 245.62; or (iii) an entity that is under contract with the county board certified under subdivision 4 to operate a program that meets the requirements of section 245.4712, subdivision 2, or 245.4884, subdivision 2, and Minnesota Rules, parts 9505.0170 to 9505.0475.  The day treatment program must stabilize the client's mental health status while developing and improving the client's independent living and socialization skills.  The goal of the day treatment program must be to reduce or relieve the effects of mental illness and provide training to enable the client to live in the community.  The program must be available at least one day a week for a two-hour time block.  The two-hour time block must include at least one hour of individual or group psychotherapy.  The remainder of the structured treatment program may include individual or group psychotherapy, and individual or group skills training, if included in the client's individual treatment plan.  Day treatment programs are not part of inpatient or residential treatment services.  A day treatment program may provide fewer than the minimally required hours for a particular child during a billing period in which the child is transitioning into, or out of, the program; and

 

(4) a therapeutic preschool program is a structured treatment program offered to a child who is at least 33 months old, but who has not yet reached the first day of kindergarten, by a preschool multidisciplinary team in a day program licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9503.0005 to 9503.0175.  The program must be available two hours per day, five days per week, and 12 months of each calendar year.  The structured treatment program may include individual or group psychotherapy and individual or group skills training, if included in the client's individual treatment plan.  A therapeutic preschool program may provide fewer than the minimally required hours for a particular child during a billing period in which the child is transitioning into, or out of, the program.

 

(b) A provider entity must deliver the service components of children's therapeutic services and supports in compliance with the following requirements:

 

(1) individual, family, and group psychotherapy must be delivered as specified in Minnesota Rules, part 9505.0323;

 

(2) individual, family, or group skills training must be provided by a mental health professional or a mental health practitioner who has a consulting relationship with a mental health professional who accepts full professional responsibility for the training;

 

(3) crisis assistance must be time-limited and designed to resolve or stabilize crisis through arrangements for direct intervention and support services to the child and the child's family.  Crisis assistance must utilize resources designed to address abrupt or substantial changes in the functioning of the child or the child's family as evidenced by a sudden change in behavior with negative consequences for well being, a loss of usual coping mechanisms, or the presentation of danger to self or others;

 

(4) mental health behavioral aide services must be medically necessary treatment services, identified in the child's individual treatment plan and individual behavior plan, which are performed minimally by a paraprofessional qualified according to subdivision 7, paragraph (b), clause (3), and which are designed to improve the functioning of the child in the progressive use of developmentally appropriate psychosocial skills.  Activities involve working directly with the child, child-peer groupings, or child-family groupings to practice, repeat, reintroduce, and master the skills defined in subdivision 1, paragraph (p), as previously taught by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner including:


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(i) providing cues or prompts in skill-building peer-to-peer or parent-child interactions so that the child progressively recognizes and responds to the cues independently;

 

(ii) performing as a practice partner or role-play partner;

 

(iii) reinforcing the child's accomplishments;

 

(iv) generalizing skill-building activities in the child's multiple natural settings;

 

(v) assigning further practice activities; and

 

(vi) intervening as necessary to redirect the child's target behavior and to de-escalate behavior that puts the child or other person at risk of injury.

 

A mental health behavioral aide must document the delivery of services in written progress notes.  The mental health behavioral aide must implement treatment strategies in the individual treatment plan and the individual behavior plan.  The mental health behavioral aide must document the delivery of services in written progress notes.  Progress notes must reflect implementation of the treatment strategies, as performed by the mental health behavioral aide and the child's responses to the treatment strategies; and

 

(5) direction of a mental health behavioral aide must include the following:

 

(i) a clinical supervision plan approved by the responsible mental health professional;

 

(ii) ongoing on-site observation by a mental health professional or mental health practitioner for at least a total of one hour during every 40 hours of service provided to a child; and

 

(iii) immediate accessibility of the mental health professional or mental health practitioner to the mental health behavioral aide during service provision.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 518A.40, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Change in child care.  (a) When a court order provides for child care expenses, and child care support is not assigned under section 256.741, the public authority, if the public authority provides child support enforcement services, must may suspend collecting the amount allocated for child care expenses when:

 

(1) either party informs the public authority that no child care costs are being incurred; and:

 

(2) (1) the public authority verifies the accuracy of the information with the obligee.; or

 

(2) the obligee fails to respond within 30 days of the date of a written request from the public authority for information regarding child care costs.  A written or oral response from the obligee that child care costs are being incurred is sufficient for the public authority to continue collecting child care expenses.

 

The suspension is effective as of the first day of the month following the date that the public authority received the verification either verified the information with the obligee or the obligee failed to respond.  The public authority will resume collecting child care expenses when either party provides information that child care costs have resumed are incurred, or when a child care support assignment takes effect under section 256.741, subdivision 4.  The resumption is effective as of the first day of the month after the date that the public authority received the information.


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(b) If the parties provide conflicting information to the public authority regarding whether child care expenses are being incurred, or if the public authority is unable to verify with the obligee that no child care costs are being incurred, the public authority will continue or resume collecting child care expenses.  Either party, by motion to the court, may challenge the suspension, continuation, or resumption of the collection of child care expenses under this subdivision.  If the public authority suspends collection activities for the amount allocated for child care expenses, all other provisions of the court order remain in effect.

 

(c) In cases where there is a substantial increase or decrease in child care expenses, the parties may modify the order under section 518A.39.

 

Sec. 6.  Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 10, section 8, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Board of Nursing Home Administrators

 

2,153,000

 

2,145,000

 

Rulemaking.  Of this appropriation, $44,000 in fiscal year 2012 is for rulemaking.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Electronic Licensing System Adaptors.  Of this appropriation, $761,000 in fiscal year 2013 from the state government special revenue fund is to the administrative services unit to cover the costs to connect to the e-licensing system.  Minnesota Statutes, section 16E.22.  Base level funding for this activity in fiscal year 2014 shall be $100,000.  Base level funding for this activity in fiscal year 2015 shall be $50,000.

 

Development and Implementation of a Disciplinary, Regulatory, Licensing and Information Management System.  Of this appropriation, $800,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $300,000 in fiscal year 2013 are for the development of a shared system.  Base level funding for this activity in fiscal year 2014 shall be $50,000.

 

Administrative Services Unit - Operating Costs.  Of this appropriation, $526,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $526,000 in fiscal year 2013 are for operating costs of the administrative services unit.  The administrative services unit may receive and expend reimbursements for services performed by other agencies.

 

Administrative Services Unit - Retirement Costs.  Of this appropriation in fiscal year 2012, $225,000 is for onetime retirement costs in the health-related boards.  This funding may be transferred to the health boards incurring those costs for their payment.  These funds are available either year of the biennium.

 

Administrative Services Unit - Volunteer Health Care Provider Program.  Of this appropriation, $150,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2013 are to pay for medical professional liability coverage required under Minnesota Statutes, section 214.40.

 

Administrative Services Unit - Contested Cases and Other Legal Proceedings.  Of this appropriation, $200,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $200,000 in fiscal year 2013 are for costs of contested


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case hearings and other unanticipated costs of legal proceedings involving health-related boards funded under this section.  Upon certification of a health-related board to the administrative services unit that the costs will be incurred and that there is insufficient money available to pay for the costs out of money currently available to that board, the administrative services unit is authorized to transfer money from this appropriation to the board for payment of those costs with the approval of the commissioner of management and budget.  This appropriation does not cancel.  Any unencumbered and unspent balances remain available for these expenditures in subsequent fiscal years.

 

Base Adjustment.  The State Government Special Revenue Fund base is decreased by $911,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $1,011,000 $961,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

Sec. 7.  FOSTER CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM.

 

The commissioner of human services shall identify and coordinate with one or more counties that agree to issue a foster care license and authorize funding for people with autism who are currently receiving home and community-based services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.092 or 256B.49.  Children eligible under this section must be in an out-of-home placement approved by the lead agency that has legal responsibility for the placement.  Nothing in this section must be construed as restricting an individual's choice of provider.  The commissioner will assist the interested county or counties with obtaining necessary capacity within the moratorium under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03, subdivision 7.  The commissioner shall coordinate with the interested counties and issue a request for information to identify providers who have the training and skills to meet the needs of the individuals identified in this section.

 

Sec. 8.  CHEMICAL HEALTH INTEGRATED MODEL OF CARE DEVELOPMENT.

 

(a) The commissioner of human services, in partnership with the counties, tribes, and stakeholders, shall develop a community-based integrated model of care to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the service continuum for chemically dependent individuals.  The plan shall identify methods to reduce duplication of efforts, promote scientifically supported practices, and improve efficiency.  This plan shall consider the potential for geographically or demographically disparate impact on individuals who need chemical dependency services.

 

(b) The commissioner shall provide the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and human services a report detailing necessary statutory and rule changes and a proposed pilot project to implement the plan no later than March 15, 2013.

 

Sec. 9.  BIENNIAL BUDGET REQUEST; UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA.

 

Beginning in 2013, as part of the biennial budget request submitted to the Department of Management and Budget and the legislature, the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is encouraged to include a request for funding for rural primary care training by family practice residence programs to prepare doctors for the practice of primary care medicine in rural areas of the state.  The funding request should provide for ongoing support of rural primary care training through the University of Minnesota's general operation and maintenance funding or through dedicated health science funding.

 

ARTICLE 6

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS

 

Section 1.  HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS. 

 

The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are added to or, if shown in parentheses, subtracted from the appropriations in Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 10, to the agencies and for the purposes specified in this article.  The appropriations are from the general fund or other named fund and are


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available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.  The figures "2012" and "2013" used in this article mean that the addition to or subtraction from the appropriation listed under them is available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, or June 30, 2013, respectively.  Supplemental appropriations and reductions to appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, are effective the day following final enactment unless a different effective date is explicit.

 

 

 

 

APPROPRIATIONS

 

 

 

Available for the Year

 

 

 

Ending June 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

2013

 

Sec. 2.  COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES

 

 

 

 

 

Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation

 

$1,352,000

 

$19,849,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

803,000

9,680,000

Health Care Access

-0-

3,000

Federal TANF

-0-

7,453,000

Special Revenue

549,000

2,713,000

 

Subd. 2.  Central Office Operations

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Operations

 

118,000

 

356,000

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $91,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $44,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

(b) Health Care

 

24,000

 

346,000

 

This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Managed Care Audit Activities.  In fiscal year 2014, and in each even-numbered year thereafter, the commissioner shall transfer from the health care access fund $1,740,000 to the legislative auditor for managed care audit services under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.69, subdivision 9d.  This is a biennial appropriation.  The health care access fund base is increased by $1,842,000 in fiscal year 2014.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this article, this paragraph does not expire.

 

(c) Continuing Care

 

19,000

 

375,000

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is decreased by $159,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

Subd. 3.  Chemical and Mental Health

 

19,000

 

68,000

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is decreased by $68,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.


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Subd. 4.  Forecasted Programs

 

 

 

 

 

(a) MFIP/DWP Grants

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

-0-

(7,009,000)

Federal TANF

-0-

7,000,000

 

(b) General Assistance Grants

 

-0-

 

(8,000)

 

(c) Minnesota Supplemental Aid Grants

 

-0-

 

152,000

 

(d) MinnesotaCare Grants

 

-0-

 

3,000

 

This appropriation is from the health care access fund.

 

(e) Group Residential Housing Grants

 

-0-

 

(202,000)

 

(f) Medical Assistance Grants

 

623,000

 

14,303,000

 

PCA Relative Care Payment Recovery.  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, and if, at the conclusion of the HealthStar Home Health, Inc et al v. Commissioner of Human Services litigation, the PCA relative rate reduction under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0659, subdivision 11, paragraph (c), is upheld, the commissioner is prohibited from recovering the difference between the 100 percent rate paid to providers and the 80 percent rate, during the period of the temporary injunction issued on October 26, 2011.  This section does not prohibit the commissioner from recovering any other overpayments from providers.

 

Long-Term Care Realignment Waiver Conformity.  Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.0916, subdivision 14, and upon federal approval of the long-term care realignment waiver application, essential community support grants must be made available in a manner that is consistent with the state's long-term care realignment waiver application submitted on February 13, 2012.  The commissioner is authorized to use increased federal matching funds resulting from approval of the long-term care realignment waiver as necessary to meet the fiscal year 2013 demand for essential community support grants administered in a manner that is consistent with the terms and conditions of the long-term care realignment waiver, and that amount of federal funds is appropriated to the commissioner for this purpose.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8965

Continuing Care Provider Payment Delay.  The commissioner of human services shall delay the last payment or payments in fiscal year 2013 to providers listed in Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, section 256B.5012, subdivision 13, and Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, section 54, paragraph (b), by up to $20,688,000.  In calculating the actual payment amounts to be delayed, the commissioner must reduce the $20,688,000 amount by any cash basis state share savings to be realized in fiscal year 2013 from implementing the long-term care realignment waiver before July 1, 2013.  The commissioner shall make the delayed payments in July 2013.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this article, this provision expires on August 1, 2013.

 

Critical Access Nursing Facilities Designation.  $500,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2013 for critical access nursing facilities under Minnesota Statutes, section 256B.441, subdivision 63.  This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

 

Subd. 5.  Grant Programs

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Children and Economic Support Grants

 

-0-

 

450,000

 

Long-Term Homeless Supportive Services.  $200,000 in fiscal year 2013 from the TANF fund is for long-term homeless supportive services for low-income families under Minnesota Statutes, section 256K.26.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Family Assets for Independence Program.  $250,000 in fiscal year 2013 from the TANF fund is for grants for the family assets for independence program under Minnesota Statutes, section 256E.35.  This appropriation must be used to serve families with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and minor children in the household.  This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2014.

 

TANF Transfer to Federal Child Care and Development Fund.  (1) In addition to the amount provided in this section, the commissioner shall transfer TANF funds to basic sliding fee child care assistance under Minnesota Statutes, section 119B.03:

 

(i) fiscal year 2013, $1,000; and

 

(ii) fiscal year 2014 and ongoing, $6,000.

 

(2) The commissioner shall authorize the transfer of sufficient TANF funds to the federal child care and development fund to meet this appropriation and shall ensure that all transferred funds are expended according to federal child care and development fund regulations.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8966

(b) Aging and Adult Services Grants

 

-0-

 

999,000

 

In fiscal year 2013, upon federal approval to implement the nursing facility level of care under Minnesota Statutes, section 144.0724, subdivision 11, $999,000 is for essential community supports grants.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

(c) Disabilities Grants

 

-0-

 

300,000

 

Intractable Epilepsy.  This appropriation includes $65,000 for living skills training programs for persons with intractable epilepsy who need assistance in the transition to independent living under Laws 1988, chapter 689, article 2, section 251.  This appropriation is ongoing.

 

Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Disabilities.

 

(1) $50,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2013 to establish and maintain a statewide self-advocacy network for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This is a onetime appropriation and is available until expended.

 

(2) The self-advocacy network must focus on ensuring that persons with disabilities are:

 

(i) informed of and educated about their legal rights in the areas of education, employment, housing, transportation, and voting; and

 

(ii) educated and trained to self-advocate for their rights under law.

 

(3) Self-advocacy network activities under this section include but are not limited to:

 

(i) education and training, including preemployment and workplace skills;

 

(ii) establishment and maintenance of a communication and information exchange system for self-advocacy groups; and

 

(iii) financial and technical assistance to self-advocacy groups.

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The general fund base is increased by $23,000 in fiscal year 2014 and decreased by $235,000 in fiscal year 2015.

 

Subd. 6.  State-Operated Services

 

549,000

 

2,713,000

 

Minnesota Specialty Health Services - Willmar.  $549,000 in fiscal year 2012 and $2,713,000 in fiscal year 2013 from the account established under Minnesota Statutes, section 246.18, subdivision 8, is for continued operation of the Minnesota


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8967

Specialty Health Services - Willmar.  These appropriations are onetime from the special revenue fund.  Closure of the facility shall not occur prior to June 30, 2013.

 

Subd. 7.  Technical Activities

 

-0-

 

3,000

 

This appropriation is from the TANF fund.

 

Base Level Adjustment.  The TANF fund base is increased by $13,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

 

Sec. 3.  COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH

 

 

 

 

 

Subdivision 1.  Total Appropriation

 

$-0-

 

$501,000

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

-0-

364,000

Health Care Access

-0-

137,000

 

Subd. 2.  Community and Family Health Promotions

 

-0-

 

200,000

 

Autism Study.  $200,000 is for the commissioner of health, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, to conduct a qualitative study focused on cultural and resource-based aspects of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that are unique to the Somali community.  By February 15, 2014, the commissioner shall report the findings of this study to the legislature.  The report must include recommendations as to establishment of a population-based public health surveillance system for ASD.  This is a onetime appropriation and is available until June 30, 2014.

 

Subd. 3.  Policy Quality and Compliance

 

 

 

 

 

Appropriations by Fund

 

 

2012

2013

 

 

 

General

-0-

164,000

Health Care Access

-0-

137,000

 

Web Site Changes.  $36,000 is for Web site changes required as part of the evaluation of health and human services regulatory responsibilities.  This is a onetime appropriation and must be shared with the Department of Human Services through an interagency agreement.

 

Management and Budget.  $100,000 is for transfer to the commissioner of management and budget for the evaluation of health and human services regulatory responsibilities.  This is a onetime appropriation.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8968

Nursing Facility Moratorium Exceptions.  In fiscal year 2013, $8,000 is for administrative costs related to review of moratorium exception projects under Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.073, subdivision 13.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Health Record Access Study.  $20,000 in fiscal year 2013 is for the health record access study.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Radiation Therapy Facilities Study.  In fiscal year 2013, $137,000 from the health care access fund is for a study of radiation therapy facilities capacity.  This is a onetime appropriation.

 

Sec. 4.  BOARD OF NURSING HOME ADMINISTRATORS

$-0-

 

$10,000

 

Administrative Services Unit.  This appropriation is to provide a grant to the Minnesota Ambulance Association to coordinate and prepare an assessment of the extent and costs of uncompensated care as a direct result of emergency responses on interstate highways in Minnesota.  The study will collect appropriate information from medical response units and ambulance services regulated under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144E, and to the extent possible, firefighting agencies.  In preparing the assessment, the Minnesota Ambulance Association shall consult with its membership, the Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.  The findings of the assessment will be reported to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and public safety by January 1, 2013.

 

Sec. 5.  MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATION EXCESS PROFITS.

 

Excess profits of managed care organizations paid to the commissioner of human services in fiscal year 2013 shall be deposited in the funds from which the payments originated.  These amounts are estimated to be $27,740,000 for the general fund and $7,300,000 for the health care access fund.

 

Sec. 6.  EXPIRATION OF UNCODIFIED LANGUAGE.

 

All uncodified language contained in this article expires on June 30, 2013, unless a different expiration date is explicit.

 

Sec. 7.  EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

The provisions in this article are effective July 1, 2012, unless a different effective date is explicit."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to state government; making adjustments to health and human services appropriations; making changes to provisions related to health care, the Department of Health, children and family services, continuing care, background studies, chemical dependency, and child support; requiring reporting of potential


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8969

welfare fraud; providing for data sharing; requiring eligibility determinations; providing rulemaking authority; providing penalties; encouraging the University of Minnesota to request funding for rural primary care training; requiring studies and reports; providing appointments; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 62A.047; 62J.496, subdivision 2; 62Q.80; 72A.201, subdivision 8; 144.292, subdivision 6; 144.298, subdivision 2; 144.5509; 144A.073, by adding a subdivision; 144A.351; 144D.04, subdivision 2; 145.906; 245.697, subdivision 1; 245A.03, by adding a subdivision; 245A.11, subdivisions 2a, 7, 7a; 245B.07, subdivision 1; 245C.04, subdivision 6; 245C.05, subdivision 7; 252.27, subdivision 2a; 254A.19, by adding a subdivision; 256.01, by adding subdivisions; 256.975, subdivision 7; 256.9831, subdivision 2; 256B.056, subdivision 1a; 256B.0625, subdivision 28a, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0659, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0751, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0911, by adding subdivisions; 256B.092, subdivisions 1b, 7; 256B.0943, subdivision 9; 256B.431, subdivision 17e, by adding a subdivision; 256B.434, subdivision 10; 256B.441, by adding a subdivision; 256B.48, by adding a subdivision; 256B.69, subdivision 9, by adding subdivisions; 256D.06, subdivision 1b; 256D.44, subdivision 5; 256E.37, subdivision 1; 256I.05, subdivision 1e; 256J.26, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 256J.575, subdivisions 1, 2, 5, 6, 8; 256L.07, subdivision 3; 518A.40, subdivision 4; 626.556, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 62E.14, subdivision 4g; 119B.13, subdivision 7; 144.1222, subdivision 5; 245A.03, subdivision 7; 256.987, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding subdivisions; 256B.056, subdivision 3; 256B.057, subdivision 9; 256B.0625, subdivision 38; 256B.0631, subdivision 1; 256B.0659, subdivision 11; 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a, 3c; 256B.0915, subdivisions 3e, 3h; 256B.097, subdivision 3; 256B.49, subdivisions 14, 15, 23; 256B.5012, subdivision 13; 256B.69, subdivision 5a; 256B.76, subdivision 4; 256E.35, subdivisions 5, 6; 256I.05, subdivision 1a; 256L.03, subdivision 5; 256L.031, subdivisions 2, 3, 6; 256L.12, subdivision 9; Laws 2010, chapter 374, section 1; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, sections 52; 54; article 10, sections 3, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; 8, subdivision 8; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 144; 145; 256B; 626; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 62M.09, subdivision 9; 62Q.64; 144A.073, subdivision 9; 256B.48, subdivision 6; Minnesota Rules, parts 4640.0800, subpart 4; 4685.2000."

 

 

      We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

 

      House Conferees:  Jim Abeler, Steve Gottwalt, Mary Kiffmeyer, Joe Schomacker and Thomas Huntley.

 

      Senate Conferees:  David W. Hann, Julie A. Rosen, Michelle R. Benson, Sean Nienow and Tony Lourey.

 

 

      Abeler moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2294 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2294, A bill for an act relating to state government; making adjustments to health and human services appropriations; making changes to provisions related to health care, the Department of Health, children and family services, continuing care, chemical dependency, child support, background studies, homelessness, and vulnerable children and adults; providing for data sharing; requiring eligibility determinations; requiring the University of Minnesota to request funding for rural primary care training; providing for the release of medical assistance liens; requiring reporting of potential welfare fraud; providing penalties; providing appointments; providing grants; requiring studies and reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 62D.02, subdivision 3; 62D.05, subdivision 6; 62D.12, subdivision 1; 62J.496, subdivision 2; 62Q.80; 62U.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 4, 5; 119B.13, subdivision 3a; 144.1222, by adding a subdivision; 144.292, subdivision 6; 144.293, subdivision 2; 144.298, subdivision 2; 144A.351; 144D.04, subdivision 2; 145.906; 245.697, subdivision 1; 245A.03, by adding a subdivision; 245A.10, by adding a subdivision; 245A.11, subdivision 7; 245B.07, subdivision 1; 245C.04, subdivision 6; 245C.05, subdivision 7; 252.27, subdivision 2a; 254A.19, by adding a subdivision; 256.01, by adding subdivisions; 256.9831, subdivision 2; 256B.056, subdivision 1a; 256B.0625, subdivisions 9, 28a, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0659, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0751, by adding a subdivision; 256B.0754, subdivision 2;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8970

256B.0915, subdivision 3g; 256B.092, subdivisions 1b, 7, by adding subdivisions; 256B.0943, subdivision 9; 256B.431, subdivision 17e, by adding a subdivision; 256B.441, by adding a subdivision; 256B.49, by adding a subdivision; 256B.69, subdivision 9, by adding subdivisions; 256D.06, subdivision 1b; 256D.44, subdivision 5; 256E.37, subdivision 1; 256I.05, subdivision 1e; 256J.08, by adding a subdivision; 256J.26, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 256J.45, subdivision 2; 256J.50, by adding a subdivision; 256J.521, subdivision 2; 256L.07, subdivision 3; 462A.29; 514.981, subdivision 5; 518A.40, subdivision 4; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 62E.14, subdivision 4g; 62U.04, subdivisions 3, 9; 119B.13, subdivision 7; 245A.03, subdivision 7; 256.045, subdivision 3; 256.987, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding subdivisions; 256B.056, subdivision 3; 256B.057, subdivision 9; 256B.0625, subdivisions 8, 8a, 8b, 38; 256B.0911, subdivisions 3a, 3c; 256B.0915, subdivisions 3e, 3h; 256B.097, subdivision 3; 256B.49, subdivisions 14, 15, 23; 256B.5012, subdivision 13; 256B.69, subdivisions 5a, 5c; 256E.35, subdivisions 5, 6; 256I.05, subdivision 1a; 256J.49, subdivision 13; 256L.031, subdivisions 2, 3, 6; 256L.12, subdivision 9; 256M.40, subdivision 1; Laws 2010, chapter 374, section 1; Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 9, article 7, sections 52; 54; article 9, section 18; article 10, section 3, subdivisions 1, 3, 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 144; 256B; 626.

 

 

      The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

 

      The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 128 yeas and 2 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Buesgens

Laine


 

 

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


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8971

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. NO. 2398

 

A bill for an act relating to agriculture; modifying provisions related to pesticides, plants, nursery law, inspections, enforcements, seeds, commercial feed, food, animals, grain, and weights and measures; establishing Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority; providing for food law enforcement; making technical and conforming changes; repealing obsolete provisions; extending certain exceptions to the minimum content requirements for biodiesel; imposing penalties; providing certain counties capital improvement plan authority; modifying treatment of certain secured or guaranteed loans; requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.114, subdivisions 3, 4; 17.982, subdivision 1; 17.983; 18B.065, subdivision 2a; 18B.316, subdivision 6; 18G.02, subdivision 14; 18G.10, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; 18H.02, subdivision 14, by adding a subdivision; 18H.10; 18H.14; 18J.01; 18J.02; 18J.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 18J.05, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 18J.06; 18J.07, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 21.82, subdivisions 7, 8; 25.33, subdivisions 5, 13, 14; 25.36; 25.37; 28A.03, subdivisions 3, 5, 6; 28A.21, subdivision 6; 31.01, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 21, 25, 28; 31.121; 31.123; 31.13; 31.94; 31A.02, subdivisions 13, 14, 15, 16; 31A.23; 32.01, subdivisions 11, 12; 35.0661, subdivisions 2, 3; 40A.17; 41A.12, subdivisions 2, 4; 48.24, subdivision 5; 223.16, subdivision 12; 223.17, subdivisions 1, 4, 9; 232.21, subdivisions 2, 6, 12; 232.22, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 7; 232.23, subdivisions 2, 10; 232.24, subdivisions 1, 2; 239.092; 239.093; 239.77, subdivision 3; Laws 2010, chapter 228, section 4; Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 11; Laws 2011, chapter 14, section 6; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 32C; 34A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.984; 17B.01; 17B.02; 17B.03; 17B.04; 17B.041; 17B.0451; 17B.048; 17B.05; 17B.06; 17B.07; 17B.10; 17B.11; 17B.12; 17B.13; 17B.14; 17B.15, subdivisions 1, 3; 17B.16; 17B.17; 17B.18; 17B.20; 17B.22, subdivisions 1, 2; 17B.28; 17B.29; 28.15; 28A.12; 28A.13; 29.28; 31.031; 31.041; 31.05; 31.14; 31.393; 31.58; 31.592; 31.621, subdivision 5; 31.631, subdivision 4; 31.633, subdivision 2; 31.681; 31.74, subdivision 3; 31.91; 31A.24; 31A.26; 32.078; 32.475, subdivision 7; 32.61; 32.90; 34.113; 35.243; 35.255; 35.67; 35.72, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 223.16, subdivision 7; 223.18; 232.21, subdivision 4; 232.24, subdivision 3; 232.25; 233.01; 233.015; 233.017; 233.02; 233.03; 233.05; 233.06; 233.07; 233.08; 233.09; 233.10; 233.11; 233.12; 233.22; 233.23; 233.24; 233.33; 234.01; 234.03; 234.04; 234.05; 234.06; 234.08; 234.09; 234.10; 234.11; 234.12; 234.13; 234.14; 234.15; 234.16; 234.17; 234.18; 234.19; 234.20; 234.21; 234.22; 234.23; 234.24; 234.25; 234.27; 235.01; 235.02; 235.04; 235.05; 235.06; 235.07; 235.08; 235.09; 235.10; 235.13; 235.18; 236.01; 236.02; 236.03; 236.04; 236.05; 236.06; 236.07; 236.08; 236.09; 395.14; 395.15; 395.16; 395.17; 395.18; 395.19; 395.20; 395.21; 395.22; 395.23; 395.24; Minnesota Rules, parts 1505.0780; 1505.0810; 1511.0100; 1511.0110; 1511.0120; 1511.0130; 1511.0140; 1511.0150; 1511.0160; 1511.0170; 1540.0010, subpart 26; 1550.0930, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 1550.1040, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6; 1550.1260, subparts 6, 7; 1562.0100, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; 1562.0200; 1562.0400; 1562.0700; 1562.0900; 1562.1300; 1562.1800.

 

April 23, 2012

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

The Honorable Michelle L. Fischbach

President of the Senate

 

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 2398 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

 

That the Senate recede from its amendments and that H. F. No. 2398 be further amended as follows:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"ARTICLE 1

AGRICULTURE POLICY

 

Section 1.  [1.1485] STATE SOIL.

 

Lester is designated as the official soil of the state of Minnesota.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8972

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.114, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Duties.  (a) The commissioner shall:

 

(1) establish a clearinghouse and provide information, appropriate educational opportunities and other assistance to individuals, producers, and groups about sustainable agricultural techniques, practices, and opportunities;

 

(2) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine information and research needs in the area of sustainable agricultural practices;

 

(3) demonstrate the on-farm applicability of sustainable agriculture practices to conditions in this state;

 

(4) coordinate the efforts of state agencies regarding activities relating to sustainable agriculture;

 

(5) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the sustainability of agriculture in this state;

 

(6) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support sustainable agriculture practices;

 

(7) work closely with farmers, the University of Minnesota, and other appropriate organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as assure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, and extension work relating to sustainable agriculture; and

 

(8) work cooperatively with local governments and others to strengthen the connection between farmers who practice sustainable farming methods and urban, rural, and suburban consumers, including, but not limited to, promoting local farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture; and.

 

(9) report to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture every even-numbered year.

 

(b) The report under paragraph (a), clause (9), must include:

 

(1) the presentation and analysis of findings regarding the current status and trends regarding the economic condition of producers; the status of soil and water resources utilized by production agriculture; the magnitude of off-farm inputs used; and the amount of nonrenewable resources used by Minnesota farmers;

 

(2) a description of current state or federal programs directed toward sustainable agriculture including significant results and experiences of those programs;

 

(3) a description of specific actions the Department of Agriculture is taking in the area of sustainable agriculture, including, but not limited to, specific actions to strengthen the connection between sustainable farmers and consumers under paragraph (a), clause (8);

 

(4) a description of current and future research needs at all levels in the area of sustainable agriculture; and

 

(5) suggestions for changes in existing programs or policies or enactment of new programs or policies that will affect farm profitability, maintain soil and water quality, reduce input costs, or lessen dependence upon nonrenewable resources.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8973

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.114, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Integrated pest management.  (a) The state shall promote and facilitate the use of integrated pest management through education, technical or financial assistance, information and research.

 

(b) The commissioner shall coordinate the development of a state approach to the promotion and use of integrated pest management, which shall include delineation of the responsibilities of the state, public postsecondary institutions, Minnesota Extension Service, local units of government, and the private sector; establishment of information exchange and integration; procedures for identifying research needs and reviewing and preparing informational materials; procedures for factoring integrated pest management into state laws, rules, and uses of pesticides; and identification of barriers to adoption.

 

(c) The commissioner shall report to the Environmental Quality Board for review and then to the house of representatives and senate committees with jurisdiction over the environment, natural resources, and agriculture every even-numbered year.  The report shall be combined with the report required in subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18B.065, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2a.  Disposal site requirement.  (a) For agricultural waste pesticides, the commissioner must designate a place in each county of the state that is available at least every other year for persons to dispose of unused portions of agricultural pesticides.  The commissioner shall consult with the person responsible for solid waste management and disposal in each county to determine an appropriate location and to advertise each collection event.  The commissioner may provide a collection opportunity in a county more frequently if the commissioner determines that a collection is warranted.

 

(b) For nonagricultural waste pesticides, the commissioner must provide a disposal opportunity each year in each county or enter into a contract with a group of counties under a joint powers agreement or contract for household hazardous waste disposal.

 

(c) As provided under subdivision 7, the commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements with local units of government to provide the collections required under paragraph (a) or (b) and shall provide a local unit of government, as part of the cooperative agreement, with funding for reasonable costs incurred including, but not limited to, related supplies, transportation, advertising, and disposal costs as well as reasonable overhead costs.

 

(d) A person who collects waste pesticide under this section shall, on a form provided or in a method approved by the commissioner, record information on each waste pesticide product collected including, but not limited to, the quantity collected and either the product name and its active ingredient or ingredients or the United States Environmental Protection Agency registration number.  The person must submit this information to the commissioner at least annually by January 30.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18B.065, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Indemnification.  (a) A local unit of government, when operating or participating in a waste pesticide collection program pursuant to a cooperative agreement with the commissioner under this section, is an employee of the state, certified to be acting within the scope of employment, for purposes of the indemnification provisions of section 3.736, subdivision 9, for claims that arise out of the transportation, management, or disposal of any waste pesticide covered by the agreement:

 

(1) from and after the time the waste permanently leaves the local unit of government's possession and comes into the possession of the state's authorized transporter; and


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 8974

(2) during the time the waste is transported between the local unit of government facilities by the state's authorized transporter.

 

(b) The state is not obligated to defend or indemnify a local unit of government under this subdivision to the extent of the local unit of government's liability insurance.  The local unit of government's right to indemnify is not a waiver of the limitation, defenses, and immunities available to either the local unit of government or the state by law.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18B.316, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Agricultural pesticide sales invoices.  (a) Sales invoices for agricultural pesticides sold in or into this state by a licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or a pesticide dealer under this section must show the percent of gross sales fee rate assessed and the gross sales fee paid under section 18B.26, subdivision 3, paragraph (c).

 

(b) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or a pesticide dealer may request an exemption from paragraph (a).  The request for exemption must be in writing to the commissioner and must include verifiable information to justify that compliance with paragraph (a) is an extreme business hardship for the licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or pesticide dealer.  The commissioner may approve or reject a request for exemption based upon review of the submitted information.  An approved exemption under this paragraph is valid for one calendar year.  The commissioner must maintain a list of those licensed agricultural pesticide dealers or pesticide dealers that have been granted an exemption on the department's Web site.

 

(c) A licensed agricultural pesticide dealer or a pesticide dealer issued an exemption under paragraph (b) must include the following statement on each sales invoice for any sale of an agricultural pesticide:  "Minnesota Department of Agriculture Annual Gross Sales Fees of 0.55% have been Assessed and Paid on the Sale of an Agricultural Pesticide."

 

(d) Only the person who actually will pay the gross sales fee may show the rate or the amount of the fee as a line item on the sales invoice.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18G.02, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Infested.  "Infested" means a plant has been overrun by plant pests, including weeds, or contains or harbors plant pests in a quantity that may threaten other plants.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18G.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Creation of registry.  (a) The commissioner shall maintain a list of all persons, businesses, and companies that employ persons who provide tree care or tree trimming services in Minnesota.  All commercial tree care providers, tree trimmers, and persons who employers that direct employees to remove trees, limbs, branches, brush, or shrubs for hire must be registered by with the commissioner.

 

(b) Persons or companies who are required to be registered under paragraph (a) must register annually by providing the following to the commissioner:

 

(1) accurate and up-to-date business name, address, and telephone number;

 

(2) a complete list of all Minnesota counties in which they work; and

 

(3) a nonrefundable fee of $25 for initial application or renewing the registration.


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(c) All persons and companies required to be registered under paragraph (a) must register before conducting the activities specified in paragraph (a).  Annual registration expires December 31, must be renewed annually, and the renewal fee remitted by January 7 1 of the year for which it is issued.  In addition, a penalty of ten percent of the renewal fee due must be charged for each month, or portion of a month, that the fee is delinquent up to a maximum of 30 percent for any application for renewal postmarked after December 31.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18G.10, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Supplemental, additional, or other certificates and permits.  (a) The commissioner may provide inspection, sampling, or certification services to ensure that Minnesota plant treatment processes, plant products, or commodities meet import requirements of other states or countries.

 

(b) The state plant regulatory official may issue permits and certificates verifying that various Minnesota agricultural plant treatment processes, products, or commodities meet specified plant health requirements, treatment requirements, or pest absence assurances based on determinations by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18G.10, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Misuse of a certificate or permit.  (a) Certificates and permits may not be altered, counterfeited, obtained, or used improperly, for any plant product.

 

(b) Certificates and permits are not transferable to another location or another person.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18H.02, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Infested.  "Infested" means a plant has been overrun by plant pests, including weeds, or contains or harbors plant pests in a quantity that may threaten other plants.

 

Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18H.02, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

 

Subd. 16a.  Nonhardy.  "Nonhardy" means a plant that cannot be expected to survive or reliably produce flowers and fruit in average minimum winter temperatures at the growing site as determined by the commissioner based upon independent field trials and industry input represented by the United States Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone designations.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18H.10, is amended to read:

 

18H.10 STORAGE OF NURSERY STOCK.

 

(a) All nursery stock must be kept and displayed under conditions of temperature, light, and moisture sufficient to maintain the viability and vigor of the nursery stock.

 

(b) Packaged dormant nursery stock must be stored under conditions that retard growth, prevent etiolated growth, and protect its viability.

 

(c) Balled and burlapped nursery stock being held for sale to the public must be kept in a moisture-holding material approved by the commissioner and not toxic to plants.  The moisture-holding material must adequately cover and protect the ball of earth and must be kept moist at all times.


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Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18H.14, is amended to read:

 

18H.14 LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF NURSERY STOCK.

 

(a) Plants, plant materials, or nursery stock must not be labeled or advertised with false or misleading information including, but not limited to, scientific name, variety, place of origin, hardiness zone as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, and growth habit.

 

(b) All nonhardy nursery stock as designated by the commissioner must be labeled "nonhardy" in Minnesota.

 

(b) (c) A person may not offer for distribution plants, plant materials, or nursery stock, represented by some specific or special form of notation, including, but not limited to, "free from" or "grown free of," unless the plants are produced under a specific program approved by the commissioner to address the specific plant properties addressed in the special notation claim.

 

(d) Nursery stock collected from the wild state must be inspected and certified prior to sale and at the time of sale must be labeled "Collected from the Wild."  The label must remain on each plant or clump of plants while it is offered for sale and during the distribution process.  The collected stock may be grown in nursery rows at least two years, after which the plants may be sold without the labeling required by this paragraph.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.01, is amended to read:

 

18J.01 DEFINITIONS.

 

(a) The definitions in sections 18G.02 and, 18H.02, 27.01, 223.16, 231.01, and 232.21 apply to this chapter.

 

(b) For purposes of this chapter, "associated rules" means rules adopted under this chapter, chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or sections 21.80 to 21.92.

 

Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.02, is amended to read:

 

18J.02 DUTIES OF COMMISSIONER.

 

The commissioner shall administer and enforce this chapter, chapters 18G and, 18H, 27, 223, 231, and 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; and associated rules.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.03, is amended to read:

 

18J.03 CIVIL LIABILITY.

 

A person regulated by this chapter, chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232, or sections 21.80 to 21.92, is civilly liable for any violation of one of those statutes or associated rules by the person's employee or agent.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Access and entry.  The commissioner, upon presentation of official department credentials, must be granted immediate access at reasonable times to sites where a person manufactures, distributes, uses, handles, disposes of, stores, or transports seeds, plants, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving products or other objects regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules.


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Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Purpose of entry.  (a) The commissioner may enter sites for:

 

(1) inspection of inventory and equipment for the manufacture, storage, handling, distribution, disposal, or any other process regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules;

 

(2) sampling of sites, seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving objects that are manufactured, stored, distributed, handled, or disposed of at those sites and regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules;

 

(3) inspection of records related to the manufacture, distribution, storage, handling, or disposal of seeds, plants, products, grain, household goods, general merchandise, produce, or other living or nonliving objects regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules;

 

(4) investigating compliance with chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules; or

 

(5) other purposes necessary to implement chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules.

 

(b) The commissioner may enter any public or private premises during or after regular business hours without notice of inspection when a suspected violation of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules may threaten public health or the environment.

 

Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.04, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Notice of inspection samples and analyses.  (a) The commissioner shall provide the owner, operator, or agent in charge with a receipt describing any samples obtained.  If requested, the commissioner shall split any samples obtained and provide them to the owner, operator, or agent in charge.  If an analysis is made of the samples, a copy of the results of the analysis must be furnished to the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days after an analysis has been performed.  If an analysis is not performed, the commissioner must notify the owner, operator, or agent in charge within 30 days of the decision not to perform the analysis.

 

(b) The sampling and analysis must be done according to methods provided for under applicable provisions of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules.  In cases not covered by those sections and methods or in cases where methods are available in which improved applicability has been demonstrated the commissioner may adopt appropriate methods from other sources.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Inspection requests by others.  (a) A person who believes that a violation of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules has occurred may request an inspection by giving notice to the commissioner of the violation.  The notice must be in writing, state with reasonable particularity the grounds for the notice, and be signed by the person making the request.

 

(b) If after receiving a notice of violation the commissioner reasonably believes that a violation has occurred, the commissioner shall make a special inspection in accordance with the provisions of this section as soon as practicable, to determine if a violation has occurred.


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(c) An inspection conducted pursuant to a notice under this subdivision may cover an entire site and is not limited to the portion of the site specified in the notice.  If the commissioner determines that reasonable grounds to believe that a violation occurred do not exist, the commissioner must notify the person making the request in writing of the determination.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Enforcement required.  (a) A violation of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or an associated rule is a violation of this chapter.

 

(b) Upon the request of the commissioner, county attorneys, sheriffs, and other officers having authority in the enforcement of the general criminal laws must take action to the extent of their authority necessary or proper for the enforcement of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules or valid orders, standards, stipulations, and agreements of the commissioner.

 

Sec. 23.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Commissioner's discretion.  If minor violations of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules occur or the commissioner believes the public interest will be best served by a suitable notice of warning in writing, this section does not require the commissioner to:

 

(1) report the violation for prosecution;

 

(2) institute seizure proceedings; or

 

(3) issue a withdrawal from distribution, stop-sale, or other order.

 

Sec. 24.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.05, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Agent for service of process.  All persons licensed, permitted, registered, or certified under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules must appoint the commissioner as the agent upon whom all legal process may be served and service upon the commissioner is deemed to be service on the licensee, permittee, registrant, or certified person.

 

Sec. 25.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.06, is amended to read:

 

18J.06 FALSE STATEMENT OR RECORD.

 

A person must not knowingly make or offer a false statement, record, or other information as part of:

 

(1) an application for registration, license, certification, or permit under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules;

 

(2) records or reports required under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules; or

 

(3) an investigation of a violation of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules.


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Sec. 26.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Cancellation of registration, permit, license, certification.  The commissioner may cancel or revoke a registration, permit, license, or certification provided for under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules or refuse to register, permit, license, or certify under provisions of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules if the registrant, permittee, licensee, or certified person has used fraudulent or deceptive practices in the evasion or attempted evasion of a provision of chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules.

 

Sec. 27.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.07, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Service of order or notice.  (a) If a person is not available for service of an order, the commissioner may attach the order to the facility, site, seed or seed container, plant or other living or nonliving object regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules and notify the owner, custodian, other responsible party, or registrant.

 

(b) The seed, seed container, plant, or other living or nonliving object regulated under chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules may not be sold, used, tampered with, or removed until released under conditions specified by the commissioner, by an administrative law judge, or by a court.

 

Sec. 28.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 18J.07, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Unsatisfied judgments.  (a) An applicant for a license, permit, registration, or certification under provisions of this chapter, chapter 18G or, 18H, 27, 223, 231, or 232; sections 21.80 to 21.92,; or associated rules may not allow a final judgment against the applicant for damages arising from a violation of those statutes or rules to remain unsatisfied for a period of more than 30 days.

 

(b) Failure to satisfy, within 30 days, a final judgment resulting from a violation of this chapter results in automatic suspension of the license, permit, registration, or certification.

 

Sec. 29.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 21.82, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Vegetable seeds.  For vegetable seeds prepared for use in home gardens or household plantings the requirements in paragraphs (a) to (p) apply.  Vegetable seeds packed for sale in commercial quantities to farmers, conservation groups, and other similar entities are considered agricultural seeds and must be labeled accordingly.

 

(a) The label must contain the name of the kind or kind and variety for each seed component in excess of five percent of the whole and the percentage by weight of each in order of its predominance.  If the variety of those kinds generally labeled as to variety is not stated and it is not required to be stated, the label must show the name of the kind and the words "variety not stated."

 

(b) The percentage that is hybrid must be at least 95 percent of the percentage of pure seed shown unless the percentage of pure seed which is hybrid seed is shown separately.  If two or more kinds of varieties are present in excess of five percent and are named on the label, each that is hybrid must be designated as hybrid on the label.  Any one kind or kind and variety that has pure seed that is less than 95 percent but more than 75 percent hybrid seed as a result of incompletely controlled pollination in a cross must be labeled to show the percentage of pure seed that is hybrid seed or a statement such as "contains from 75 percent to 95 percent hybrid seed."  No one kind or variety of seed may be labeled as hybrid if the pure seed contains less than 75 percent hybrid seed.  The word "hybrid" must be shown on the label in conjunction with the kind.

 

(c) Blends must be listed on the label using the term "blend" in conjunction with the kind.


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(d) Mixtures shall be listed on the label using the term "mixture," "mix," or "mixed."

 

(e) The label must show a lot number or other lot identification.

 

(f) The origin may be omitted from the label.

 

(g) The label must show the year for which the seed was packed for sale listed as "packed for (year)" for seed with a percentage of germination that exceeds the standard last established by the commissioner, the percentage of germination and the calendar month and year that the percentages were determined by test, or the calendar month and year the germination test was completed and the statement "sell by (month and year listed here)," which may be no more than 12 months from the date of test, exclusive of the month of test.

 

(h) For vegetable seeds which germinate less than the standard last established by the commissioner, the label must show:

 

(1) a percentage of germination, exclusive of hard or dormant seed or both;

 

(2) a percentage of hard or dormant seed or both, if present; and

 

(3) the words "below standard" in not less than eight point type and the month and year the percentages were determined by test.

 

(i) The net weight of the contents or a statement indicating the number of seeds in the container or both, must appear on either the container or the label, except that for containers with contents of 200 seeds or less a statement indicating the number of seeds in the container may be listed along with or in lieu of the net weight of contents.

 

(j) The heading for and percentage by weight of pure seed may be omitted from a label if the total is more than 90 percent.

 

(k) The heading for and percentage by weight of weed seed may be omitted from a label if they are not present in the seed.

 

(l) The heading "noxious weed seeds" may be omitted from a label if they are not present in the seed.

 

(m) The heading for and percentage by weight of other crop seed may be omitted from a label if it is less than five percent.

 

(n) The heading for and percentage by weight of inert matter may be omitted from a label if it is less than ten percent.

 

(o) The label must contain the name and address of the person who labeled the seed or who sells the seed in this state or a code number that has been registered with the commissioner.

 

(p) The labeling requirements for vegetable seeds prepared for use in home gardens or household plantings when sold outside their original containers are met if the seed is weighed from a properly labeled container in the presence of the purchaser.

 

Sec. 30.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 21.82, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 8.  Flower seeds.  For flower and wildflower seeds prepared for use in home gardens or household plantings, the requirements in paragraphs (a) to (l) apply.  Flower and wildflower seeds packed for sale in commercial quantities to farmers, conservation groups, and other similar entities are considered agricultural seeds and must be labeled accordingly.


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(a) The label must contain the name of the kind and variety or a statement of type and performance characteristics as prescribed by rule.

 

(b) The percentage that is hybrid must be at least 95 percent of the percentage of pure seed shown unless the percentage of pure seed which is hybrid seed is shown separately.  If two or more kinds of varieties are present in excess of five percent and are named on the label, each that is hybrid must be designated as hybrid on the label.  Any one kind or kind and variety that has pure seed that is less than 95 percent but more than 75 percent hybrid seed as a result of incompletely controlled pollination in a cross must be labeled to show the percentage of pure seed that is hybrid seed or a statement such as "contains from 75 percent to 95 percent hybrid seed."  No one kind or variety of seed may be labeled as hybrid if the pure seed contains less than 75 percent hybrid seed.  The word "hybrid" must be shown on the label in conjunction with the kind.

 

(c) Blends must be listed on the label using the term "blend" in conjunction with the kind.

 

(d) Mixtures must be listed on the label using the term "mixture," "mix," or "mixed."

 

(e) The label must contain the lot number or other lot identification.

 

(f) The origin may be omitted from the label.

 

(g) The label must contain the year for which the seed was packed for sale listed as "packed for (year)" for seed with a percentage of germination that exceeds the standard last established by the commissioner, the percentage of germination and the calendar month and year that the percentages were determined by test, or the calendar month and year the germination test was completed and the statement "sell by (month and year listed here)," which may be no more than 12 months from the date of test, exclusive of the month of test.

 

(h) For flower seeds which germinate less than the standard last established by the commissioner, the label must show:

 

(1) percentage of germination exclusive of hard or dormant seed or both;

 

(2) percentage of hard or dormant seed or both, if present; and

 

(3) the words "below standard" in not less than eight point type and the month and year this percentage was determined by test.

 

(i) The label must show the net weight of contents or a statement indicating the number of seeds in the container, or both, on either the container or the label, except that for containers with contents of 200 seeds or less a statement indicating the number of seeds in the container may be listed along with or in lieu of the net weight of contents.

 

(j) The heading for and percentage by weight of pure seed may be omitted from a label if the total is more than 90 percent.

 

(k) The heading for and percentage by weight of weed seed may be omitted from a label if they are not present in the seed.

 

(l) The heading "noxious weed seeds" may be omitted from a label if they are not present in the seed.

 

(m) The heading for and percentage by weight of other crop seed may be omitted from a label if it is less than five percent.


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(n) The heading for and percentage by weight of inert matter may be omitted from a label if it is less than ten percent.

 

(o) The label must show the name and address of the person who labeled the seed or who sells the seed within this state, or a code number which has been registered with the commissioner.

 

Sec. 31.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 25.33, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Distribute.  "Distribute" means to offer for sale, sell, exchange, or barter, or otherwise supply commercial feed; or to supply, furnish, or otherwise provide commercial feed to a contract feeder.  The term "distribute" shall not include or apply to any feeds manufactured for livestock owned by the distributor.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective retroactively from January 1, 2012, and applies to commercial feed inspection fees assessed by the commissioner of agriculture for calendar year 2012 and thereafter.

 

Sec. 32.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.13, is amended to read:

 

31.13 ANALYSIS; EVIDENCE.

 

It shall be the duty of the chief chemist and assistants laboratory director, managers, and analysts to make analyses and examinations of such articles as shall be furnished to them by the commissioner, for the purpose of determining from such examination whether such articles are adulterated, misbranded, insufficiently labeled, unwholesome, poisonous, or deleterious and whether such articles have been manufactured, used, sold, transported, offered for use, sale, or transportation, or had in possession with intent to use, sell, or transport in violation of any law now or hereafter enacted relating to food, or of any definition, standard, rule, or ruling made and published thereunder, and to certify the result of such analysis and examination to the commissioner.  A copy of the result of the examination or analysis of any such article, duly authenticated, by the chemist analyst making such analysis determinations or examination, under oath of such chemist analyst, shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of the matters and facts therein contained.

 

Sec. 33.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.94, is amended to read:

 

31.94 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

 

(a) In order to promote opportunities for organic agriculture in Minnesota, the commissioner shall:

 

(1) survey producers and support services and organizations to determine information and research needs in the area of organic agriculture practices;

 

(2) work with the University of Minnesota to demonstrate the on-farm applicability of organic agriculture practices to conditions in this state;

 

(3) direct the programs of the department so as to work toward the promotion of organic agriculture in this state;

 

(4) inform agencies of how state or federal programs could utilize and support organic agriculture practices; and

 

(5) work closely with producers, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Trade Office, and other appropriate organizations to identify opportunities and needs as well as ensure coordination and avoid duplication of state agency efforts regarding research, teaching, marketing, and extension work relating to organic agriculture.


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(b) By November 15 of each even-numbered year that ends in a zero or a five, the commissioner, in conjunction with the task force created in paragraph (c), shall report on the status of organic agriculture in Minnesota to the legislative policy and finance committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture.  The report must include:  available data on organic acreage and production, available data on the sales or market performance of organic products, and recommendations regarding programs, policies, and research efforts that will benefit Minnesota's organic agriculture sector.

 

(1) a description of current state or federal programs directed toward organic agriculture, including significant results and experiences of those programs;

 

(2) a description of specific actions the department of agriculture is taking in the area of organic agriculture, including the proportion of the department's budget spent on organic agriculture;

 

(3) a description of current and future research needs at all levels in the area of organic agriculture;

 

(4) suggestions for changes in existing programs or policies or enactment of new programs or policies that will affect organic agriculture;

 

(5) a description of market trends and potential for organic products;

 

(6) available information, using currently reliable data, on the price received, yield, and profitability of organic farms, and a comparison with data on conventional farms; and

 

(7) available information, using currently reliable data, on the positive and negative impacts of organic production on the environment and human health.

 

(c) A Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force shall advise the commissioner and the University of Minnesota on policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used for outreach, education, research, and technical assistance that meet the needs of the organic agriculture community.  The task force must consist of the following residents of the state:

 

(1) three farmers using organic agriculture methods;

 

(2) one wholesaler or distributor of organic products;

 

(3) one representative of organic certification agencies;

 

(4) two organic processors;

 

(5) one representative from University of Minnesota Extension;

 

(6) one University of Minnesota faculty member;

 

(7) one representative from a nonprofit organization representing producers;

 

(8) two public members;

 

(9) one representative from the United States Department of Agriculture;

 

(10) one retailer of organic products; and

 

(11) one organic consumer representative.


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The commissioner, in consultation with the director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; the dean and director of University of Minnesota Extension; and the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences shall appoint members to serve staggered two-year terms.

 

Compensation and removal of members are governed by section 15.059, subdivision 6.  The task force must meet at least twice each year and expires on June 30, 2013.

 

(d) For the purposes of expanding, improving, and developing production and marketing of the organic products of Minnesota agriculture, the commissioner may receive funds from state and federal sources and spend them, including through grants or contracts, to assist producers and processors to achieve certification, to conduct education or marketing activities, to enter into research and development partnerships, or to address production or marketing obstacles to the growth and well-being of the industry.

 

(e) The commissioner may facilitate the registration of state organic production and handling operations including those exempt from organic certification according to Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 205.101, and certification agents operating within the state.

 

Sec. 34.  [32C.01] ORGANIZATION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  The Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority is established as a public corporation.  The business of the authority must be conducted under the name "Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority."

 

Subd. 2.  Board of directors.  The authority is governed by a board of nine directors.  The term of a director, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, is four years.  The commissioner of agriculture is a member of the board.  The governor shall appoint four members of the board.  Two of the members appointed by the governor must be currently engaged in the business of operating a dairy.  Two of the members appointed by the governor must be representatives of Minnesota-based businesses actively engaged in working with or serving Minnesota's dairy industry.  The dean of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, or the dean's designee, is a member of the board.  One member of the board must be a representative of a state trade association that represents the interests of milk producers.  One member of the board must be a representative of the Minnesota Division of the Midwest Dairy Council.  One member of the board must be a member of the agricultural education faculty of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.  The four members of the initial board of directors who are appointed by the governor must be appointed for terms of four years, and the other four members must be appointed for an initial term of two years.  Vacancies for the governor's appointed positions on the board must be filled by appointment of the governor.  Vacancies for other positions on the board must be filled by the named represented entities.  Board members must not be compensated for their services.

 

Subd. 3.  Bylaws.  The board must adopt bylaws necessary for the conduct of the business of the authority, consistent with this chapter.

 

Subd. 4.  Place of business.  The board must locate and maintain the authority's place of business within the state.

 

Subd. 5.  Chair.  The board must annually elect from among its members a chair and other officers necessary for the performance of its duties.

 

Subd. 6.  Meetings.  The board must meet at least four times each year and may hold additional meetings upon giving notice in accordance with the bylaws of the authority.  Board meetings are subject to chapter 13D.


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Subd. 7.  Conflict of interest.  A director, employee, or officer of the authority may not participate in or vote on a decision of the board relating to an organization in which the director has either a direct or indirect financial interest.

 

Subd. 8.  Economic interest statements.  Directors and officers of the authority are public officials for the purpose of section 10A.09, and must file statements of economic interest with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

 

Sec. 35.  [32C.02] POWERS.

 

Subdivision 1.  General corporate powers.  (a) The authority has the powers granted to a business corporation by section 302A.161, subdivisions 3; 4; 5; 7; 8; 9; 11; 12; 13, except that the authority may not act as a general partner in any partnership; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; and 22, and the powers necessary or convenient to exercise the enumerated powers.

 

(b) Section 302A.041 applies to this chapter and the authority in the same manner that it applies to business corporations established under chapter 302A.

 

Subd. 2.  Facility design; development and operation.  The authority may enter into management contracts, lease agreements, or both, with a Minnesota nonprofit corporation to design, develop, and operate a facility to further the purposes of this chapter at the site determined by the board and on the terms that the board finds desirable.  The board must identify and acquire a site that will accommodate the following facilities and activities:

 

(1) housing for bred and lactating animals;

 

(2) milking parlor;

 

(3) automatic milking systems;

 

(4) cross-ventilated and natural-ventilated housing;

 

(5) transition cow housing;

 

(6) special needs and hospital housing;

 

(7) classrooms and a conference room;

 

(8) dairy processing facility with retail;

 

(9) visitors' center;

 

(10) student housing;

 

(11) laboratory facilities;

 

(12) space to accommodate installation of an anaerobic digester system to research energy production from feedstock produced on-site or from off-site sources; and

 

(13) space for feed storage to allow for research capabilities at the facility.


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Notwithstanding the provisions of section 32C.01, subdivision 7, relating to conflict of interest, a director or officer of the authority who is also a director, officer, or member of a nonprofit corporation with which the authority enters into management contracts or lease agreements may participate in and vote on the decision of the board as to the terms and conditions of management contracts or lease agreements between the Minnesota nonprofit corporation and the authority.

 

Subd. 3.  Funds.  The authority may accept and use gifts, grants, or contributions from any source to support operation of the facility.  Unless otherwise restricted by the terms of a gift or bequest, the board may sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, and invest or reinvest the money, securities, or other property given or bequeathed to it.  The principal of these funds, the income from them, and all other revenues received by the authority from any nonstate source must be placed in depositories chosen by the board and are subject to expenditure for the board's purposes.  Expenditures of $25,000 or more must be approved by the full board.

 

Subd. 4.  Animals; regulation.  The authority must comply with all applicable laws and rules relating to quarantine, transportation, examination, habitation, care, and treatment of animals.

 

Sec. 36.  [32C.03] EMPLOYEES.

 

(a) The board may hire an executive director of the authority and other employees the board considers necessary to carry out the program, conduct research, and operate and maintain facilities of the authority.

 

(b) Persons employed by contractors or lessees are not state employees and may not participate in state retirement, deferred compensation, insurance, or other plans that apply to state employees generally and are not subject to regulation by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, provided, however, that any employee of the state or any employee or faculty member of the University of Minnesota or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System who teaches or conducts research at the authority does not have their status as employees of the state, the University of Minnesota, or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System interrupted by virtue of having their employment activity take place at facilities owned by the authority.

 

Sec. 37.  [32C.04] ACCOUNTS; AUDITS.

 

The authority may establish funds and accounts that it determines to be reasonable and necessary to conduct the business of the authority.  The board shall provide for and pay the cost of an independent annual audit of its official books and records by the state auditor.  A copy of this audit must be filed with the secretary of state.

 

Sec. 38.  [32C.05] ANNUAL REPORT.

 

The board shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of representatives agriculture committees and the governor on the activities of the authority and its contractors and lessees by February 1 of each year.  The report must include at least the following:

 

(1) a description of each of the programs that the authority has provided or undertaken at some time during the previous year;

 

(2) an identification of the sources of funding in the previous year for the authority's programs including federal, state, and local government, foundations, gifts, donations, fees, and all other sources;

 

(3) a description of the administrative expenses of the authority during the previous year;

 

(4) a listing of the assets and liabilities of the authority at the end of the previous fiscal year;


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(5) a description of any changes made to the operational plan during the previous year; and

 

(6) a description of any newly adopted or significant changes to bylaws, policies, rules, or programs created or administered by the authority during the previous year.

 

Reports must be made to the legislature as required by section 3.195.

 

Sec. 39.  [32C.06] EXPIRATION.

 

If by August 1, 2017, the authority board has not identified and acquired a site for a facility, as provided in section 32C.02, subdivision 2, sections 32C.01 to 32C.05 and this section are repealed on that date.  The Department of Agriculture shall notify the revisor of statutes if the repealer under this section becomes effective.

 

Sec. 40.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 35.0661, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Quarantine zones.  Upon an emergency declaration by the governor under subdivision 1, the board or any licensed veterinarian designated by the board may establish quarantine zones of control in any area where a specific animal is deemed by a licensed veterinarian as likely to be infected with the disease based on an actual veterinary examination or laboratory testing.  Quarantine zones of control to restrict the movement of livestock must be the smallest size practicable to prevent the spread of disease and must exist for the shortest duration consistent with effective disease control.  A quarantine zone of control must not extend beyond a radius of three miles from an animal deemed as likely to be infected with the disease, unless the board has adopted a rule regarding a specific disease requiring a larger quarantine zone of control.

 

Sec. 41.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 35.0661, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Restrictions on movement out of quarantine zones.  (a) The board may issue orders restricting the movement of persons, livestock, machinery, and personal property out of zones off infected premises designated by the board as quarantined under subdivision 2.  The executive director of the board or any licensed veterinarian designated by the board may issue the orders.  An order may be issued upon a determination that reasonable cause exists to believe that the movement of persons or personal property out of a quarantine zone will reasonably threaten to transport a dangerous, infectious, or communicable disease outside of the quarantine zone.

 

(b) The order must be served upon any person subject to the order.  The restrictions sought by the board on movement out of a quarantine zone must be limited to the greatest extent possible consistent with the paramount disease control objectives as determined by the board.  An order under this section may be served on any day at any time.  The order must include a notice of the person's rights under this section, including the ability to enter into an agreement to abide by disease control measures under paragraph (c) and the right to request a court hearing under paragraph (d).

 

(c) No person may be restricted by an order under this subdivision for longer than 72 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, so long as the person agrees to abide by the disease control measures established by the board.  The person shall sign an acknowledgment form prepared by the board evidencing the person's agreement to abide by the disease control measures established by the board.

 

(d) A person whose movements are restricted by an order under this subdivision may seek a district court hearing on the order at any time after it is served on the person.  The hearing may be held by electronic means as soon as possible.  The subject of the order may:

 

(1) contest imposition of the order on grounds that it is an abuse of the board's discretion under this section; or


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(2) seek a variance from it to allow movement of a person inconsistent with the order, upon a showing that the person would otherwise suffer irreparable harm.

 

Sec. 42.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 40A.17, is amended to read:

 

40A.17 REPORT.

 

The commissioner shall report to the legislature on January March 1 of each even-numbered year on activities under this chapter.  By July 1, 1985, the report must include the survey of public awareness in the awareness program.  The report shall include recommendations for funding levels and other necessary legislative action.

 

Sec. 43.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41A.12, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Activities authorized.  For the purposes of this program, the commissioner may issue grants, loans, or other forms of financial assistance.  Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, grants to livestock producers under the livestock investment grant program under section 17.118, bioenergy awards made by the NextGen Energy Board under section 41A.105, cost-share grants for the installation of biofuel blender pumps, and financial assistance to support other rural economic infrastructure activities.

 

Sec. 44.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41A.12, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Sunset.  This section expires on June 30, 2013 2015.

 

Sec. 45.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41B.036, is amended to read:

 

41B.036 GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY.

 

For the purpose of exercising the specific powers granted in section 41B.04 and effectuating the other purposes of sections 41B.01 to 41B.23 the authority has the general powers granted in this section.

 

(a) It may sue and be sued.

 

(b) It may have a seal and alter the seal.

 

(c) It may make, and from time to time, amend and repeal rules consistent with sections 41B.01 to 41B.23.

 

(d) It may acquire, hold, and dispose of real or personal property for its corporate purposes.

 

(e) It may enter into agreements, contracts, or other transactions with any federal or state agency, any person and any domestic or foreign partnership, corporation, association, or organization, including contracts or agreements for administration and implementation of all or part of sections 41B.01 to 41B.23.

 

(f) It may acquire real property, or an interest therein, in its own name, by purchase or foreclosure, where such acquisition is necessary or appropriate.

 

(g) It may provide general technical services related to rural finance.

 

(h) It may provide general consultative assistance services related to rural finance.

 

(i) It may promote research and development in matters related to rural finance.


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(j) It may enter into agreements with lenders, borrowers, or the issuers of securities for the purpose of regulating the development and management of farms financed in whole or in part by the proceeds of qualified agricultural loans.

 

(k) It may enter into agreements with other appropriate federal, state, or local governmental units to foster rural finance.  It may give advance reservations of loan financing as part of the agreements, with the understanding that the authority will only approve the loans pursuant to normal procedures, and may adopt special procedures designed to meet problems inherent in such programs.

 

(l) It may undertake and carry out studies and analyses of rural financing needs within the state and ways of meeting such needs including:  data with respect to geographical distribution; farm size; the distribution of farm credit needs according to debt ratios and similar factors; the amount and quality of available financing and its distribution according to factors affecting rural financing needs and the meeting thereof; and may make the results of such studies and analyses available to the public and may engage in research and disseminate information on rural finance.

 

(m) It may survey and investigate the rural financing needs throughout the state and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature as to legislation and other measures necessary or advisable to alleviate any existing shortage in the state.

 

(n) It may establish cooperative relationships with such county and multicounty authorities as may be established and may develop priorities for the utilization of authority resources and assistance within a region in cooperation with county and multicounty authorities.

 

(o) It may contract with, use, or employ any federal, state, regional, or local public or private agency or organization, legal counsel, financial advisors, investment bankers or others, upon terms it deems necessary or desirable, to assist in the exercise of any of the powers granted in sections 41B.01 to 41B.23 and to carry out the objectives of sections 41B.01 to 41B.23 and may pay for the services from authority funds.

 

(p) It may establish cooperative relationships with counties to develop priorities for the use of authority resources and assistance within counties and to consider county plans and programs in the process of setting the priorities.

 

(q) It may delegate any of its powers to its officers or staff.

 

(r) It may enter into agreements with qualified agricultural lenders or others insuring or guaranteeing to the state the payment of all or a portion of qualified agricultural loans.

 

(s) It may enter into agreements with eligible agricultural lenders providing for advance reservations of purchases of participation interests in restructuring loans, if the agreements provide that the authority may only purchase participation interests in restructuring loans under the normal procedure.  The authority may provide in an agreement for special procedures or requirements designed to meet specific conditions or requirements.

 

(t) It may allow farmers who are natural persons to combine programs of the federal Agriculture Credit Act of 1987 with programs of the Rural Finance Authority.

 

(u) From within available funds generated by program fees, it may provide partial or full tuition assistance for farm management programs required under section 41B.03, subdivision 3, clause (7).

 

(v) It may accept for and on behalf of the state any gift, bequest, devise, grant, or interest in money or personal property of any kind tendered to the state for any purpose pertaining to the activities of the authority.


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Sec. 46.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41B.048, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Loans.  (a) The authority may disburse loans through a fiscal agent to farmers and agricultural landowners who are eligible under subdivision 5.  The total accumulative loan principal must not exceed $75,000 per loan.

 

(b) The fiscal agent may impose a loan origination fee in the amount of one percent of the total approved loan.  This fee is to be paid by the borrower to the fiscal agent at the time of loan closing.

 

(c) The loan may be disbursed over a period not to exceed 12 years.

 

(d) A borrower may receive loans, depending on the availability of funds, for planted areas up to 160 acres for up to:

 

(1) the total amount necessary for establishment of the crop;

 

(2) the total amount of maintenance costs, including weed control, during the first three years; and

 

(3) 70 percent of the estimated value of one year's growth of the crop for years four through 12.

 

(e) Security for the loan must be the crop, a personal note executed by the borrower, an interest in the land upon which the crop is growing, and whatever other security is required by the fiscal agent or the authority.  All recording fees must be paid by the borrower.

 

(f) The authority may prescribe forms and establish an application process for applicants to apply for a loan.

 

(g) The authority may impose a reasonable, nonrefundable application fee for each application for a loan under this program.  The application fee is initially $50.  Application fees received by the authority must be deposited in the agroforestry loan program revolving fund established in subdivision 7 revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

 

(h) Loans under the program must be made using money in the agroforestry loan program revolving fund established in subdivision 7 revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

 

(i) All repayments of financial assistance granted under this section, including principal and interest, must be deposited into the revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

 

(i) (j) The interest payable on loans made by the authority for the agroforestry loan program must, if funded by revenue bond proceeds, be at a rate not less than the rate on the revenue bonds, and may be established at a higher rate necessary to pay costs associated with the issuance of the revenue bonds and a proportionate share of the cost of administering the program.  The interest payable on loans for the agroforestry loan program funded from sources other than revenue bond proceeds must be at a rate determined by the authority.

 

(j) (k) Loan principal balance outstanding plus all assessed interest must be repaid within 120 days of harvest, but no later than 15 years from planting.

 

Sec. 47.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41B.055, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  The authority must establish and implement a livestock equipment pilot loan program to help finance the purchase of livestock-related equipment and make livestock facilities improvements.


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Sec. 48.  [41B.056] PILOT AGRICULTURAL MICROLOAN PROGRAM.

 

Subdivision 1.  Establishment.  The authority shall establish and implement a pilot agricultural microloan program to help finance the production of specialty crops or eligible livestock.  The authority may contract with an intermediary to provide an efficient delivery system for this program.

 

Subd. 2.  Definitions.  (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

 

(b) "Intermediary" means any lending institution or other organization of a for-profit or nonprofit nature that is in good standing with the state of Minnesota that has the appropriate business structure and trained personnel suitable to providing efficient disbursement of loan funds and the servicing and collection of loans.

 

(c) "Specialty crops" means agricultural crops, such as annuals, flowers, perennials, and other horticultural products, that are intensively cultivated.

 

(d) "Eligible livestock" means poultry that has been allowed access to the outside, sheep, or goats.

 

Subd. 3.  Eligibility.  To be eligible for this program a borrower must:

 

(1) be a legal resident of Minnesota;

 

(2) either:

 

(i) be a member of a protected group as defined in section 43A.02, subdivision 33; or

 

(ii) be a qualified noncitizen as defined in section 256B.06, subdivision 4, paragraph (b);

 

(3) be or plan to become a grower of specialty crops or eligible livestock;

 

(4) market or contract to market the specialty crops or eligible livestock; and

 

(5) demonstrate an ability to repay the loan.

 

Subd. 4.  Loans.  (a) The authority may disburse loans through an intermediary to farmers who are eligible under subdivision 3.  The total accumulative loan principal must not exceed $10,000 per loan.

 

(b) Refinancing an existing debt is not an eligible purpose.

 

(c) The loan may be disbursed over a period not to exceed six years.

 

(d) A borrower may receive loans, depending on the availability of funds, up to 70 percent of the estimated value of the crop or livestock.

 

(e) Security for the loan must be a personal note executed by the borrower and any other security required by the intermediary or the authority.

 

(f) The authority may prescribe forms and establish an application process for applicants to apply for a loan.

 

(g) The interest payable on loans for the pilot agricultural microloan program must be at a rate determined by the authority.


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(h) Loans under this program will be made using money in the revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

 

(i) Repayments of financial assistance under this section, including principal and interest, must be deposited into the revolving loan account established under section 41B.06.

 

Sec. 49.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 41B.06, is amended to read:

 

41B.06 RURAL FINANCE AUTHORITY REVOLVING LOAN ACCOUNT.

 

There is established in the rural finance administration fund a Rural Finance Authority revolving loan account that is eligible to receive appropriations and the transfer of loan funds from other programs.  All repayments of financial assistance granted from this account, including principal and interest, must be deposited into this account.  Interest earned on money in the account accrues to the account, and the money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner of agriculture for purposes of the Rural Finance Authority livestock equipment, methane digester, disaster recovery, and value-added agricultural product, agroforestry, and agricultural microloan loan programs, including costs incurred by the authority to establish and administer the programs.

 

Sec. 50.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 48.24, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Treatment of secured or guaranteed loans.  Loans or obligations shall not be subject under this section to any limitation based upon such capital and surplus to the extent that they are secured or covered by guarantees, or by commitments or agreements to take over or to purchase the same, made by:

 

(1) the commissioner of agriculture on the purchase of agricultural land Minnesota Department of Agriculture;

 

(2) any Federal Reserve bank;

 

(3) the United States or any department, bureau, board, commission, or establishment of the United States, including any corporation wholly owned directly or indirectly by the United States;

 

(4) the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Department; or

 

(5) a municipality or political subdivision within Minnesota to the extent that the guarantee or collateral is a valid and enforceable general obligation of that political body.

 

Sec. 51.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 223.16, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Public grain warehouse operator.  "Public grain warehouse operator" means a person operating a grain warehouse in which grain belonging to persons other than the grain warehouse operator is accepted for storage or purchase or who offers grain storage or warehouse facilities to the public for hire or a feed-processing plant that receives and stores grain, the equivalent of which it processes and returns to the grain's owner in amounts, at intervals, and with added ingredients that are mutually agreeable to the grain's owner and the person operating the plant.

 

Sec. 52.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 223.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Licenses.  An application for a grain buyer's license must be filed with the commissioner and the license issued before any grain may be purchased.  The commissioner must provide application forms and licenses that state the restrictions and authority to purchase and store grain under the license being applied for and issued.  The categories of grain buyers' licenses are:


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(a) private grain warehouse operator's license;

 

(b) public grain warehouse operator's license; and

 

(c) independent grain buyer's license.

 

The applicant for a grain buyer's license shall identify all grain buying locations owned or controlled by the grain buyer and all vehicles owned or controlled by the grain buyer used to transport purchased grain.  Every applicant for a grain buyer's license shall have a permanent established place of business at each licensed location.  An "established place of business" means a permanent enclosed building, including a house or a farm, either owned by the applicant or leased by the applicant for a period of at least one year, and where the books, records, and files necessary to conduct the business are kept and maintained.  The commissioner may maintain information on grain buyers by categories including, but not limited to, the categories provided in clauses (a) to (c) and grain buyers that are licensed to purchase grain using trucks but that do not have a public or private warehouse license.

 

Sec. 53.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 223.17, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Bond.  (a) Before a grain buyer's license is issued, the applicant for the license must file with the commissioner a bond in a penal sum prescribed by the commissioner but not less than the following amounts:

 

(a) (1) $10,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are $100,000 or less;

 

(b) (2) $20,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $100,000 but not more than $750,000;

 

(c) (3) $30,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $750,000 but not more than $1,500,000;

 

(d) (4) $40,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $1,500,000 but not more than $3,000,000;

 

(e) (5) $50,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $3,000,000 but not more than $6,000,000;

 

(f) (6) $70,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $6,000,000 but not more than $12,000,000;

 

(g) (7) $125,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases are more than $12,000,000 but not more than $24,000,000; and

 

(h) (8) $150,000 for grain buyers whose gross annual purchases exceed $24,000,000.

 

(b) A grain buyer who has filed a bond with the commissioner prior to July 1, 2004, is not required to increase the amount of the bond to comply with this section until July 1, 2005.  The commissioner may postpone an increase in the amount of the bond until July 1, 2006, if a licensee demonstrates that the increase will impose undue financial hardship on the licensee, and that producers will not be harmed as a result of the postponement.  The commissioner may impose other restrictions on a licensee whose bond increase has been postponed.  The amount of the bond shall be based on the most recent financial statement gross annual grain purchase report of the grain buyer filed under subdivision 6.


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(c) A first-time applicant for a grain buyer's license shall file a $50,000 bond with the commissioner.  This bond shall remain in effect for the first year of the license.  Thereafter, the licensee shall comply with the applicable bonding requirements contained in clauses (a) to (h) paragraph (a), clauses (1) to (8).

 

(d) In lieu of the bond required by this subdivision the applicant may deposit with the commissioner of management and budget cash, a certified check, a cashier's check, a postal, bank, or express money order, assignable bonds or notes of the United States, or an assignment of a bank savings account or investment certificate or an irrevocable bank letter of credit as defined in section 336.5-102, in the same amount as would be required for a bond.

 

(e) Bonds must be continuous until canceled.  To cancel a bond, a surety must provide 90 days' written notice of the bond's termination date to the licensee and the commissioner.

 

Sec. 54.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 223.17, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Financial statements.  For the purpose of fixing or changing the amount of a required bond or for any other proper reason, (a) The commissioner shall may require an annual financial statement from a licensee which has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and which meets the following requirements:

 

(a) (1) The financial statement shall include, but not be limited to the following:  (1)

 

(i) a balance sheet; (2)

 

(ii) a statement of income (profit and loss); (3)

 

(iii) a statement of retained earnings; (4)

 

(iv) a statement of changes in financial position; and (5)

 

(v) a statement of the dollar amount of grain purchased in the previous fiscal year of the grain buyer.

 

(b) (2) The financial statement shall be accompanied by a compilation report of the financial statement that is prepared by a grain commission firm or a management firm approved by the commissioner or by an independent public accountant, in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Grain buyers purchasing less than 150,000 bushels of grain per calendar year may submit a financial statement prepared by a public accountant who is not an employee or a relative within the third degree of kindred according to civil law.

 

(c) (3) The financial statement shall be accompanied by a certification by the chief executive officer or the chief executive officer's designee of the licensee, under penalty of perjury, that the financial statement accurately reflects the financial condition of the licensee for the period specified in the statement.

 

(b) Only one financial statement must be filed for a chain of warehouses owned or operated as a single business entity, unless otherwise required by the commissioner.  Any grain buyer having a net worth in excess of $500,000,000 need not file the financial statement required by this subdivision but must provide the commissioner with a certified net worth statement.  All financial statements filed with the commissioner are private or nonpublic data as provided in section 13.02.


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Sec. 55.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 223.17, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 9.  Defaults; violations.  It is a violation under this chapter if the commissioner finds, after an investigation is conducted, that a complaint is valid or that a licensee is in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may immediately suspend the license, in which case the licensee shall surrender the license to the commissioner.  Within 15 days, the licensee may request an administrative hearing subject to chapter 14 to determine whether the license should be revoked.  If no request is made within 15 days, the commissioner shall revoke the license.

 

Sec. 56.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Bond.  "Bond" means an acceptable obligation, running to the state as obligee, for the purpose of indemnifying depositors and producers of grain against breach of contract by a public grain warehouse or grain bank operator.

 

Sec. 57.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.21, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Depositor.  "Depositor" means a person who is the owner or legal holder of an outstanding grain warehouse receipt, grain bank receipt or open scale ticket marked for storage on which a receipt is to be issued, representing any grain stored in a public grain warehouse or grain bank.

 

Sec. 58.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.21, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Public grain warehouse operator.  "Public grain warehouse operator" means a person licensed to operate a grain warehouse in which grain belonging to persons other than the grain warehouse operator is accepted for storage or purchase, or who offers grain storage or grain warehouse facilities to the public for hire or a feed-processing plant that receives and stores grain, the equivalent of which, it processes and returns to the grain's owner in amounts, at intervals, and with added ingredients that are mutually agreeable to the grain's owner and the person operating the plant.

 

Sec. 59.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.22, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Fees; grain buyers and storage account.  There is created in the agricultural fund an account known as the grain buyers and storage account.  The commissioner shall set the fees for inspections examinations, certifications, and licenses under sections 232.20 to 232.25 232.24 at levels necessary to pay the costs of administering and enforcing sections 232.20 to 232.25 232.24.  All money collected pursuant to sections 232.20 to 232.25 and chapters 233 and 236 232.24 shall be paid by the commissioner into the state treasury and credited to the grain buyers and storage account and is appropriated to the commissioner for the administration and enforcement of sections 232.20 to 232.25 and chapters 233 and 236 232.24.  All money collected pursuant to chapter 231 shall be paid by the commissioner into the grain buyers and storage account and is appropriated to the commissioner for the administration and enforcement of chapter 231.

 

The fees for a license to store grain are as follows:

 

(a) For a license to store grain, $110 for each home rule charter or statutory city or town in which a public grain warehouse is operated.

 

(b) A person with a license to store grain in a public grain warehouse is subject to an examination fee for each licensed location, based on the following schedule for one examination:


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Bushel Capacity

Examination Fee

 

 

Less than 150,001

$300

 

150,001 to 250,000

$425

 

250,001 to 500,000

$545

 

500,001 to 750,000

$700

 

750,001 to 1,000,000

$865

 

1,000,001 to 1,200,000

$1,040

 

1,200,001 to 1,500,000

$1,205

 

1,500,001 to 2,000,000

$1,380

 

More than 2,000,000

$1,555

 

 

(c) The fee for the second examination is $55 per hour per examiner for warehouse operators who choose to have it performed by the commissioner.

 

(d) A penalty amount not to exceed ten percent of the fees due may be imposed by the commissioner for each month for which the fees are delinquent.

 

Sec. 60.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.22, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Bonding.  (a) Before a license is issued, the applicant for a public grain warehouse operator's license shall file with the commissioner a bond in a penal sum prescribed by the commissioner.  The penal sum on a condition one bond shall be established by rule by the commissioner pursuant to the requirements of chapter 14 for all grain outstanding on grain warehouse receipts.  The penal sum on a condition two bond shall not be less than $10,000 for each location up to a maximum of five locations.  based on the annual average storage liability as stated on the statement of grain in storage report or on the gross annual grain purchase report, whichever is greater, and applying the following amounts:

 

(1) $10,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $0 but not more than $25,000;

 

(2) $20,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $25,001 but not more than $50,000;

 

(3) $30,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $50,001 but not more than $75,000;

 

(4) $50,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $75,001 but not more than $100,000;

 

(5) $75,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $100,001 but not more than $200,000;

 

(6) $125,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $200,001 but not more than $300,000;

 

(7) $175,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $300,001 but not more than $400,000;

 

(8) $225,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $400,001 but not more than $500,000;

 

(9) $275,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $500,001 but not more than $600,000;


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(10) $325,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $600,001 but not more than $700,000;

 

(11) $375,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $700,001 but not more than $800,000;

 

(12) $425,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $800,001 but not more than $900,000;

 

(13) $475,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $900,001 but not more than $1,000,000; and

 

(14) $500,000 for storages with annual average storage liability of more than $1,000,000.

 

(b) Bonds must be continuous until canceled.  To cancel a bond, a surety must provide 90 days' written notice of the bond's termination date to the licensee and the commissioner.

 

Sec. 61.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.22, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Statement of grain in storage; reports.  (a) All public grain warehouse operators must by the tenth day of each month February 15 of each year file with the commissioner on forms a form approved by the commissioner a report showing the net annual average liability of all grain outstanding on grain warehouse receipts as of the close of business on the last day of that occurred during the preceding month calendar year.  This report shall be used for the purpose of establishing the penal sum of the bond.

 

(b) Warehouse operators that are at a maximum bond and want to continue at maximum bond do not need to file this report.

 

(b) If (c) It is a violation of this chapter for any public grain warehouse operator willfully neglects or refuses to fail to file the report required in clause paragraph (a) for two consecutive months, the commissioner may immediately suspend the person's license and the licensee must surrender the license to the commissioner.  Within 15 days the licensee may request an administrative hearing subject to chapter 14 to determine if the license should be revoked.  If no request is made within 15 days the commissioner shall revoke the license.

 

(c) (d) Every public grain warehouse operator shall keep in a place of safety complete and accurate records and accounts relating to any grain warehouse operated.  The records shall reflect each commodity received and shipped daily, the balance remaining in the grain warehouse at the close of each business day, a listing of all unissued grain warehouse receipts in the operator's possession, a record of all grain warehouse receipts issued which remain outstanding and a record of all grain warehouse receipts which have been returned for cancellation.  Copies of grain warehouse receipts or other documents evidencing ownership of grain by a depositor, or other liability of the grain warehouse operator, shall be retained as long as the liability exists but must be kept for a minimum of three years.

 

(d) (e) Every public grain warehouse operator must maintain in the grain warehouse at all times grain of proper grade and sufficient quantity to meet delivery obligations on all outstanding grain warehouse receipts.

 

Sec. 62.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.22, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 7.  Bond disbursement.  (a) The condition one bond of a public grain warehouse operator must be conditioned that the public grain warehouse operator issuing a grain warehouse receipt is liable to the depositor for the delivery of the kind, grade and net quantity of grain called for by the receipt.


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(b) The condition two bond shall provide for payment of loss caused by the grain buyer's failure to pay, upon the owner's demand, the purchase price of grain sold to the grain buyer.  The bond shall be conditioned upon the grain buyer being duly licensed as provided herein.  The bond shall not cover any transaction which constitutes a voluntary extension of credit.

 

(c) (b) Upon notification of default, the commissioner shall determine the validity of all claims and notify all parties having filed claims.  Any aggrieved party may appeal the commissioner's determination by requesting, within 15 days, that the commissioner initiate a contested case proceeding.  In the absence of such a request, or following the issuance of a final order in a contested case, the surety company shall issue payment to those claimants entitled to payment.  If the commissioner determines it is necessary, the commissioner may apply to the district court for an order appointing a trustee or receiver to manage and supervise the operations of the grain warehouse operator in default.  The commissioner may participate in any resulting court proceeding as an interested party.

 

(d) (c) For the purpose of determining the amount of bond disbursement against all valid claims under a condition one bond, all grain owned or stored in the public grain warehouse shall be sold and the combined proceeds deposited in a special fund.  Payment shall be made from the special fund satisfying the valid claims of grain warehouse receipt holders.

 

(e) (d) If a public grain warehouse operator has become liable to more than one depositor or producer by reason of breaches of the conditions of the bond and the amount of the bond is insufficient to pay, beyond the proceeds of the special fund, the entire liability to all valid claimants, the proceeds of the bond and special fund shall be apportioned among the valid claimants on a pro rata basis.

 

(f) (e) A bond is not cumulative from one licensing period to the next.  The maximum liability of the bond shall be its face value for the licensing period.

 

Sec. 63.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.23, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Scale tickets.  A public or private grain warehouse operator, upon receiving grain, shall issue a scale ticket for each load of grain received.  Scale tickets shall contain the name, location and the date of each transaction, weight, volume, kind of grain, signature of warehouse operator, and be consecutively numbered.  Electronic scale tickets do not require a signature.  A duplicate copy of each scale ticket shall remain in the possession of the public or private grain warehouse operator as a permanent record.  The original scale ticket shall be delivered to the depositor upon receipt of each load of grain.  Each scale ticket shall have printed across its face "This is a memorandum, nonnegotiable, possession of which does not signify that settlement has or has not been consummated."  The scale ticket shall state specifically whether the grain is received on contract, for storage, for shipment or consignment or sold.  If the grain is received on contract or sold, the price shall be indicated on the scale ticket.  All paper scale tickets shall be dated and signed by the public or private grain warehouse operator or the operator's agent or manager.

 

Sec. 64.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.23, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Void agreements; penalty.  A provision or agreement in a grain warehouse receipt not contained in subdivision 4 is void.  The failure to issue a grain warehouse receipt, as directed, or the issuance of slips, memoranda or other forms of receipt embracing a different grain warehouse or storage contract is a misdemeanor, and no slip, memorandum or other form of receipt is admissible as evidence in any civil action.  Nothing in sections 232.20 to 232.25 232.24 requires or compels any person operating a flour, cereal or feed mill or malthouse doing a manufacturing business, to receive, store or purchase at the mill or malthouse any kind of grain.


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Sec. 65.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.23, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 10.  Delivery of grain.  (a) On the redemption of a grain warehouse receipt and payment of all lawful charges, the grain represented by the receipt is immediately deliverable to the depositor or the depositor's order, and is not subject to any further charge for storage after demand for delivery has been made and proper facilities for receiving and shipping the grain have been provided.  If delivery has not commenced within 48 hours after demand has been made and proper facilities have been provided, the public grain warehouse operator issuing the grain warehouse receipt is liable to the owner in damages not exceeding two cents per bushel for each day's delay, unless the public grain warehouse operator makes delivery to different owners in the order demanded as rapidly as it can be done through ordinary diligence, or unless insolvency has occurred.

 

(b) If a disagreement arises between the person receiving and the person delivering the grain at a public grain warehouse in this state as to the proper grade or dockage of any grain, an average sample of at least three quarts of the grain in dispute may be taken by either or both of the persons interested.  The sample shall be certified by both the owner and the public grain warehouse operator as being true samples of the grain in dispute on the delivery day.  The samples shall be forwarded in a suitable airtight container by parcel post or express, prepaid, with the name and address of both parties, to the head of the a United States Department of Agriculture authorized grain inspection program of the Department of Agriculture, who shall, upon request, examine the grain, and determine what grade or dockage the samples of grain are entitled to under the inspection rules.  Before the results of the inspection are released to the person requesting the inspection, the person shall pay the required fee.  The fee shall be the same as that required for similar services rendered by the grain inspection program.

 

Sec. 66.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Schedule of inspection examination.  A licensee under sections 232.20 to 232.25 is subject to two audits examinations annually conducted by the commissioner or the agricultural marketing service of the United States Department of Agriculture.  The commissioner may, by rule, authorize one audit examination to be conducted by a qualified nongovernmental unit.

 

Sec. 67.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 232.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Financial reports.  A licensee under sections 232.20 to 232.25 upon request must provide to the commissioner a copy of the financial reports of an audit conducted by a qualified nongovernmental unit containing information the commissioner requires.

 

Sec. 68.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 239.092, is amended to read:

 

239.092 SALE FROM BULK.

 

(a) Bulk sales of commodities, when the buyer and seller are not both present to witness the measurement, must be accompanied by a delivery ticket containing the following information:

 

(1) the name and address of the person who weighed or measured the commodity;

 

(2) the date delivered;

 

(3) the quantity delivered;

 

(4) the count of individually wrapped packages delivered, if more than one is included in the quantity delivered;

 

(5) the quantity on which the price is based, if different than the quantity delivered; and


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(6) the identity of the commodity in the most descriptive terms commercially practicable, including representations of quality made in connection with the sale.

 

(b) This section is not intended to conflict with the bulk sale requirements of the Department of Agriculture.  If a conflict occurs, the law and rules of the Department of Agriculture govern.

 

(c) Firewood sold or distributed across state boundaries or more than 100 miles from its origin in this state must include delivery ticket information regarding the harvest locations of the wood by county or counties and state.

 

(d) Paragraph (c) may be enforced using the authority granted in this chapter or section 18J.05 or 84D.13.

 

Sec. 69.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 239.093, is amended to read:

 

239.093 INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH PACKAGE.

 

(a) A package offered, exposed, or held for sale must bear a clear and conspicuous declaration of:

 

(1) the identity of the commodity in the package, unless the commodity can be easily identified through the wrapper or container;

 

(2) the net quantity in terms of weight, measure, or count;

 

(3) the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, if the packages were not produced on the premises where they are offered, exposed, or held for sale; and

 

(4) the unit price, if the packages are part of a lot containing random weight packages of the same commodity.

 

(b) This section is not intended to conflict with the packaging requirements of the Department of Agriculture.  If a conflict occurs, the laws and rules of the Department of Agriculture govern.

 

(c) Firewood sold or distributed across state boundaries or more than 100 miles from its origin in this state must include information regarding the harvest locations of the wood by county or counties and state on each label or wrapper.

 

(d) Paragraph (c) may be enforced using the authority granted in this chapter or section 18J.05 or 84D.13.

 

Sec. 70.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 239.77, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Exceptions.  (a) The minimum content requirements of subdivision 2 do not apply to fuel used in the following equipment:

 

(1) motors located at an electric generating plant regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;

 

(2) railroad locomotives;

 

(3) off-road taconite and copper mining equipment and machinery;

 

(4) off-road logging equipment and machinery; and


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(5) until May 1, 2010, vehicles and equipment used exclusively on an aircraft landing field vessels of the United States Coast Guard and vessels subject to inspection under United States Code, title 46, section 3301, subsection (1), (9), (10), (13), or (15).

 

(b) The exemption in paragraph (a), clause (1), expires 30 days after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the use of biodiesel fuel in motors at electric generating plants under its regulation.

 

(c) The minimum content requirements of subdivision 2 do not apply to Number 1 diesel fuel sold or offered for sale during the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March.

 

(d) This subdivision expires on May 1, 2012 2015.

 

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

 

Sec. 71.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 239.77, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Annual report.  (a) Beginning in 2009, the commissioner of agriculture must report by January 15 of each year to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees and divisions with jurisdiction over agriculture policy and finance regarding the implementation of the minimum content requirements in subdivision 2, including information about the price and supply of biodiesel fuel.  The report shall include information about the impacts of the biodiesel mandate on the development of biodiesel production capacity in the state, and on the use of feedstock grown or raised in the state for biodiesel production.  The report must include any written comments received from members of the biodiesel fuel task force by January 1 of that year designated by them for inclusion in the report.

 

(b) The commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the commissioner of commerce and the Biodiesel Fuel Task Force, shall study the need to continue the exceptions in subdivision 3.  The 2013 report under paragraph (a) shall include recommendations for studies and other research needs to make a determination on the need for the exceptions, including any recommendations for use of the agricultural growth, research, and innovation program funding to conduct the research.  The 2014 report under paragraph (a) shall contain the commissioner of agriculture's recommendations on whether to continue any of the exceptions in subdivision 3.

 

Sec. 72.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 239.791, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 1a.  Minimum ethanol content required.  (a) Except as provided in subdivisions 10 to 14, on August 30, 2013 2015, and thereafter, a person responsible for the product shall ensure that all gasoline sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must contain at least the quantity of ethanol required by clause (1) or (2), whichever is greater:

 

(1) 20 percent denatured ethanol by volume; or

 

(2) the maximum percent of denatured ethanol by volume authorized in a waiver granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

 

(b) For purposes of enforcing the minimum ethanol requirement of paragraph (a), clause (1), a gasoline/ethanol blend will be construed to be in compliance if the ethanol content, exclusive of denaturants and other permitted components, comprises not less than 18.4 percent by volume and not more than 20 percent by volume of the blend as determined by an appropriate United States Environmental Protection Agency or American Society of Testing Materials standard method of analysis of alcohol content in motor fuels.

 

(c) This subdivision expires on December 31, 2012 2014, if by that date:


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(1) the commissioner of agriculture certifies and publishes the certification in the State Register that at least 20 percent of the volume of gasoline sold in the state is denatured ethanol; or

 

(2) federal approval has not been granted under paragraph (a), clause (1).  The United States Environmental Protection Agency's failure to act on an application shall not be deemed approval under paragraph (a), clause (1), or a waiver under section 211(f)(4) of the Clean Air Act, United States Code, title 42, section 7545, subsection (f), paragraph (4).

 

Sec. 73.  [346.47] SEIZED ANIMALS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Definitions.  As used in this section:

 

(1) "establishment" means any public or private agency, person, society, or corporation having custody of animals that are seized under the authority of the state or any political subdivision of the state; and

 

(2) "regular business day" means a day during which the establishment having custody of an animal is open to the public not less than four consecutive hours between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

Subd. 2.  Impoundment; record keeping.  All animals seized by public authority must be held in an establishment for redemption by the owner for at least five regular business days of the establishment or for a longer time specified by municipal ordinance.  Establishments must maintain the following records of the animals in custody, and preserve the records for at least six months:

 

(1) the description of the animal by species, breed, sex, approximate age, and other distinguishing traits;

 

(2) the location at which the animal was seized;

 

(3) the date of seizure;

 

(4) the name and address of the person from whom any animal three months of age or over was received; and

 

(5) the name and address of the person to whom any animal three months of age or over was transferred.

 

The records must be maintained in a form permitting easy perusal by the public.  A person may view the records and animals in custody at any time during which the establishment is open to the public.

 

Subd. 3.  Release of animals.  A person must not release an animal seized and held under this section for research or product testing, either directly or through an animal dealer.  This subdivision does not apply to the temporary transfer of an animal to a college of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology school accredited by the American Veterinary Medicine Association for the purpose of sterilization or needed veterinary care.

 

Sec. 74.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 347.54, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Reclaimed.  A dangerous dog seized under subdivision 1 may be reclaimed by the owner of the dog upon payment of impounding and boarding fees, and presenting proof to the appropriate animal control authority that the requirements of sections 347.51 and 347.52 will be met.  A dog not reclaimed under this subdivision within seven days may be disposed of as provided under section 35.71, subdivision 3 in a manner permitted by law, and the owner is liable to the animal control authority for costs incurred in confining and disposing of the dog.


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Sec. 75.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 347.54, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Subsequent offenses; seizure.  If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for violating a provision of section 347.51, 347.515, or 347.52, and the person is charged with a subsequent violation relating to the same dog, the dog must be seized by the animal control authority having jurisdiction.  If the owner is convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized, the court shall order that the dog be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and the owner pay the cost of confining and destroying the animal.  If the owner is not convicted and the dog is not reclaimed by the owner within seven days after the owner has been notified that the dog may be reclaimed, the dog may be disposed of as provided under section 35.71, subdivision 3 in a manner permitted by law.

 

Sec. 76.  Laws 2008, chapter 296, article 1, section 25, the effective date, as amended by Laws 2010, chapter 333, article 1, section 33, is amended to read:

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective June 1, 2012 2017.

 

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

 

Sec. 77.  Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 11, is amended to read:

 

Sec. 11.  AGRICULTURE

 

 

 

$4,000,000

 

To the commissioner of agriculture:

 

(1) $3,800,000 is for the purposes specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 12A.04; and

 

(2) notwithstanding section 2, subdivision 1, $200,000 is for the purpose of mental health counseling to assist agricultural producers and their families located in any rural disaster area declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the United States Department of Agriculture.

 

This appropriation is from the general fund.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective retroactively from October 19, 2010, the effective date of Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1.

 

Sec. 78.  Laws 2011, chapter 14, section 6, is amended by adding an effective date to read:

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective retroactively from April 16, 2011.

 

Sec. 79.  STEELE COUNTY; CIP BONDING AUTHORITY.

 

(a) The governing body of Steele County may, by resolution, include in its capital improvement plan under Minnesota Statutes, section 373.40, buildings to be acquired, constructed, and improved at its fairgrounds for use by its agricultural society.

 

(b) The buildings authorized by paragraph (a) constitute "capital improvements" for all purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 373.40, if the principal amount of bonds issued to finance the buildings do not exceed $650,000.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day after the governing body of Steele County and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.


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Sec. 80.  WADENA COUNTY; CIP BONDING AUTHORITY.

 

(a) The governing body of Wadena County may, by resolution, include in its capital improvement plan under Minnesota Statutes, section 373.40, buildings to be acquired, constructed, and improved at its fairgrounds for use by its agricultural society.

 

(b) The buildings authorized by paragraph (a) constitute "capital improvements" for all purposes of Minnesota Statutes, section 373.40, if the principal amount of bonds issued to finance the buildings do not exceed $1,000,000.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day after the governing body of Wadena County and its chief clerical officer timely complete their compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section 645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.

 

Sec. 81.  NEXT GENERATION BIOFUEL BLENDS.

 

The NextGen Energy Board, established in Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.105, shall include in its February 2013 report to the legislature an analysis of next generation biofuels that can be blended with gasoline or other energy sources.  The report shall analyze research on next generation biofuel blends and information on federal approvals needed and the status of the federal approval for next generation biofuel blends, and make policy recommendations for updating Minnesota's biofuels mandates to reflect current industry practices.  The commissioner of agriculture shall convene an advisory group to advise and assist the NextGen Energy Board in the analysis and report.  Members of the group may include representatives of the next generation biofuels industry, the ethanol industry, persons with biofuels engineering or other biofuels expertise, suppliers of biofuels feedstocks or inputs, and other persons with applicable knowledge or expertise as designated by the commissioner.

 

Sec. 82.  BALANCE TRANSFER.

 

The balance in the agroforestry loan program revolving fund established under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.048, is transferred to the revolving loan account established under Minnesota Statutes, section 41B.06, and the agroforestry loan program revolving fund is abolished.

 

Sec. 83.  REPEALER.

 

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17B.01; 17B.02; 17B.03; 17B.04; 17B.041; 17B.0451; 17B.048; 17B.05; 17B.06; 17B.07; 17B.10; 17B.11; 17B.12; 17B.13; 17B.14; 17B.15, subdivisions 1 and 3; 17B.16; 17B.17; 17B.18; 17B.20; 17B.22, subdivisions 1 and 2; 17B.28; 17B.29; 25.33, subdivision 18; 27.19, subdivisions 2 and 3; 27.20; 35.243; 35.255; 35.71, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; 35.72, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; 41B.048, subdivision 7; 223.16, subdivision 7; 223.18; 232.21, subdivision 4; 232.24, subdivision 3; 232.25; 233.01; 233.015; 233.017; 233.02; 233.03; 233.04; 233.05; 233.06; 233.07; 233.08; 233.09; 233.10; 233.11; 233.12; 233.22; 233.23; 233.24; 233.33; 234.01; 234.03; 234.04; 234.05; 234.06; 234.08; 234.09; 234.10; 234.11; 234.12; 234.13; 234.14; 234.15; 234.16; 234.17; 234.18; 234.19; 234.20; 234.21; 234.22; 234.23; 234.24; 234.25; 234.27; 235.01; 235.02; 235.04; 235.05; 235.06; 235.07; 235.08; 235.09; 235.10; 235.13; 235.18; 236.01; 236.02; 236.03; 236.04; 236.05; 236.06; 236.07; 236.08; 236.09; 395.14; 395.15; 395.16; 395.17; 395.18; 395.19; 395.20; 395.21; 395.22; 395.23; and 395.24, are repealed.

 

(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 1505.0780; 1505.0810; 1511.0100; 1511.0110; 1511.0120; 1511.0130; 1511.0140; 1511.0150; 1511.0160; 1511.0170; 1562.0100, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25; 1562.0200; 1562.0400; 1562.0700; 1562.0900; 1562.1300; and 1562.1800, are repealed.


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ARTICLE 2

FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.982, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Criminal penalties.  A person who violates a provision of chapter 25, 28A, 29, 31, 31A, or 31B, or 34 for which a penalty has not been prescribed is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

Sec. 2.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.983, is amended to read:

 

17.983 ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Administrative penalties; citation.  If a person has violated a provision of chapter 25, 28A, 29, 31, 31A, 31B, or 32, or 34, the commissioner may issue a written citation to the person by personal service or by certified mail.  The citation must describe the nature of the violation and the statute or rule alleged to have been violated; state the time for correction, if applicable; and the amount of any proposed fine.  The citation must advise the person to notify the commissioner in writing within 30 days if the person wishes to appeal the citation.  If the person fails to appeal the citation, the citation is the final order and not subject to further review.

 

Subd. 3.  Contested case.  If a person appeals a citation or a penalty assessment within the time limits in subdivision 1, the commissioner shall initiate a contested proceeding under chapter 14.  The report of the administrative law judge is the final decision of the commissioner of agriculture.

 

Sec. 3.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 17.984, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

 

Subdivision 1.  Authority.  To carry out the commissioner's enforcement duties under chapter 29, 31, 31A, 32, or 34, the commissioner may, upon presenting appropriate credentials, during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, inspect premises subject to the commissioner's enforcement and licensing authority for reasons related to the commissioner's enforcement and licensing authority; request information from persons with information relevant to an inspection; and inspect relevant papers and records, including business records.  The commissioner may issue notices in lieu of citations for minor violations if a notice is in the public interest.

 

Sec. 4.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 28A.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Person.  "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, company, association, cooperative, or partnership and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar representative thereof has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 10.

 

Sec. 5.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 28A.03, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 5.  Food.  "Food," includes every article used for, entering into the consumption of, or used or intended for use in the preparation of food, drink, confectionery, or condiment for humans, whether simple, mixed or compound.  "nonperishable food," "frozen food," "perishable food," and "readily perishable food" have the meanings given in section 34A.01.

 

(a) "Perishable food" is food which includes, but is not limited to fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and other products which need protection from extremes of temperatures in order to avoid decomposition by microbial growth or otherwise.


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(b) "Readily perishable food" is food or a food ingredient consisting in whole or in part of milk, milk products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry or other food or food ingredient which is capable of supporting rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms.

 

(c) "Frozen food" is food which is processed and preserved by freezing in accordance with good commercial practices and which is intended to be sold in the frozen state.

 

(d) For the purposes of this definition, packaged food in hermetically sealed containers processed by heat to prevent spoilage; packaged pickles; jellies, jams and condiments in sealed containers; bakery products such as bread, rolls, buns, donuts, fruit-filled pies and pastries; dehydrated packaged food; and dry or packaged food so low in moisture content as to preclude development of microorganisms are not "perishable food," "readily perishable food," or "frozen food" within the meaning of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), when they are stored and handled in accordance with good commercial practices.

 

(e) "Nonperishable food" is food described in paragraph (d) with a shelf life of more than 90 days.

 

Sec. 6.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 28A.03, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Sell; sale.  "Sell" and "sale" include the keeping, offering, or exposing for sale, use, transporting, transferring, negotiating, soliciting, or exchange of food, the having in possession with intent to sell, use, transport, negotiate, solicit, or exchange the same and the storing, or carrying thereof in aid of traffic therein whether done or permitted in person or through others have the meanings given in section 34A.01, subdivision 12.

 

Sec. 7.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 28A.21, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Expiration.  Notwithstanding section 15.059, subdivision 5, this section expires June 30, 2012 2017.

 

Sec. 8.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 2.  Person.  "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, society, association, company, or corporation and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee or other similar representative thereof has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 10.

 

Sec. 9.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 3.  Food.  "Food" means articles used for food or drink for humans or other animals, chewing gum, and articles used for components of any such article has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 4.

 

Sec. 10.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 4.  Sell and sale.  "Sell" and "sale" shall be considered to include the manufacture, production, processing, packing, exposure, offer, possession, and holding of any such article for sale; and the sale, dispensing, and giving of any such article, and the supplying or applying of any such article in the conduct of any food operation have the meanings given in section 34A.01, subdivision 12.

 

Sec. 11.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 21, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 21.  Label.  "Label" means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon the immediate container of any article, and includes a like display, if required by law or rule, on the outside container or wrapper, if any there be, of the retail package of such article has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 6.


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Sec. 12.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 25, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 25.  Labeling.  "Labeling" means all labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter upon an article or any of its containers or wrappers, or accompanying such article has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 7.

 

Sec. 13.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.01, subdivision 28, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 28.  Pesticide chemical.  "Pesticide chemical" means any substance which, alone, in chemical combination, or in formulation with one or more other substances is an "economic poison" within the meaning of chapter 24, or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (United States Code, title 7, sections 135-135k), as amended, and which is used in the production, storage, or transportation of raw agricultural commodities has the meaning given in section 18B.01, subdivision 18.

 

Sec. 14.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.121, is amended to read:

 

31.121 FOOD ADULTERATION.

 

A food shall be deemed to be adulterated: if it is covered by section 34A.02.

 

(a) If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; but in case the substance is not an added substance such food shall not be considered adulterated under this clause if the quantity of such substance in such food does not ordinarily render it injurious to health; or

 

(b) If it bears or contains any added poisonous or added deleterious substance, other than one which is a pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity; a food additive; or a color additive, which is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122; or

 

(c) If it is a raw agricultural commodity and it bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122; or

 

(d) If it is or it bears or contains any food additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122; provided that where a pesticide chemical has been used in or on a raw agricultural commodity in conformity with an exemption granted or tolerance prescribed under section 31.122, and such raw agricultural commodity has been subjected to processing such as canning, cooking, freezing, dehydrating, or milling, the residue of such pesticide chemical remaining in or on such processed food shall, notwithstanding the provisions of section 31.122 and this clause, not be deemed unsafe if such residue in or on the raw agricultural commodity has been removed to the extent possible in good manufacturing practice, and the concentration of such residue in the processed food when ready to eat is not greater than the tolerance prescribed for the raw agricultural commodity; or

 

(e) If it consists in whole or in part of a diseased, contaminated, filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or if it is otherwise unfit for food; or

 

(f) If it has been produced, prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered diseased, unwholesome, or injurious to health; or

 

(g) If it is in whole or in part the product of a diseased animal or of an animal which has died otherwise than by slaughter, or of an animal that has been fed upon the uncooked offal from a slaughterhouse; or

 

(h) If its container is composed in whole or in part of any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render the contents injurious to health; or


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(i) If it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the use of the radiation was in conformity with a rule or exemption in effect pursuant to section 31.122 or section 409 of the federal act; or

 

(j) If any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part omitted or abstracted therefrom; or

 

(k) If any substance has been substituted wholly or in part therefor; or

 

(l) If damage or inferiority has been concealed in any manner; or

 

(m) If any substance has been added thereto or mixed or packed therewith so as to increase its bulk or weight, or reduce its quality or strength or make it appear better or of greater value than it is; or

 

(n) If it is confectionery, and (1) has partially or completely imbedded therein any nonnutritive object; provided, that this clause shall not apply in the case of any nonnutritive object if in the judgment of the commissioner, as provided by rules, such object is of practical functional value to the confectionery product and would not render the product injurious or hazardous to health; or (2) bears or contains any nonnutritive substance; provided, that this clause shall not apply to (i) a confection containing alcohol as defined in section 31.76, or (ii) a safe nonnutritive substance which is in or on confectionery by reason of its use for some practical functional purpose in the manufacture, packaging, or storing of such confectionery if the use of the substance does not promote deception of the consumer or otherwise result in adulteration or misbranding in violation of any provision of the Minnesota Food Law; and provided further, that the commissioner may, for the purpose of avoiding or resolving uncertainty as to the application of this clause, issue rules allowing or prohibiting the use of particular nonnutritive substances; or

 

(o) If it is or bears or contains any color additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122; or

 

(p) If it is oleomargarine or margarine or butter and any of the raw material used therein consisted in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or such oleomargarine or margarine or butter is otherwise unfit for food.

 

Sec. 15.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31.123, is amended to read:

 

31.123 FOOD MISBRANDING.

 

A food shall be deemed to be is misbranded: if it is covered by section 34A.03.

 

(a) If its labeling is false or misleading in any particular, or if its labeling, whether on the commodity itself, its container or its package, fails to conform with the requirements of Laws 1974, chapter 84;

 

(b) If it is offered for sale under the name of another food;

 

(c) If it is an imitation of another food for which a definition and standard of identity have been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102; or if it is an imitation of another food that is not subject to clause (g), unless in either case its label bears in type of uniform size and prominence the word "imitation" and immediately thereafter the name of the food imitated;

 

(d) If its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading;

 

(e) If in package form, unless it bears a label containing (1) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and (2) an accurate statement of the net quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, which statement shall be separately and accurately stated in a uniform location upon the principal display panel of the label; provided, that under this subclause reasonable variations shall be permitted, and exemptions as to small packages shall be established by rules prescribed by the commissioner;


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(f) If any word, statement, or other information required by or under authority of the Minnesota Food Law to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;

 

(g) If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a definition and standard of identity have been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102, unless (1) it conforms to such definition and standard, and (2) its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition and standard, and, insofar as may be required by such rules, the common names of optional ingredients (other than spices, flavoring, and coloring) present in such food;

 

(h) If it purports to be or is represented as (1) a food for which a standard of quality has been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102, and its quality falls below such standard unless its label bears, in such manner and form as such rules specify, a statement that it falls below such standard, or (2) a food for which a standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by rule as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102, and it falls below the standard of fill of container applicable thereto unless its label bears, in such manner and form as such rules specify, a statement that it falls below such standard;

 

(i) If it is not subject to the provisions of clause (g), unless it bears labeling clearly giving (1) the common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and (2) in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each such ingredient; except that spices, flavorings, and colorings, other than those sold as such, may be designated as spices, flavorings, and colorings, without naming each; provided, that to the extent that compliance with the requirements of this subclause is impractical or results in deception or unfair competition, exemptions shall be established by rules promulgated by the commissioner;

 

(j) If it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses, unless its label bears such information concerning its vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties as the commissioner determines to be, and by rules prescribes as, necessary in order to fully inform purchasers as to its value for such uses;

 

(k) If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears labeling stating that fact; provided, that to the extent that compliance with the requirements of this clause is impracticable, exemptions shall be established by rules promulgated by the commissioner.  The provisions of this clause and clauses (g) and (i) with respect to artificial coloring do not apply to butter, cheese or ice cream.  The provisions with respect to chemical preservatives do not apply to a pesticide chemical when used in or on a raw agricultural commodity which is the product of the soil;

 

(l) If it is a raw agricultural commodity which is the product of the soil, bearing or containing a pesticide chemical applied after harvest, unless the shipping container of such commodity bears labeling which declares the presence of such chemical in or on such commodity and the common or usual name and the function of such chemical; provided, however, that no such declaration shall be required while such commodity, having been removed from the shipping container, is being held or displayed for sale at retail out of such container in accordance with the custom of the trade;

 

(m) If it is a product intended as an ingredient of another food and when used according to the directions of the purveyor will result in the final food product being adulterated or misbranded;

 

(n) If it is a color additive unless its packaging and labeling are in conformity with such packaging and labeling requirements applicable to such color additive prescribed under the provisions of the federal act.


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Sec. 16.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31A.02, subdivision 13, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 13.  Adulterated.  "Adulterated" means a carcass, part of a carcass, meat, poultry, poultry food product, or meat food product under one or more of the following circumstances: an item is covered by section 34A.02.

 

(a) if it bears or contains a poisonous or harmful substance which may render it injurious to health; but if the substance is not an added substance, the article is not adulterated if the quantity of the substance in or on the article does not ordinarily make it injurious to health;

 

(b) if it bears or contains, by administration of a substance to the live animal or otherwise, an added poisonous or harmful substance, other than (1) a pesticide chemical in or on a raw agricultural commodity; (2) a food additive; or (3) a color additive, which may, in the judgment of the commissioner, make the article unfit for human food;

 

(c) if it is, in whole or in part, a raw agricultural commodity that bears or contains a pesticide chemical which is unsafe within the meaning of section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

 

(d) if it bears or contains a food additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

 

(e) if it bears or contains a color additive which is unsafe within the meaning of section 706 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

 

(f) if it contains a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance or is for any other reason unfit for human food;

 

(g) if it has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions so that it may be contaminated with filth or harmful to health;

 

(h) if it is wholly or partly the product of an animal which has died otherwise than by slaughter;

 

(i) if its container is wholly or partly composed of a poisonous or harmful substance which may make the contents harmful to health;

 

(j) if it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the use of the radiation conformed with a regulation or exemption in effect under section 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;

 

(k) if a valuable constituent has been wholly or partly omitted or removed from it; if a substance has been wholly or partly substituted for it; if damage or inferiority has been concealed; or if a substance has been added to it or mixed or packed with it so as to increase its bulk or weight, reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater value than it is; or

 

(l) if it is margarine containing animal fat and any of the raw material used in it wholly or partly consisted of a filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance.

 

Sec. 17.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31A.02, subdivision 14, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 14.  Misbranded.  "Misbranded" means a carcass, part of a carcass, meat, poultry, poultry food product, or meat food product under one or more of the following circumstances: an item is covered by section 34A.03.

 

(a) if its labeling is false or misleading;

 

(b) if it is offered for sale under the name of another food;


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(c) if it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, in type of uniform size and prominence, the word "imitation" followed immediately by the name of the food imitated;

 

(d) if its container is made, formed, or filled so as to be misleading;

 

(e) if its package or other container does not have a label showing (1) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and (2) an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count subject to reasonable variations permitted and exemptions for small packages established in rules of the commissioner;

 

(f) if a word, statement, or other information required by or under authority of this chapter to appear on the label or other labeling is not prominently and conspicuously placed on the label or labeling in terms that make it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use;

 

(g) if it is represented as a food for which a definition and standard of identity or composition has been prescribed by rules of the commissioner under section 31A.07, unless (1) it conforms to the definition and standard, and (2) its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition and standard and, if required by the rules, the common names of optional ingredients, other than spices, flavoring, and coloring, present in the food;

 

(h) if it is represented as a food for which a standard of fill of container has been prescribed by rules of the commissioner under section 31A.07, and it falls below the applicable standard of fill of container, unless its label bears, in the manner and form the rules specify, a statement that it falls below the standard;

 

(i) if it is not subject to paragraph (g), unless its label bears (1) the usual name of the food, if there is one, and (2) in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each ingredient; except that spices, flavorings, and colorings may, when authorized by the commissioner, be designated as spices, flavorings, and colorings without naming each.  To the extent that compliance with clause (2) is impracticable, or results in deception or unfair competition, the commissioner shall establish exemptions by rule;

 

(j) if it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses, unless its label bears the information concerning its vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties that the commissioner, after consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, determines by rule to be necessary to inform purchasers of its value for special dietary uses;

 

(k) if it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears labeling stating that fact;

 

(l) if it fails to bear, directly or on its container, as the commissioner by rule prescribes, the inspection legend and other information the commissioner may require by rule to assure that it will not have false or misleading labeling and that the public will be told how to keep the article wholesome.

 

Sec. 18.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31A.02, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 15.  Label.  "Label" means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter on an article's immediate container, not including package liners has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 6.

 

Sec. 19.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31A.02, subdivision 16, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 16.  Labeling.  "Labeling" means labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter (1) on an article or its containers or wrappers, or (2) accompanying an article has the meaning given in section 34A.01, subdivision 7.


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Sec. 20.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 31A.23, is amended to read:

 

31A.23 DETENTION OF ANIMALS OR PRODUCTS.

 

This section applies to a carcass, part of a carcass, meat, or meat food product of an animal, a product exempted from the definition of a meat food product, or a dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animal.  If an authorized representative of the commissioner finds such an article or animal on premises where it is held for purposes of, during, or after distribution in intrastate commerce, and there is reason to believe that it is adulterated or misbranded and is usable as human food, or that it has not been inspected, in violation of sections 31A.01 to 31A.16, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, or the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or that the article or animal has been or is intended to be distributed in violation of a provision of those laws, it may be detained by the representative for up to 20 days pending action under section 31A.24 34A.11, subdivision 2, or notification of federal authorities having jurisdiction over the article or animal.  It must not be moved by a person, firm, or corporation from the place at which it is located when detained, until released by the representative.  The representative may require all official marks to be removed from the article or animal before it is released unless the commissioner is satisfied that the article or animal is eligible to retain the official marks.

 

Sec. 21.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 32.01, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 11.  Adulterated.  "Adulterated" has the meaning given it in section 31.01, subdivision 19, and acts amendatory thereof means an item is covered by section 34A.02.

 

Sec. 22.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 32.01, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 12.  Misbranded.  "Misbranded" or "misbranding" has the meaning given in section 31.01, subdivision 5, and acts amendatory thereof means an item is covered by section 34A.03.

 

Sec. 23.  [34A.01] DEFINITIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Applicability.  The definitions in this section and chapters 28, 28A, 29, 30, 31, 31A, 32, and 34 apply to this chapter.  The definitions in this section apply to chapter 32.

 

Subd. 2.  Commissioner.  "Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.

 

Subd. 3.  Federal act.  "Federal act" means the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, United States Code, title 21, sections 301 et seq.

 

Subd. 4.  Food.  "Food" means every ingredient used for, entering into the consumption of, or used or intended for use in the preparation of food, drink, confectionery, or condiment for humans or other animals, whether simple, mixed, or compound; and articles used as components of these ingredients.

 

Subd. 5.  Frozen food.  "Frozen food" is food that is processed and preserved by freezing and which is intended to be sold in the frozen state.

 

Subd. 6.  Label.  "Label" means a display of written, printed, or graphic matter upon or affixed to the container of any food, and includes a like display, if required by law or rule, on the outside container or wrapper, if there is one, of the retail package of the food, not including package liners.

 

Subd. 7.  Labeling.  "Labeling" means labels and other written, printed, or graphic matter:

 

(1) on food or its containers or wrappers;


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(2) accompanying or supporting food; or

 

(3) a placard in, on, or adjacent to the food.

 

Subd. 8.  Nonperishable food.  "Nonperishable food" is food with a shelf life of more than 90 days and that is not perishable food, readily perishable food, or frozen food.

 

Subd. 9.  Perishable food.  "Perishable food" means food including, but not limited to, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and other products that need protection from extremes of temperatures in order to avoid decomposition by microbial growth or otherwise.

 

Subd. 10.  Person.  "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, cooperative, society, joint stock association, association, company, or corporation and includes any officer, employee, agent, trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar business entity or representative of one of those entities.

 

Subd. 11.  Readily perishable food.  "Readily perishable food" is food or a food ingredient consisting in whole or in part of milk, milk products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, or other food or food ingredient that is capable of supporting growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms.  Readily perishable food requires time and temperature control to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation.

 

Subd. 12.  Sell; sale.  "Sell" and "sale" mean keeping, offering, or exposing for sale, use, transporting, transferring, negotiating, soliciting, or exchanging food; having in possession with intent to sell, use, transport, negotiate, solicit, or exchange food; storing, manufacturing, producing, processing, packing, and holding of food for sale; dispensing or giving food; or supplying or applying food in the conduct of any food operation or carrying food in aid of traffic in food whether done or permitted in person or through others.

 

Sec. 24.  [34A.012] EXCLUSIONS.

 

The following items are not perishable food, readily perishable food, or frozen food:

 

(1) packaged pickles;

 

(2) jellies, jams, and condiments in sealed containers;

 

(3) bakery products such as bread, rolls, buns, donuts, fruit-filled pies, and pastries;

 

(4) dehydrated packaged food;

 

(5) dry or packaged food with a water activity that precludes development of microorganisms; and

 

(6) food in unopened hermetically sealed containers that is commercially processed to achieve and maintain commercial sterility under conditions of nonrefrigerated storage and distribution.

 

Sec. 25.  [34A.02] ADULTERATION.

 

Food is adulterated if:

 

(1) it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; but if the substance is not an added substance, the item is not adulterated under this clause if the quantity of the substance in the item does not ordinarily render it injurious to health;


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(2) it bears or contains any added poisonous, deleterious, or nonnutritive substance, other than one which is a pesticide in or on a raw agricultural commodity; a food additive; or a color additive, that is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122 or section 406 of the federal act;

 

(3) it bears or contains, by administration of a substance to the live animal or otherwise, an added poisonous or harmful substance, other than a pesticide in or on a raw agricultural commodity, a food additive, or a color additive, that may, in the judgment of the commissioner, make the article unfit for human food;

 

(4) it is unsafe or bears or contains any food additive that is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122 or section 409 of the federal act;

 

(5) it is or bears or contains any color additive that is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122 or section 706 of the federal act;

 

(6) it is a raw agricultural commodity and it bears or contains a pesticide that is unsafe within the meaning of section 31.122 or section 408 of the federal act;

 

(7) it consists in whole or in part of a diseased, contaminated, filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or if it is otherwise unfit for food;

 

(8) it has been produced, prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered diseased, unwholesome, or injurious to health;

 

(9) it is in whole or in part the product of a diseased animal or of an animal which has died otherwise than by slaughter that is unsafe within the meaning of section 402(a)(1) or (2) of the federal act, or of an animal that has been fed upon the uncooked offal from a slaughterhouse;

 

(10) its container is wholly or partly composed of any poisonous or deleterious substance that may render the contents injurious to health;

 

(11) it has been intentionally subjected to radiation, unless the use of the radiation was in conformity with a rule, regulation, or exemption in effect pursuant to section 31.122 or section 409 of the federal act;

 

(12) any valuable constituent has been in whole or in part omitted or abstracted from the food; if any substance has been substituted wholly or in part for the food; or if damage or inferiority has been concealed in any manner;

 

(13) any substance has been added to it or mixed or packed with it so as to increase its bulk or weight, reduce its quality or strength, or make it appear better or of greater value than it is;

 

(14) its composition or quality falls below or differs from that which it is purported or is represented to possess by its labeling; or

 

(15) it is confectionery and:

 

(i) has partially or completely imbedded in the food any nonnutritive object, provided that this clause does not apply in the case of any nonnutritive object if in the judgment of the commissioner, as provided by rules, the object is of practical functional value to the confectionery product and would not render the product injurious or hazardous to human or animal health; or

 

(ii) bears or contains any nonnutritive substance; provided that this item does not apply to a confection containing alcohol as defined in section 31.76, or a safe nonnutritive substance which is in or on confectionery by reason of its use for some practical functional purpose in the manufacture, packaging, or storing of the confectionery


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if the use of the substance does not promote deception of the consumer or otherwise result in adulteration or misbranding in violation of this chapter, and provided further that the commissioner may, for the purpose of avoiding or resolving uncertainty as to the application of this clause, issue rules allowing or prohibiting the use of particular nonnutritive substances.

 

Sec. 26.  [34A.03] MISBRANDING.

 

(a) Food is misbranded if:

 

(1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular, or its labeling, whether on the item itself, its container, or its package, fails to conform with the requirements of this chapter;

 

(2) it is offered for sale or distributed under the name of another food;

 

(3) it is an imitation of another food for which a definition and standard of identity have been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102; or if it is an imitation of another food that is not subject to clause (5), unless in either case its label bears in type of uniform size and prominence the word "imitation" and immediately thereafter the name of the food imitated;

 

(4) its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading;

 

(5) it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a definition and standard of identity have been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10, 31.102, and 31A.07, unless it conforms to that definition and standard, and its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition and standard, and insofar as may be required by the rules, the common names of optional ingredients, other than spices, flavoring, and coloring, present in the food;

 

(6) it purports to be or is represented as:

 

(i) a food for which a standard of quality has been prescribed by rules as provided by sections 31.10 and 31.102, and its quality falls below that standard unless its label bears in a manner and form the rules specify, a statement that it falls below the standard; or

 

(ii) a food for which a standard or standards of fill of container have been prescribed by rule as provided by sections 31.10, 31.102, and 31A.07, and it falls below the standard of fill of container applicable thereto unless its label bears, in a manner and form the rules specify, a statement that it falls below the standard;

 

(7) it is not subject to clause (5), unless it bears labeling clearly giving the common or usual name of the food, if there is one, and in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each ingredient, except that spices, flavorings, and colorings, other than those sold as such, may be designated as spices, flavorings, and colorings, without naming each, provided that to the extent that compliance with the requirements of this clause is impractical or results in deception or unfair competition, exemptions must be established by rules promulgated by the commissioner;

 

(8) it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses, unless its label bears information concerning its vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties as the commissioner determines to be, and by rules prescribed as, necessary in order to fully inform purchasers as to its value for those uses;

 

(9) it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears labeling stating that fact; provided that, to the extent that compliance with the requirements of this clause is impracticable, exemptions must be established by rules promulgated by the commissioner.  The provisions of this


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clause and clauses (5) and (7) with respect to artificial coloring do not apply to butter, cheese, or ice cream.  The provisions with respect to chemical preservatives do not apply to a pesticide when used in or on a raw agricultural commodity which is the product of the soil;

 

(10) it is a product intended as an ingredient of another food and when used according to the directions of the purveyor will result in the final food product being adulterated or misbranded;

 

(11) it is a color additive unless its packaging and labeling are in conformity with such packaging and labeling requirements applicable to the color additive prescribed under the provisions of the federal act;

 

(12) it is food subject to section 31.101, subdivision 10, or chapter 31A, that fails to bear, directly or on its container, as the commissioner by rule prescribes, the inspection legend and other information the commissioner may require by rule to ensure that it will not have false or misleading labeling, and that the public will be told how to keep the article wholesome; or

 

(13) its labeling would deceive or mislead the purchaser with respect to its composition or suitability.

 

(b) Food is also misbranded if it is a raw agricultural commodity which is the product of the soil, bearing or containing a pesticide applied after harvest, unless the shipping container of that commodity bears labeling which declares the presence of the chemical in or on the commodity and the common or usual name and the function of the chemical.  No such declaration is required while the commodity, having been removed from the shipping container, is being held or displayed for sale at retail out of the container in accordance with the custom of the trade.

 

Sec. 27.  [34A.04] ENFORCEMENT.

 

Subdivision 1.  Enforcement required.  (a) The commissioner shall enforce this chapter and chapters 28, 28A, 29, 30, 31, 31A, and 34.  To carry out the enforcement duties under these chapters, the commissioner may, upon presenting appropriate credentials, during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, inspect premises subject to the commissioner's enforcement and licensing authority; require information from persons with information relevant to an inspection; and inspect and copy relevant papers and records, including business records.

 

(b) The commissioner may administer oaths, take and cause to be taken depositions of witnesses, and issue subpoenas, and may petition the district court in the county in which the premises is located to compel compliance with subpoenas or to permit an inspection.

 

(c) Violations of chapters 28, 28A, 29, 30, 31, 31A, and 34, or rules adopted under chapters 28, 28A, 29, 30, 31, 31A, and 34 are a violation of this chapter.

 

(d) Upon the request of the commissioner, county attorneys, sheriffs, and other officers having authority in the enforcement of the general criminal laws shall take action to the extent of their authority necessary or proper for the enforcement of this chapter or standards, stipulations, and agreements of the commissioner.

 

Subd. 2.  Commissioner's discretion.  If minor violations of this chapter occur or the commissioner believes the public interest will be best served by a suitable notice of warning in writing, this chapter does not require the commissioner to take any additional action.

 

Subd. 3.  Civil actions.  Civil judicial enforcement actions may be brought by the attorney general in the name of the state on behalf of the commissioner.  A county attorney may bring a civil judicial enforcement action upon the request of the commissioner and agreement by the attorney general.


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Subd. 4.  Injunction.  The commissioner may apply to a court with jurisdiction for a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent, restrain, or enjoin violations of provisions of this chapter.

 

Subd. 5.  Criminal actions.  Each county attorney or city attorney to whom the commissioner reports any violation of this chapter shall consider instituting appropriate proceedings in the proper courts and prosecuting them in the manner required by law.  If the county or city attorney refuses to prosecute, the attorney general, on request of the commissioner, may prosecute.

 

Sec. 28.  [34A.05] FALSE STATEMENT OR RECORD.

 

A person must not knowingly make or offer a false statement, record, or other information as part of:

 

(1) an application for registration, listing, license, certification, or permit subject to this chapter;

 

(2) records or reports required subject to this chapter; or

 

(3) an investigation of a violation of this chapter.

 

Sec. 29.  [34A.06] ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS.

 

Subdivision 1.  Administrative enforcement.  (a) The commissioner may enforce this chapter by written warning, administrative meeting, cease and desist, forced sale, detention, embargo, condemnation, citation, corrective action order, seizure, agreement, withdrawal from distribution, or administrative penalty if the commissioner determines that the remedy is in the public interest.

 

(b) For facilities required to submit a plan review under rules of the commissioner of agriculture, the commissioner may withdraw by written order the approval of a facility or equipment if:

 

(1) hazards to human life exist; or

 

(2) there is satisfactory evidence that the person to whom the approval was issued has used fraudulent or deceptive practices to evade or attempt to evade provisions of this chapter.

 

(c) Any action under this subdivision may be appealed pursuant to section 34A.08.

 

Subd. 2.  License revocation, suspension, and refusal.  (a) The commissioner may revoke, suspend, limit, modify, or refuse to grant or renew a registration, listing, permit, license, or certification if a person violates or has violated this chapter within the last three years.

 

(b) The commissioner may revoke, suspend, limit, modify, or refuse to grant or renew a registration, listing, permit, license, or certification to a person from another state if that person has had a registration, permit, license, or certification denied, revoked, or suspended by another state for an offense reasonably related to the requirements, qualifications, or duties of a registration, permit, license, or certification issued under this chapter.

 

(c) The commissioner may revoke, suspend, limit, modify, or refuse to grant or renew a registration, listing, permit, license, or certification to a person after receiving satisfactory evidence that the registrant, permittee, licensee, or certificate holder has used fraudulent and deceptive practices in the evasion or attempted evasion of this chapter.

 

(d) A registration, listing, permit, license, or certification may not be revoked or suspended until the registrant, permittee, licensee, or certificate holder has been given opportunity for a hearing by the commissioner.  After receiving notice of revocation or suspension, a registrant, permittee, licensee, registrant, or certificate holder has ten


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days to request a hearing, or another time period mutually agreed to by both parties.  If no request is made within ten days or other agreed-upon time, the registration, listing, permit, license, or certification is revoked or suspended.  In the case of a refusal to grant a registration, listing, permit, license, or certification, the registrant, permittee, licensee, registrant, or certificate holder has ten days from notice of refusal to request a hearing.  Upon receiving a request for hearing, the department shall proceed pursuant to section 34A.08, subdivision 2.

 

Sec. 30.  [34A.07] ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  Assessment.  (a) In determining the amount of the administrative penalty, the commissioner shall consider the economic gain received by the person allowing or committing the violation, the gravity of the violation in terms of actual or potential damage to human or animal health and the environment, the willfulness of the violation, number of violations, history of past violations, and other factors justice may require, if the additional factors are specifically identified in the inspection report.  For a violation after an initial violation, the commissioner shall also consider the similarity of the most recent previous violation and the violation to be penalized, the time elapsed since the last violation, the number of previous violations, and the response of the person to the most recent previous violation identified.

 

(b) The commissioner may issue an administrative citation assessing an administrative penalty of up to $1,500 for each violation of this chapter.  Each day a violation continues is a separate violation.  The citation must describe the nature of the violation, the statute or rule alleged to have been violated, the time for correction, if applicable, and the amount of any proposed fine.  The citation must advise the person to notify the commissioner in writing within 20 days, or another time period mutually agreed to by the commissioner and the person subject to the citation, if the person wishes to appeal the citation, and that if the person fails to appeal the citation, the citation is the final order and not subject to further review.

 

(c) An administrative penalty may be assessed if the person subject to a written order does not comply with the order in the time provided in the order.

 

Subd. 2.  Collection of penalty.  (a) If a person subject to an administrative penalty fails to pay the penalty, which must be part of a final citation by the commissioner, by 30 days after the final order is issued, the commissioner may commence a civil action for double the assessed penalty plus attorney fees and costs.

 

(b) An administrative penalty may be recovered in a civil action in the name of the state brought in the district court of the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred or the district court where the commissioner has an office.

 

Sec. 31.  [34A.08] APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION OR PENALTY.

 

Subdivision 1.  Notice of appeal.  (a) After service of a citation under section 34A.07 or order under section 34A.06, subdivision 1, a person has 20 days from receipt of the citation or order, or another time period mutually agreed to by the commissioner and the person subject to the citation or order, to notify the commissioner in writing that the person intends to contest the citation or order through a hearing.  The hearing request must specifically identify the order or citation being contested and state the grounds for contesting it.

 

(b) If the person fails to notify the commissioner that the person intends to contest the citation or order, the citation or order is final and not subject to further judicial or administrative review.

 

Subd. 2.  Administrative review.  If a person notifies the commissioner that the person intends to contest a citation or order issued under this chapter, the Office of Administrative Hearings shall conduct a hearing in accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 14 for hearings in contested cases.


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Sec. 32.  [34A.09] CIVIL PENALTIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  General penalty.  A person who violates this chapter or an order, standard, stipulation, agreement, citation, or schedule of compliance of the commissioner or impedes, hinders, or otherwise prevents or attempts to prevent performance of a duty by the commissioner in connection with this chapter is subject to a civil penalty of up to $7,500 per day of violation as determined by the court.

 

Subd. 2.  Actions to compel performance.  In an action to compel performance of an order of the commissioner to enforce this chapter, the court must require a defendant adjudged responsible to perform the acts within the person's power that are reasonably necessary to accomplish the purposes of the order.

 

Subd. 3.  Recovery of penalties by civil action.  The civil penalties and payments provided for in this section may be recovered by a civil action brought by the county attorney or the attorney general in the name of the state.

 

Sec. 33.  [34A.10] CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

 

Subdivision 1.  General violation.  Except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person violates this chapter or an order, standard, citation, stipulation, agreement, or schedule of compliance of the commissioner, or impedes, hinders, or otherwise prevents, or attempts to prevent the commissioner or a duly authorized agent in performance of a duty in connection with this chapter.  Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, each separate violation is a separate offense, except that in the case of a violation through continuing failure or neglect to obey this chapter, each day the failure or neglect continues is a separate offense.

 

Subd. 2.  Violation endangering humans or animals.  A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person violates this chapter or an order, standard, stipulation, agreement, or schedule of compliance of the commissioner and the violation endangers humans or animals.

 

Subd. 3.  Violation with knowledge.  A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person knowingly violates this chapter or an order, standard, stipulation, agreement, or schedule of compliance of the commissioner.

 

Sec. 34.  [34A.11] EMBARGO, SEIZURE, AND CONDEMNATION.

 

Subdivision 1.  Tag, notice, or withdrawal from distribution.  If the commissioner finds probable cause to believe that any food, animal, or consumer commodity is being distributed in violation of this chapter or rules under this chapter, or is adulterated or so misbranded as to be dangerous or fraudulent, the commissioner shall affix to the food, animal, or consumer commodity a tag, withdrawal from distribution order, or other appropriate marking giving notice that the food, animal, or consumer commodity is, or is suspected of being, adulterated, misbranded, or distributed in violation of this chapter, and has been detained or embargoed, and warning all persons not to remove or dispose of the food, animal, or consumer commodity by sale or otherwise until permission for removal or disposal is given by the commissioner or the court.  It is unlawful for a person to remove or dispose of a detained or embargoed food, animal, or consumer commodity by sale or otherwise without the commissioner's or a court's permission and each transaction is a separate violation of this subdivision.

 

Subd. 2.  Seizure.  A carcass; part of a carcass; meat or meat food product of an animal; or dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animal that is being transported in intrastate commerce, or is held for sale in this state after transportation in intrastate commerce, may be proceeded against, seized, and condemned if:

 

(1) it is or has been prepared, sold, transported, or otherwise distributed, offered, or received for distribution in violation of this chapter;

 

(2) it is usable as human food and is adulterated or misbranded; or


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(3) it is in any other way in violation of this chapter.

 

The commissioner may act against the article or animal at any time on a complaint in the district court of the judicial district where the article or animal is found.

 

Subd. 3.  Action for condemnation.  If food or an article or animal detained or embargoed under subdivision 1 has been found by the commissioner to be adulterated or misbranded or in violation of this chapter, the commissioner shall petition the district court in the county in which the food or animal is detained or embargoed for an order and decree for the condemnation of the food or animal.  The commissioner shall release the food or animal when this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter have been complied with or the food or animal is found to be not adulterated or misbranded.

 

Subd. 4.  Remedies.  If the court finds that a detained or embargoed food or animal is adulterated, misbranded, or in violation of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter, the following remedies are available:

 

(1) after entering a decree, the food or animal may be destroyed at the expense of the claimant under the supervision of the commissioner, and all court costs, fees, storage, and other proper expenses must be assessed against the claimant of the food or animal or the claimant's agent; and

 

(2) if adulteration or misbranding can be corrected by proper labeling or processing of the food or animal, the court, after entry of the decree and after costs, fees, and expenses have been paid and a good and sufficient bond, conditioned that the food or animal must be properly labeled or processed, has been executed, may by order direct that the food or animal be delivered to the claimant for proper labeling or processing under the supervision of the commissioner.  The expense of the supervision must be paid by the claimant.  The food or animal must be returned to the claimant and the bond must be discharged on the representation to the court by the commissioner that the food or animal is no longer in violation and that the expenses for the supervision have been paid.

 

Subd. 5.  Duties of commissioner.  If the commissioner finds in any room, building, vehicle of transportation, or other structure any meat, seafood, poultry, vegetable, fruit, or other perishable articles of food that are unsound, or contain any filthy, decomposed, or putrid substance, or that may be poisonous or deleterious to health or otherwise unsafe, the commissioner shall condemn or destroy the item or in any other manner render the item as unsalable as human food, and no one has any cause of action against the commissioner on account of the commissioner's action.

 

Subd. 6.  Emergency response.  If the governor declares an emergency order under section 12.31 and if the commissioner finds or has probable cause to believe that livestock, food, or a consumer commodity within a specific area is likely to be adulterated because of the emergency or so misbranded as to be dangerous or fraudulent, or is in violation of section 31.131, subdivision 1, the commissioner may embargo a geographic area that is included in the declared emergency.  The commissioner shall provide notice to the public and to those with custody of the product in as thorough a manner as is practicable under the emergency circumstances.

 

Sec. 35.  [34A.12] POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER.

 

Subdivision 1.  Gathering information.  The commissioner may, for the purposes of this chapter:

 

(1) gather and compile information concerning and investigate the organization, business, conduct, practices, and management of a person in intrastate commerce and the person's relation to other persons; and

 

(2) require, by general or special orders, a person, persons, or a class of persons engaged in intrastate commerce to file with the commissioner, in the form the commissioner prescribes, annual and special reports or answers in writing to specific questions, giving the commissioner the information the commissioner requires about the organization, business, conduct, practices, management, and relation to other persons, of the person filing the reports


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or answers.  The reports and answers must be made under oath, or otherwise, as the commissioner prescribes, and filed with the commissioner within a reasonable time the commissioner prescribes, unless additional time is granted by the commissioner.

 

Subd. 2.  Examination of documents for evidence.  (a) For purposes of this chapter, the commissioner must at all reasonable times be allowed to examine and copy documentary evidence of a person being investigated or proceeded against.  The commissioner may subpoena witnesses and require the production of documentary evidence of a person relating to any matter under investigation.  The commissioner may sign subpoenas, administer oaths and affirmations, examine witnesses, and receive evidence.

 

(b) Attendance of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence may be required at a designated hearing place.  In case of disobedience to a subpoena, the commissioner may invoke the aid of the district court to require the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documentary evidence.

 

(c) The district court, in case of refusal to obey a subpoena issued to a person, may issue an order requiring the person to appear before the commissioner or to produce documentary evidence if ordered, or to give evidence touching the matter in question.  Failure to obey the order of the court may be punishable by the court as a contempt.

 

(d) Upon the application of the attorney general at the request of the commissioner, the district court may order a person to comply with this chapter or an order of the commissioner made under this chapter.

 

(e) The commissioner may order testimony to be taken by deposition in a proceeding or investigation pending under this chapter at any state of the proceeding or investigation.  Depositions may be taken before a person designated by the commissioner and having power to administer oaths.  The testimony must be reduced to writing by the person taking the deposition or under the person's direction and must then be signed by the witness.  A person may be compelled to appear and depose and to produce documentary evidence in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence before the commissioner.

 

(f) Witnesses summoned before the commissioner may be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the district courts.  Witnesses whose depositions are taken and the persons taking them may be entitled to the fees that are paid for those services in the district court.

 

(g) A person is not excused from attending and testifying or from producing books, papers, schedules of charges, contracts, agreements, or other documentary evidence before the commissioner or in obedience to the subpoena of the commissioner whether the subpoena is signed or issued by the commissioner or the commissioner's agent, or in any cause or proceeding, criminal or otherwise, based upon or growing out of an alleged violation of this chapter because the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required of the person may tend to incriminate the person or subject the person to a penalty or forfeiture.  No person may be prosecuted or subjected to a penalty or forfeiture on account of a matter concerning which the person is compelled, after having claimed a privilege against self-incrimination, to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, except that a witness is not exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in testifying.

 

Subd. 3.  Penalties related to testimony and records.  (a) A person who neglects or refuses to attend and testify, to answer a lawful inquiry, or to produce documentary evidence, if it is in the person's power to do so in obedience to the subpoena or lawful requirement of the commissioner, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

(b) A person who willfully:

 

(1) makes or causes to be made a false entry or statement of fact in a report required under this chapter;


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(2) makes or causes to be made a false entry in an account, record, or memorandum kept by a person subject to this chapter;

 

(3) neglects or fails to make or to cause to be made full and correct entries in the accounts, records, or memoranda of all facts and transactions relating to the person's business;

 

(4) leaves the jurisdiction of this state;

 

(5) mutilates, alters, or by any other means falsifies documentary evidence of a person subject to this chapter; or

 

(6) refuses to submit to the commissioner, for inspection and copying, any documentary evidence of a person subject to this chapter in the person's possession or control, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

(c) A person required by this chapter to file an annual or special report who fails to do so within the time fixed by the commissioner for filing the report and continues the failure for 30 days after notice of failure to file, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

(d) An officer or employee of this state who makes public information obtained by the commissioner without the commissioner's authority, unless directed by a court, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

 

Sec. 36.  REPEALER.

 

(a) Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 28.15; 28A.12; 28A.13; 29.28; 31.031; 31.041; 31.05; 31.14; 31.393; 31.58; 31.592; 31.621, subdivision 5; 31.631, subdivision 4; 31.633, subdivision 2; 31.681; 31.74, subdivision 3; 31.91; 31A.24; 31A.26; and 34.113, are repealed.

 

(b) Minnesota Rules, parts 1540.0010, subpart 26; 1550.0930, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7; 1550.1040, subparts 3, 4, 5, and 6; and 1550.1260, subparts 6 and 7, are repealed."

 

Delete the title and insert:

 

"A bill for an act relating to agriculture; modifying provisions related to pesticides, plants, nursery law, inspections, enforcements, seeds, commercial feed, food, animals, grain, and weights and measures; modifying certain ethanol and biodiesel provisions; delaying the effective date to eliminate certain limitations on wind easements; designating Lester as official state soil; establishing Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority; establishing pilot agricultural microloan program; providing certain counties with capital improvement plan authority; modifying seized animal procedures; providing for food law enforcement; making administrative, clarifying, technical, and other conforming changes; requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.114, subdivisions 3, 4; 17.982, subdivision 1; 17.983; 17.984, subdivision 1; 18B.065, subdivision 2a, by adding a subdivision; 18B.316, subdivision 6; 18G.02, subdivision 14; 18G.07, subdivision 1; 18G.10, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; 18H.02, subdivision 14, by adding a subdivision; 18H.10; 18H.14; 18J.01; 18J.02; 18J.03; 18J.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 18J.05, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 18J.06; 18J.07, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 21.82, subdivisions 7, 8; 25.33, subdivision 3; 28A.03, subdivisions 3, 5, 6; 28A.21, subdivision 6; 31.01, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 21, 25, 28; 31.121; 31.123; 31.13; 31.94; 31A.02, subdivisions 13, 14, 15, 16; 31A.23; 32.01, subdivisions 11, 12; 35.0661, subdivisions 2, 3; 40A.17; 41A.12, subdivisions 2, 4; 41B.036; 41B.048, subdivision 6; 41B.055, subdivision 1; 41B.06; 48.24, subdivision 5; 223.16, subdivision 12; 223.17, subdivisions 1, 4, 6, 9; 232.21, subdivisions 2, 6, 12; 232.22, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 7; 232.23, subdivisions 2, 5, 10; 232.24, subdivisions 1, 2; 239.092; 239.093; 239.77, subdivisions 3, 5; 239.791, subdivision 1a; 347.54, subdivisions 2, 3; Laws 2008, chapter 296, article 1, section 25, as amended; Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 11; Laws 2011, chapter 14, section 6; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 1; 41B; 346; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 32C; 34A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17B.01; 17B.02; 17B.03;


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17B.04; 17B.041; 17B.0451; 17B.048; 17B.05; 17B.06; 17B.07; 17B.10; 17B.11; 17B.12; 17B.13; 17B.14; 17B.15, subdivisions 1, 3; 17B.16; 17B.17; 17B.18; 17B.20; 17B.22, subdivisions 1, 2; 17B.28; 17B.29; 25.33, subdivision 18; 27.19, subdivisions 2, 3; 27.20; 28.15; 28A.12; 28A.13; 29.28; 31.031; 31.041; 31.05; 31.14; 31.393; 31.58; 31.592; 31.621, subdivision 5; 31.631, subdivision 4; 31.633, subdivision 2; 31.681; 31.74, subdivision 3; 31.91; 31A.24; 31A.26; 34.113; 35.243; 35.255; 35.71, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 35.72, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 41B.048, subdivision 7; 223.16, subdivision 7; 223.18; 232.21, subdivision 4; 232.24, subdivision 3; 232.25; 233.01; 233.015; 233.017; 233.02; 233.03; 233.04; 233.05; 233.06; 233.07; 233.08; 233.09; 233.10; 233.11; 233.12; 233.22; 233.23; 233.24; 233.33; 234.01; 234.03; 234.04; 234.05; 234.06; 234.08; 234.09; 234.10; 234.11; 234.12; 234.13; 234.14; 234.15; 234.16; 234.17; 234.18; 234.19; 234.20; 234.21; 234.22; 234.23; 234.24; 234.25; 234.27; 235.01; 235.02; 235.04; 235.05; 235.06; 235.07; 235.08; 235.09; 235.10; 235.13; 235.18; 236.01; 236.02; 236.03; 236.04; 236.05; 236.06; 236.07; 236.08; 236.09; 395.14; 395.15; 395.16; 395.17; 395.18; 395.19; 395.20; 395.21; 395.22; 395.23; 395.24; Minnesota Rules, parts 1505.0780; 1505.0810; 1511.0100; 1511.0110; 1511.0120; 1511.0130; 1511.0140; 1511.0150; 1511.0160; 1511.0170; 1540.0010, subpart 26; 1550.0930, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 1550.1040, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6; 1550.1260, subparts 6, 7; 1562.0100, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; 1562.0200; 1562.0400; 1562.0700; 1562.0900; 1562.1300; 1562.1800."

 

 

We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

 

House Conferees:  Paul Anderson, Rod Hamilton, Deb Kiel, Chris Swedzinski and Kent Eken.

 

Senate Conferees:  Doug Magnus, Gary H. Dahms, David M. Brown, Julie A. Rosen and Rod Skoe.

 

 

      Anderson, P., moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2398 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

H. F. No. 2398, A bill for an act relating to agriculture; modifying provisions related to pesticides, plants, nursery law, inspections, enforcements, seeds, commercial feed, food, animals, grain, and weights and measures; establishing Dairy Research, Teaching, and Consumer Education Authority; providing for food law enforcement; making technical and conforming changes; repealing obsolete provisions; extending certain exceptions to the minimum content requirements for biodiesel; imposing penalties; providing certain counties capital improvement plan authority; modifying treatment of certain secured or guaranteed loans; requiring reports; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.114, subdivisions 3, 4; 17.982, subdivision 1; 17.983; 18B.065, subdivision 2a; 18B.316, subdivision 6; 18G.02, subdivision 14; 18G.10, subdivision 7, by adding a subdivision; 18H.02, subdivision 14, by adding a subdivision; 18H.10; 18H.14; 18J.01; 18J.02; 18J.04, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4; 18J.05, subdivisions 1, 2, 6; 18J.06; 18J.07, subdivisions 3, 4, 5; 21.82, subdivisions 7, 8; 25.33, subdivisions 5, 13, 14; 25.36; 25.37; 28A.03, subdivisions 3, 5, 6; 28A.21, subdivision 6; 31.01, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 21, 25, 28; 31.121; 31.123; 31.13; 31.94; 31A.02, subdivisions 13, 14, 15, 16; 31A.23; 32.01, subdivisions 11, 12; 35.0661, subdivisions 2, 3; 40A.17; 41A.12, subdivisions 2, 4; 48.24, subdivision 5; 223.16, subdivision 12; 223.17, subdivisions 1, 4, 9; 232.21, subdivisions 2, 6, 12; 232.22, subdivisions 3, 4, 5, 7; 232.23, subdivisions 2, 10; 232.24, subdivisions 1, 2; 239.092; 239.093; 239.77, subdivision 3; Laws 2010, chapter 228, section 4; Laws 2010, Second Special Session chapter 1, article 1, section 11; Laws 2011, chapter 14, section 6; proposing coding for new law as Minnesota Statutes, chapters 32C; 34A; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 17.984; 17B.01; 17B.02; 17B.03; 17B.04; 17B.041; 17B.0451; 17B.048; 17B.05; 17B.06; 17B.07; 17B.10; 17B.11; 17B.12; 17B.13; 17B.14; 17B.15, subdivisions 1, 3; 17B.16; 17B.17; 17B.18; 17B.20; 17B.22, subdivisions 1, 2; 17B.28; 17B.29; 28.15; 28A.12; 28A.13; 29.28; 31.031; 31.041; 31.05; 31.14; 31.393; 31.58; 31.592; 31.621, subdivision 5; 31.631, subdivision 4; 31.633, subdivision 2; 31.681; 31.74, subdivision 3; 31.91; 31A.24; 31A.26; 32.078; 32.475, subdivision 7; 32.61; 32.90; 34.113; 35.243; 35.255; 35.67; 35.72, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 223.16, subdivision 7; 223.18; 232.21, subdivision 4; 232.24, subdivision 3; 232.25; 233.01; 233.015; 233.017; 233.02; 233.03; 233.05; 233.06; 233.07; 233.08;


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9024

233.09; 233.10; 233.11; 233.12; 233.22; 233.23; 233.24; 233.33; 234.01; 234.03; 234.04; 234.05; 234.06; 234.08; 234.09; 234.10; 234.11; 234.12; 234.13; 234.14; 234.15; 234.16; 234.17; 234.18; 234.19; 234.20; 234.21; 234.22; 234.23; 234.24; 234.25; 234.27; 235.01; 235.02; 235.04; 235.05; 235.06; 235.07; 235.08; 235.09; 235.10; 235.13; 235.18; 236.01; 236.02; 236.03; 236.04; 236.05; 236.06; 236.07; 236.08; 236.09; 395.14; 395.15; 395.16; 395.17; 395.18; 395.19; 395.20; 395.21; 395.22; 395.23; 395.24; Minnesota Rules, parts 1505.0780; 1505.0810; 1511.0100; 1511.0110; 1511.0120; 1511.0130; 1511.0140; 1511.0150; 1511.0160; 1511.0170; 1540.0010, subpart 26; 1550.0930, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; 1550.1040, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6; 1550.1260, subparts 6, 7; 1562.0100, subparts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25; 1562.0200; 1562.0400; 1562.0700; 1562.0900; 1562.1300; 1562.1800.

 

 

      The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

 

      The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 111 yeas and 20 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Brynaert

Carlson

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Ward

Westrom

Winkler

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Allen

Bills

Buesgens

Champion

Dean

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Greiling

Holberg

Hoppe

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mullery

Myhra

Peppin

Scott

Wagenius

Wardlow


 

 

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

 

 

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT ON H. F. NO. 1974

 

A bill for an act relating to public employment; providing that certain contract terms do not continue in effect after expiration of a collective bargaining agreement; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 179A.20, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9025

April 20, 2012

The Honorable Kurt Zellers

Speaker of the House of Representatives

 

The Honorable Michelle L. Fischbach

President of the Senate

 

We, the undersigned conferees for H. F. No. 1974 report that we have agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows:

 

That the Senate recede from its amendment and that H. F. No. 1974 be further amended as follows:

 

Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:

 

"Section 1.  Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 179A.20, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

 

Subd. 6.  Contract in effect.  (a) During the period after contract expiration and prior to the date when the right to strike matures, and for additional time if the parties agree, the terms of an existing contract shall continue in effect and shall be enforceable upon both parties, except as provided in paragraph (b).

 

(b) A contract term does not continue in effect and is not enforceable after the expiration date stated in the contract, and the parties may not agree to extend or honor a contract term beyond the expiration date of the contract if the contract term would:

 

(1) provide a wage or salary increase to an employee, including but not limited to an increase based on cost of living, longevity, education or training, or performance or merit; or

 

(2) provide an increase in the dollar amount of an employer contribution for insurance benefits above the amount paid under the expired contract.

 

(c) Paragraph (b) does not apply to the state employee law enforcement unit, the state employee correctional guards unit, the University of Minnesota law enforcement unit, or to other firefighters, peace officers subject to licensure under sections 626.84 to 626.863, or guards at correctional facilities.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE.  This section is effective the day following final enactment.  For a collective bargaining agreement that expired before the effective date of this section, the requirements of this section apply to limit wages and benefits to the levels and amounts in effect on the effective date of this section."

 

 

      We request the adoption of this report and repassage of the bill.

 

      House Conferees:  Steve Drazkowski, Mike Benson and Keith Downey. 

 

      Senate Conferees:  Mike Parry, Dave A. Thompson and Gretchen Hoffman. 

 

 

      Drazkowski moved that the report of the Conference Committee on H. F. No. 1974 be adopted and that the bill be repassed as amended by the Conference Committee.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

      The Speaker called Davids to the Chair.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9026

H. F. No. 1974, A bill for an act relating to public employment; providing that certain contract terms do not continue in effect after expiration of a collective bargaining agreement; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 179A.20, subdivision 6, by adding a subdivision.

 

 

      The bill was read for the third time, as amended by Conference, and placed upon its repassage.

 

      The question was taken on the repassage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 68 yeas and 63 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Barrett

Beard

Benson, M.

Bills

Buesgens

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Dean

Dettmer

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Erickson

Fabian

Franson

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Holberg

Hoppe

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Kriesel

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Murray

Myhra

Nornes

O'Driscoll

Peppin

Petersen, B.

Quam

Runbeck

Sanders

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Allen

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Benson, J.

Brynaert

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Davnie

Dill

Dittrich

Eken

Falk

Fritz

Gauthier

Greene

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Knuth

Laine

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Norton

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Poppe

Rukavina

Scalze

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Winkler


 

 

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

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER

 

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on S. F. No. 506:

 

      Shimanski, Mazorol and Kath.

 

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on S. F. No. 946:

 

      Erickson, Buesgens and Greiling.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9027

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on S. F. No. 1573:

 

      Nornes, Banaian, Dettmer, Vogel and Mariani.

 

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2164:

 

      McNamara; Anderson, P.; Hackbarth; Torkelson and Dill.

 

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on H. F. No. 2958:

 

      Holberg, McElfatrick and Eken.

 

 

FISCAL CALENDAR

 

 

      Pursuant to rule 1.22, Holberg requested immediate consideration of H. F. No. 418.

 

 

      H. F. No. 418 was reported to the House.

 

 

Downey and Stensrud moved to amend H. F. No. 418, the second engrossment, as follows:

 

Page 2, after line 2, insert:

 

"At the request of the chair and vice chair of the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the commissioner must include in the department's benchmarking study an evaluation of the systems employed by the senate, the house of representatives, and the Legislative Coordinating Commission."

 

Page 2, line 21, after the period, insert "The incremental cost of a benchmarking study implemented at the request of the Legislative Coordinating Commission must be paid for by the commission, in cooperation with the house of representatives and the senate."

 

 

      The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

 

 

      H. F. No. 418, A bill for an act relating to state government; proposing the Back Office Consolidation Act; requiring a benchmarking study on centralizing accounting, financial reporting, procurement, fleet services, human resources, and payroll functions in the Department of Administration; requiring a report on improvement initiatives.

 

 

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


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9028

      The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 75 yeas and 56 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, M.

Bills

Buesgens

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Dean

Dettmer

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Erickson

Fabian

Franson

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Holberg

Hoppe

Howes

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Kriesel

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Murray

Myhra

Nornes

O'Driscoll

Peppin

Petersen, B.

Quam

Runbeck

Sanders

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Allen

Anzelc

Atkins

Benson, J.

Brynaert

Carlson

Champion

Davnie

Dill

Eken

Falk

Fritz

Gauthier

Greene

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Knuth

Laine

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Norton

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Poppe

Rukavina

Scalze

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Winkler


 

 

      The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

 

 

      Pursuant to rule 1.22, Holberg requested immediate consideration of H. F. No. 2967.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2967 was reported to the House.

 

 

Holberg and Carlson moved to amend H. F. No. 2967, the first engrossment, as follows:

 

Page 9, line 31, delete "2012" and insert "2013"

 

Page 11, after line 7, insert:

 

"Sec. 6.  FIRE SAFETY; APPROPRIATION.

 

$4,500,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2013 from the fire safety account in the special revenue fund to the commissioner of public safety for activities and programs under Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.012.  This is a onetime appropriation."

 

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

 

Amend the title accordingly

 

 

      A roll call was requested and properly seconded.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9029

      The question was taken on the Holberg and Carlson amendment and the roll was called.  There were 131 yeas and 0 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Winkler

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

 

      The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

 

 

      Thissen offered an amendment to H. F. No. 2967, the first engrossment, as amended.

 

 

POINT OF ORDER

 

      Dean raised a point of order pursuant to rule 4.05, relating to Amendment Limits, that the Thissen amendment was not in order.  Speaker pro tempore Davids ruled the point of order well taken and the Thissen amendment out of order.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2967, A bill for an act relating to state government; updating the equalizing factors and threshold rates to reflect the changed adjusted net tax capacity tax base; updating human services appropriations for changes reflected in the February forecast; making certain education shift adjustments; regulating the fire safety account; establishing a certain community outreach grant; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 123B.53, subdivisions 4, 5; 123B.591, subdivision 3; 124D.20, subdivision 5; 124D.22, subdivision 3; 126C.10, subdivisions 13a, 35; 126C.41, subdivision 5; 126C.63, subdivision 8; 126C.69, subdivisions 2, 9; 297I.06, subdivision 1; 299F.012, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 16A.152, subdivision 2; 123B.54; 123B.57, subdivision 4; 127A.45, subdivision 2; 297I.06, subdivision 3.

 

 

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


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9030

      The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called. 

 

      Pursuant to rule 2.05, Kriesel was excused from voting on the final passage of H. F. No. 2967, as amended.

 

      There were 74 yeas and 56 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, M.

Bills

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Dean

Dettmer

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Franson

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Holberg

Hoppe

Howes

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Murray

Myhra

Nornes

O'Driscoll

Peppin

Petersen, B.

Quam

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Allen

Anzelc

Atkins

Benson, J.

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Davnie

Dill

Falk

Fritz

Gauthier

Greene

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Knuth

Laine

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Norton

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Poppe

Rukavina

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Winkler


 

 

      The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

 

 

      Speaker pro tempore Davids called Lanning to the Chair.

 

 

CALENDAR FOR THE DAY

 

 

      S. F. No. 1754, A bill for an act relating to lawful gambling; increasing the allowable per diem reimbursement from lawful gambling net profits for military marching, color guard, or honor guard units; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 349.12, subdivision 25.

 

 

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


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9031

      The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 131 yeas and 0 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Winkler

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

 

      The bill was passed and its title agreed to.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2795, A bill for an act relating to horse racing; medication; providing for certain regulatory threshold concentrations to be set by the commission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 240.24, subdivision 2.

 

 

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

 

      The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 131 yeas and 0 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Allen

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Brynaert

Buesgens

Carlson

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Davnie

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Dittrich

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gauthier

Gottwalt

Greene

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Laine

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Lohmer

Loon

Mack


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9032

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Paymar

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wagenius

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Winkler

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

 

      The bill was passed and its title agreed to.

 

 

      H. F. No. 1975 was reported to the House.

 

 

      Drazkowski moved that H. F. No. 1975 be continued on the Calendar for the Day.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2690 was reported to the House.

 

 

Davids moved to amend H. F. No. 2690, the first engrossment, as follows:

 

Page 6, line 12, delete "with"

 

Page 6, line 13, delete "respect to the qualified interest disposed of"

 

Page 6, line 18, after "entity" insert "wholly"

 

Page 40, line 8, delete "act" and insert "article"

 

Renumber the sections in sequence and correct the internal references

 

Amend the title accordingly

 

 

      The motion prevailed and the amendment was adopted.

 

 

      Mahoney and Marquart offered an amendment to H. F. No. 2690, the first engrossment, as amended.

 

 

POINT OF ORDER

 

      Holberg raised a point of order pursuant to rule 4.05, relating to Amendment Limits, that the Mahoney and Marquart amendment was not in order.  Speaker pro tempore Lanning ruled the point of order well taken and the Mahoney and Marquart amendment out of order.

 

 

      Thissen appealed the decision of Speaker pro tempore Lanning.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9033

      A roll call was requested and properly seconded.

 

 

      The vote was taken on the question "Shall the decision of Speaker pro tempore Lanning stand as the judgment of the House?" and the roll was called.  There were 72 yeas and 59 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, M.

Bills

Buesgens

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Dean

Dettmer

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Erickson

Fabian

Franson

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Holberg

Hoppe

Howes

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Kriesel

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Murdock

Murray

Myhra

Nornes

O'Driscoll

Peppin

Petersen, B.

Quam

Runbeck

Sanders

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Allen

Anzelc

Atkins

Benson, J.

Brynaert

Carlson

Champion

Davnie

Dill

Dittrich

Eken

Falk

Fritz

Gauthier

Greene

Greiling

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Hornstein

Hortman

Hosch

Huntley

Johnson

Kahn

Kath

Knuth

Laine

Lenczewski

Lesch

Liebling

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Mariani

Marquart

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murphy, E.

Murphy, M.

Nelson

Norton

Paymar

Pelowski

Persell

Poppe

Rukavina

Scalze

Simon

Slawik

Slocum

Thissen

Tillberry

Wagenius

Ward

Winkler


 

 

      So it was the judgment of the House that the decision of Speaker pro tempore Lanning should stand.

 

 

      H. F. No. 2690, A bill for an act relating to taxation; making technical, administrative, and clarifying changes to individual income, corporate franchise, estate, property, sales and use, special, mineral, and various taxes and tax-related provisions; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 16C.16, subdivision 7; 41A.036, subdivision 2; 117.025, subdivision 10; 216C.436, subdivisions 7, 8; 270B.14, subdivision 3; 272.02, subdivision 77; 273.13, subdivision 24; 273.1398, subdivision 4; 276A.01, subdivision 3; 289A.10, by adding a subdivision; 289A.12, by adding a subdivision; 289A.18, by adding a subdivision; 289A.20, subdivision 3, by adding a subdivision; 290.01, subdivision 29; 290.067, subdivision 1; 290.0921, subdivision 3; 373.40, subdivisions 1, 2, 4; 469.015, subdivision 4; 469.033, subdivision 7; 469.166, subdivisions 3, 5, 6; 469.167, subdivision 2; 469.171, subdivisions 1, 4, 7, 9, 11; 469.172; 469.173, subdivisions 5, 6; 469.174, subdivisions 20, 25; 469.176, subdivision 7; 469.1763, subdivision 6; 469.1764, subdivision 1; 469.177, subdivision 1; 469.1793; 469.1813, subdivision 6b; 473F.02, subdivision 3; 474A.02, subdivision 23a; 475.521, subdivisions 2, 4; 475.58, subdivision 3b; Minnesota Statutes 2011 Supplement, sections 290.01, subdivision 19b; 290.06, subdivision 2c; 290.0671, subdivision 1; 290.091, subdivision 2; 290.0922, subdivisions 2, 3; 291.03, subdivisions 8, 9, 10, 11; 297A.75, subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2010, sections 272.02, subdivision 83; 290.06, subdivisions 24, 32; 297A.68, subdivision 41; 469.042, subdivisions 2, 3, 4; 469.043; 469.059, subdivision 13; 469.129; 469.134; 469.162, subdivision 2; 469.1651; 469.166, subdivisions 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; 469.167, subdivisions 1, 3; 469.168; 469.169, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9034

10, 11, 13; 469.170, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 6, 7, 8; 469.171, subdivisions 2, 5, 6a, 6b; 469.173, subdivisions 1, 3; 469.1765; 469.1791; 469.1799, subdivision 2; 469.301, subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 469.302; 469.303; 469.304; 469.321; 469.3215; 469.322; 469.323; 469.324; 469.325; 469.326; 469.327; 469.328; 469.329; 473.680.

 

 

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

 

      The question was taken on the passage of the bill and the roll was called.  There were 109 yeas and 20 nays as follows:

 

      Those who voted in the affirmative were:

 


Abeler

Anderson, B.

Anderson, D.

Anderson, P.

Anderson, S.

Anzelc

Atkins

Banaian

Barrett

Beard

Benson, J.

Benson, M.

Bills

Buesgens

Champion

Cornish

Crawford

Daudt

Davids

Dean

Dettmer

Dill

Doepke

Downey

Drazkowski

Eken

Erickson

Fabian

Falk

Franson

Fritz

Garofalo

Gottwalt

Greiling

Gruenhagen

Gunther

Hackbarth

Hamilton

Hancock

Hansen

Hausman

Hilstrom

Hilty

Holberg

Hoppe

Hortman

Hosch

Howes

Huntley

Kath

Kelly

Kieffer

Kiel

Kiffmeyer

Knuth

Kriesel

Lanning

Leidiger

LeMieur

Liebling

Lohmer

Loon

Mack

Mariani

Mazorol

McDonald

McElfatrick

McFarlane

McNamara

Melin

Moran

Morrow

Mullery

Murdock

Murphy, M.

Murray

Myhra

Nelson

Nornes

Norton

O'Driscoll

Pelowski

Peppin

Persell

Petersen, B.

Poppe

Quam

Rukavina

Runbeck

Sanders

Scalze

Schomacker

Scott

Shimanski

Simon

Slawik

Smith

Stensrud

Swedzinski

Thissen

Tillberry

Torkelson

Urdahl

Vogel

Ward

Wardlow

Westrom

Woodard

Spk. Zellers


 

      Those who voted in the negative were:

 


Brynaert

Carlson

Dittrich

Gauthier

Greene

Hornstein

Johnson

Kahn

Laine

Lenczewski

Lesch

Lillie

Loeffler

Mahoney

Marquart

Murphy, E.

Paymar

Slocum

Wagenius

Winkler


 

 

      The bill was passed, as amended, and its title agreed to.

 

 

      Hoppe moved that the remaining bills on the Calendar for the Day be continued.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

FISCAL CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

 

      Pursuant to rule 1.22, Holberg announced her intention to place H. F. No. 1284; S. F. Nos. 230 and 1808; H. F. Nos. 2685 and 2860; S. F. No. 1597; and H. F. No. 1752 on the Fiscal Calendar for Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

 

 

      There being no objection, the order of business reverted to Messages from the Senate.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9035

MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

 

 

      The following message was received from the Senate:

 

 

Mr. Speaker:

 

I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House File, herewith returned, as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested:

 

H. F. No. 1607, A bill for an act relating to the State Capitol; authorizing the State Patrol to provide security and protection to certain government officials; establishing a committee on capitol complex security; amending Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 299D.03, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 299E.

 

Cal R. Ludeman, Secretary of the Senate

 

 

      Woodard moved that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments to H. F. No. 1607, that the Speaker appoint a Conference Committee of 3 members of the House, and that the House requests that a like committee be appointed by the Senate to confer on the disagreeing votes of the two houses.  The motion prevailed.

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

 

      The Speaker announced the appointment of the following members of the House to a Conference Committee on H. F. No. 1607:

 

      Woodard, McDonald and Loeffler.

 

 

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

 

 

      McFarlane moved that the name of Kiel be added as an author on H. F. No. 1579.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Beard moved that the name of Eken be added as an author on H. F. No. 2169.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Kriesel moved that the names of Lanning and Hamilton be added as authors on H. F. No. 2418.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Howes moved that his name be stricken as an author on H. F. No. 2418.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Zellers moved that his name be stricken as an author on H. F. No. 2418.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Hilty moved that the name of Laine be added as an author on H. F. No. 3022.  The motion prevailed.


Journal of the House - 108th Day - Tuesday, April 24, 2012 - Top of Page 9036

      Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11 was reported to the House.

 

 

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11

 

A Senate concurrent resolution relating to the delivery of bills to the Governor after final adjournment.

 

Whereas, the Minnesota Constitution, Article IV, Section 23, authorizes the presentation to the Governor after sine die adjournment of bills that passed in the last three days of the Session; Now, Therefore,

 

Be It Resolved, by the Senate of the State of Minnesota, the House of Representatives concurring, that upon adjournment sine die of the 87th regular session of the Legislature, bills must be presented to the Governor as follows:

 

(a) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Secretary of the Senate shall certify and sign each bill in the same manner and upon the same certification as each bill is signed for presentation to the Governor before adjournment sine die, and each of those officers shall continue in their designated capacity during the three days following the date of final adjournment.

 

(b) The Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate, in accordance with the rules of the respective bodies and under the supervision and direction of the standing Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration and the standing Committee on Rules and Administration, shall carefully enroll each bill and present it to the Governor in the same manner as each bill is enrolled and presented to the Governor before adjournment of the Legislature sine die.

 

(c) The Revisor of Statutes shall continue to assist in all of the functions relating to enrollment of bills of the House of Representatives and of the Senate under the supervision of the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate in the same manner that the assistance was rendered before adjournment of the Legislature sine die.

 

Be It Further Resolved that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to deliver copies of this resolution to the Governor and the Secretary of State.

 

 

      Dean moved that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11 be now adopted.  The motion prevailed and Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11 was adopted.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

      Dean moved that when the House adjourns today it adjourn until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25, 2012.  The motion prevailed.

 

      Dean moved that the House adjourn.  The motion prevailed, and Speaker pro tempore Lanning declared the House stands adjourned until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

 

 

Albin A. Mathiowetz, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives