HF 3791

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/07/2024 03:42pm

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; providing for new electronic license system; making
conforming changes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 14.386; 84.027,
subdivision 15; 84.0874; 84.152, subdivision 3; 84.788, subdivision 11; 84.798,
subdivision 10; 84.8035, subdivision 1; 84.82, subdivisions 2a, 11; 84.8205; 84.83,
subdivision 2; 84.922, subdivision 12; 85.41, subdivisions 1, 4; 85.45, subdivision
1; 85.46, subdivision 3; 86B.415, subdivision 11; 97A.015, subdivision 3a, by
adding a subdivision; 97A.215, by adding a subdivision; 97A.255, subdivision 5;
97A.405, subdivisions 3, 4, 4a; 97A.420, as amended; 97A.445, by adding a
subdivision; 97A.473, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, 5, 5a; 97A.474, subdivision 3; 97A.481;
97A.485, subdivision 6; 97A.535, subdivisions 1, 2, 2a, 4; 97A.551, subdivision
6; 97B.303; 97B.401; 97B.603; 97B.716, subdivision 2; 97B.721; 97C.087;
97C.301, subdivision 2a; 97C.355, subdivision 2; Minnesota Statutes 2023
Supplement, sections 84.83, subdivision 3; 97A.405, subdivision 2; repealing
Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 97A.015, subdivision 27a; 97A.485, subdivision
13.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 14.386, is amended to read:

14.386 PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTING EXEMPT RULES; DURATION.

(a) A rule adopted, amended, or repealed by an agency, under a statute enacted after
January 1, 1997, authorizing or requiring rules to be adopted but excluded from the
rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 or from the definition of a rule, has the force and effect
of law only if:

(1) the revisor of statutes approves the form of the rule by certificate;

(2) the person authorized to adopt the rule on behalf of the agency signs an order adopting
the rule;

(3) the Office of Administrative Hearings approves the rule as to its legality within 14
days after the agency submits it for approval and files four paper copies or an electronic
copy of the adopted rule with the revisor's certificate in the Office of the Secretary of State;
and

(4) a copy is published by the agency in the State Register.

The secretary of state shall forward one copy of the rule to the governor.

A statute enacted after January 1, 1997, authorizing or requiring rules to be adopted but
excluded from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 or from the definition of a rule does
not excuse compliance with this section unless it makes specific reference to this section.

(b) A rule adopted under this section is effective for a period of two years from the date
of publication of the rule in the State Register. The authority for the rule expires at the end
of this two-year period.

(c) The chief administrative law judge shall adopt rules relating to the rule approval
duties imposed by this section and section 14.388, including rules establishing standards
for review.

(d) This section does not apply to:

(1) any group or rule listed in section 14.03, subdivisions 1 and 3, except as otherwise
provided by law;

(2) game and fish rules of the commissioner of natural resources adopted under section
84.027, subdivision 13, or sections 97A.0451 to 97A.0459;

(3) experimental and special management waters designated by the commissioner of
natural resources under sections 97C.001 and 97C.005;

(4) game refuges designated by the commissioner of natural resources under section
97A.085; or

(5) transaction fees established by the commissioner of natural resources for electronic
or telephone sales of licenses, stamps, permits, registrations, or transfers under section
84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end .

(e) If a statute provides that a rule is exempt from chapter 14, and section 14.386 does
not apply to the rule, the rule has the force of law unless the context of the statute delegating
the rulemaking authority makes clear that the rule does not have force of law.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.027, subdivision 15, is amended to read:

Subd. 15.

Electronic transactions.

(a) The commissioner may receive an application
for, sell, and issue any license, stamp, permit, pass, sticker, gift card, safety training
certification, registration, or transfer under the jurisdiction of the commissioner by electronic
means, including by telephone. Notwithstanding section 97A.472, electronic and telephone
transactions may be made outside of the state. The commissioner may:

(1) provide for the electronic transfer of funds generated by electronic transactions,
including by telephone;

deleted text begin (2) assign an identification number to an applicant who purchases a hunting or fishing
license or recreational vehicle registration by electronic means, to serve as temporary
authorization to engage in the activity requiring a license or registration until the license or
registration is received or expires;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end charge and permit agents to charge a fee of individuals who make electronic
transactions and transactions by telephone or Internet, including issuing fees and an additional
transaction fee not to exceed $3.50;

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end charge and permit agents to charge a convenience fee not to exceed three percent
of the cost of the license to individuals who use electronic bank cards for payment. An
electronic licensing system agent charging a fee of individuals making an electronic bank
card transaction in person must post a sign informing individuals of the fee. The sign must
be near the point of payment, clearly visible, include the amount of the fee, and state:
"License agents are allowed by state law to charge a fee not to exceed three percent of the
cost of state licenses to persons who use electronic bank cards for payment. The fee is not
required by state law.";

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end establish, by written order, an electronic licensing system commission to be paid
by revenues generated from all sales made through the electronic licensing system. The
commissioner shall establish the commission in a manner that neither significantly
overrecovers nor underrecovers costs involved in providing the electronic licensing system;
and

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (5) new text end adopt rules to administer the provisions of this subdivision.

(b) The fees established under paragraph (a), clauses new text begin (2) and new text end (3) deleted text begin and (4) deleted text end , and the
commission established under paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end , are not subject to the rulemaking
procedures of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

(c) Money received from fees and commissions collected under this subdivision, including
interest earned, is annually appropriated from the game and fish fund and the natural
resources fund to the commissioner for the cost of electronic licensing.

(d) Game and fish licenses under chapters 97A, 97B, and 97C shall be available by
electronic transaction, regardless of whether all or any part of the biennial appropriation
law for the department has been enacted. If, by July 1 of an odd-numbered year, legislation
has not been enacted to appropriate money to the commissioner of management and budget
for central accounting, procurement, payroll, and human resources functions, amounts
necessary to operate those functions for the purpose of this paragraph are appropriated from
the general fund to the commissioner of management and budget. As necessary, the
commissioner may transfer a portion of this appropriation to other state agencies to support
carrying out these functions. Any subsequent appropriation to the commissioner of
management and budget for a biennium in which this section is applicable supersedes and
replaces the funding authorized in this paragraph.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.0874, is amended to read:

84.0874 ELECTRONIC LICENSING SYSTEM DATA.

(a) The following data created, collected, stored, or maintained by the department for
purposes of obtaining a noncommercial game and fish license, cross-country-ski pass, horse
pass, or snowmobile trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end ; registering a recreational motor vehicle; or any other
electronic licensing transaction are private data on individuals as defined in section 13.02,
subdivision 12: name, addresses, driver's license number, and date of birth. The data may
be disclosed for law enforcement purposes. The data, other than the driver's license number,
may be disclosed to a government entity and for natural resources management purposes,
including recruitment, retention, and training certification and verification.

(b) Private data on individuals under paragraph (a) may be disclosed as follows:

(1) for use by any government agency, including a court or law enforcement agency, in
carrying out its functions, or any private person or entity acting on behalf of a federal, state,
or local agency in carrying out its functions;

(2) for use in connection with matters of vehicle or operator safety and theft, emissions,
product alterations, recalls or advisories, and performance monitoring;

(3) for use in the normal course of business by a legitimate business or its agents,
employees, or contractors, in order to verify the accuracy of personal information submitted
by an individual. If the information as submitted is not correct or is no longer correct, correct
information may be obtained only for the purpose of preventing fraud by, pursuing legal
remedies against, or recovering on a debt or security interest against the individual. If the
person requesting access is acting as the agent of a lienholder, the requester must submit
proof of a contract with the lienholder;

(4) for use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitration
proceedings in any federal, state, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body,
including service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or
enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a federal, state, or local
court, provided that the requester provides a copy of the court order;

(5) for use by any insurer or insurance support organization, or by a self-insured entity,
or its agents, employees, or contractors, in connection with claims investigation activities
or antifraud activities. If the person requesting access is an agent of an insurance company,
the requester must provide the insurance company's name;

(6) for use in providing notice to the owners of towed or impounded recreational vehicles
or watercraft. The person requesting access must provide the name, address, and telephone
number of the entity that requested that the recreational vehicle or watercraft be towed;

(7) for use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for
any purpose permitted under this section, provided that the person provides a copy of a
valid license; or

(8) where the use is related to the physical safety or security of operators, vehicles,
pedestrians, or property.

The commissioner must not disclose data under this paragraph if the commissioner concludes
that the requester is likely to use the data for an improper purpose or other purpose not
authorized by this paragraph.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.152, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Application.

(a) deleted text begin An application for a wild rice dealer's license must be made
under a written oath. deleted text end The deleted text begin form of deleted text end new text begin application for new text end a wild rice dealer's license application
must include:

(1) the amount of wild rice, whether raw or processed, bought or sold by the applicant
during the preceding calendar year;

(2) the amount of wild rice the applicant estimates will be bought or sold under the
license; and

(3) other pertinent information required by the commissioner.

(b) The license fee must be paid in advance, based on the applicant's estimate. A license
may not be issued for a fee based on a lesser amount of wild rice than was bought or sold
by the applicant during the preceding calendar year.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.788, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including
any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15,
paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end , if the refund request is received within 12 months of the original
registration and:

(1) the off-highway motorcycle was registered incorrectly by the commissioner or the
deputy registrar; or

(2) the off-highway motorcycle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by
the customer.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.798, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including
any issuing fees paid under subdivision 3, paragraph (b), or section 84.027, subdivision 15,
paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end , if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original
registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the off-road vehicle was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the off-road vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.8035, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Pass required; fee.

(a) Except as provided under paragraph (c), a person
may not operate an off-road vehicle on a state or grant-in-aid off-road vehicle trail or use
area unless the vehicle displays an off-road vehicle state trail pass deleted text begin sticker deleted text end issued according
to this section. The pass must be deleted text begin viewable deleted text end new text begin available to be viewed new text end by a peace officer, a
conservation officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835.

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a pass upon application and payment
of the fee. Fees collected under this section, except for the issuing fee for licensing agents,
shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the off-road vehicle account in the
natural resources fund and, except for the electronic licensing system commission established
by the commissioner under section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid
to counties and municipalities for off-road vehicle organizations to construct and maintain
off-road vehicle trails and use areas.

(c) An off-road vehicle state trail pass is not required for:

(1) an off-road vehicle that is owned and used by the United States, another state, or a
political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration under section 84.798, subdivision
2;

(2) a person operating an off-road vehicle only on the portion of a trail that is owned by
the person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(3) a person operating an off-road vehicle that is registered according to section 84.798.

(d) The fee for an annual nonresident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The
nonresident pass is valid from January 1 through December 31. The fee for a nonresident
three-year pass is $30.

(e) The fee for a resident off-road vehicle state trail pass is $20. The resident pass is
valid for 30 consecutive days after the date of issuance.

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Nontrail use registration.

A snowmobile may be registered for nontrail use.
A snowmobile registered under this subdivision may not be operated on a state or grant-in-aid
snowmobile trail. The fee for a nontrail use registration of a snowmobile with an engine
displacement that is greater than 125 cubic centimeters is $45 for three years. A nontrail
use registration is not transferable. In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, the
penalty for violation of this subdivision is immediate revocation of the nontrail use
registration. The commissioner shall ensure that the registration deleted text begin sticker deleted text end provided for limited
nontrail use is of a different color and is distinguishable from other snowmobile registration
deleted text begin and state trail stickers deleted text end provided.

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including
any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15,
paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end , if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original
registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the snowmobile was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the snowmobile was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.8205, is amended to read:

84.8205 SNOWMOBILE STATE TRAIL deleted text begin STICKER deleted text end new text begin PASS new text end .

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Sticker deleted text end new text begin Pass new text end required; fee.

(a) A snowmobile that is not registered in
the state under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), or that is registered by a
manufacturer or dealer under section 84.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (b) or (c), may not be
operated on a state or grant-in-aid snowmobile trail unless a snowmobile state trail deleted text begin sticker
is affixed to the snowmobile deleted text end new text begin pass is available for inspection by a peace officer, a conservation
officer, or an employee designated under section 84.0835 new text end .

(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall issue a deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end upon application
and payment of a fee. The fee is:

(1) $50 for a one-year snowmobile state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end purchased by an individual;
and

(2) $15 for a one-year snowmobile state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end purchased by a dealer or
manufacturer.

(c) In addition to other penalties prescribed by law, an individual in violation of this
subdivision must purchase an annual state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end for a fee of $70. The deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin
pass new text end is valid from November 1 through June 30. Fees collected under this section, except
for the issuing fee for licensing agents, shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited
to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and, except
for the electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under
section 84.027, subdivision 15, must be used for grants-in-aid, trail maintenance, grooming,
and easement acquisition.

(d) A state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end is not required under this section for:

(1) a snowmobile that is owned and used by the United States, an Indian tribal
government, another state, or a political subdivision thereof that is exempt from registration
under section 84.82, subdivision 6;

(2) a collector snowmobile that is operated as provided in a special permit issued for the
collector snowmobile under section 84.82, subdivision 7a;

(3) a person operating a snowmobile only on the portion of a trail that is owned by the
person or the person's spouse, child, or parent; or

(4) a snowmobile while being used to groom a state or grant-in-aid trail.

deleted text begin Subd. 2. deleted text end

deleted text begin Placement of sticker. deleted text end

deleted text begin The state trail sticker shall be permanently affixed to
either:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) the forward half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight of the
snowmobile;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) above the expiration year on the top portion of the snowmobile registration validation
decal; or
deleted text end

deleted text begin (3) the lower right corner of a registration plate issued to a dealer or manufacturer under
section 84.82, subdivision 3.
deleted text end

Subd. 3.

License agents.

The commissioner may appoint agents to issue and sell state
trail deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end . The commissioner may revoke the appointment of an agent at any time.
The commissioner may adopt additional rules as provided in section 97A.485, subdivision
11. An agent shall observe all rules adopted by the commissioner for accounting and handling
of deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end pursuant to section 97A.485, subdivision 11. An agent shall promptly
deposit and remit all money received from the sale of the deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end , exclusive of the
issuing fee, to the commissioner.

Subd. 4.

Issuing deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end .

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell
snowmobile state trail deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end .

Subd. 5.

Agent's fee.

In addition to the fee for a deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end , an issuing fee of $1 per
deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end shall be charged. The issuing fee may be retained by the seller of the deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin
pass new text end . Issuing fees for deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end issued by the commissioner shall be deposited in the
snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund and retained for
the operation of the electronic licensing system.

Subd. 6.

Duplicate state trail deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end .

The commissioner and agents shall issue
a duplicate deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end to persons whose deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end is lost or destroyed using the process
established under section 97A.405, subdivision 3, and rules promulgated thereunder. The
fee for a duplicate state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end is $2, with an issuing fee of 50 cents.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.83, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Money deposited in account.

Fees from the registration of snowmobiles and
from the issuance of snowmobile state trail deleted text begin stickers deleted text end new text begin passes new text end and the unrefunded gasoline tax
attributable to snowmobile use pursuant to section 296A.18 shall be deposited in the state
treasury and credited to the snowmobile trails and enforcement account.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 84.83, subdivision 3, is amended
to read:

Subd. 3.

Purposes; allocation.

(a) The money deposited in the account and interest
earned on that money may be expended only as appropriated by law for the following
purposes:

(1) for a grant-in-aid program to counties and municipalities for construction and
maintenance of snowmobile trails that are determined by the commissioner to be part of
the state's grant-in-aid system, including maintenance of trails on lands and waters of
Voyageurs National Park; on Lake of the Woods; on Rainy Lake; on the following lakes in
St. Louis County: Burntside, Crane, Little Long, Mud, Pelican, Shagawa, and Vermilion;
and on the following lakes in Cook County: Devil Track and Hungry Jack. The commissioner
may establish a performance-based funding formula for annual grants-in-aid. The procedures
and criteria for grants-in-aid are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and
section 14.386 does not apply. In administering the performance-based grants-in-aid, the
commissioner must:

(i) determine annual grant amounts based on a funding formula that includes consideration
of historical costs, snowfall, use, and tourism;

(ii) make grant payments based on:

(A) successful completion of performance benchmarks;

(B) reimbursement of eligible expenditures; or

(C) a combination of subitems (A) and (B); and

(iii) assess penalties to nonperforming grant-in-aid recipients, which may include
withholding grant payments or making the grantee or trail system ineligible for future
grant-in-aid funding;

(2) to acquire, develop, and maintain state recreational snowmobile trails;

(3) for snowmobile safety programs; and

(4) to administer and enforce sections 84.81 to 84.9011 and appropriated grants to local
law enforcement agencies.

(b) No less than 60 percent of revenue collected from snowmobile registration and
snowmobile state trail deleted text begin sticker deleted text end new text begin pass new text end fees must be expended for grants-in-aid to develop,
maintain, and groom trails and acquire easements.

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.922, subdivision 12, is amended to read:

Subd. 12.

Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a registration, not including
any issuing fees paid under subdivision 2, paragraph (e), or section 84.027, subdivision 15,
paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end , if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original
registration, the registration is not used or transferred, and:

(1) the vehicle was registered incorrectly; or

(2) the vehicle was registered twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.41, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Pass in possession.

While skiing on cross-country-ski trails, a person
age 16 or over shall carry in immediate possession a valid deleted text begin , signed deleted text end cross-country-ski pass.
A landowner who grants an easement for a grant-in-aid ski trail is not required to have a
pass when skiing on the landowner's property.

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Issuance.

The commissioner and agents shall issue and sell cross-country-ski
passes. The pass shall be with the skier and available for inspection by any peace or
conservation officer. The pass shall include the applicant's deleted text begin signature and other deleted text end information
deemed necessary by the commissioner.

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.45, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Skiing without pass.

No person may ski on a cross-country-ski trail
without a valid deleted text begin , signed deleted text end cross-country-ski pass. Any person who violates this subdivision is
guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 85.46, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Issuance.

The commissioner of natural resources and agents shall issue and
sell horse passes. The pass shall include the applicant's deleted text begin signature and other deleted text end information
deemed necessary by the commissioner. To be valid, a daily or annual pass must be deleted text begin signed
by deleted text end new text begin issued to new text end the person riding, leading, or driving the horse, and a commercial annual pass
must be deleted text begin signed by deleted text end new text begin issued to new text end the owner of the commercial riding facility.

Sec. 18.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 86B.415, subdivision 11, is amended to read:

Subd. 11.

Refunds.

The commissioner may issue a refund on a license or title, not
including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 8 or section 84.027, subdivision 15,
paragraph (a), clause deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end , or 86B.870, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), if the refund request
is received within 60 days of the original license or title, the license or title is not used or
transferred, and:

(1) the watercraft was licensed or titled incorrectly;

(2) the customer was incorrectly charged a title fee; or

(3) the watercraft was licensed or titled twice, once by the dealer and once by the
customer.

Sec. 19.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.015, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:

Subd. 3a.

Bonus permit.

"Bonus permit" means a license to take deleted text begin and tag deleted text end deer by archery
or firearms, in addition to deer authorized to be taken under regular firearms or archery
licenses, or a license issued under section 97A.441, subdivision 7.

Sec. 20.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.015, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 53a. new text end

new text begin Validation. new text end

new text begin "Validation" means the documentation process for taking a
specific species under a license for that species, which can be completed electronically or
on the corresponding paper license, permit, or endorsement to include information specified
by the commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.215, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Electronic devices. new text end

new text begin During an inspection under subdivision 3, if a person uses
an electronic device to display a document to a conservation officer or peace officer:
new text end

new text begin (1) the officer is immune from liability for any damage to the device, unless the officer
does not exercise due care in handling the device; and
new text end

new text begin (2) it does not constitute consent for the officer to access other contents on the device.
new text end

Sec. 22.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.255, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Joint and several liability.

When two or more people intentionally aid, advise,
counsel, conspire with, or act in concert with each other to unlawfully take, transport, or
possess wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500, each
person is jointly and severally liable for the wild animals for purposes of:

(1) license seizure new text begin , invalidation, new text end and revocation under sections 97A.420 and 97A.421;

(2) equipment and property seizure under section 97A.221;

(3) boat, motor, and trailer seizure under section 97A.225; and

(4) restitution under section 97A.341.

Sec. 23.

Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 97A.405, subdivision 2, is amended
to read:

Subd. 2.

Personal possession.

(a) A person acting under a license or traveling from an
area where a licensed activity was performed must have in personal possession:

(1) the proper paper license deleted text begin , if the license has been issued to and received by the person deleted text end ;

(2) a driver's license or Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of
the proper lifetime license, as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19;

(3) the proper paper license identification number or stamp validation, if the license has
been sold to the person by electronic means deleted text begin but the actual license has not been issued and
received deleted text end ; or

(4) electronic or other evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has the
proper paperless license.

(b) If possession of a license or a license identification number is required, a person
must exhibit, as requested by a conservation officer or peace officer: (1) the proper paper
license deleted text begin if the license has been issued to and received by the person deleted text end ; (2) a driver's license or
Minnesota identification card that bears a valid designation of the proper lifetime license,
as provided under section 171.07, subdivision 19; (3) the proper paper license identification
number or stamp validation and a valid state driver's license, state identification card, or
other form of identification provided by the commissioner deleted text begin , if the license has been sold to
the person by electronic means but the actual license has not been issued and received deleted text end ; or
(4) electronic or other evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the person has the
proper paperless license. A person charged with violating the license possession requirement
shall not be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer,
the actual license previously issued to that person, which was valid at the time of arrest, or
satisfactory proof that at the time of the arrest the person was validly licensed. Upon request
of a conservation officer or peace officer, a licensee shall write the licensee's name in the
presence of the officer to determine the identity of the licensee.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (4), if the actual license has been
issued and received, a receipt for license fees, a copy of a license, or evidence showing the
issuance of a license, including the license identification number or stamp validation, does
not entitle a licensee to exercise the rights or privileges conferred by a license.

(d) deleted text begin A paper license issued electronically and not immediately provided to the licensee
shall be mailed to the licensee within 30 days of purchase of the license. deleted text end A pictorial migratory
waterfowl, pheasant, trout and salmon, or walleye stamp shall be provided to the licensee
after purchase of a stamp validation only if the licensee pays an additional fee that covers
the costs of producing and mailing a pictorial stamp. A pictorial turkey stamp may be
purchased for a fee that covers the costs of producing and mailing the pictorial stamp.
Notwithstanding section 16A.1283, the commissioner may, by written order published in
the State Register, establish fees for providing the pictorial stamps. The fees must be set in
an amount that does not recover significantly more or less than the cost of producing and
mailing the stamps. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and
section 14.386 does not apply.

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Duplicate licenses.

The commissioner shall prescribe rules for issuing duplicate
licenses to persons whose licenses are lost or destroyed. deleted text begin A duplicate license may not be
issued unless the applicant takes an oath covering the facts of loss or destruction of the
license.
deleted text end

Sec. 25.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Replacement deer licenses.

(a) The commissioner may permit licensed deer
hunters to change zone, license, or season options. The commissioner may issue a
replacement deer license if the applicant deleted text begin submits the original deer license and unused tags
that are being replaced and the applicant deleted text end pays any increase in cost between the original and
the replacement deer license. A refund of the difference in fees may be issued when a person
changes from a regular deer license to a youth deer license.

(b) A replacement deer license may be issued only if the applicant has not deleted text begin used any tag
from deleted text end new text begin harvested a deer under new text end the original deer license or licenses and meets the conditions
of paragraph (c). deleted text begin The original deer license or licenses and all unused tags for the deer licenses
being replaced must be submitted to the issuing agent at the time the replacement deer
license is issued.
deleted text end

(c) A replacement deer license may be issued under the following conditions, or as
otherwise prescribed by rule of the commissioner:

(1) when the season for the deer license being surrendered has not yet opened; or

(2) when the person is changing from a regular deer license to a youth deer license.

(d) Notwithstanding section 97A.411, subdivision 3, a replacement deer license is valid
immediately upon issuance if the deer license being surrendered is valid at that time.

Sec. 26.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.405, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a.

Replacement turkey licenses.

(a) The commissioner may permit licensed
turkey hunters to change permit areas, licenses, or time periods within the fall turkey season,
or within the spring turkey season. The commissioner may issue a replacement turkey license
if the applicant deleted text begin submits the original turkey license and unused tags that are being replaced,
and the applicant deleted text end pays the fee for a replacement license under section 97A.475, subdivision
44.

(b) A replacement turkey license may be issued only if the applicant has not deleted text begin used the
tag from deleted text end new text begin harvested a turkey under new text end the original turkey license and meets the requirements
of paragraph (c). deleted text begin The original turkey licenses and all unused tags for the turkey licenses
being replaced must be submitted to the issuing agent at the time the replacement turkey
license is issued.
deleted text end

(c) A turkey replacement license may be issued under the following conditions, or as
otherwise prescribed by rule of the commissioner:

(1) when the permit area or time period for the turkey license being surrendered has not
yet opened; and

(2) licenses are available for the replacement turkey license permit area or time period
for (i) areas that are not lottery areas, (ii) lottery areas that have remaining licenses, or (iii)
the applicant is a youth hunter age 17 or younger.

Sec. 27.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.420, as amended by Laws 2023, chapter
60, article 4, section 50, is amended to read:

97A.420 SEIZURE new text begin OR INVALIDATION new text end OF LICENSES.

Subdivision 1.

Seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end .

(a) An enforcement officer shall immediately
seize new text begin or invalidate new text end the license of a person who unlawfully takes, transports, or possesses
wild animals when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds $500. Except as provided
in subdivisions 2, 4, and 5, the person may not use or obtain any license to take the same
type of wild animals involved, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under
subdivision 6. If the license seized new text begin or invalidated new text end under this paragraph was for a big game
animal, the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end applies to all licenses to take big game issued to
the individual. If the license seized new text begin or invalidated new text end under this paragraph was for small game
animals, the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end applies to all licenses to take small game issued
to the individual.

(b) In addition to the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end under paragraph (a), if the restitution
value of the wild animals unlawfully taken, possessed, or transported is $1,000 or more, all
other game and fish licenses held by the person shall be immediately seized new text begin or invalidated new text end .
Except as provided in subdivision 2, 4, or 5, the person may not obtain any game or fish
license or permit, including a duplicate license, until an action is taken under subdivision
6.

(c) A person may not take wild animals covered by a license seized new text begin or invalidated new text end under
this subdivision until an action is taken under subdivision 6.

(d) The commissioner must make a means of seizing new text begin or invalidating new text end and releasing a
paperless license under this section available to enforcement officers.

Subd. 2.

Administrative review.

(a) At any time after the seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end of a
license under subdivision 1 and before revocation under section 97A.421, a person may
request in writing a review of the seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end under this section. Upon receiving
the request for review, the commissioner shall review the seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end , the evidence
upon which it was based, and other material information brought to the attention of the
commissioner, and determine whether sufficient cause exists to sustain the seizure new text begin or
invalidation new text end .

(b) Within 15 days after receiving the request for administrative review, the commissioner
shall issue a written report of the review and shall order that the seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end be
either sustained or rescinded.

(c) The review provided in this subdivision is not subject to the contested case provisions
of the Administrative Procedure Act under chapter 14. The availability of administrative
review does not preclude judicial review under this section.

Subd. 3.

Judicial review.

(a) Within 30 days following the seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end of a
license under subdivision 1, a person may petition the court for review. The petition must
be filed with the district court administrator in the county where the incident occurred,
together with proof of service of a copy on the commissioner and the county attorney. A
responsive pleading is not required of the commissioner of natural resources and court fees
may not be charged for the appearance of the representative of the commissioner in the
matter.

(b) The petition must be captioned in the name of the person making the petition as
petitioner and the commissioner as respondent. The petition must state specifically the
grounds upon which the petitioner seeks rescission of the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end .

(c) The filing of the petition does not stay the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end . The judicial
review shall be conducted according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.

Subd. 4.

Hearing.

(a) A hearing under subdivision 3 must be before a district court judge
in the county where the incident occurred giving rise to the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end .
The hearing must be to the court and may be conducted at the same time as hearings upon
pretrial motions in a related criminal prosecution. The commissioner must be represented
by the county attorney.

(b) The hearing must be held at the earliest practicable date and in any event no later
than 60 days following the filing of the petition for review.

(c) The scope of the hearing must be limited to the issue of whether there is probable
cause to believe that the person had unlawfully taken, possessed, or transported wild animals
with a restitution value over $500.

(d) The court shall order that the license seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end be either sustained or
rescinded. Within 14 days following the hearing, the court shall forward a copy of the order
to the commissioner.

(e) Any party aggrieved by the decision of the reviewing court may appeal the decision
as provided in the Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure.

Subd. 5.

Temporary release of commercial licenses.

At any time during the period
that a game or fish license is seized new text begin or invalidated new text end under subdivision 1, a person possessing
a commercial license issued under the game and fish laws may make a written request to
the commissioner to temporarily release the commercial license. If the commissioner
determines that the public welfare will not be injured, the commissioner may temporarily
reinstate the commercial license upon payment of a temporary reinstatement fee of $1,000
cash or bond in favor of the state for each commercial license to be released. An additional
fee is not required for vehicles licensed under section 97A.475, subdivision 26, clause (2)
or (4). If the license is returned under subdivision 6, paragraph (a), the temporary
reinstatement fee shall be returned to the licensee. If the license is revoked under subdivision
6, paragraph (b), the temporary reinstatement fee shall be deposited in the game and fish
fund and is not refundable.

Subd. 6.

Return or revocation of licenses upon dismissal or conviction.

(a) Upon
acquittal, dismissal, or determination not to charge a person for a violation, the license
seizure new text begin or invalidation new text end under subdivision 1 is immediately rescinded and any license seized
new text begin or invalidated new text end in connection with the incident must be returned to the licensee new text begin or reinstated new text end .

(b) Upon conviction of a violation when the restitution value of the wild animals exceeds
$500, revocation of licenses and license privileges must be imposed as provided under
section 97A.421, subdivision 2a.

Sec. 28.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.445, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin License system. new text end

new text begin In the event of a disruption in the availability of hunting and
angling licenses, the commissioner may publish in the State Register a notice that exempts
residents and nonresidents from requirements to possess a license to take game or fish.
new text end

Sec. 29.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Resident lifetime licenses authorized.

(a) The commissioner may issue
a lifetime angling license, a lifetime spearing license, a lifetime angling and spearing license,
a lifetime small-game-hunting license, a lifetime firearm or archery deer-hunting license,
a lifetime sporting license, or a lifetime sporting with spearing option license to a person
who is a resident of the state for at least one year or who is under age 21 and the child of a
person who is a resident of the state for at least one year. The license fees paid for a lifetime
license are nonrefundable.

(b) The commissioner may require the holder of a lifetime license issued under this
section to notify the department each year that the license is used, by:

(1) telephone or Internet notification, as specified by the commissioner;

(2) the purchase of stamps for the license; or

(3) registration deleted text begin and tag issuance deleted text end , in the case of the resident lifetime deer license.

Sec. 30.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Lifetime small-game-hunting license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime
small-game-hunting license authorizes a person to hunt and trap small game, other than
wolves, in the state. The license authorizes those hunting and trapping activities authorized
by the annual resident small-game-hunting license and the trapping license for fur-bearing
animals other than wolves. The license does not include deleted text begin a turkey stamp validation or deleted text end any
deleted text begin other deleted text end hunting stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime small-game-hunting license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $223;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $301;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $430; and

(4) age 51 and over, $274.

Sec. 31.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Lifetime deer-hunting license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime deer-hunting license
authorizes a person to take deer with firearms or by archery in the state. The license
authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident firearm deer-hunting license
or the annual resident archery deer-hunting license. The licensee must deleted text begin register and receive
tags deleted text end new text begin review and confirm information new text end each year that the license is used. deleted text begin The tags shall be
issued at no charge to the licensee.
deleted text end

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime firearm or archery deer-hunting license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $458;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $607;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $741; and

(4) age 51 and over, $528.

Sec. 32.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Lifetime sporting license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime sporting license authorizes
a person to take fish by angling and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the
state. The license authorizes those activities authorized by the annual resident angling and
resident small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing
animals other than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation,
deleted text begin a turkey stamp validation, deleted text end a walleye stamp validation, or any other deleted text begin hunting deleted text end stamps required
by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $522;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $710;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $927; and

(4) age 51 and over, $603.

Sec. 33.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.473, subdivision 5a, is amended to read:

Subd. 5a.

Lifetime sporting with spearing option license; fee.

(a) A resident lifetime
sporting with spearing option license authorizes a person to take fish by angling or spearing
and hunt and trap small game, other than wolves, in the state. The license authorizes those
activities authorized by the annual resident angling, spearing, and resident
small-game-hunting licenses and the resident trapping license for fur-bearing animals other
than wolves. The license does not include a trout-and-salmon stamp validation, deleted text begin a turkey
stamp validation, deleted text end a walleye stamp validation, or any other deleted text begin hunting deleted text end stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a resident lifetime sporting with spearing option license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $612;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $833;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $1,046; and

(4) age 51 and over, $666.

Sec. 34.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.474, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Nonresident lifetime small-game-hunting license; fee.

(a) A nonresident
lifetime small-game-hunting license authorizes a person to hunt small game in the state.
The license authorizes those hunting activities authorized by the annual nonresident
small-game-hunting license. The license does not include deleted text begin a turkey stamp validation or deleted text end any
deleted text begin other deleted text end hunting stamps required by law.

(b) The fees for a nonresident lifetime small-game-hunting license are:

(1) age 3 and under, $947;

(2) age 4 to age 15, $1,280;

(3) age 16 to age 50, $1,633; and

(4) age 51 and over, $1,083.

Sec. 35.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.481, is amended to read:

97A.481 LICENSE APPLICATIONS; PENALTY.

All information required on a license application form must be furnished. The deleted text begin application
must be made in writing and deleted text end new text begin applicant new text end is subject to the penalty prescribed in section 97A.301,
subdivision 1, clause (5).

Sec. 36.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.485, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

Licenses to be sold and issuing fees.

(a) Persons authorized to sell licenses
under this section must issue the following licenses for the license fee and the following
issuing fees:

(1) to take deer or bear with firearms and by archery, the issuing fee is $1;

(2) Minnesota sporting, the issuing fee is $1;

(3) to take small game, to take fish by angling or by spearing, and to trap fur-bearing
animals, the issuing fee is $1;

(4) to apply for a limited hunt drawing, the issuing fee is $1 unless the application requires
a license purchase at the time of application and the license purchase requires an application
fee;

(5) for a prairie-chicken license, the issuing fee is $1;

(6) for a turkey license, the issuing fee is $1;

(7) for an elk license, the issuing fee is $1;

(8) for a moose license, the issuing fee is $1;

(9) for a wolf license, the issuing fee is $1;

(10) for a stamp validation that is not issued simultaneously with a license, an issuing
fee of 50 cents may be charged at the discretion of the authorized seller;

(11) for stamp validations issued simultaneously with a license, there is no fee;

(12) for licenses, seals, tags, or coupons issued without a fee under section 97A.441,
subdivisions 1 to 6a, or 97A.465, there is no fee;

(13) for lifetime licenses, there is no fee; and

(14) for all other licenses, permits, renewals, or applications or any other transaction
through the electronic licensing system under this chapter or any other chapter when an
issuing fee is not specified, an issuing fee of $1 may be charged at the discretion of the
authorized seller.

(b) Only one issuing fee may be collected when selling more than one stamp in the same
transaction after the end of the season for which the stamp was issued.

(c) The agent shall keep the issuing fee as a commission for selling the licenses.

(d) The commissioner shall collect the issuing fee on licenses sold by the commissioner.

(e) A license, except stamps, must state the amount of the issuing fee and that the issuing
fee is kept by the seller as a commission for selling the licenses.

(f) For duplicate licenses, including licenses issued without a fee, the issuing fees are:

(1) for licenses to take big game, 75 cents; and

(2) for other licenses, 50 cents.

deleted text begin (g) The commissioner may issue one-day angling licenses in books of ten licenses each
to fishing guides operating charter boats upon receipt of payment of all license fees, excluding
the issuing fee required under this section. Copies of sold and unsold licenses shall be
returned to the commissioner. The commissioner shall refund the charter boat captain for
the license fees of all unsold licenses. Copies of sold licenses shall be maintained by the
commissioner for one year.
deleted text end

Sec. 37.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Tags deleted text end new text begin Validation new text end required.

(a) A person may not possess or transport
deer, bear, elk, or moose taken in the state unless deleted text begin a tag is attached to the carcass in a manner deleted text end new text begin
the person has the required license and validation for that animal as new text end prescribed by the
commissioner. deleted text begin The commissioner must prescribe the type of tag that has the license number
of the owner, the year of its issue, and other information prescribed by the commissioner.
deleted text end

(b) The deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin license new text end must be validated at the site of the kill as prescribed by the
commissioner.

deleted text begin (c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the tag must be attached to the deer,
bear, elk, or moose at the site of the kill before the animal is removed from the site of the
kill.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The tag must remain attached to the animal until the animal is processed for storage.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) A person may move a lawfully taken deer, bear, elk, or moose from the site of the
kill without attaching the validated tag to the animal only while in the act of manually or
mechanically dragging, carrying, or carting the animal across the ground and while possessing
the validated tag on their person. A motor vehicle may be used to drag the animal across
the ground. At all other times, the validated tag must be attached to the deer, bear, elk, or
moose:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) as otherwise provided in this section; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) prior to the animal being placed onto and transported on a motor vehicle, being hung
from a tree or other structure or device, or being brought into a camp or yard or other place
of habitation.
deleted text end

Sec. 38.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Registration required.

Deer, bear, elk, and moose must be registered as
prescribed by the commissioner deleted text begin , in addition to the tag required in subdivision 1 deleted text end .

Sec. 39.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Quartering deer allowed.

A deer that has been deleted text begin tagged deleted text end new text begin validated new text end as required
in subdivision 1 may be quartered at the site of the kill. The animal's head must remain
attached to one of the quarters. The quarters must be presented together for registration
under subdivision 2 and must remain together until the deer is processed for storage.

Sec. 40.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.535, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Transporting by person other than licensee.

A person other than the licensee
may transport deer, bear, elk, or moose that the licensee has registered as prescribed by the
commissioner. deleted text begin A tag must be attached to the animal and marked in ink deleted text end new text begin The person
transporting the animal must possess documentation new text end with the address, license number,
deleted text begin signature deleted text end new text begin and full legal name new text end of the licensee deleted text begin , deleted text end and the locations from which and to which
the animal is being transported.

Sec. 41.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97A.551, subdivision 6, is amended to read:

Subd. 6.

deleted text begin Tagging and deleted text end Registration.

The commissioner may, by rule, require persons
taking, possessing, and transporting certain species of fish to deleted text begin tag the fish with a special fish
management tag and may require registration of tagged deleted text end new text begin possess an endorsement for and
register the new text end fish. A person may not possess or transport a fish species taken in the state for
which a special fish-management deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin registration new text end is required unless deleted text begin a tag is attached to deleted text end the
fish new text begin is registered or validated new text end in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner
shall prescribe the manner of issuance and the type of deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin endorsement new text end as authorized under
section 97C.087. deleted text begin The tag must be attached to the fish as prescribed by the commissioner deleted text end
Immediately upon reducing the fish to possession new text begin , the licensee must validate the license new text end
and new text begin the license new text end must remain deleted text begin attached to deleted text end new text begin with new text end the fish until the fish is deleted text begin processed or consumed deleted text end new text begin
registered new text end . Species for which a special fish management deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin registration new text end is required must
be transported undressed, except as otherwise prescribed by the commissioner.

Sec. 42.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.303, is amended to read:

97B.303 VENISON DONATIONS.

An individual who legally takes a deer may donate the deer, for distribution to charitable
food assistance programs, to a meat processor that is licensed under chapter 28A. An
individual donating a deer must supply the processor with the deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin licensee's DNR new text end number
under which the deer was taken.

Sec. 43.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.401, is amended to read:

97B.401 BEAR LICENSE REQUIRED; APPLICATION.

(a) A person may not take bear without a bear license except as provided in section
97B.415 to protect property.

(b) A person may not place bait for bears on or after the Friday nearest August 14 unless
the person has a bear license or is operating under the direction of a person with a valid bear
license.

(c) An application for a bear license must be deleted text begin on a form provided deleted text end new text begin made in the manner
prescribed new text end by the commissioner and accompanied by a $4 application fee. A person may
not make more than one application for each season. If a person makes more than one
application, the person is ineligible for a license for that season after determination by the
commissioner, without a hearing.

Sec. 44.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.603, is amended to read:

97B.603 TAKING SMALL GAME BY PARTY.

(a) While two or more persons are taking small game as a party and maintaining unaided
visual and vocal contact, a member of the party may take and possess more than one limit
of small game, but the total number of small game taken and possessed by the party may
not exceed the limit of the number of persons in the party that may take and possess small
game.

(b) This section does not apply to hunting wolves, migratory game birds, or turkeys,
except that a licensed turkey hunter may assist another licensed turkey hunter and a licensed
wolf hunter may assist another licensed wolf hunter for the same zone and time period as
long as the hunter does not shoot or deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin register new text end a turkey or wolf for the other hunter.

Sec. 45.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.716, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

deleted text begin Tagging and deleted text end Registration.

The commissioner may by rule prescribe
requirements for the deleted text begin tagging and deleted text end registration of prairie chickens.

Sec. 46.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97B.721, is amended to read:

97B.721 LICENSE REQUIRED TO TAKE TURKEY; deleted text begin TAGGING AND deleted text end
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) or section 97A.405, subdivision 2, a person may
not take a turkey without possessing a turkey license.

(b) An unlicensed adult age 18 or older may assist a licensed wild-turkey hunter. The
unlicensed adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow while assisting a hunter under
this paragraph and may not charge a fee for the assistance.

(c) The commissioner may by rule prescribe requirements for the deleted text begin tagging deleted text end new text begin validation new text end and
registration of turkeys.

Sec. 47.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.087, is amended to read:

97C.087 SPECIAL FISH MANAGEMENT deleted text begin TAGS deleted text end new text begin REGISTRATION new text end .

Subdivision 1.

deleted text begin Tags to be issued deleted text end new text begin Registration new text end .

If the commissioner determines it is
necessary to require that a species of fish be deleted text begin tagged with a special fish management tag deleted text end new text begin
registered new text end , the commissioner shall prescribe, by rule, the species to be deleted text begin tagged deleted text end new text begin registered new text end ,
deleted text begin tagging deleted text end new text begin registration new text end procedures, and new text begin endorsement new text end eligibility requirements.

Subd. 2.

Application for deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin endorsement new text end .

Application for new text begin a new text end special fish management
deleted text begin tags deleted text end new text begin endorsement new text end must be accompanied by a $5, nonrefundable application fee for each deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin
endorsement new text end . A person may not make more than one deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin endorsement new text end application each
calendar year. If a person makes more than one application, the person is ineligible for a
special fish management deleted text begin tag deleted text end new text begin endorsement new text end for that calendar year after determination by the
commissioner, without a hearing.

Sec. 48.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.301, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Aquatic invasive species affirmation.

(a) A nonresident license to take fish
issued under section 97A.475, subdivision 7, includes aquatic invasive species affirmation
as provided in section 84D.106.

(b) The aquatic invasive species affirmation portion of the license must be displayed
with the deleted text begin signed deleted text end nonresident license to take fish issued under section 97A.475, subdivision
7. The aquatic invasive species affirmation will be provided at the time of purchase of a
new or duplicate nonresident license.

(c) If a license is purchased online, the aquatic invasive species affirmation may be
completed electronically as part of the online sales process, and the electronic record of the
license sale is sufficient for documenting the affirmation.

(d) Failure to complete the aquatic invasive species affirmation in this subdivision is
subject to the penalty prescribed in section 84D.13, subdivision 5.

Sec. 49.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

License required.

(a) A person may not place a dark house, fish house, or
shelter, except a portable shelter, on the ice unless deleted text begin the house or shelter deleted text end :

(1) new text begin the house or shelter new text end is licensed new text begin by the shelter owner new text end ; and

(2) deleted text begin has the license tag attached to the exterior in a readily visible location, except as
provided in this subdivision deleted text end new text begin the owners' information is displayed according to subdivision
1 new text end .

(b) deleted text begin The commissioner must issue a tag with a dark house, fish house, or shelter license,
marked with a number to correspond with the license and the year of issue. deleted text end A dark house,
fish house, or shelter license is not required of a resident on boundary waters where the
adjacent state does not charge a fee for the same activity.

Sec. 50. new text begin REQUIRED RULEMAKING.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of natural resources may use the good cause exemption under
Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules conforming to
this act. Minnesota Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply to rules adopted under this
section, except as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 14.388.
new text end

Sec. 51. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 97A.015, subdivision 27a; and 97A.485, subdivision
13, new text end new text begin are repealed.
new text end

Sec. 52. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 to 51 are effective upon full implementation of the replacement electronic
license system. The commissioner of natural resources must notify the revisor of statutes
when the replacement electronic license system is fully implemented.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 24-05480

97A.015 DEFINITIONS.

Subd. 27a.

License identification number.

"License identification number" means a verification number issued under the authority of the commissioner in conjunction with the electronic purchase of a license or stamp and valid until the license is received by the purchaser.

97A.485 ISSUANCE OF LICENSES.

Subd. 13.

One-day paper fishing licenses.

The commissioner must allow one-day paper fishing licenses to be sold by fishing guides operating charter boats.