<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>and administrative expenses of state government; regulating state and local <br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>government operations; establishing the Minnesota Office on Ethnic Heritage <br/>
<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>and New Americans and the Minnesota Legislative Commission on Terrorism <br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>and Disaster Preparedness; creating the position of poet laureate; providing a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>grant process and grant management; defining domestic partner; ratifying labor <br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>agreements and compensation plans; establishing a state employees electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>health records pilot project; providing for continuing appropriations in certain <br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>circumstances; providing compensation for a period of partial government <br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>shutdown; creating a trust for postemployment benefits; regulating elections and <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>voter registration; establishing a gratuity payment for certain Teacher Retirement <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>Association members; authorizing rulemaking;amending Minnesota Statutes <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>2006, sections 3.85, subdivision 3; 3.9741, subdivision 1; 5.12, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>1; 6.47; 6.51; 6.54; 6.55; 6.551; 6.57; 6.59; 6.60; 6.62, subdivision 2; 6.63; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>6.64; 6.65; 6.66; 6.67; 6.68; 6.70; 6.71; 6.715, by adding a subdivision; 13.605, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>subdivision 1; 15B.17, subdivision 1; 16A.103, subdivision 1e; 16A.11, by <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>adding a subdivision; 16A.1286, subdivision 2; 16B.35, subdivision 1; 16C.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>subdivisions 4, 12, 14, by adding subdivisions; 16C.03, subdivisions 2, 3, 4, 8, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>16, by adding subdivisions; 16C.05, subdivisions 1, 2; 16C.08, subdivisions <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>2, 4, by adding subdivisions; 16C.10, subdivision 7; 16C.16, subdivision 5; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>16C.26; 16C.27, subdivision 1; 16C.28; 37.06; 43A.02, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>43A.24, subdivision 1; 43A.49; 103C.305, subdivision 3; 103D.355; 103D.811, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var>subdivision 3; 103E.505, subdivision 5; 116A.13, subdivision 5; 123B.52, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 160.17, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>160.262, by adding a subdivision; 161.1419, subdivision 8; 161.32, by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>subdivision; 161.3412, subdivision 1; 161.38, subdivision 4; 181.9413; 200.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>subdivisions 7, 23; 201.016, subdivision 1a; 201.054, subdivision 1; 201.056; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>201.061, subdivisions 1, 3, 4, by adding a subdivision; 201.071, subdivisions <br/>
<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>1, 3, 4; 201.081; 201.091, subdivisions 1, 8, 9, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.31"></a><var>1.31</var>201.12; 201.13, subdivision 3; 201.161; 201.171; 201.27, subdivision 1; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.32"></a><var>1.32</var>203B.02, subdivision 1; 203B.04, subdivisions 1, 4, 6; 203B.05, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.33"></a><var>1.33</var>203B.06, subdivision 3; 203B.07, subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.08, subdivision 3; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.34"></a><var>1.34</var>203B.081; 203B.10; 203B.11, subdivision 4; 203B.12, subdivision 4; 203B.13, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.35"></a><var>1.35</var>subdivisions 1, 2; 203B.16, subdivision 2; 203B.17, subdivision 2; 203B.21, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.36"></a><var>1.36</var>subdivisions 2, 3; 203B.22; 203B.24, subdivision 1; 204B.06, subdivisions 1, 8; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.37"></a><var>1.37</var>204B.08, subdivision 3; 204B.09, subdivisions 1, 1a, 3; 204B.11, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.1.38"></a><var>1.38</var>2; 204B.16, subdivision 1; 204B.21, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.1.39"></a><var>1.39</var>204B.45, subdivision 2; 204C.06, subdivision 1; 204C.07, subdivision 3a, by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>adding a subdivision; 205.10, by adding a subdivision; 205.13, by adding <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>a subdivision; 205.16, subdivisions 3, 4; 205A.05, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>205A.07, subdivisions 3, 3a; 205A.10, subdivisions 1, 2; 205A.11, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>206.57, subdivision 5; 206.82, subdivision 2; 206.89, subdivisions 1, 5; 211A.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>subdivision 2; 211A.05, subdivision 1; 302A.821, subdivision 4; 308A.995, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>subdivision 4; 308B.121, subdivision 4; 308B.215, subdivision 2; 317A.823, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>subdivision 1; 321.0206; 325L.03; 336.1-110; 336.9-516; 336.9-525; 356.219, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>subdivision 1; 358.41; 358.42; 358.50; 359.085, subdivisions 2, 3; 365.37, by <br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>adding a subdivision; 374.13; 375.101, subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>375.21, by adding a subdivision; 383C.094, by adding a subdivision; 410.12, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>subdivision 1; 412.311; 429.041, by adding a subdivision; 447.32, subdivision 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>458D.21, by adding a subdivision; 469.015, by adding a subdivision; 469.068, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>subdivision 1, by adding a subdivision; 471.345, subdivision 5, by adding <br/>
<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>subdivisions; 471.61, subdivision 1a; 473.246; 473.523, by adding a subdivision; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>473.756, subdivision 12; 477A.014, subdivision 4; 491A.02, subdivision 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>507.24, subdivision 2; Laws 2004, chapter 293, article 1, section 37, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>2; Laws 2006, chapter 253, section 22, subdivision 1; proposing coding for new <br/>
<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>law in Minnesota Statutes, chapters 3; 4; 5; 6; 8; 11A; 12; 13; 15B; 16A; 16B; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>16C; 16E; 43A; 161; 203B; 204B; 308B; 321; 349A; 471; repealing Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>Statutes 2006, sections 3.884; 3.8841; 6.56, subdivision 1; 16A.102; 16C.055, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>subdivision 1; 16C.08, subdivision 4a; 69.051, subdivision 1c; 200.04; 201.061, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>subdivision 7; 201.096; 203B.02, subdivision 1a; 203B.04, subdivision 5; <br/>
<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>203B.13, subdivision 3a; 359.085, subdivision 8; 645.44, subdivision 19.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.1.1.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="7" valign="bottom">Section 1. <b>STATE GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS.</b><br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>    The sums shown in the columns marked "appropriations" are appropriated to the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>agencies and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>general fund, or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated <br/>
<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>for each purpose. The figures "2008" and "2009" used in this article mean that the <br/>
<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>appropriations listed under them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, or <br/>
<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>June 30, 2009, respectively. "The first year" is fiscal year 2008. "The second year" is fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>year 2009. "The biennium" is fiscal years 2008 and 2009. <br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.35"></a><var>2.35</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" colspan="4" valign="bottom">APPROPRIATIONS<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.36"></a><var>2.36</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" colspan="4" valign="bottom">Available for the Year<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.37"></a><var>2.37</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" colspan="4" valign="bottom">Ending June 30<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.38"></a><var>2.38</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.2.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.39"></a><var>2.39</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 2. <b>LEGISLATURE</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.40"></a><var>2.40</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subdivision 1.<b>Total Appropriation</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">68,671,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">69,043,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.41"></a><var>2.41</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.42"></a><var>2.42</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.43"></a><var>2.43</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">68,493,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">68,865,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.2.44"></a><var>2.44</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Health Care Access <br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">178,000 <br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">178,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>The amounts that may be spent for each <br/>
<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>purpose are specified in the following <br/>
<a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>subdivisions.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 2.<b>Senate</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">22,158,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">21,677,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 3.<b>House of Representatives</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">30,586,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">31,746,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>During the biennium ending June 30, 2009, <br/>
<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>any revenues received by the house of <br/>
<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>representatives from sponsorship notices in <br/>
<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>broadcast or print media are appropriated to <br/>
<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>the house of representatives.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 4.<b>Legislative Coordinating Commission</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,927,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,620,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,749,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,442,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Health Care Access <br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">178,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">178,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>$600,000 the first year and $600,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>second year are for public information <br/>
<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>television, Internet, Intranet, and other <br/>
<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>transmission of legislative activities. At <br/>
<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>least one-half of those amounts must go for <br/>
<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>programming to be broadcast and transmitted <br/>
<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>to rural Minnesota.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>$5,624,000 the first year and $5,469,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>second year are for the Office of the Revisor <br/>
<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>of Statutes.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>$1,257,000 the first year and $1,254,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>second year are for the Legislative Reference <br/>
<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>Library.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>$5,594,000 the first year and $5,595,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>the second year are for the Office of the <br/>
<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>Legislative Auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>All legislative offices should, whenever <br/>
<a id="pl.3.32"></a><var>3.32</var>possible, implement information technology <br/>
<a id="pl.3.33"></a><var>3.33</var>systems that are compatible and work <br/>
<a id="pl.3.34"></a><var>3.34</var>seamlessly across the legislature. Wherever <br/>
<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>possible, single systems should be <br/>
<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>implemented to avoid unnecessary <br/>
<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>duplication and inefficiency. The directors <br/>
<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>of information technology for the senate, <br/>
<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>house of representatives, and the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>Coordinating Commission must submit <br/>
<a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>a written report describing their efforts <br/>
<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>to collaborate on implementing shared <br/>
<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>information technology systems. The report <br/>
<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>must be submitted to the chairs of the house <br/>
<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>of representatives and senate committees <br/>
<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>with jurisdiction over rules and to the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>Legislative Coordinating Commission on <br/>
<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>January 15, 2008, and January 15, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.3.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var><br/>
<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 3. <b>GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT </b><br/>
<b>GOVERNOR</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,647,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,712,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>(a) This appropriation is to fund the Office of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>$19,000 the first year and $19,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>second year are for necessary expenses in <br/>
<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>the normal performance of the governor's <br/>
<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>and lieutenant governor's duties for which no <br/>
<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>other reimbursement is provided.<br/>
<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>(b) By September 1 of each year, the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>commissioner of finance shall report to <br/>
<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>the chairs of the senate Governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>Operations Budget Division and the house <br/>
<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>State Government Finance Division any <br/>
<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>personnel costs incurred by the Office of <br/>
<a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>the Governor and Lieutenant Governor that <br/>
<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>were supported by appropriations to other <br/>
<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>agencies during the previous fiscal year. <br/>
<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>The Office of the Governor shall inform the <br/>
<a id="pl.4.34"></a><var>4.34</var>chairs of the divisions before initiating any <br/>
<a id="pl.4.35"></a><var>4.35</var>interagency agreements.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.4.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 4. <b>STATE AUDITOR</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">9,234,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">9,220,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.5.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 5. <b>ATTORNEY GENERAL</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">26,628,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">26,633,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">24,514,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">24,514,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var><br/>
<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">State Government <br/>
Special Revenue<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,719,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,724,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Environmental<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">145,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">145,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Remediation<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">250,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">250,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.6.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 6. <b>SECRETARY OF STATE</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">9,677,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">6,747,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var><br/>
</td>
<td>General<br/>
</td>
<td align="center">6,833,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center">6,747,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var><br/>
<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">State Government <br/>
Special Revenue<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,844,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>$310,000 of this appropriation must be <br/>
<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var>transferred to the Help America Vote Act <br/>
<a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>account and is designated as a portion of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>match required by section 253(b)(5) of the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>Help America Vote Act.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>$2,844,000 the first year is appropriated from <br/>
<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>the Help America Vote Act account for the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>purposes and uses authorized by federal law. <br/>
<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>This appropriation is available until June 30, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>2009.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>Notwithstanding Laws 2005, chapter 162, <br/>
<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>section 34, subdivision 7, any balance <br/>
<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>remaining in the Help America Vote Act <br/>
<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>account after previous appropriations and the <br/>
<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>appropriations in this section is appropriated <br/>
<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>to the secretary of state for the purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>the account. This appropriation is available <br/>
<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>until June 30, 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>$250,000 the first year is for a grant to Kids <br/>
<a id="pl.5.35"></a><var>5.35</var>Voting Minnesota, to educate children about <br/>
<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>voting and the democratic process. This <br/>
<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>appropriation is available until spent.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.7.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var><br/>
<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 7. <b>CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC </b><br/>
<b>DISCLOSURE BOARD</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">708,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">722,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.8.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 8. <b>INVESTMENT BOARD</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">151,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">151,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.9.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var><br/>
<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 9. <b>OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE </b><br/>
<b>TECHNOLOGY</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">17,969,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">5,287,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>(a) $2,000,000 the first year is for the first <br/>
<a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>phase of an electronic licensing system. <br/>
<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>This is a onetime appropriation. This <br/>
<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>appropriation carries forward to the second <br/>
<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>year.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>(b) $10,000,000 the first year is for <br/>
<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>information technology security.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>(c) $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>second year are for oversight and analysis of <br/>
<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>state technology investments.<br/>
<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>(d) $1,456,000 the first year and $1,000,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>the second year are for small agency <br/>
<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>technology infrastructure. During the first <br/>
<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>biennium, these amounts are intended to <br/>
<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>include hardware and software improvements <br/>
<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>for the Asian-Pacific Council, the Capitol <br/>
<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>Area Architectural and Planning Board, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>the Minnesota Library for the Blind, <br/>
<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>the Minnesota State Academies, and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>the Ombudsman for Mental Health and <br/>
<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>Developmental Disabilities. Ongoing <br/>
<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>funding for improvements made during fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>years 2008 and 2009 may be added to the <br/>
<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>base funding for those agencies in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>years 2010 and 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(e) $68,000 is for an electronic documents <br/>
<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>study and report.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>(f) $200,000 is for grants to be distributed to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>the counties participating in the development <br/>
<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>of the integrated financial system for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>enhancements to the system. Enhancements <br/>
<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>include:<br/>
<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>(1) systems to improve the tracking and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>reporting of state and federal grants;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>(2) electronic payments to vendors;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>(3) electronic posting of state payments to <br/>
<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>the financial system;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>(4) automating revenue collection and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var>posting through check conversion, automatic <br/>
<a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>clearing house transactions, or credit card <br/>
<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>processing;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>(5) improvements to county budgetary <br/>
<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>systems;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>(6) storage or linkage of electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>documents;<br/>
<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>(7) improved executive level reporting and <br/>
<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>extraction of data; and<br/>
<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>(8) improved information and reporting for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>audits.<br/>
<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>The grant funds shall be distributed on a pro <br/>
<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>rata basis to each of the counties participating <br/>
<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>in the development of the integrated financial <br/>
<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>system. The Minnesota Counties Computer <br/>
<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>Cooperative, acting as a fiscal agent for <br/>
<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>the participating counties, shall receive the <br/>
<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>grant money for the counties. The grants <br/>
<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>will only be distributed after $600,000 is <br/>
<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>expended or provided from other sources. <br/>
<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>The chief information officer may require <br/>
<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>a report or such other information as the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>chief information officer deems appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>to verify that the requirements of this <br/>
<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>section have been met. This appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>is available until June 30, 2011, and cancels <br/>
<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>on that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.10.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 10. <b>ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">8,087,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">7,801,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">281,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">285,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var><br/>
<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Workers' <br/>
Compensation<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">7,806,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">7,516,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>$266,000 each year is for two workers' <br/>
<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>compensation judges, to be located in Duluth.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.11.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 11. <b>ADMINISTRATION</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subdivision 1. <b>Total Appropriation</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"> 27,990,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">23,385,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>The amounts that may be spent for each <br/>
<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>purpose are specified in the following <br/>
<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>subdivisions.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 2.<b>State Facilities Services</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">14,746,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">11,458,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>(a) $7,888,000 the first year and $7,888,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>the second year are for office space costs of <br/>
<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>the legislature and veterans organizations, <br/>
<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>for ceremonial space, and for statutorily free <br/>
<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>space.<br/>
<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>(b) $2,500,000 the first year is to purchase <br/>
<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>and implement a Web-enabled, shared <br/>
<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>computer system to facilitate the state's real <br/>
<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>property portfolio management. <br/>
<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>(c) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>second year are for the energy conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>recommissioning activities in state buildings.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 3.<b>State and Community Services</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,420,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,583,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>(a) $60,000 the first year and $240,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>second year are to fund activities to prepare <br/>
<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>for and promote the 2010 census. Base <br/>
<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>funding for this activity is $260,000 in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>year 2010 and $180,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>(b) $1,100,000 the first year and $1,100,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>the second year are for the Land Management <br/>
<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>Information Center.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>(c) $196,000 the first year and $196,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>second year are for the Office of the State <br/>
<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>Archaeologist.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 4.<b>Administrative Management Services</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">6,121,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">5,241,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>(a) $125,000 the first year is to create an <br/>
<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>Office of Grants Management to standardize <br/>
<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>state grants management policies and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>procedures. For the fiscal year beginning <br/>
<a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>July 1, 2008, the commissioner must deduct <br/>
<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>from state grants subject to nongovernmental <br/>
<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>entities up to $125,000, as necessary to <br/>
<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>fund the commissioner's duties under <br/>
<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>new Minnesota Statutes, sections 16B.97 <br/>
<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>and 16B.98. The amount deducted from <br/>
<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>appropriations for these grants is transferred <br/>
<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>to the commissioner for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>administering those sections.<br/>
<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>(b) $285,000 the first year is to fund a pilot <br/>
<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>project to reduce state expenditures on <br/>
<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>professional/technical contracts. <br/>
<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>(c) $250,000 the first year and $250,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>the second year are to establish a small <br/>
<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>agency resource team to consolidate and <br/>
<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>streamline the human resources and financial <br/>
<a id="pl.9.33"></a><var>9.33</var>management activities for small state <br/>
<a id="pl.9.34"></a><var>9.34</var>agencies, boards, and councils.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>(d) $425,000 the first year is a onetime <br/>
<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>appropriation for a targeted group business <br/>
<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>disparity study. The commissioner must <br/>
<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>cooperate with units of local government <br/>
<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>conducting similar studies.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>(e) $74,000 the first year and $74,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>the second year are for the Council on <br/>
<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>Developmental Disabilities.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>(f) $53,000 the first year and $36,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>second year are for the genetic information <br/>
<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>work group and report.<br/>
<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>(g) $250,000 in fiscal year 2008 and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>$250,000 in fiscal year 2009 are for a grant <br/>
<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>to the Council on Developmental Disabilities <br/>
<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>for the purpose of establishing a statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>self-advocacy network for persons with <br/>
<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>intellectual and developmental disabilities <br/>
<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>(ID/DD). The self-advocacy network shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var>(1) ensure that persons with ID/DD are <br/>
<a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>informed of their rights in employment, <br/>
<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>housing, transportation, voting, government <br/>
<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>policy, and other issues pertinent to the <br/>
<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>ID/DD community;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>(2) provide public education and awareness <br/>
<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>of the civil and human rights issues persons <br/>
<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>with ID/DD face;<br/>
<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>(3) provide funds, technical assistance, and <br/>
<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>other resources for self-advocacy groups <br/>
<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>across the state; and<br/>
<a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>(4) organize systems of communications <br/>
<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>to facilitate an exchange of information <br/>
<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>between self-advocacy groups.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>This appropriation is in addition to any other <br/>
<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>appropriations and must be added to the base <br/>
<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>appropriation beginning in fiscal year 2010.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>(h) $75,000 is for purposes of promotion <br/>
<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>of document imaging work in government <br/>
<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>agencies to be done by persons with <br/>
<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>developmental disabilities.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 5.<b>Fiscal Agent</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">600,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>(a) $100,000 the first year is for the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>sustainable growth working group.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>(b) $500,000 is for a grant to Washington <br/>
<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>County for capital improvements detailed in <br/>
<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>the approved planned unit development for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>the Disabled Veteran's Rest Camp to provide <br/>
<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>increased capacity, amenities, access, and <br/>
<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>safety for Minnesota veterans.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 6.<b>Public broadcasting</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,103,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">3,103,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>(a) $1,613,000 the first year and $1,613,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>the second year are for matching grants <br/>
<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>for public television. The base budget for <br/>
<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>matching grants shall be $1,161,000 in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>year 2010 and $1,161,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var>(b) $398,000 the first year and $398,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>the second year are for public television <br/>
<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>equipment grants. Equipment or matching <br/>
<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>grant allocations shall be made after <br/>
<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>considering the recommendations of the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>Minnesota Public Television Association. <br/>
<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>The base budget for public television <br/>
<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>equipment grants shall be $200,000 in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>year 2010 and $200,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.11.32"></a><var>11.32</var>(c) $17,000 the first year and $17,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.11.33"></a><var>11.33</var>second year are for grants to the Twin Cities <br/>
<a id="pl.11.34"></a><var>11.34</var>regional cable channel.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>(d) $350,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $350,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>in fiscal year 2009 are for community service <br/>
<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>grants to public educational radio stations. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>The base budget for the community service <br/>
<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>grants shall be $287,000 in fiscal year 2010 <br/>
<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>and $287,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>(e) $250,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $250,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>in fiscal year 2009 are for equipment grants <br/>
<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var>to public educational radio stations. The <br/>
<a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>general fund base funding for equipment <br/>
<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>grants is increased by $125,000 each year in <br/>
<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>the fiscal 2010-2011 biennium.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>(f) The grants in paragraphs (d) and (e) <br/>
<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>must be allocated after considering the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>recommendations of the Association of <br/>
<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>Minnesota Public Educational Radio Stations <br/>
<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>under Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.14.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>(g) $475,000 the first year and $475,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>the second year are for equipment grants to <br/>
<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>Minnesota Public Radio, Inc. The budget <br/>
<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>base for the Minnesota Public Radio, Inc. <br/>
<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>equipment grants shall be $190,000 in fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>year 2010 and $190,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>(h) Any unencumbered balance remaining <br/>
<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>the first year for grants to public television or <br/>
<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>radio stations does not cancel and is available <br/>
<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var>for the second year.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.12.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var><br/>
<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var><br/>
<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 12. <b>CAPITOL AREA </b><br/>
<b>ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING </b><br/>
<b>BOARD</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">428,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">372,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>$65,000 in fiscal year 2008 is for the <br/>
<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>decennial expenses related to the board's <br/>
<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>duties under Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.12.34"></a><var>12.34</var>473.864, subdivisions 1 and 2. Money <br/>
<a id="pl.12.35"></a><var>12.35</var>appropriated in fiscal year 2008 is available <br/>
<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>until June 30, 2009. This is a onetime <br/>
<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>appropriation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.13.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 13. <b>FINANCE</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subdivision 1. <b>Total Appropriation</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">22,382,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,331,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>The amounts that may be spent for each <br/>
<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>purpose are specified in the following <br/>
<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>subdivisions.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 2.<b>State Financial Management</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">8,912,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">8,752,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>(a) $315,000 the first year is for the state's <br/>
<a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>share of the cost of bankruptcy counsel <br/>
<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var>representing joint interests of the state and <br/>
<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>the city of Duluth in the Northwest Airlines <br/>
<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>bankruptcy. This is a onetime appropriation.<br/>
<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of <br/>
<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.1522, <br/>
<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>subdivision 4, the commissioner of finance <br/>
<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>shall designate any positive general fund <br/>
<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>budgetary balance on June 30, 2007, as an <br/>
<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>unrestricted balance. Money so designated <br/>
<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>shall remain available for general fund <br/>
<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>appropriations authorized in fiscal years <br/>
<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>2008 and 2009.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var><br/>
<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 3.<b>Information and Management </b><br/>
<b>Services</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">13,470,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">6,579,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>$7,000,000 the first year is for costs related to <br/>
<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>the Minnesota Accounting and Procurement <br/>
<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>System (MAPS). $6,500,000 is to implement <br/>
<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>remediation strategies as necessary to avoid <br/>
<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>a systemic failure. $500,000 of the first year <br/>
<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var>total is for planning for the system's eventual <br/>
<a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>replacement.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.14.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.13.32"></a><var>13.32</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 14. <b>EMPLOYEE RELATIONS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">6,385,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">5,947,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>(a) $250,000 each year is for the Center for <br/>
<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var>Health Care Purchasing Improvement.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>(b) $186,000 the first year and $203,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>second year are for transfer to state agencies <br/>
<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>for additional expenses incurred as a result <br/>
<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>of expanded use of sick leave authorized by <br/>
<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>this act.<br/>
<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>(c) $350,000 the first year is to support the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>use of an electronic portfolio system to <br/>
<a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>provide personal health records for MnSCU <br/>
<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>employees and other participants in the state <br/>
<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>employee group insurance program. Of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>this amount, $50,000 is for transfer to the <br/>
<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>University of Minnesota Health Informatics <br/>
<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>Division to evaluate the use and impact of <br/>
<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>personal health records on these employees. <br/>
<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>This appropriation is available until June 30, <br/>
<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.15.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 15. <b>REVENUE</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subdivision 1.<b>Total Appropriation</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">128,562,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">121,466,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">124,462,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">117,306,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Health Care Access<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,680,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,707,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var><br/>
<a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Highway User Tax <br/>
Distribution<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,125,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,154,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Environmental<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">295,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">299,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>The amounts that may be spent for each <br/>
<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>purpose are specified in subdivisions 2 and 3.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 2.<b>Tax System Management</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">108,401,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">99,616,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">104,301,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">95,456,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Health Care Access<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,680,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,707,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var><br/>
<a id="pl.14.35"></a><var>14.35</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Highway User Tax <br/>
Distribution<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,125,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,154,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.14.36"></a><var>14.36</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Environmental<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">295,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">299,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>(a) $6,910,000 the first year and $8,704,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>the second year are for additional activities <br/>
<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>to identify and collect tax liabilities from <br/>
<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>individuals and businesses that currently <br/>
<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>do not pay all taxes owed. This initiative <br/>
<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>is expected to result in new general fund <br/>
<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>revenues of $42,400,000 for the biennium <br/>
<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>ending June 30, 2009.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>(b) The department must report to the chairs <br/>
<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>of the house of representatives Ways and <br/>
<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var>Means and senate Finance Committees by <br/>
<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>March 1, 2008, and January 15, 2009, on the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>following performance indicators:<br/>
<a id="pl.15.14"></a><var>15.14</var>(1) the number of corporations noncompliant <br/>
<a id="pl.15.15"></a><var>15.15</var>with the corporate tax system each year and <br/>
<a id="pl.15.16"></a><var>15.16</var>the percentage and dollar amounts of valid <br/>
<a id="pl.15.17"></a><var>15.17</var>tax liabilities collected;<br/>
<a id="pl.15.18"></a><var>15.18</var>(2) the number of businesses noncompliant <br/>
<a id="pl.15.19"></a><var>15.19</var>with the sales and use tax system and the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.20"></a><var>15.20</var>percentage and dollar amount of the valid tax <br/>
<a id="pl.15.21"></a><var>15.21</var>liabilities collected; and<br/>
<a id="pl.15.22"></a><var>15.22</var>(3) the number of individual noncompliant <br/>
<a id="pl.15.23"></a><var>15.23</var>cases resolved and the percentage and dollar <br/>
<a id="pl.15.24"></a><var>15.24</var>amounts of valid tax liabilities collected.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.25"></a><var>15.25</var>(c) The reports must also identify base-level <br/>
<a id="pl.15.26"></a><var>15.26</var>expenditures and staff positions related to <br/>
<a id="pl.15.27"></a><var>15.27</var>compliance and audit activities, including <br/>
<a id="pl.15.28"></a><var>15.28</var>baseline information as of January 1, 2006. <br/>
<a id="pl.15.29"></a><var>15.29</var>The information must be provided at the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.30"></a><var>15.30</var>budget activity level.<br/>
<a id="pl.15.31"></a><var>15.31</var>(d) $12,000,000 the first year is for the <br/>
<a id="pl.15.32"></a><var>15.32</var>purchase and development of an integrated <br/>
<a id="pl.15.33"></a><var>15.33</var>tax software package.<br/>
<a id="pl.16.1"></a><var>16.1</var>(e) $75,000 the first year and $75,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.16.2"></a><var>16.2</var>second year are for grants to one or more <br/>
<a id="pl.16.3"></a><var>16.3</var>nonprofit organizations, qualifying under <br/>
<a id="pl.16.4"></a><var>16.4</var>section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.16.5"></a><var>16.5</var>Code of 1986, to coordinate, facilitate, <br/>
<a id="pl.16.6"></a><var>16.6</var>encourage, and aid in the provision of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.7"></a><var>16.7</var>taxpayer assistance services. For purposes <br/>
<a id="pl.16.8"></a><var>16.8</var>of this paragraph, "taxpayer assistance <br/>
<a id="pl.16.9"></a><var>16.9</var>services" means accounting and tax <br/>
<a id="pl.16.10"></a><var>16.10</var>preparation services provided by volunteers <br/>
<a id="pl.16.11"></a><var>16.11</var>to low-income and disadvantaged Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.16.12"></a><var>16.12</var>residents to help them file federal and <br/>
<a id="pl.16.13"></a><var>16.13</var>state income tax returns and Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.16.14"></a><var>16.14</var>property tax refund claims and may include <br/>
<a id="pl.16.15"></a><var>16.15</var>providing personal representation before <br/>
<a id="pl.16.16"></a><var>16.16</var>the Department of Revenue and Internal <br/>
<a id="pl.16.17"></a><var>16.17</var>Revenue Service.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.16.18"></a><var>16.18</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Subd. 3.<b>Accounts Receivable Management</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">20,161,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">21,850,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.16.19"></a><var>16.19</var>$1,750,000 the first year and $3,110,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.16.20"></a><var>16.20</var>the second year are for additional activities <br/>
<a id="pl.16.21"></a><var>16.21</var>to identify and collect tax liabilities from <br/>
<a id="pl.16.22"></a><var>16.22</var>individuals and businesses that currently do <br/>
<a id="pl.16.23"></a><var>16.23</var>not pay all taxes owed. This initiative is <br/>
<a id="pl.16.24"></a><var>16.24</var>expected to result in new general revenues of <br/>
<a id="pl.16.25"></a><var>16.25</var>$60,000,000 for the biennium ending June <br/>
<a id="pl.16.26"></a><var>16.26</var>30, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.16.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.16.27"></a><var>16.27</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 16. <b>GAMBLING CONTROL</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,846,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,893,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.16.28"></a><var>16.28</var>These appropriations are from the lawful <br/>
<a id="pl.16.29"></a><var>16.29</var>gambling regulation account in the special <br/>
<a id="pl.16.30"></a><var>16.30</var>revenue fund.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.17.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.16.31"></a><var>16.31</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 17. <b>RACING COMMISSION</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,130,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">899,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.1"></a><var>17.1</var>(a) These appropriations are from racing <br/>
<a id="pl.17.2"></a><var>17.2</var>regulation accounts in the special revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.17.3"></a><var>17.3</var>fund.<br/>
<a id="pl.17.4"></a><var>17.4</var>(b) $295,000 the first year and $64,000 the <br/>
<a id="pl.17.5"></a><var>17.5</var>second year and thereafter are for information <br/>
<a id="pl.17.6"></a><var>17.6</var>technology improvements implemented in <br/>
<a id="pl.17.7"></a><var>17.7</var>consultation with the Office of Enterprise <br/>
<a id="pl.17.8"></a><var>17.8</var>Technology as part of the small agency <br/>
<a id="pl.17.9"></a><var>17.9</var>technology initiative.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.18.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.17.10"></a><var>17.10</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 18. <b>STATE LOTTERY</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom"></td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.11"></a><var>17.11</var>Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.17.12"></a><var>17.12</var><statute_ref>349A.10</statute_ref>, subdivision 3, the operating budget <br/>
<a id="pl.17.13"></a><var>17.13</var>must not exceed $27,378,000 in fiscal year <br/>
<a id="pl.17.14"></a><var>17.14</var>2008 and $28,141,000 in fiscal year 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.19.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.17.15"></a><var>17.15</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 19. <b>TORT CLAIMS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">161,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">161,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.16"></a><var>17.16</var>To be spent by the commissioner of finance.<br/>
<a id="pl.17.17"></a><var>17.17</var>If the appropriation for either year is <br/>
<a id="pl.17.18"></a><var>17.18</var>insufficient, the appropriation for the other <br/>
<a id="pl.17.19"></a><var>17.19</var>year is available for it.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.20.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.17.20"></a><var>17.20</var><br/>
<a id="pl.17.21"></a><var>17.21</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 20. <b>MINNESOTA STATE RETIREMENT </b><br/>
<b>SYSTEM</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,608,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,649,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.22"></a><var>17.22</var>(a) The amounts estimated to be needed for <br/>
<a id="pl.17.23"></a><var>17.23</var>each program are as follows:<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.17.24"></a><var>17.24</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">(1) Legislators<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,170,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,200,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.25"></a><var>17.25</var>Under Minnesota Statutes, sections 3A.03, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.26"></a><var>17.26</var>subdivision 2, 3A.04, subdivisions 3 and 4; <br/>
<a id="pl.17.27"></a><var>17.27</var>and 3A.115.<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.17.28"></a><var>17.28</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">(2) Constitutional Officers<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">438,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">449,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.17.29"></a><var>17.29</var>Under Minnesota Statutes, sections <br/>
<a id="pl.17.30"></a><var>17.30</var>352C.031, subdivision 5; 
<statute_ref>352C.04</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.17.31"></a><var>17.31</var>subdivision 3; and 
<statute_ref>352C.09</statute_ref>, subdivision 2.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.1"></a><var>18.1</var>(b) If an appropriation in this section for <br/>
<a id="pl.18.2"></a><var>18.2</var>either year is insufficient, the appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.18.3"></a><var>18.3</var>for the other year is available for it.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.21.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.4"></a><var>18.4</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.5"></a><var>18.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 21. <b>MINNEAPOLIS EMPLOYEES </b><br/>
<b>RETIREMENT FUND</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">9,000,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">9,000,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.18.6"></a><var>18.6</var>The amounts estimated to be needed under <br/>
<a id="pl.18.7"></a><var>18.7</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 422A.101, <br/>
<a id="pl.18.8"></a><var>18.8</var>subdivision 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.22.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.9"></a><var>18.9</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.10"></a><var>18.10</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 22. <b>TEACHERS RETIREMENT </b><br/>
<b>ASSOCIATION</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,800,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">15,800,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.18.11"></a><var>18.11</var>The amounts estimated to be needed are as <br/>
<a id="pl.18.12"></a><var>18.12</var>follows:<br/>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.13"></a><var>18.13</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.14"></a><var>18.14</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.15"></a><var>18.15</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">(a) Special direct state aid authorized under <br/>
Minnesota Statutes, section 354A.12, subdivisions <br/>
3a and 3c.<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">13,300,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">13,300,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.16"></a><var>18.16</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.17"></a><var>18.17</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.18"></a><var>18.18</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">(b) Special direct state matching aid authorized <br/>
under Minnesota Statutes, section 354A.12, <br/>
subdivision 3b.<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,500,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,500,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.23.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.19"></a><var>18.19</var><br/>
<a id="pl.18.20"></a><var>18.20</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 23. <b>ST. PAUL TEACHERS </b><br/>
<b>RETIREMENT FUND</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,967,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">2,967,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.18.21"></a><var>18.21</var>The amounts estimated to be needed for <br/>
<a id="pl.18.22"></a><var>18.22</var>special direct state aid to first class city <br/>
<a id="pl.18.23"></a><var>18.23</var>teachers retirement funds authorized under <br/>
<a id="pl.18.24"></a><var>18.24</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 
<statute_ref>354A.12</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.18.25"></a><var>18.25</var>subdivisions 3a and 3c.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.24.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.18.26"></a><var>18.26</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 24. <b>AMATEUR SPORTS COMMISSION</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">371,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">376,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.18.27"></a><var>18.27</var>Of this amount, $67,000 each year is to be <br/>
<a id="pl.18.28"></a><var>18.28</var>used for an additional event development <br/>
<a id="pl.18.29"></a><var>18.29</var>position. This is a onetime appropriation. <br/>
<a id="pl.18.30"></a><var>18.30</var>The base budget for the Amateur Sports <br/>
<a id="pl.18.31"></a><var>18.31</var>Commission shall be $215,000 in fiscal year <br/>
<a id="pl.18.32"></a><var>18.32</var>2010 and $215,000 in fiscal year 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.18.33"></a><var>18.33</var>The amount available for appropriation to <br/>
<a id="pl.18.34"></a><var>18.34</var>the commission under Laws 2005, chapter <br/>
<a id="pl.19.1"></a><var>19.1</var>156, article 2, section 43, is reduced in the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.2"></a><var>19.2</var>first year and the second year by the amounts <br/>
<a id="pl.19.3"></a><var>19.3</var>appropriated in this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.25.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.19.4"></a><var>19.4</var><br/>
<a id="pl.19.5"></a><var>19.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 25. <b>COUNCIL ON BLACK </b><br/>
<b>MINNESOTANS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">322,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">328,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.19.6"></a><var>19.6</var>$25,000 the first year and $25,000 the second <br/>
<a id="pl.19.7"></a><var>19.7</var>year are for expenses related to the state's <br/>
<a id="pl.19.8"></a><var>19.8</var>annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday <br/>
<a id="pl.19.9"></a><var>19.9</var>celebration.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.26.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.19.10"></a><var>19.10</var><br/>
<a id="pl.19.11"></a><var>19.11</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 26. <b>COUNCIL ON CHICANO/LATINO </b><br/>
<b>AFFAIRS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">306,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">310,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.27.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.19.12"></a><var>19.12</var><br/>
<a id="pl.19.13"></a><var>19.13</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 27. <b>COUNCIL ON ASIAN-PACIFIC </b><br/>
<b>MINNESOTANS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">287,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">285,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><br/>
<a id="bill.1.28.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.19.14"></a><var>19.14</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 28. <b>INDIAN AFFAIRS COUNCIL</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">661,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">487,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.19.15"></a><var>19.15</var>$80,000 in the first year is for the acquisition <br/>
<a id="pl.19.16"></a><var>19.16</var>of an Indian burial site in Becker County. The <br/>
<a id="pl.19.17"></a><var>19.17</var>Indian Affairs Council shall solicit donations <br/>
<a id="pl.19.18"></a><var>19.18</var>from federal, state, nonprofit, private, and <br/>
<a id="pl.19.19"></a><var>19.19</var>tribal sources for this purpose. This is a <br/>
<a id="pl.19.20"></a><var>19.20</var>onetime appropriation and is available for <br/>
<a id="pl.19.21"></a><var>19.21</var>expenditure until June 30, 2009.<br/>
<a id="pl.19.22"></a><var>19.22</var>$100,000 in the first year is for transfer to the <br/>
<a id="pl.19.23"></a><var>19.23</var>director of the Minnesota Office of Higher <br/>
<a id="pl.19.24"></a><var>19.24</var>Education for a grant for the Dakota/Ojibwe <br/>
<a id="pl.19.25"></a><var>19.25</var>Language Revitalization Project to expand <br/>
<a id="pl.19.26"></a><var>19.26</var>an existing pilot project to promote activities <br/>
<a id="pl.19.27"></a><var>19.27</var>and programs that are specific to promoting <br/>
<a id="pl.19.28"></a><var>19.28</var>revitalization of indigenous language for <br/>
<a id="pl.19.29"></a><var>19.29</var>American Indian children who do not live <br/>
<a id="pl.19.30"></a><var>19.30</var>on an Indian reservation. The pilot project <br/>
<a id="pl.19.31"></a><var>19.31</var>shall focus on developing programs that <br/>
<a id="pl.19.32"></a><var>19.32</var>meet the language needs of children in <br/>
<a id="pl.20.1"></a><var>20.1</var>prekindergarten through grade 12. This is a <br/>
<a id="pl.20.2"></a><var>20.2</var>onetime appropriation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.29.0"></a><table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.3"></a><var>20.3</var><br/>
<a id="pl.20.4"></a><var>20.4</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Sec. 29. <b>GENERAL CONTINGENT </b><br/>
<b>ACCOUNTS</b><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">1,000,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">$<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">500,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table width="100%">
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.5"></a><var>20.5</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="center" colspan="3" valign="bottom">Appropriations by Fund<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.6"></a><var>20.6</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"></td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2008<br/>
</td>
<td align="center" valign="bottom">2009<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.7"></a><var>20.7</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">General<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">500,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">-0-<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.8"></a><var>20.8</var><br/>
<a id="pl.20.9"></a><var>20.9</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">State Government <br/>
Special Revenue<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">400,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">400,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a id="pl.20.10"></a><var>20.10</var><br/>
<a id="pl.20.11"></a><var>20.11</var><br/>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom">Workers' <br/>
Compensation<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">100,000<br/>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom">100,000<br/>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a id="pl.20.12"></a><var>20.12</var>(a) The appropriations in this section <br/>
<a id="pl.20.13"></a><var>20.13</var>may only be spent with the approval of <br/>
<a id="pl.20.14"></a><var>20.14</var>the governor after consultation with the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.15"></a><var>20.15</var>Legislative Advisory Commission pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.20.16"></a><var>20.16</var>to Minnesota Statutes, section 3.30.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.17"></a><var>20.17</var>(b) If an appropriation in this section for <br/>
<a id="pl.20.18"></a><var>20.18</var>either year is insufficient, the appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.20.19"></a><var>20.19</var>for the other year is available for it.<br/>
<a id="pl.20.20"></a><var>20.20</var>(c) If a contingent account appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.20.21"></a><var>20.21</var>is made in one fiscal year, it should be <br/>
<a id="pl.20.22"></a><var>20.22</var>considered a biennial appropriation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.1.30.0"></a><a id="pl.20.23"></a><var>20.23</var>    Sec. 30. <b>MANAGERIAL POSITION REDUCTIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.20.24"></a><var>20.24</var>    The governor must reduce the number of deputy commissioners, assistant <br/>
<a id="pl.20.25"></a><var>20.25</var>commissioners, and positions designated as unclassified under authority of Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.20.26"></a><var>20.26</var>Statutes, section 43A.08, subdivision 1a, by an amount that will generate savings to the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.27"></a><var>20.27</var>general fund of $775,000 in the biennium ending June 30, 2009, and $7,600,000 in the <br/>
<a id="pl.20.28"></a><var>20.28</var>biennium ending June 30, 2011.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.2.1.0"></a><a id="pl.20.31"></a><var>20.31</var>    Section 1. <b>[3.052] SCHEDULE FOR CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.20.32"></a><var>20.32</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Agency bills.</b> An executive department or agency intending to urge <br/>
<a id="pl.20.33"></a><var>20.33</var>the legislature to adopt a bill shall deliver the bill to the revisor of statutes by November <br/>
<a id="pl.20.34"></a><var>20.34</var>1 before the regular session at which adoption will be urged. This deadline does not <br/>
<a id="pl.21.1"></a><var>21.1</var>apply: (1) to bills necessary to implement the governor's budget proposals; (2) to other <br/>
<a id="pl.21.2"></a><var>21.2</var>bills that are policy initiatives of the governor, as opposed to administrative initiatives of a <br/>
<a id="pl.21.3"></a><var>21.3</var>department or agency; or (3) as otherwise provided in section 3C.035.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.4"></a><var>21.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>State of the state.</b> The governor is encouraged to submit a state of the state <br/>
<a id="pl.21.5"></a><var>21.5</var>address in January of each odd-numbered year and within the first ten days after the start <br/>
<a id="pl.21.6"></a><var>21.6</var>of the legislative session in an even-numbered year. Before or during this address, the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.7"></a><var>21.7</var>governor is encouraged to announce major legislative policy initiatives that the governor <br/>
<a id="pl.21.8"></a><var>21.8</var>intends to promote that year.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.9"></a><var>21.9</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Executive submission of budget bills.</b> The governor must submit bills <br/>
<a id="pl.21.10"></a><var>21.10</var>necessary to implement the governor's operating budget to the legislature within two <br/>
<a id="pl.21.11"></a><var>21.11</var>weeks after the date specified in section 16A.11 for the governor to submit the detailed <br/>
<a id="pl.21.12"></a><var>21.12</var>operating budget to the legislature. The bills must be provided to the speaker of the house <br/>
<a id="pl.21.13"></a><var>21.13</var>of representatives and the majority leader of the senate in a manner ready for formal <br/>
<a id="pl.21.14"></a><var>21.14</var>introduction and final consideration.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.2.0"></a><a id="pl.21.15"></a><var>21.15</var>    Sec. 2. <b>[3.181] PRINTED MATERIALS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.21.16"></a><var>21.16</var>    If paper copies of legislative bills and amendments are printed, they must be printed <br/>
<a id="pl.21.17"></a><var>21.17</var>on paper that measures 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.18"></a><var>21.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.3.0"></a><a id="pl.21.19"></a><var>21.19</var>    Sec. 3. <b>[3.3051] PUBLIC INFORMATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.21.20"></a><var>21.20</var>    The Legislative Coordinating Commission must establish a joint legislative public <br/>
<a id="pl.21.21"></a><var>21.21</var>information office.<br/>
<a id="pl.21.22"></a><var>21.22</var>    The office is the legislative entity responsible for:<br/>
<a id="pl.21.23"></a><var>21.23</var>    (1) producing legislative directories and rosters, news magazines, and general <br/>
<a id="pl.21.24"></a><var>21.24</var>educational materials about the legislative process;<br/>
<a id="pl.21.25"></a><var>21.25</var>    (2) in cooperation with other legislative offices, providing schedules of legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.21.26"></a><var>21.26</var>meetings;<br/>
<a id="pl.21.27"></a><var>21.27</var>    (3) producing television coverage of certain legislative proceedings; and<br/>
<a id="pl.21.28"></a><var>21.28</var>    (4) performing other functions assigned by the Legislative Coordinating <br/>
<a id="pl.21.29"></a><var>21.29</var>Commission.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.4.0"></a><a id="pl.21.30"></a><var>21.30</var>    Sec. 4. <b>[3.306] MEETING TIMES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.21.31"></a><var>21.31</var>    The house of representatives and the senate must adopt rules that set one time as the <br/>
<a id="pl.21.32"></a><var>21.32</var>regular hour of convening daily sessions in both houses.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.5.0"></a><a id="pl.22.1"></a><var>22.1</var>    Sec. 5. <b>[3.3061] JOINT STANDING COMMITTEES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.22.2"></a><var>22.2</var>    The house of representatives and the senate are encouraged to adopt rules that:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.3"></a><var>22.3</var>    (1) establish a system of joint standing committees to consider and report on <br/>
<a id="pl.22.4"></a><var>22.4</var>legislation and conduct other legislative business, except that each house may separately <br/>
<a id="pl.22.5"></a><var>22.5</var>establish a committee on rules and administration and a committee on ethics; or<br/>
<a id="pl.22.6"></a><var>22.6</var>    (2) provide that house and senate committees with similar jurisdiction will meet at <br/>
<a id="pl.22.7"></a><var>22.7</var>the same time to facilitate joint meetings.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.6.0"></a><a id="pl.22.8"></a><var>22.8</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.85, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.22.9"></a><var>22.9</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Membership.</b> The commission consists of five seven members of the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.10"></a><var>22.10</var>senate appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and <br/>
<a id="pl.22.11"></a><var>22.11</var>Administration and five seven members of the house of representatives appointed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.12"></a><var>22.12</var>speaker. Members shall be appointed at the commencement of each regular session of the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.13"></a><var>22.13</var>legislature for a two-year term beginning January 16 of the first year of the regular session. <br/>
<a id="pl.22.14"></a><var>22.14</var>Members continue to serve until their successors are appointed. Vacancies that occur while <br/>
<a id="pl.22.15"></a><var>22.15</var>the legislature is in session shall be filled like regular appointments. If the legislature is not <br/>
<a id="pl.22.16"></a><var>22.16</var>in session, senate vacancies shall be filled by the last Subcommittee on Committees of the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.17"></a><var>22.17</var>senate Committee on Rules and Administration or other appointing authority designated <br/>
<a id="pl.22.18"></a><var>22.18</var>by the senate rules, and house vacancies shall be filled by the last speaker of the house, or <br/>
<a id="pl.22.19"></a><var>22.19</var>if the speaker is not available, by the last chair of the house Rules Committee.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.7.0"></a><a id="pl.22.20"></a><var>22.20</var>    Sec. 7. <b>[3.9228] MINNESOTA OFFICE ON ETHNIC HERITAGE AND NEW </b><br/>
<a id="pl.22.21"></a><var>22.21</var><b>AMERICANS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.22.22"></a><var>22.22</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Office established.</b> The Minnesota Office of Ethnic Heritage and <br/>
<a id="pl.22.23"></a><var>22.23</var>New Americans is established to: (1) recognize the state's rich ethnic diversity and the <br/>
<a id="pl.22.24"></a><var>22.24</var>contributions that immigrants have made to the state's social, economic, and cultural <br/>
<a id="pl.22.25"></a><var>22.25</var>history; and (2) capitalize on and develop the strengths of the immigrant community in <br/>
<a id="pl.22.26"></a><var>22.26</var>Minnesota. The commission shall assist state government to foster an understanding and <br/>
<a id="pl.22.27"></a><var>22.27</var>appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity in Minnesota, to more effectively identify <br/>
<a id="pl.22.28"></a><var>22.28</var>the underutilized resources within the immigrant community and to facilitate the full <br/>
<a id="pl.22.29"></a><var>22.29</var>participation of immigrants in social, cultural, and political life in this state.<br/>
<a id="pl.22.30"></a><var>22.30</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Membership.</b> The Minnesota Office of Ethnic Heritage and New <br/>
<a id="pl.22.31"></a><var>22.31</var>Americans consists of 14 members: the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee <br/>
<a id="pl.22.32"></a><var>22.32</var>on Rules and Administration of the senate shall appoint two public members and two <br/>
<a id="pl.22.33"></a><var>22.33</var>senators; and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint two public members <br/>
<a id="pl.23.1"></a><var>23.1</var>and two members of the house of representatives. The governor shall appoint six public <br/>
<a id="pl.23.2"></a><var>23.2</var>members.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.3"></a><var>23.3</var>    Appointees must have proven experience and dedication to working with the wide <br/>
<a id="pl.23.4"></a><var>23.4</var>range of ethnic communities within Minnesota, the immigrant community, and possess <br/>
<a id="pl.23.5"></a><var>23.5</var>training and experience in business, management, economics, public policy, legal affairs, <br/>
<a id="pl.23.6"></a><var>23.6</var>and social work. The appointing authorities shall seek to collaborate with each other and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.7"></a><var>23.7</var>with the councils established in sections 3.9223, 3.9225, and 3.9226 to ensure that the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.8"></a><var>23.8</var>public membership of the commission is ethnically and geographically diverse and is <br/>
<a id="pl.23.9"></a><var>23.9</var>reasonably balanced by gender.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.10"></a><var>23.10</var>    Compensation and the filling of vacancies or appointed members are as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.23.11"></a><var>23.11</var>section 15.0575. The appointments required under this subdivision must be completed <br/>
<a id="pl.23.12"></a><var>23.12</var>no later than September 1, 2007.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.13"></a><var>23.13</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Organization.</b> As soon as possible after the appointments under <br/>
<a id="pl.23.14"></a><var>23.14</var>subdivision 2 have been completed, the executive director of the Legislative Coordinating <br/>
<a id="pl.23.15"></a><var>23.15</var>Commission shall convene the first meeting of the commission. The members of the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.16"></a><var>23.16</var>commission shall select their chairperson at the first meeting.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.17"></a><var>23.17</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Assistance.</b> The Legislative Coordinating Commission shall provide the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.18"></a><var>23.18</var>administrative and clerical support services necessary for the operation of the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.23.19"></a><var>23.19</var>Office on Ethnic Heritage and New Americans.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.20"></a><var>23.20</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Duties.</b> The Minnesota Office of Ethnic Heritage and New Americans shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.21"></a><var>23.21</var>    (1) work with community leaders, the legislature, and the executive branch to <br/>
<a id="pl.23.22"></a><var>23.22</var>develop programs and proposals that will encourage ethnic identity, preserve ethnic <br/>
<a id="pl.23.23"></a><var>23.23</var>heritage, and promote education of the public about the state's heritage and cultural history;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.24"></a><var>23.24</var>    (2) make recommendations to the legislature and the governor intended to foster the <br/>
<a id="pl.23.25"></a><var>23.25</var>understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity in the state;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.26"></a><var>23.26</var>    (3) maintain association with ethnic, cultural, and minority groups to determine <br/>
<a id="pl.23.27"></a><var>23.27</var>community needs;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.28"></a><var>23.28</var>    (4) study and consider opportunities and issues for the immigrant community in <br/>
<a id="pl.23.29"></a><var>23.29</var>this state, including:<br/>
<a id="pl.23.30"></a><var>23.30</var>    (i) steps to eliminate underutilization of immigrants in the state's work force;<br/>
<a id="pl.23.31"></a><var>23.31</var>    (ii) improving the efficient use of existing state programs and services; and<br/>
<a id="pl.23.32"></a><var>23.32</var>    (iii) other appropriate steps to improve the economic and social condition of <br/>
<a id="pl.23.33"></a><var>23.33</var>immigrants in this state.<br/>
<a id="pl.23.34"></a><var>23.34</var>    By December 1, 2008, the commission shall report to the chairs of the legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.23.35"></a><var>23.35</var>committees and divisions with jurisdiction over issues affecting ethnic heritage and <br/>
<a id="pl.23.36"></a><var>23.36</var>immigrants. The report must include a discussion of the items listed in this subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.24.1"></a><var>24.1</var>together with recommendations for state agencies and the legislature, including any <br/>
<a id="pl.24.2"></a><var>24.2</var>proposed legislation necessary to accomplish the recommendations. The executive <br/>
<a id="pl.24.3"></a><var>24.3</var>director of the Legislative Coordinating Commission shall ensure that copies of the report <br/>
<a id="pl.24.4"></a><var>24.4</var>are available on the Legislative Coordinating Commission's Web site.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.5"></a><var>24.5</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Expiration.</b> This section expires on June 30, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.8.0"></a><a id="pl.24.6"></a><var>24.6</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 3.9741, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.7"></a><var>24.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Metropolitan Commission.</b> Upon the audit of the financial accounts <br/>
<a id="pl.24.8"></a><var>24.8</var>and affairs of a commission under section 
         <statute_ref>473.595</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>473.604</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>473.703</statute_ref>, the affected <br/>
<a id="pl.24.9"></a><var>24.9</var>Metropolitan Commission is liable to the state for the total cost and expenses of the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.10"></a><var>24.10</var>audit, including the salaries paid to the examiners while actually engaged in making <br/>
<a id="pl.24.11"></a><var>24.11</var>the examination. The legislative auditor may bill the Metropolitan Commission either <br/>
<a id="pl.24.12"></a><var>24.12</var>monthly or at the completion of the audit. All collections received for the audits must be <br/>
<a id="pl.24.13"></a><var>24.13</var>deposited in the general fund added to the appropriation for the legislative auditor. <br/>
<a id="pl.24.14"></a><var>24.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.9.0"></a><a id="pl.24.15"></a><var>24.15</var>    Sec. 9. <b>[4.60] POET LAUREATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.24.16"></a><var>24.16</var>    (a) The position of poet laureate of the state of Minnesota is established. The <br/>
<a id="pl.24.17"></a><var>24.17</var>Minnesota Humanities Commission must solicit nominations for the poet laureate <br/>
<a id="pl.24.18"></a><var>24.18</var>appointment and must make recommendations to the governor. After receiving <br/>
<a id="pl.24.19"></a><var>24.19</var>recommendations from the Minnesota Humanities Commission, the governor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.24.20"></a><var>24.20</var>appoint a state poet laureate and conduct appropriate ceremonies to honor the person <br/>
<a id="pl.24.21"></a><var>24.21</var>appointed. The person appointed as poet laureate continues to serve in this position until <br/>
<a id="pl.24.22"></a><var>24.22</var>the governor appoints another person.<br/>
<a id="pl.24.23"></a><var>24.23</var>    (b) State agencies and officers are encouraged to use the services of the poet laureate <br/>
<a id="pl.24.24"></a><var>24.24</var>for appropriate ceremonies and celebrations.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.10.0"></a><a id="pl.24.25"></a><var>24.25</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 5.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.24.26"></a><var>24.26</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Fees.</b> The secretary of state shall charge a fee of $5 for each <br/>
<a id="pl.24.27"></a><var>24.27</var>certificate or certification of a copy of any document filed in the Office of the Secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.24.28"></a><var>24.28</var>of State. The secretary of state shall charge a fee of $3 for a copy of an original filing of <br/>
<a id="pl.24.29"></a><var>24.29</var>a corporation, limited partnership, assumed name, or trade or service mark, or for the <br/>
<a id="pl.24.30"></a><var>24.30</var>complete record of a certificate of assumed name. The secretary of state shall charge a <br/>
<a id="pl.24.31"></a><var>24.31</var>fee of $3 for a copy of any or all subsequent filings of a corporation, limited partnership, <br/>
<a id="pl.24.32"></a><var>24.32</var>assumed name, or trade or service mark. The secretary of state shall charge a fee of $1 per <br/>
<a id="pl.24.33"></a><var>24.33</var>page for copies of other nonuniform commercial code documents filed with the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.25.1"></a><var>25.1</var>state. At the time of filing, the secretary of state may provide at the public counter, without <br/>
<a id="pl.25.2"></a><var>25.2</var>charge, a copy of a filing, ten or fewer pages in length, to the person making the filing.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.3"></a><var>25.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.11.0"></a><a id="pl.25.4"></a><var>25.4</var>    Sec. 11. <b>[5.32] TEMPORARY TECHNOLOGY SURCHARGE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.25.5"></a><var>25.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Surcharge.</b> For fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the following technology <br/>
<a id="pl.25.6"></a><var>25.6</var>surcharges are imposed on the filing fees required under the following statutes:<br/>
<a id="pl.25.7"></a><var>25.7</var>    (1) $25 for articles of incorporation filed under section 302A.151;<br/>
<a id="pl.25.8"></a><var>25.8</var>    (2) $25 for articles of organization filed under section 322B.17;<br/>
<a id="pl.25.9"></a><var>25.9</var>    (3) $25 for applications for certificates of authority to transact business in Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.25.10"></a><var>25.10</var>filed under section 303.06;<br/>
<a id="pl.25.11"></a><var>25.11</var>    (4) $20 for annual reports filed by non-Minnesota corporations under section <br/>
<a id="pl.25.12"></a><var>25.12</var>303.14; and <br/>
<a id="pl.25.13"></a><var>25.13</var>    (5) $50 for reinstatements to authority to transact business in Minnesota filed under <br/>
<a id="pl.25.14"></a><var>25.14</var>section 303.19.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.15"></a><var>25.15</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Deposit.</b> The surcharges listed in subdivision 1 shall be deposited into the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.16"></a><var>25.16</var>uniform commercial code account.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.17"></a><var>25.17</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Expiration.</b> This section expires June 30, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.12.0"></a><a id="pl.25.18"></a><var>25.18</var>    Sec. 12. <b>[6.465] DEFINITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.25.19"></a><var>25.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application.</b> For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in <br/>
<a id="pl.25.20"></a><var>25.20</var>this section have the meaning given them.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.21"></a><var>25.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Political subdivision.</b> "Political subdivision" means a county, home rule <br/>
<a id="pl.25.22"></a><var>25.22</var>charter or statutory city, town, school district, metropolitan or regional agency, public <br/>
<a id="pl.25.23"></a><var>25.23</var>corporation, political subdivision, or special district as defined in subdivision 3. "Political <br/>
<a id="pl.25.24"></a><var>25.24</var>subdivision" does not include a metropolitan or regional agency or a public corporation <br/>
<a id="pl.25.25"></a><var>25.25</var>audited by the legislative auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.25.26"></a><var>25.26</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Special district.</b> "Special district" means a public entity with a special <br/>
<a id="pl.25.27"></a><var>25.27</var>or limited purpose, financed by property tax revenues or other public funds, that is <br/>
<a id="pl.25.28"></a><var>25.28</var>not included in a city, county, or town financial report as a component of that local <br/>
<a id="pl.25.29"></a><var>25.29</var>government, that is created or authorized by law, and that is governed by (1) persons <br/>
<a id="pl.25.30"></a><var>25.30</var>directly elected to the governing board of the district, (2) persons appointed to the <br/>
<a id="pl.25.31"></a><var>25.31</var>governing board of the district by local elected officials, (3) local elected officials who <br/>
<a id="pl.25.32"></a><var>25.32</var>serve on the board by virtue of their elected office, or (4) a combination of these methods <br/>
<a id="pl.25.33"></a><var>25.33</var>of selection. Special district includes special taxing districts listed in section 275.066.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.13.0"></a><a id="pl.26.1"></a><var>26.1</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.47, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.2"></a><var>26.2</var><b>6.47 ACCOUNTING AND BUDGETING SYSTEMS; INVESTIGATION, </b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.3"></a><var>26.3</var><b>FORMS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.4"></a><var>26.4</var>    The state auditor shall inquire into the accounting and budgeting systems of all <br/>
<a id="pl.26.5"></a><var>26.5</var>local units of government political subdivisions and shall prescribe suitable systems of <br/>
<a id="pl.26.6"></a><var>26.6</var>accounts and budgeting, and forms, books, and instructions concerning the same. At the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.7"></a><var>26.7</var>request of any local unit of government political subdivision the state auditor may install <br/>
<a id="pl.26.8"></a><var>26.8</var>such systems. The state auditor shall recommend a form for order- and warrant-checks of <br/>
<a id="pl.26.9"></a><var>26.9</var>all local units of government which shall conform, so far as consistent with statutory and <br/>
<a id="pl.26.10"></a><var>26.10</var>charter requirements, to approved banking practice in order to facilitate handling of such <br/>
<a id="pl.26.11"></a><var>26.11</var>instruments by banks and other depositories.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.14.0"></a><a id="pl.26.12"></a><var>26.12</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.51, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.13"></a><var>26.13</var><b>6.51 </b><b>SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TOWNS, AND STATUTORY CITIES</b><b> OTHER </b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.14"></a><var>26.14</var><b>POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.15"></a><var>26.15</var>    All powers and duties of the state auditor herein imposed and conferred with respect <br/>
<a id="pl.26.16"></a><var>26.16</var>to the supervision, inspection, and examination of books and accounts of cities in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.26.17"></a><var>26.17</var>6.50
         </statute_ref> are herewith extended to all school districts, towns, and statutory cities political <br/>
<a id="pl.26.18"></a><var>26.18</var>subdivisions of this state. A copy of the report of such examination shall be filed, subject <br/>
<a id="pl.26.19"></a><var>26.19</var>to public inspection, with the clerk or chief administrative officer of the town, statutory <br/>
<a id="pl.26.20"></a><var>26.20</var>city, or school district political subdivision receiving such examination, and an additional <br/>
<a id="pl.26.21"></a><var>26.21</var>copy with the county auditor of the county in which the administrative offices of such <br/>
<a id="pl.26.22"></a><var>26.22</var>town, statutory city, or school district the political subdivision are located. If such report <br/>
<a id="pl.26.23"></a><var>26.23</var>disclose malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, the state auditor shall file <br/>
<a id="pl.26.24"></a><var>26.24</var>such copy with the county attorney of the county in which the administrative offices of <br/>
<a id="pl.26.25"></a><var>26.25</var>such school district, town, or statutory city the political subdivision are located, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.26.26"></a><var>26.26</var>county attorney shall institute such proceedings as the law and the public interest require. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.15.0"></a><a id="pl.26.27"></a><var>26.27</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.54, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.26.28"></a><var>26.28</var><b>6.54 EXAMINATION OF </b><b>COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL</b><b> </b><b>POLITICAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.29"></a><var>26.29</var><b>SUBDIVISION </b><b>RECORDS PURSUANT TO PETITION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.26.30"></a><var>26.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Petition of voters for audit.</b> The registered voters in a county or <br/>
<a id="pl.26.31"></a><var>26.31</var>home rule charter or statutory city political subdivision other than a town or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.26.32"></a><var>26.32</var>or the electors at an annual or special town meeting of a town may petition the state <br/>
<a id="pl.26.33"></a><var>26.33</var>auditor to examine the books, records, accounts, and affairs of the county, home rule <br/>
<a id="pl.27.1"></a><var>27.1</var>charter or statutory city, town, political subdivision or of any organizational unit, activity, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.2"></a><var>27.2</var>project, enterprise, or fund thereof; and the scope of the examination may be limited by the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.3"></a><var>27.3</var>petition, but the examination shall cover, at least, all cash received and disbursed and the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.4"></a><var>27.4</var>transactions relating thereto, provided that the state auditor shall not examine more than <br/>
<a id="pl.27.5"></a><var>27.5</var>the six latest years preceding the circulation of the petition, unless it appears to the state <br/>
<a id="pl.27.6"></a><var>27.6</var>auditor during the examination that the audit period should be extended to permit a full <br/>
<a id="pl.27.7"></a><var>27.7</var>recovery under bonds furnished by public officers or employees, and may if it appears to <br/>
<a id="pl.27.8"></a><var>27.8</var>the auditor in the public interest confine the period or the scope of audit or both period and <br/>
<a id="pl.27.9"></a><var>27.9</var>scope of audit, to less than that requested by the petition. In the case of a county or home <br/>
<a id="pl.27.10"></a><var>27.10</var>rule charter or statutory city political subdivision other than a town or school district, the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.11"></a><var>27.11</var>petition shall be signed by a number of registered voters at least equal to 20 percent of <br/>
<a id="pl.27.12"></a><var>27.12</var>those voting in the last presidential election. <br/>
<a id="pl.27.13"></a><var>27.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>School districts.</b> The eligible voters of any school district may petition the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.14"></a><var>27.14</var>state auditor, who shall be subject to the same restrictions regarding the scope and period <br/>
<a id="pl.27.15"></a><var>27.15</var>of audit, provided that the petition shall be signed by at least ten eligible voters for each 50 <br/>
<a id="pl.27.16"></a><var>27.16</var>resident pupils in average daily membership during the preceding school year as shown on <br/>
<a id="pl.27.17"></a><var>27.17</var>the records in the office of the commissioner of education. In the case of school districts, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.18"></a><var>27.18</var>the petition shall be signed by at least ten eligible voters. <br/>
<a id="pl.27.19"></a><var>27.19</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Certifications required.</b> At the time it is circulated, every petition shall <br/>
<a id="pl.27.20"></a><var>27.20</var>contain a statement that the cost of the audit will be borne by the county, city, or school <br/>
<a id="pl.27.21"></a><var>27.21</var>district political subdivision as provided by law. Thirty days before the petition is <br/>
<a id="pl.27.22"></a><var>27.22</var>delivered to the state auditor it shall be presented to the appropriate city or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.27.23"></a><var>27.23</var>clerk or chief administrative officer of the political subdivision and the county auditor. <br/>
<a id="pl.27.24"></a><var>27.24</var>The county auditor shall determine and certify whether the petition is signed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.25"></a><var>27.25</var>required number of registered voters or eligible voters as the case may be. The certificate <br/>
<a id="pl.27.26"></a><var>27.26</var>shall be conclusive evidence thereof in any action or proceeding for the recovery of the <br/>
<a id="pl.27.27"></a><var>27.27</var>costs, charges, and expenses of any examination made pursuant to the petition.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.16.0"></a><a id="pl.27.28"></a><var>27.28</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.55, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.27.29"></a><var>27.29</var><b>6.55 EXAMINATION OF RECORDS PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.27.30"></a><var>27.30</var><b>GOVERNING BODY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.27.31"></a><var>27.31</var>    The governing body of any city, town, county or school district, political subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.27.32"></a><var>27.32</var>by appropriate resolution may ask the state auditor to examine the books, records, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.33"></a><var>27.33</var>accounts and affairs of their government, or of any organizational unit, activity, project, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.34"></a><var>27.34</var>enterprise, or fund thereof; and the state auditor shall examine the same upon receiving, <br/>
<a id="pl.27.35"></a><var>27.35</var>pursuant to said resolution, a written request signed by a majority of the members of the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.1"></a><var>28.1</var>governing body; and the governing body of any public utility commission, or of any <br/>
<a id="pl.28.2"></a><var>28.2</var>public corporation having a body politic and corporate political subdivision, or of any <br/>
<a id="pl.28.3"></a><var>28.3</var>instrumentality joint or several of any city, town, county, or school district political <br/>
<a id="pl.28.4"></a><var>28.4</var>subdivision, may request an audit of its books, records, accounts and affairs in the same <br/>
<a id="pl.28.5"></a><var>28.5</var>manner; provided that the scope of the examination may be limited by the request, but <br/>
<a id="pl.28.6"></a><var>28.6</var>such examination shall cover, at least, all cash received and disbursed and the transactions <br/>
<a id="pl.28.7"></a><var>28.7</var>relating thereto. Such written request shall be presented to the clerk, or recording officer, <br/>
<a id="pl.28.8"></a><var>28.8</var>or chief administrative officer of such city, town, county, school district, public utility <br/>
<a id="pl.28.9"></a><var>28.9</var>commission, public corporation, the political subdivision or instrumentality, before <br/>
<a id="pl.28.10"></a><var>28.10</var>being presented to the state auditor, who shall determine whether the same is signed <br/>
<a id="pl.28.11"></a><var>28.11</var>by a majority of the members of such governing body and, if found to be so signed, <br/>
<a id="pl.28.12"></a><var>28.12</var>shall certify such fact, and the fact that such resolution was passed, which certificate <br/>
<a id="pl.28.13"></a><var>28.13</var>shall be conclusive evidence thereof in any action or proceedings for the recovery of the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.14"></a><var>28.14</var>costs, charges and expenses of any examination made pursuant to such request. Nothing <br/>
<a id="pl.28.15"></a><var>28.15</var>contained in any of the laws of the state relating to the state auditor, shall be so construed <br/>
<a id="pl.28.16"></a><var>28.16</var>as to prevent any county, city, town, or school district political subdivision from employing <br/>
<a id="pl.28.17"></a><var>28.17</var>a certified public accountant to examine its books, records, accounts, and affairs. For the <br/>
<a id="pl.28.18"></a><var>28.18</var>purposes of this section, the governing body of a town is the town board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.17.0"></a><a id="pl.28.19"></a><var>28.19</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.551, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.20"></a><var>28.20</var><b>6.551 EXAMINATION OF GRANTEES AND CONTRACTORS OF </b><b>LOCAL </b><br/>
<a id="pl.28.21"></a><var>28.21</var><b>GOVERNMENTS</b><b> POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.28.22"></a><var>28.22</var>    The state auditor may examine the books, records, documents, and accounting <br/>
<a id="pl.28.23"></a><var>28.23</var>procedures and practices of a contractor or grantee of a local government political <br/>
<a id="pl.28.24"></a><var>28.24</var>subdivision pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>16C.05, subdivision 5</statute_ref>. The examination shall be limited to <br/>
<a id="pl.28.25"></a><var>28.25</var>the books, records, documents, and accounting procedures and practices that are relevant <br/>
<a id="pl.28.26"></a><var>28.26</var>to the contract or transaction with the local government political subdivision. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.18.0"></a><a id="pl.28.27"></a><var>28.27</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.57, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.28.28"></a><var>28.28</var><b>6.57 COST OF EXAMINATION, COLLECTION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.28.29"></a><var>28.29</var>    On July first, 1 of each year, the state auditor shall certify all uncollected claims for <br/>
<a id="pl.28.30"></a><var>28.30</var>the examination of any county, city, town, or school district which political subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.28.31"></a><var>28.31</var>that have remained unpaid for a period of three months from the date of such claim. The <br/>
<a id="pl.28.32"></a><var>28.32</var>auditor shall forthwith notify the clerk, or recording officer, or chief administrative officer <br/>
<a id="pl.28.33"></a><var>28.33</var>of each county, city, town, or school district political subdivision against which the state <br/>
<a id="pl.28.34"></a><var>28.34</var>has a claim that, if the same is not paid, with interest at the rate of six percent per annum <br/>
<a id="pl.29.1"></a><var>29.1</var>from the date of the claim, within 90 days, the full amount thereof will be certified to the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.2"></a><var>29.2</var>county auditor of the county having such examination, or to the county auditor for the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.3"></a><var>29.3</var>county or counties in which such city, town, or school district the political subdivision is <br/>
<a id="pl.29.4"></a><var>29.4</var>situated, for collection by special tax levy, as herein provided. Such notice shall be served <br/>
<a id="pl.29.5"></a><var>29.5</var>by certified mail and the deposit thereof in the United States mail shall constitute due and <br/>
<a id="pl.29.6"></a><var>29.6</var>legal service thereof upon the county, city, town, or school district political subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.19.0"></a><a id="pl.29.7"></a><var>29.7</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.59, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.8"></a><var>29.8</var><b>6.59 CLAIM OF STATE FOR COST OF EXAMINATION, CONTEST.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.9"></a><var>29.9</var>    On or before September first 1 of each year, following service of the notice, any such <br/>
<a id="pl.29.10"></a><var>29.10</var>county, city, town, or school district political subdivision may serve notice, in writing, <br/>
<a id="pl.29.11"></a><var>29.11</var>upon the attorney general that it desires to contest the legality of the state's claim, and <br/>
<a id="pl.29.12"></a><var>29.12</var>the attorney general shall forthwith file with the court administrator of the district court <br/>
<a id="pl.29.13"></a><var>29.13</var>of the county having such examination, or in which such city, town, or school district <br/>
<a id="pl.29.14"></a><var>29.14</var>the political subdivision, or major part thereof, is situated, a verified statement of the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.15"></a><var>29.15</var>state's claim, duly itemized and serve upon the auditor or, clerk, or chief administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.29.16"></a><var>29.16</var>officer of such county, city, town, or school district the political subdivision, by certified <br/>
<a id="pl.29.17"></a><var>29.17</var>mail, a copy of such statement. Such county, city, town, or school district The political <br/>
<a id="pl.29.18"></a><var>29.18</var>subdivision may file with the court administrator of such district court, within ten days <br/>
<a id="pl.29.19"></a><var>29.19</var>after the service of such statement upon it, verified objections to the state's claim, and such <br/>
<a id="pl.29.20"></a><var>29.20</var>district court shall thereupon summarily, in or out of term, hear and determine the amount <br/>
<a id="pl.29.21"></a><var>29.21</var>due the state, if any, for such examination, at a time and place fixed by the court therefor. <br/>
<a id="pl.29.22"></a><var>29.22</var>The court administrator of court shall certify to the county auditor of the county having <br/>
<a id="pl.29.23"></a><var>29.23</var>such examination, or to the county auditor of the county or counties in which such city, <br/>
<a id="pl.29.24"></a><var>29.24</var>town, or school district the political subdivision is situated, the amount so determined <br/>
<a id="pl.29.25"></a><var>29.25</var>by the court to be due to the state, if any.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.20.0"></a><a id="pl.29.26"></a><var>29.26</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.60, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.29.27"></a><var>29.27</var><b>6.60 STATE AUDITOR, CERTIFICATION OF AMOUNTS DUE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.29.28"></a><var>29.28</var>    On October first, 1 of each year, the state auditor shall certify the respective amounts <br/>
<a id="pl.29.29"></a><var>29.29</var>due the state from the various counties, cities, towns, and school districts political <br/>
<a id="pl.29.30"></a><var>29.30</var>subdivisions, including interest computed to July first, following, to the county auditor of <br/>
<a id="pl.29.31"></a><var>29.31</var>the county having such examination, or to the county auditor of the county in which any <br/>
<a id="pl.29.32"></a><var>29.32</var>such city, town, or school district political subdivision is, in whole or in part, situated. The <br/>
<a id="pl.29.33"></a><var>29.33</var>county auditor, upon receiving a certificate from the state auditor, or a certificate from the <br/>
<a id="pl.29.34"></a><var>29.34</var>court administrator, as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>6.59</statute_ref>, shall include the amount of the state's <br/>
<a id="pl.30.1"></a><var>30.1</var>claim, with 25 percent added, in the tax levy for general revenue purposes of the county or <br/>
<a id="pl.30.2"></a><var>30.2</var>municipality political subdivision liable therefor, and such additional levy shall not be <br/>
<a id="pl.30.3"></a><var>30.3</var>within any limitation imposed by law upon the amount of taxes which may be levied for <br/>
<a id="pl.30.4"></a><var>30.4</var>revenue purposes. Upon completion of the June tax settlement following such levy the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.5"></a><var>30.5</var>county treasurer shall deduct from the amount apportioned to the county or municipality <br/>
<a id="pl.30.6"></a><var>30.6</var>political subdivision for general revenue purposes, the amount due the state, including <br/>
<a id="pl.30.7"></a><var>30.7</var>interest, and remit the same to the commissioner of finance. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.21.0"></a><a id="pl.30.8"></a><var>30.8</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.62, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.9"></a><var>30.9</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Cost of postaudit.</b> The amount of said levy shall be the amount of the <br/>
<a id="pl.30.10"></a><var>30.10</var>claim or claims submitted by the state auditor for such services or the auditor's estimate of <br/>
<a id="pl.30.11"></a><var>30.11</var>the entire cost, and said amount shall be certified by the governing body, after the request <br/>
<a id="pl.30.12"></a><var>30.12</var>or petition for the audit has been filed, to the county auditor, along with amounts requested <br/>
<a id="pl.30.13"></a><var>30.13</var>for other governmental purposes. If such levy has been made in excess of statutory <br/>
<a id="pl.30.14"></a><var>30.14</var>limitations, and if the request or petition is withdrawn after the amount of the levy has <br/>
<a id="pl.30.15"></a><var>30.15</var>been certified but the levy cannot be canceled because it has been spread on the tax lists, <br/>
<a id="pl.30.16"></a><var>30.16</var>the governing body shall cause the proceeds of such levy to be transferred to the general <br/>
<a id="pl.30.17"></a><var>30.17</var>fund and reduce the succeeding year's levy for general purposes accordingly. Provided, <br/>
<a id="pl.30.18"></a><var>30.18</var>however, counties, cities, and other governmental units political subdivisions whose <br/>
<a id="pl.30.19"></a><var>30.19</var>financial affairs are required by statute or charter to be audited at regular intervals may <br/>
<a id="pl.30.20"></a><var>30.20</var>levy annually or biennially in anticipation of the audit expense, without the presentment of <br/>
<a id="pl.30.21"></a><var>30.21</var>such claim or estimate by the state auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.22.0"></a><a id="pl.30.22"></a><var>30.22</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.63, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.23"></a><var>30.23</var><b>6.63 APPLICATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.30.24"></a><var>30.24</var>    The units of government set forth in sections 
         <statute_ref>6.56</statute_ref>,
<statute_ref>6.465, 6.57</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>6.59</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>6.60</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>6.62</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.30.25"></a><var>30.25</var>shall be construed, where applicable, to include, in addition to those therein specifically <br/>
<a id="pl.30.26"></a><var>30.26</var>named, public utility commissions, public corporations, and instrumentalities. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.23.0"></a><a id="pl.30.27"></a><var>30.27</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.64, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.30.28"></a><var>30.28</var><b>6.64 COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS; PUBLIC </b><br/>
<a id="pl.30.29"></a><var>30.29</var><b>ACCOUNTANT DEFINED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.30.30"></a><var>30.30</var>    There shall be mutual cooperation between the state auditor and public accountants <br/>
<a id="pl.30.31"></a><var>30.31</var>in the performance of auditing, accounting, and other related services for counties, cities, <br/>
<a id="pl.30.32"></a><var>30.32</var>towns, school districts, and other public corporations political subdivisions. For the <br/>
<a id="pl.31.1"></a><var>31.1</var>purposes of sections 
         <statute_ref>6.64</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>6.71</statute_ref> and section 6.756, the term public accountant shall have <br/>
<a id="pl.31.2"></a><var>31.2</var>the meaning ascribed to it in section 
         <statute_ref>412.222</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.24.0"></a><a id="pl.31.3"></a><var>31.3</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.65, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.4"></a><var>31.4</var><b>6.65 MINIMUM PROCEDURES FOR AUDITORS, PRESCRIBED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.5"></a><var>31.5</var>    The state auditor shall prescribe minimum procedures and the audit scope for <br/>
<a id="pl.31.6"></a><var>31.6</var>auditing the books, records, accounts, and affairs of counties and local governments <br/>
<a id="pl.31.7"></a><var>31.7</var>political subdivisions in Minnesota. The minimum scope for audits of all local <br/>
<a id="pl.31.8"></a><var>31.8</var>governments political subdivisions must include financial and legal compliance audits. <br/>
<a id="pl.31.9"></a><var>31.9</var>Audits of all school districts must include a determination of compliance with uniform <br/>
<a id="pl.31.10"></a><var>31.10</var>financial accounting and reporting standards. The state auditor shall promulgate an <br/>
<a id="pl.31.11"></a><var>31.11</var>audit guide for legal compliance audits, in consultation with representatives of the state <br/>
<a id="pl.31.12"></a><var>31.12</var>auditor, the attorney general, towns, cities, counties, school districts, and private sector <br/>
<a id="pl.31.13"></a><var>31.13</var>public accountants.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.25.0"></a><a id="pl.31.14"></a><var>31.14</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.66, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.15"></a><var>31.15</var><b>6.66 CERTAIN PRACTICES OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AUTHORIZED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.16"></a><var>31.16</var>    Any public accountant may engage in the practice of auditing the books, records, <br/>
<a id="pl.31.17"></a><var>31.17</var>accounts, and affairs of counties, cities, towns, school districts, and other public <br/>
<a id="pl.31.18"></a><var>31.18</var>corporations which political subdivisions that are not otherwise required by law to be <br/>
<a id="pl.31.19"></a><var>31.19</var>audited exclusively by the state auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.26.0"></a><a id="pl.31.20"></a><var>31.20</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.67, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.31.21"></a><var>31.21</var><b>6.67 PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS; REPORT OF EVIDENCE POINTING TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.22"></a><var>31.22</var><b>MISCONDUCT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.31.23"></a><var>31.23</var>    Whenever a public accountant in the course of auditing the books and affairs of a <br/>
<a id="pl.31.24"></a><var>31.24</var>county, city, town, school district, or other public corporations, political subdivision shall <br/>
<a id="pl.31.25"></a><var>31.25</var>discover evidence pointing to nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance, on the part of <br/>
<a id="pl.31.26"></a><var>31.26</var>an officer or employee in the conduct of duties and affairs, the public accountant shall <br/>
<a id="pl.31.27"></a><var>31.27</var>promptly make a report of such discovery to the state auditor and the county attorney of <br/>
<a id="pl.31.28"></a><var>31.28</var>the county in which the governmental unit political subdivision is situated and the public <br/>
<a id="pl.31.29"></a><var>31.29</var>accountant shall also furnish a copy of the report of audit upon completion to said officers. <br/>
<a id="pl.31.30"></a><var>31.30</var>The county attorney shall act on such report in the same manner as required by law for <br/>
<a id="pl.31.31"></a><var>31.31</var>reports made to the county attorney by the state auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.27.0"></a><a id="pl.32.1"></a><var>32.1</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.68, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.2"></a><var>32.2</var><b>6.68 STATE AUDITOR MAY ASSIST PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT IN AUDIT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.3"></a><var>32.3</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Request to governing body.</b> If in an audit of a county, city, town, <br/>
<a id="pl.32.4"></a><var>32.4</var>school district, or other public corporation, political subdivision a public accountant has <br/>
<a id="pl.32.5"></a><var>32.5</var>need of the assistance of the state auditor, the accountant may obtain such assistance <br/>
<a id="pl.32.6"></a><var>32.6</var>by requesting the governing body of the governmental unit political subdivision being <br/>
<a id="pl.32.7"></a><var>32.7</var>examined to request the state auditor to perform such auditing or investigative services, or <br/>
<a id="pl.32.8"></a><var>32.8</var>both, as the matter and the public interest require.<br/>
<a id="pl.32.9"></a><var>32.9</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Auditor's report; payment.</b> The state auditor shall work in close <br/>
<a id="pl.32.10"></a><var>32.10</var>cooperation with the public accountant in rendering the services so requested and the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.11"></a><var>32.11</var>state auditor shall make such report of findings to the county attorney as is required by <br/>
<a id="pl.32.12"></a><var>32.12</var>law to be made of nonfeasance, misfeasance, and malfeasance discovered by the state <br/>
<a id="pl.32.13"></a><var>32.13</var>auditor. The governmental unit political subdivision shall be liable for the payment of <br/>
<a id="pl.32.14"></a><var>32.14</var>such services so performed by the state auditor in the same manner as if it had requested <br/>
<a id="pl.32.15"></a><var>32.15</var>the services pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>6.55</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.28.0"></a><a id="pl.32.16"></a><var>32.16</var>    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.70, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.17"></a><var>32.17</var><b>6.70 ACCESS TO REPORTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.18"></a><var>32.18</var>    The state auditor and the public accountants shall have reasonable access to each <br/>
<a id="pl.32.19"></a><var>32.19</var>other's audit reports, working papers, and audit programs concerning audits made by each <br/>
<a id="pl.32.20"></a><var>32.20</var>of counties, cities, towns, school districts, and other public corporations the political <br/>
<a id="pl.32.21"></a><var>32.21</var>subdivisions.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.29.0"></a><a id="pl.32.22"></a><var>32.22</var>    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.71, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.32.23"></a><var>32.23</var><b>6.71 SCOPE OF AUDITOR'S INVESTIGATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.32.24"></a><var>32.24</var>    Whenever the governing body of a county, city, town, or school district political <br/>
<a id="pl.32.25"></a><var>32.25</var>subdivision shall have requested a public accountant to make an audit of its books and <br/>
<a id="pl.32.26"></a><var>32.26</var>affairs, and such audit is in progress or has been completed, and registered voters or <br/>
<a id="pl.32.27"></a><var>32.27</var>electors petition or the governing body requests or both the state auditor to make an <br/>
<a id="pl.32.28"></a><var>32.28</var>examination covering the same, or part of the same, period, the state auditor may, in the <br/>
<a id="pl.32.29"></a><var>32.29</var>public interest, limit the scope of the examination to less than that specified in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.32.30"></a><var>32.30</var>6.54
         </statute_ref>, but the scope shall cover, at least, an investigation of those complaints which are <br/>
<a id="pl.32.31"></a><var>32.31</var>within the state auditor's powers and duties to investigate. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.30.0"></a><a id="pl.33.1"></a><var>33.1</var>    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 6.715, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.33.2"></a><var>33.2</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.33.3"></a><var>33.3</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Review of data; data protection.</b> If, before releasing a report, the state <br/>
<a id="pl.33.4"></a><var>33.4</var>auditor provides a person with data relating to the audit for the purpose of review and <br/>
<a id="pl.33.5"></a><var>33.5</var>verification of the data, the person must protect the data from unlawful disclosure or be <br/>
<a id="pl.33.6"></a><var>33.6</var>subject to the penalties and liabilities provided in sections 13.08 and 13.09.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.31.0"></a><a id="pl.33.7"></a><var>33.7</var>    Sec. 31. <b>[6.756] SPECIAL DISTRICTS; INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE </b><br/>
<a id="pl.33.8"></a><var>33.8</var><b>FILED WITH STATE AUDITOR; AUDITS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.33.9"></a><var>33.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Governance documents must be filed.</b> Each special district must <br/>
<a id="pl.33.10"></a><var>33.10</var>file with the state auditor, within 60 days of adoption, any document relating to the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.11"></a><var>33.11</var>governance of the district, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, or agreements, <br/>
<a id="pl.33.12"></a><var>33.12</var>and any amendment to these documents.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.13"></a><var>33.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Audit requirements.</b> (a) A special district with total annual revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.33.14"></a><var>33.14</var>greater than the threshold amount for cities under section 412.591, subdivision 3, <br/>
<a id="pl.33.15"></a><var>33.15</var>paragraph (b), must provide for an annual audit of the district's financial affairs by the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.16"></a><var>33.16</var>state auditor or a public accountant in accordance with minimum auditing procedures <br/>
<a id="pl.33.17"></a><var>33.17</var>prescribed by the state auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.18"></a><var>33.18</var>    (b) A special district with total annual revenue that is equal to or less than the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.19"></a><var>33.19</var>threshold amount for cities under section 412.591, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), must <br/>
<a id="pl.33.20"></a><var>33.20</var>provide for an audit of the district's financial affairs by the state auditor or a public <br/>
<a id="pl.33.21"></a><var>33.21</var>accountant in accordance with minimum audit procedures prescribed by the state auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.33.22"></a><var>33.22</var>at least once every five years. The audit must be for a one-year period to be determined <br/>
<a id="pl.33.23"></a><var>33.23</var>at random by the person conducting the audit. The audited financial statement must be <br/>
<a id="pl.33.24"></a><var>33.24</var>prepared in a form prescribed by the state auditor similar to the reporting requirements for <br/>
<a id="pl.33.25"></a><var>33.25</var>cities under 2,500 in population. For any year in which a special district is not audited, <br/>
<a id="pl.33.26"></a><var>33.26</var>the district must prepare a financial statement in a form prescribed by the state auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.33.27"></a><var>33.27</var>similar to the reporting requirements for cities reporting on a cash basis and file that <br/>
<a id="pl.33.28"></a><var>33.28</var>statement with the state auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.29"></a><var>33.29</var>    (c) This subdivision does not apply to a special district subject to financial auditing <br/>
<a id="pl.33.30"></a><var>33.30</var>and reporting requirements under other law.<br/>
<a id="pl.33.31"></a><var>33.31</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Presentation to governing board; filing with state auditor.</b> Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.33.32"></a><var>33.32</var>provided by other law, financial statements and audits must be completed, presented to the <br/>
<a id="pl.33.33"></a><var>33.33</var>district's governing board, and filed with the state auditor within 180 days after the end of <br/>
<a id="pl.33.34"></a><var>33.34</var>the district's fiscal year.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.32.0"></a><a id="pl.34.1"></a><var>34.1</var>    Sec. 32. <b>[8.37] ASSISTANCE TO VETERANS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.2"></a><var>34.2</var>    The attorney general may advise and assist veterans and their families as to services <br/>
<a id="pl.34.3"></a><var>34.3</var>available from public and private agencies. For purposes of this section, "veteran" means <br/>
<a id="pl.34.4"></a><var>34.4</var>any veteran or active member of the United States armed services, including the National <br/>
<a id="pl.34.5"></a><var>34.5</var>Guard and Reserves.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.33.0"></a><a id="pl.34.6"></a><var>34.6</var>    Sec. 33. <b>[11A.27] REPORT ON INVESTMENT CONSULTANT ACTIVITIES </b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.7"></a><var>34.7</var><b>AND DELIVERABLES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.8"></a><var>34.8</var>    (a) Annually, on or before November 1, the State Board of Investment shall file a <br/>
<a id="pl.34.9"></a><var>34.9</var>report with the Legislative Reference Library on the activities and work product during <br/>
<a id="pl.34.10"></a><var>34.10</var>that year of any investment consultants retained by the board.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.11"></a><var>34.11</var>    (b) The report must include the following items:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.12"></a><var>34.12</var>    (1) the total contract fee paid to each investment consultant;<br/>
<a id="pl.34.13"></a><var>34.13</var>    (2) a listing of the projects in which the investment consultant was involved; and<br/>
<a id="pl.34.14"></a><var>34.14</var>    (3) examples of the written work product provided by the investment consultant on <br/>
<a id="pl.34.15"></a><var>34.15</var>those projects during the report coverage period.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.16"></a><var>34.16</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective June 30, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.34.0"></a><a id="pl.34.17"></a><var>34.17</var>    Sec. 34. <b>[12.62] MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON TERRORISM </b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.18"></a><var>34.18</var><b>AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.34.19"></a><var>34.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Creation; duties.</b> The Legislative Commission on Terrorism and <br/>
<a id="pl.34.20"></a><var>34.20</var>Disaster Preparedness is established to:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.21"></a><var>34.21</var>    (1) advise the legislature on issues related to homeland security, emergency <br/>
<a id="pl.34.22"></a><var>34.22</var>management, man-made and natural disasters, terrorism, bioterrorism, public health <br/>
<a id="pl.34.23"></a><var>34.23</var>emergencies, and vulnerabilities in the public and private infrastructures;<br/>
<a id="pl.34.24"></a><var>34.24</var>    (2) oversee the disaster preparation activities of the Department of Health, <br/>
<a id="pl.34.25"></a><var>34.25</var>Department of Public Safety, and any other state agency, office, commission, or board that <br/>
<a id="pl.34.26"></a><var>34.26</var>is within the commission's purview, and make recommendations to these organizations of <br/>
<a id="pl.34.27"></a><var>34.27</var>changes or additions to the organizations' disaster preparedness and risk reduction work <br/>
<a id="pl.34.28"></a><var>34.28</var>plans that the commission deems advisable; and<br/>
<a id="pl.34.29"></a><var>34.29</var>    (3) make policy and finance recommendations to improve the state's public and <br/>
<a id="pl.34.30"></a><var>34.30</var>private capacity to prevent, respond to, and recover from man-made and natural threats to <br/>
<a id="pl.34.31"></a><var>34.31</var>the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.34.32"></a><var>34.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Membership.</b> (a) The commission consists of:<br/>
<a id="pl.34.33"></a><var>34.33</var>    (1) three members of the house of representatives, one of whom must be a member <br/>
<a id="pl.34.34"></a><var>34.34</var>of the minority party, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.1"></a><var>35.1</var>    (2) three members of the senate, one of whom must be a member of the minority <br/>
<a id="pl.35.2"></a><var>35.2</var>party, to be appointed by the senate majority leader;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.3"></a><var>35.3</var>    (3) the commissioner of public safety, or a designee, as an ex-officio member;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.4"></a><var>35.4</var>    (4) the commissioner of health, or a designee, as an ex-officio member;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.5"></a><var>35.5</var>    (5) the attorney general, or a designee, as an ex-officio member;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.6"></a><var>35.6</var>    (6) two citizen members with relevant expertise, selected by the speaker of the <br/>
<a id="pl.35.7"></a><var>35.7</var>house of representatives;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.8"></a><var>35.8</var>    (7) two citizen members with relevant expertise, selected by the senate majority <br/>
<a id="pl.35.9"></a><var>35.9</var>leader;<br/>
<a id="pl.35.10"></a><var>35.10</var>    (8) two citizen members, selected by the speaker of the house of representatives; and<br/>
<a id="pl.35.11"></a><var>35.11</var>    (9) two citizen members, selected by the senate majority leader.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.12"></a><var>35.12</var>    (b) Members serve for a term expiring at the close of each regular session of the <br/>
<a id="pl.35.13"></a><var>35.13</var>legislature but continue to serve until their successors are appointed. Members may be <br/>
<a id="pl.35.14"></a><var>35.14</var>reappointed. The appointing authority shall fill vacancies.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.15"></a><var>35.15</var>    (c) One member, elected by a majority of members, shall serve as the commission <br/>
<a id="pl.35.16"></a><var>35.16</var>chair. The commission chair should have relevant subject matter education, training, and <br/>
<a id="pl.35.17"></a><var>35.17</var>experience. The commission is authorized to elect a vice-chair and other officers as it <br/>
<a id="pl.35.18"></a><var>35.18</var>deems necessary. The commission shall determine the duties of each officer.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.19"></a><var>35.19</var>    (d) The commission chair shall convene meetings of the commission on a regular <br/>
<a id="pl.35.20"></a><var>35.20</var>basis.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.21"></a><var>35.21</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Compensation.</b> Compensation of legislative members is as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.35.22"></a><var>35.22</var>section 3.101. Compensation of the remaining members is as provided in section 15.0575. <br/>
<a id="pl.35.23"></a><var>35.23</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Staff.</b> The commission may appoint and fix the compensation of such <br/>
<a id="pl.35.24"></a><var>35.24</var>additional legal and other personnel and consultants or contract for services to supply <br/>
<a id="pl.35.25"></a><var>35.25</var>necessary data as may be necessary to enable the commission to carry out its functions.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.26"></a><var>35.26</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Data from state agencies; availability.</b> The commission may request <br/>
<a id="pl.35.27"></a><var>35.27</var>information from any state officer or agency or political subdivision of the state in order to <br/>
<a id="pl.35.28"></a><var>35.28</var>assist the commission in carrying out its duties and the state officer, agency, or subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.35.29"></a><var>35.29</var>must promptly furnish any data required, subject to applicable requirements or restrictions <br/>
<a id="pl.35.30"></a><var>35.30</var>imposed by chapter 13 and section 15.17.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.31"></a><var>35.31</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Report.</b> By January 15 of each year, the commission must submit a <br/>
<a id="pl.35.32"></a><var>35.32</var>report that contains the commission's policy and appropriation recommendations to the <br/>
<a id="pl.35.33"></a><var>35.33</var>legislature, the commissioner of health, and the commissioner of public safety.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.34"></a><var>35.34</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Repeal.</b> This section is repealed June 30, 2011.<br/>
<a id="pl.35.35"></a><var>35.35</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.35.0"></a><a id="pl.36.1"></a><var>36.1</var>    Sec. 35. <b>[13.595] GRANTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.36.2"></a><var>36.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> For purposes of this section, the following terms have <br/>
<a id="pl.36.3"></a><var>36.3</var>the meanings given them.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.4"></a><var>36.4</var>    (a) "Completion of the evaluation process" means that the granting agency has <br/>
<a id="pl.36.5"></a><var>36.5</var>completed negotiating the grant agreement with the selected grantee.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.6"></a><var>36.6</var>    (b) "Grant agreement" means the document that details the responsibilities of the <br/>
<a id="pl.36.7"></a><var>36.7</var>grantee and the granting agency and the value to be provided to the grantee.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.8"></a><var>36.8</var>    (c) "Grantee" means a person that applies for or receives a grant.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.9"></a><var>36.9</var>    (d) "Granting agency" means the government entity that provides the grant.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.10"></a><var>36.10</var>    (e) "Opened" means the act that occurs once the deadline for submitting a response <br/>
<a id="pl.36.11"></a><var>36.11</var>to a proposal to the granting agency has been reached.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.12"></a><var>36.12</var>    (f) "Request for proposal" means the data outlining the responsibilities the granting <br/>
<a id="pl.36.13"></a><var>36.13</var>agency wants the grantee to assume.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.14"></a><var>36.14</var>    (g) "Response" means the data submitted by a grantee as required by a request for <br/>
<a id="pl.36.15"></a><var>36.15</var>proposal.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.16"></a><var>36.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Request for applications.</b> Data created by a granting agency to create a <br/>
<a id="pl.36.17"></a><var>36.17</var>request for proposal is classified as nonpublic until the request for proposal is published. <br/>
<a id="pl.36.18"></a><var>36.18</var>To the extent that a granting agency involves persons outside the granting agency to create <br/>
<a id="pl.36.19"></a><var>36.19</var>the request for proposal, the data remain nonpublic in the hands of all persons who may <br/>
<a id="pl.36.20"></a><var>36.20</var>not further disseminate any data that are created or reviewed as part of the request for <br/>
<a id="pl.36.21"></a><var>36.21</var>proposal development. At publication, the data in the request for proposal is public.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.22"></a><var>36.22</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Responses to request for proposals.</b> (a) Responses submitted by a grantee <br/>
<a id="pl.36.23"></a><var>36.23</var>are private or nonpublic until the responses are opened. Once the responses are opened, <br/>
<a id="pl.36.24"></a><var>36.24</var>the name and address of the grantee and the amount requested is public. All other data in a <br/>
<a id="pl.36.25"></a><var>36.25</var>response is private or nonpublic data until completion of the evaluation process. After a <br/>
<a id="pl.36.26"></a><var>36.26</var>granting agency has completed the evaluation process, all remaining data in the responses <br/>
<a id="pl.36.27"></a><var>36.27</var>is public with the exception of trade secret data as defined and classified in section 13.37. <br/>
<a id="pl.36.28"></a><var>36.28</var>A statement by a grantee that the response is copyrighted or otherwise protected does <br/>
<a id="pl.36.29"></a><var>36.29</var>not prevent public access to the response.<br/>
<a id="pl.36.30"></a><var>36.30</var>    (b) If all responses are rejected prior to completion of the evaluation process, <br/>
<a id="pl.36.31"></a><var>36.31</var>all data, other than that made public at the opening, remain private or nonpublic <br/>
<a id="pl.36.32"></a><var>36.32</var>until a resolicitation of proposals results in completion of the evaluation process or a <br/>
<a id="pl.36.33"></a><var>36.33</var>determination is made to abandon the grant. If the rejection occurs after the completion of <br/>
<a id="pl.36.34"></a><var>36.34</var>the evaluation process, the data remain public. If a resolicitation of proposals does not <br/>
<a id="pl.36.35"></a><var>36.35</var>occur within one year of the grant opening date, the remaining data become public.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.1"></a><var>37.1</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Evaluation data.</b> (a) Data created or maintained by a granting agency as <br/>
<a id="pl.37.2"></a><var>37.2</var>part of the evaluation process referred to in this section are protected nonpublic data until <br/>
<a id="pl.37.3"></a><var>37.3</var>completion of the evaluation process at which time the data are public with the exception <br/>
<a id="pl.37.4"></a><var>37.4</var>of trade secret data as defined and classified in section 13.37.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.5"></a><var>37.5</var>    (b) If a granting agency asks individuals outside the granting agency to assist with <br/>
<a id="pl.37.6"></a><var>37.6</var>the evaluation of the responses, the granting agency may share not public data in the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.7"></a><var>37.7</var>responses with those individuals. The individuals participating in the evaluation may not <br/>
<a id="pl.37.8"></a><var>37.8</var>further disseminate the not public data they review.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.36.0"></a><a id="pl.37.9"></a><var>37.9</var>    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 13.605, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.37.10"></a><var>37.10</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Legislative and budget proposal data.</b> (a) Definition. As used <br/>
<a id="pl.37.11"></a><var>37.11</var>in this section, "state administration" means the governor's office, the Department of <br/>
<a id="pl.37.12"></a><var>37.12</var>Finance, and any state agency that is under the direct control of the governor. <br/>
<a id="pl.37.13"></a><var>37.13</var>    (b) Classifications. Legislative and budget proposals, including preliminary <br/>
<a id="pl.37.14"></a><var>37.14</var>drafts, that are created, collected, or maintained by the state administration are protected <br/>
<a id="pl.37.15"></a><var>37.15</var>nonpublic data. After until the budget is presented to the legislature by the state <br/>
<a id="pl.37.16"></a><var>37.16</var>administration, supporting data, including agency requests, and are public data after the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.17"></a><var>37.17</var>budget is presented to the legislature. Supporting data do not include preliminary drafts. <br/>
<a id="pl.37.18"></a><var>37.18</var>The state administration may disclose any of the data within the state administration and <br/>
<a id="pl.37.19"></a><var>37.19</var>to the public at any time if disclosure would aid the administration in considering and <br/>
<a id="pl.37.20"></a><var>37.20</var>preparing its proposals. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.37.0"></a><a id="pl.37.21"></a><var>37.21</var>    Sec. 37. <b>[15B.055] PARKING SPACES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.37.22"></a><var>37.22</var>    To provide the public with greater access to legislative proceedings, all parking <br/>
<a id="pl.37.23"></a><var>37.23</var>spaces on Aurora Avenue in front of the Capitol building must be reserved for the public.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.38.0"></a><a id="pl.37.24"></a><var>37.24</var>    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 15B.17, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.37.25"></a><var>37.25</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Proposals.</b> (a) Before a state agency or other public body develops, <br/>
<a id="pl.37.26"></a><var>37.26</var>to submit to the legislature and the governor, a budget proposal or plans for capital <br/>
<a id="pl.37.27"></a><var>37.27</var>improvements within the Capitol Area to submit to the legislature and the governor, <br/>
<a id="pl.37.28"></a><var>37.28</var>it must consult with the board.<br/>
<a id="pl.37.29"></a><var>37.29</var>    (b) The public body must provide enough money for the board's review and planning <br/>
<a id="pl.37.30"></a><var>37.30</var>if the board decides its review and planning services are necessary. Money received by the <br/>
<a id="pl.37.31"></a><var>37.31</var>board under this subdivision is deposited in the special revenue fund and appropriated in <br/>
<a id="pl.37.32"></a><var>37.32</var>fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to the board.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.39.0"></a><a id="pl.38.1"></a><var>38.1</var>    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16A.103, subdivision 1e, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.38.2"></a><var>38.2</var>    Subd. 1e. <b>Economic information.</b> The commissioner must review economic <br/>
<a id="pl.38.3"></a><var>38.3</var>information including economic forecasts with legislative fiscal staff no later than two <br/>
<a id="pl.38.4"></a><var>38.4</var>weeks before the forecast is released. The commissioner must invite the chairs and lead <br/>
<a id="pl.38.5"></a><var>38.5</var>minority members of the senate State Government Finance Committee and the house <br/>
<a id="pl.38.6"></a><var>38.6</var>Ways and Means Committee, and legislative fiscal staff to attend any meetings held with <br/>
<a id="pl.38.7"></a><var>38.7</var>outside economic advisors. The commissioner must provide legislative fiscal staff with <br/>
<a id="pl.38.8"></a><var>38.8</var>monthly economic forecast information received from outside sources.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.40.0"></a><a id="pl.38.9"></a><var>38.9</var>    Sec. 40. <b>[16A.104] BASE BUDGET DETAIL.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.10"></a><var>38.10</var>    Within one week of the release of the budget forecasts required in section 16A.103 <br/>
<a id="pl.38.11"></a><var>38.11</var>in November of an even-numbered year and February of an odd-numbered year, the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.12"></a><var>38.12</var>commissioner of finance must provide to the legislature information that illustrates how the <br/>
<a id="pl.38.13"></a><var>38.13</var>base level budget for the next biennium is projected to be spent. In designing the report, <br/>
<a id="pl.38.14"></a><var>38.14</var>the commissioner must consult with the chairs of the house of representatives and senate <br/>
<a id="pl.38.15"></a><var>38.15</var>Finance Committees and the house of representatives Committee on Ways and Means.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.41.0"></a><a id="pl.38.16"></a><var>38.16</var>    Sec. 41. <b>[16A.107] CASH FLOW FORECAST.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.17"></a><var>38.17</var>    Within two weeks after the November forecast of state revenue and expenditures <br/>
<a id="pl.38.18"></a><var>38.18</var>under section 16A.103, the commissioner shall deliver to the governor and the legislature <br/>
<a id="pl.38.19"></a><var>38.19</var>a forecast of cash flow for the general fund, showing the expected maximum and minimum <br/>
<a id="pl.38.20"></a><var>38.20</var>cash balance in the fund for each month of the forecast period.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.42.0"></a><a id="pl.38.21"></a><var>38.21</var>    Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16A.11, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.38.22"></a><var>38.22</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.38.23"></a><var>38.23</var>    Subd. 3d. <b>Budget bills.</b> The necessary bills to implement the governor's operating <br/>
<a id="pl.38.24"></a><var>38.24</var>budget must be submitted to the legislature within two weeks after the operating budget <br/>
<a id="pl.38.25"></a><var>38.25</var>was submitted. The necessary bills to implement the governor's capital budget must be <br/>
<a id="pl.38.26"></a><var>38.26</var>submitted to the legislature within two weeks after the capital budget was submitted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.43.0"></a><a id="pl.38.27"></a><var>38.27</var>    Sec. 43. <b>[16A.117] CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.38.28"></a><var>38.28</var>    If a major appropriation bill to fund a given state agency for the next biennium has <br/>
<a id="pl.38.29"></a><var>38.29</var>not been passed in the same form by the house of representatives and senate and been <br/>
<a id="pl.38.30"></a><var>38.30</var>presented to the governor before July 1 of an odd-numbered year, amounts sufficient to <br/>
<a id="pl.38.31"></a><var>38.31</var>continue operation of that agency and the programs administered by that agency through <br/>
<a id="pl.38.32"></a><var>38.32</var>July 31 of the fiscal year beginning in the same calendar year at the base level for that <br/>
<a id="pl.39.1"></a><var>39.1</var>fiscal year, as determined according to section 16A.11, subdivision 3, and previous <br/>
<a id="pl.39.2"></a><var>39.2</var>appropriation acts, are appropriated to the agency from the appropriate funds and accounts <br/>
<a id="pl.39.3"></a><var>39.3</var>in the state treasury. The base level for an appropriation that was designated as onetime or <br/>
<a id="pl.39.4"></a><var>39.4</var>was onetime in nature is zero. Determination of the amount appropriated may be made <br/>
<a id="pl.39.5"></a><var>39.5</var>on a proration of the annual amount or another reasonable basis as determined by the <br/>
<a id="pl.39.6"></a><var>39.6</var>commissioner of finance.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.44.0"></a><a id="pl.39.7"></a><var>39.7</var>    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16A.1286, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.39.8"></a><var>39.8</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Billing procedures.</b> The commissioner may bill up to $7,520,000 in <br/>
<a id="pl.39.9"></a><var>39.9</var>each fiscal year for statewide systems services provided to state agencies, judicial branch <br/>
<a id="pl.39.10"></a><var>39.10</var>agencies, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, <br/>
<a id="pl.39.11"></a><var>39.11</var>and other entities. Billing must be based only on usage of services relating to statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.39.12"></a><var>39.12</var>systems provided by the Intertechnologies Division. Each agency shall transfer from <br/>
<a id="pl.39.13"></a><var>39.13</var>agency operating appropriations to the statewide systems account the amount billed by <br/>
<a id="pl.39.14"></a><var>39.14</var>the commissioner. Billing policies and procedures related to statewide systems services <br/>
<a id="pl.39.15"></a><var>39.15</var>must be developed by the commissioner in consultation with the commissioners of <br/>
<a id="pl.39.16"></a><var>39.16</var>employee relations and administration, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.39.17"></a><var>39.17</var>State Colleges and Universities.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.45.0"></a><a id="pl.39.18"></a><var>39.18</var>    Sec. 45. <b>[16B.327] DEFINITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.39.19"></a><var>39.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application.</b> For the purposes of section 16B.328, the definitions <br/>
<a id="pl.39.20"></a><var>39.20</var>in this section have the meanings given.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.21"></a><var>39.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Energy conservation.</b> "Energy conservation" means reducing energy use <br/>
<a id="pl.39.22"></a><var>39.22</var>and includes: (1) using a light with lower wattage; and (2) using devices such as time <br/>
<a id="pl.39.23"></a><var>39.23</var>controls, motion detectors, or on and off switches that limit unnecessary use of lighting.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.24"></a><var>39.24</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Cutoff luminaire.</b> "Cutoff luminaire" means a luminaire in which 2.5 <br/>
<a id="pl.39.25"></a><var>39.25</var>percent or less of the lamp lumens are emitted above a horizontal plane through the <br/>
<a id="pl.39.26"></a><var>39.26</var>luminaire's lowest part and ten percent or less of the lamp lumens are emitted at a vertical <br/>
<a id="pl.39.27"></a><var>39.27</var>angle 80 degrees above the luminaire's lowest point.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.28"></a><var>39.28</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Light pollution.</b> "Light pollution" means the shining of light produced by <br/>
<a id="pl.39.29"></a><var>39.29</var>a luminaire above the height of the luminaire and into the sky.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.30"></a><var>39.30</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Lumen.</b> "Lumen" means a unit of luminous flux. One footcandle is one <br/>
<a id="pl.39.31"></a><var>39.31</var>lumen per square foot. For purposes of section 16B.328, the lumen-output values are <br/>
<a id="pl.39.32"></a><var>39.32</var>the initial lumen output rating of the lamp.<br/>
<a id="pl.39.33"></a><var>39.33</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Luminaire</b> "Luminaire" means a complete lighting unit consisting of a <br/>
<a id="pl.39.34"></a><var>39.34</var>light source and all necessary mechanical, electrical, and decorative parts.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.1"></a><var>40.1</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Outdoor lighting fixture.</b> "Outdoor lighting fixture" means any type of <br/>
<a id="pl.40.2"></a><var>40.2</var>fixed or movable lighting equipment that is designed or used for illumination outdoors. <br/>
<a id="pl.40.3"></a><var>40.3</var>The term includes billboard lighting, streetlights, searchlights, and other lighting used for <br/>
<a id="pl.40.4"></a><var>40.4</var>advertising purposes and area lighting. The term does not include lighting equipment <br/>
<a id="pl.40.5"></a><var>40.5</var>that is required by law to be installed on motor vehicles or lighting required for the safe <br/>
<a id="pl.40.6"></a><var>40.6</var>operation of aircraft.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.46.0"></a><a id="pl.40.7"></a><var>40.7</var>    Sec. 46. <b>[16B.328] STANDARDS FOR STATE FUNDED OUTDOOR LIGHTING </b><br/>
<a id="pl.40.8"></a><var>40.8</var><b>FIXTURES; MODEL ORDINANCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.40.9"></a><var>40.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Outdoor lighting fixtures.</b> (a) An outdoor lighting fixture may be <br/>
<a id="pl.40.10"></a><var>40.10</var>installed or replaced using state funds only if:<br/>
<a id="pl.40.11"></a><var>40.11</var>    (1) the new or replacement outdoor lighting fixture is a cutoff luminaire if the rated <br/>
<a id="pl.40.12"></a><var>40.12</var>output of the outdoor lighting fixture is greater than 1,800 lumens;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.13"></a><var>40.13</var>    (2) the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is used with <br/>
<a id="pl.40.14"></a><var>40.14</var>consideration given to nationally recognized standards;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.15"></a><var>40.15</var>    (3) for lighting of a designated highway of the state highway system, the Department <br/>
<a id="pl.40.16"></a><var>40.16</var>of Transportation determines that the purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture cannot be <br/>
<a id="pl.40.17"></a><var>40.17</var>achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational <br/>
<a id="pl.40.18"></a><var>40.18</var>signs, or other effective passive methods; and<br/>
<a id="pl.40.19"></a><var>40.19</var>    (4) full consideration has been given to energy conservation and savings, reducing <br/>
<a id="pl.40.20"></a><var>40.20</var>glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural night environment.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.21"></a><var>40.21</var>    (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if:<br/>
<a id="pl.40.22"></a><var>40.22</var>    (1) a federal law, rule, or regulation preempts state law;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.23"></a><var>40.23</var>    (2) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis because emergency <br/>
<a id="pl.40.24"></a><var>40.24</var>personnel require additional illumination for emergency procedures;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.25"></a><var>40.25</var>    (3) the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.26"></a><var>40.26</var>    (4) special events or situations require additional illumination, provided that the <br/>
<a id="pl.40.27"></a><var>40.27</var>illumination installed shields the outdoor lighting fixtures from direct view and minimizes <br/>
<a id="pl.40.28"></a><var>40.28</var>upward lighting and light pollution;<br/>
<a id="pl.40.29"></a><var>40.29</var>    (5) the outdoor lighting fixture is used solely to highlight the aesthetic aspects of <br/>
<a id="pl.40.30"></a><var>40.30</var>a single object or distinctive building; or<br/>
<a id="pl.40.31"></a><var>40.31</var>    (6) a compelling safety interest exists that cannot be addressed by another method.<br/>
<a id="pl.40.32"></a><var>40.32</var>    (c) This subdivision does not apply to the operation and maintenance of lights or <br/>
<a id="pl.40.33"></a><var>40.33</var>lighting systems purchased or installed, or for which design work is completed, before <br/>
<a id="pl.40.34"></a><var>40.34</var>August 1, 2007.<br/>
<a id="pl.41.1"></a><var>41.1</var>    (d) This section does not apply if a state agency or local unit of government <br/>
<a id="pl.41.2"></a><var>41.2</var>determines that compliance with this section would: <br/>
<a id="pl.41.3"></a><var>41.3</var>    (i) require an increased use of electricity;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.4"></a><var>41.4</var>    (ii) increase the construction cost of a lighting system more than 15 percent over the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.5"></a><var>41.5</var>construction cost of a lighting system that does not comply with this section; <br/>
<a id="pl.41.6"></a><var>41.6</var>    (iii) increase the cost of operation and maintenance of the lighting system more than <br/>
<a id="pl.41.7"></a><var>41.7</var>ten percent over the cost of operating and maintaining the existing lighting system over <br/>
<a id="pl.41.8"></a><var>41.8</var>the life of the lighting system; or <br/>
<a id="pl.41.9"></a><var>41.9</var>    (iv) result in a negative safety impact.<br/>
<a id="pl.41.10"></a><var>41.10</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Model ordinance.</b> The commissioner of administration, in consultation <br/>
<a id="pl.41.11"></a><var>41.11</var>with the commissioner of commerce, associations for local governments, and any other <br/>
<a id="pl.41.12"></a><var>41.12</var>interested person, shall develop a model ordinance that can be adapted for use by cities, <br/>
<a id="pl.41.13"></a><var>41.13</var>counties, and towns, governing outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution. The model <br/>
<a id="pl.41.14"></a><var>41.14</var>ordinance must include provisions addressing elements similar to those in subdivision 1. <br/>
<a id="pl.41.15"></a><var>41.15</var>In addition, the model ordinance must address:<br/>
<a id="pl.41.16"></a><var>41.16</var>    (1) standards for lighting on private property, outdoor advertising, lighting on <br/>
<a id="pl.41.17"></a><var>41.17</var>commercial, industrial, or institutional property, canopies covering fueling stations, and <br/>
<a id="pl.41.18"></a><var>41.18</var>public streets, sidewalks, and alleys;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.19"></a><var>41.19</var>    (2) how illumination levels should be measured;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.20"></a><var>41.20</var>    (3) possible exemptions, such as for temporary emergency or hazard lighting;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.21"></a><var>41.21</var>    (4) recommended elements for an exterior lighting plan for a development;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.22"></a><var>41.22</var>    (5) treatment of nonconforming lighting;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.23"></a><var>41.23</var>    (6) lighting standards that might apply in special subdistricts;<br/>
<a id="pl.41.24"></a><var>41.24</var>    (7) light pole maximum heights; and<br/>
<a id="pl.41.25"></a><var>41.25</var>    (8) light trespass.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.47.0"></a><a id="pl.41.26"></a><var>41.26</var>    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16B.35, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.41.27"></a><var>41.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Percent of appropriations for art.</b> An appropriation for the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.28"></a><var>41.28</var>construction or alteration of any state building may contain an amount not to exceed <br/>
<a id="pl.41.29"></a><var>41.29</var>the lesser of $100,000 or one percent of the total appropriation for the building for the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.30"></a><var>41.30</var>acquisition of works of art, excluding landscaping, which may be an integral part of the <br/>
<a id="pl.41.31"></a><var>41.31</var>building or its grounds, attached to the building or grounds or capable of being displayed <br/>
<a id="pl.41.32"></a><var>41.32</var>in other state buildings. If the appropriation for works of art is limited by the $100,000 <br/>
<a id="pl.41.33"></a><var>41.33</var>cap in this section, the appropriation for the construction or alteration of the building must <br/>
<a id="pl.41.34"></a><var>41.34</var>be reduced to reflect the reduced amount that will be spent on works of art. Money used <br/>
<a id="pl.41.35"></a><var>41.35</var>for this purpose is available only for the acquisition of works of art to be exhibited in areas <br/>
<a id="pl.42.1"></a><var>42.1</var>of a building or its grounds accessible, on a regular basis, to members of the public. No <br/>
<a id="pl.42.2"></a><var>42.2</var>more than ten percent of the total amount available each fiscal year under this subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.42.3"></a><var>42.3</var>may be used for administrative expenses, either by the commissioner of administration or <br/>
<a id="pl.42.4"></a><var>42.4</var>by any other entity to whom the commissioner delegates administrative authority. For the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.5"></a><var>42.5</var>purposes of this section "state building" means a building the construction or alteration of <br/>
<a id="pl.42.6"></a><var>42.6</var>which is paid for wholly or in part by the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.7"></a><var>42.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007. The repeal of the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.8"></a><var>42.8</var>$100,000 limit in this section applies to appropriations made before, on, or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.48.0"></a><a id="pl.42.9"></a><var>42.9</var>    Sec. 48. <b>[16B.97] GRANTS MANAGEMENT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.42.10"></a><var>42.10</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Grant agreement.</b> (a) A grant agreement is a written instrument <br/>
<a id="pl.42.11"></a><var>42.11</var>or electronic document defining a legal relationship between a granting agency and a <br/>
<a id="pl.42.12"></a><var>42.12</var>grantee when the principal purpose of the relationship is to transfer cash or something of <br/>
<a id="pl.42.13"></a><var>42.13</var>value to the recipient to support a public purpose authorized by law instead of acquiring <br/>
<a id="pl.42.14"></a><var>42.14</var>by professional/technical contract, purchase, lease, or barter property or services for the <br/>
<a id="pl.42.15"></a><var>42.15</var>direct benefit or use of the granting agency.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.16"></a><var>42.16</var>    (b) This section does not apply to capital project grants to political subdivisions as <br/>
<a id="pl.42.17"></a><var>42.17</var>defined by section 16A.86.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.18"></a><var>42.18</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Grants governance.</b> The commissioner shall provide leadership and <br/>
<a id="pl.42.19"></a><var>42.19</var>direction for policy related to grants management in Minnesota in order to foster more <br/>
<a id="pl.42.20"></a><var>42.20</var>consistent, streamlined interaction between executive agencies, funders, and grantees that <br/>
<a id="pl.42.21"></a><var>42.21</var>will enhance access to grant opportunities and information and lead to greater program <br/>
<a id="pl.42.22"></a><var>42.22</var>accountability and transparency. The commissioner has the duties and powers stated in this <br/>
<a id="pl.42.23"></a><var>42.23</var>section. An executive agency must do what the commissioner requires under this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.24"></a><var>42.24</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Discretionary powers.</b> The commissioner has the authority to:<br/>
<a id="pl.42.25"></a><var>42.25</var>    (1) review grants management practices and propose policy and procedure <br/>
<a id="pl.42.26"></a><var>42.26</var>improvements to the governor, legislature, executive agencies, and the federal government;<br/>
<a id="pl.42.27"></a><var>42.27</var>    (2) sponsor, support, and facilitate innovative and collaborative grants management <br/>
<a id="pl.42.28"></a><var>42.28</var>projects with public and private organizations;<br/>
<a id="pl.42.29"></a><var>42.29</var>    (3) review, recommend, and implement alternative strategies for grants management;<br/>
<a id="pl.42.30"></a><var>42.30</var>    (4) collect and disseminate information, issue reports relating to grants management, <br/>
<a id="pl.42.31"></a><var>42.31</var>and sponsor and conduct conferences and studies; and<br/>
<a id="pl.42.32"></a><var>42.32</var>    (5) participate in conferences and other appropriate activities related to grants <br/>
<a id="pl.42.33"></a><var>42.33</var>management issues.<br/>
<a id="pl.42.34"></a><var>42.34</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Duties.</b> (a) The commissioner shall:<br/>
<a id="pl.43.1"></a><var>43.1</var>    (1) create general grants management policies and procedures that are applicable to <br/>
<a id="pl.43.2"></a><var>43.2</var>all executive agencies. The commissioner may approve exceptions to these policies and <br/>
<a id="pl.43.3"></a><var>43.3</var>procedures for particular grant programs. Exceptions shall expire or be renewed after five <br/>
<a id="pl.43.4"></a><var>43.4</var>years. Executive agencies shall retain management of individual grants programs;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.5"></a><var>43.5</var>    (2) provide a central point of contact concerning statewide grants management <br/>
<a id="pl.43.6"></a><var>43.6</var>policies and procedures;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.7"></a><var>43.7</var>    (3) serve as a resource to executive agencies in such areas as training, evaluation, <br/>
<a id="pl.43.8"></a><var>43.8</var>collaboration, and best practices in grants management;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.9"></a><var>43.9</var>    (4) ensure grants management needs are considered in the development, upgrade, <br/>
<a id="pl.43.10"></a><var>43.10</var>and use of statewide administrative systems and leverage existing technology whereever <br/>
<a id="pl.43.11"></a><var>43.11</var>possible;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.12"></a><var>43.12</var>    (5) oversee and approve future professional and technical service contracts and <br/>
<a id="pl.43.13"></a><var>43.13</var>other information technology spending related to executive agency grants management <br/>
<a id="pl.43.14"></a><var>43.14</var>activities;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.15"></a><var>43.15</var>    (6) provide a central point of contact for comments about executive agencies <br/>
<a id="pl.43.16"></a><var>43.16</var>violating statewide grants governance policies and about fraud and waste in grants <br/>
<a id="pl.43.17"></a><var>43.17</var>processes;<br/>
<a id="pl.43.18"></a><var>43.18</var>    (7) forward received comments to the appropriate agency for further action, and <br/>
<a id="pl.43.19"></a><var>43.19</var>may follow up as necessary; and<br/>
<a id="pl.43.20"></a><var>43.20</var>    (8) provide a single listing of all available executive agency competitive grant <br/>
<a id="pl.43.21"></a><var>43.21</var>opportunities and resulting grant recipients.<br/>
<a id="pl.43.22"></a><var>43.22</var>    (b) The commissioner may determine that it is cost-effective for agencies to develop <br/>
<a id="pl.43.23"></a><var>43.23</var>and use shared grants management technology systems. This system would be governed <br/>
<a id="pl.43.24"></a><var>43.24</var>under section 16E.01, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.43.25"></a><var>43.25</var>    (c) The duties assigned to the commissioner in this subdivision with respect to <br/>
<a id="pl.43.26"></a><var>43.26</var>grants also apply to easements granted by executive agencies.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.49.0"></a><a id="pl.43.27"></a><var>43.27</var>    Sec. 49. <b>[16B.98] GRANT AGREEMENTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.43.28"></a><var>43.28</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Limitation.</b> As a condition of receiving a grant from an appropriation <br/>
<a id="pl.43.29"></a><var>43.29</var>of state funds, the recipient of the grant must agree to minimize administrative costs. The <br/>
<a id="pl.43.30"></a><var>43.30</var>granting agency is responsible for negotiating appropriate limits to these costs so that the <br/>
<a id="pl.43.31"></a><var>43.31</var>state derives the optimum benefit for grant funding.<br/>
<a id="pl.43.32"></a><var>43.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Ethical practices and conflict of interest.</b> An employee of the executive <br/>
<a id="pl.43.33"></a><var>43.33</var>branch involved directly or indirectly in grants processes, at any level, is subject to the <br/>
<a id="pl.43.34"></a><var>43.34</var>code of ethics in section 43A.38.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.1"></a><var>44.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Conflict of interest.</b> (a) The commissioner must develop policies <br/>
<a id="pl.44.2"></a><var>44.2</var>regarding code of ethics and conflict of interest designed to prevent conflicts of interest <br/>
<a id="pl.44.3"></a><var>44.3</var>for employees, committee members, or others involved in the recommendation, award, <br/>
<a id="pl.44.4"></a><var>44.4</var>and administration of grants. The policies must apply to employees who are directly or <br/>
<a id="pl.44.5"></a><var>44.5</var>indirectly in the grants process, which may include the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.6"></a><var>44.6</var>    (1) developing request for proposals or evaluation criteria;<br/>
<a id="pl.44.7"></a><var>44.7</var>    (2) drafting, recommending, awarding, amending, revising, or entering into grant <br/>
<a id="pl.44.8"></a><var>44.8</var>agreements;<br/>
<a id="pl.44.9"></a><var>44.9</var>    (3) evaluating or monitoring performance; or<br/>
<a id="pl.44.10"></a><var>44.10</var>    (4) authorizing payments.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.11"></a><var>44.11</var>    (b) The policies must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.12"></a><var>44.12</var>    (1) a process to make all parties to the grant aware of policies and laws relating to <br/>
<a id="pl.44.13"></a><var>44.13</var>conflict of interest, and training on how to avoid and address potential conflicts; and<br/>
<a id="pl.44.14"></a><var>44.14</var>    (2) a process under which those who have a conflict of interest or a potential conflict <br/>
<a id="pl.44.15"></a><var>44.15</var>of interest must disclose the matter.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.16"></a><var>44.16</var>    (c) If the employee, appointing authority, or commissioner determines that a conflict <br/>
<a id="pl.44.17"></a><var>44.17</var>of interest exists, the matter shall be assigned to another employee who does not have a <br/>
<a id="pl.44.18"></a><var>44.18</var>conflict of interest. If it is not possible to assign the matter to an employee who does not <br/>
<a id="pl.44.19"></a><var>44.19</var>have a conflict of interest, interested personnel shall be notified of the conflict and the <br/>
<a id="pl.44.20"></a><var>44.20</var>employee may proceed with the assignment.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.21"></a><var>44.21</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Reporting of violations.</b> A state employee who discovers evidence <br/>
<a id="pl.44.22"></a><var>44.22</var>of violation of laws or rules governing grants is encouraged to report the violation or <br/>
<a id="pl.44.23"></a><var>44.23</var>suspected violation to the employee's supervisor, the commissioner or the commissioner's <br/>
<a id="pl.44.24"></a><var>44.24</var>designee, or the legislative auditor. The legislative auditor shall report to the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.44.25"></a><var>44.25</var>Audit Commission if there are multiple complaints about the same agency. The auditor's <br/>
<a id="pl.44.26"></a><var>44.26</var>report to the Legislative Audit Commission under this section must disclose only the <br/>
<a id="pl.44.27"></a><var>44.27</var>number and type of violations alleged. An employee making a good faith report under this <br/>
<a id="pl.44.28"></a><var>44.28</var>section has the protections provided for under section 181.932, prohibiting the employer <br/>
<a id="pl.44.29"></a><var>44.29</var>from discriminating against the employee.<br/>
<a id="pl.44.30"></a><var>44.30</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Creation and validity of grant agreements.</b> (a) A grant agreement is <br/>
<a id="pl.44.31"></a><var>44.31</var>not valid and the state is not bound by the grant unless:<br/>
<a id="pl.44.32"></a><var>44.32</var>    (1) the grant has been executed by the head of the agency or a delegate who is <br/>
<a id="pl.44.33"></a><var>44.33</var>party to the grant; and<br/>
<a id="pl.44.34"></a><var>44.34</var>    (2) the accounting system shows an encumbrance for the amount of the grant in <br/>
<a id="pl.44.35"></a><var>44.35</var>accordance with policy approved by the commissioner.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.1"></a><var>45.1</var>    (b) The combined grant agreement and amendments must not exceed five years <br/>
<a id="pl.45.2"></a><var>45.2</var>without specific, written approval by the commissioner according to established policy, <br/>
<a id="pl.45.3"></a><var>45.3</var>procedures, and standards, or unless the commissioner determines that a longer duration is <br/>
<a id="pl.45.4"></a><var>45.4</var>in the best interest of the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.5"></a><var>45.5</var>    (c) A fully executed copy of the grant agreement with all amendments and other <br/>
<a id="pl.45.6"></a><var>45.6</var>required records relating to the grant must be kept on file at the granting agency for a time <br/>
<a id="pl.45.7"></a><var>45.7</var>equal to that required of grantees in subdivision 8.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.8"></a><var>45.8</var>    (d) Grant agreements must comply with policies established by the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.45.9"></a><var>45.9</var>for minimum grant agreement standards and practices.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.10"></a><var>45.10</var>    (e) The attorney general may periodically review and evaluate a sample of state <br/>
<a id="pl.45.11"></a><var>45.11</var>agency grants to ensure compliance with applicable laws.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.12"></a><var>45.12</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Grant administration.</b> A granting agency shall diligently administer <br/>
<a id="pl.45.13"></a><var>45.13</var>and monitor any grant it has entered into.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.14"></a><var>45.14</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Grant payments.</b> Payments to the grantee may not be issued until the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.15"></a><var>45.15</var>grant agreement is fully executed.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.16"></a><var>45.16</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Audit.</b> (a) A grant agreement made by an executive agency must include <br/>
<a id="pl.45.17"></a><var>45.17</var>an expressed or implied audit clause that provides that the books, records, documents, <br/>
<a id="pl.45.18"></a><var>45.18</var>and accounting procedures and practices of the grantee or other party that are relevant to <br/>
<a id="pl.45.19"></a><var>45.19</var>the grant or transaction are subject to examination by the granting agency and either the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.20"></a><var>45.20</var>legislative auditor or the state auditor, as appropriate, for a minimum of six years from the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.21"></a><var>45.21</var>grant agreement end date, receipt and approval of all final reports, or the required period <br/>
<a id="pl.45.22"></a><var>45.22</var>of time to satisfy all state and program retention requirements, whichever is later.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.23"></a><var>45.23</var>    (b) If the granting agency is a local unit of government, and the governing body of <br/>
<a id="pl.45.24"></a><var>45.24</var>the local unit of government requests that the state auditor examine the books, records, <br/>
<a id="pl.45.25"></a><var>45.25</var>documents, and accounting procedures and practices of the grantee or other party <br/>
<a id="pl.45.26"></a><var>45.26</var>according to this subdivision, the granting agency shall be liable for the cost of the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.27"></a><var>45.27</var>examination. If the granting agency is a local unit of government, and the grantee or other <br/>
<a id="pl.45.28"></a><var>45.28</var>party requests that the state auditor examine all books, records, documents, and accounting <br/>
<a id="pl.45.29"></a><var>45.29</var>procedures and practices related to the grant, the grantee or other party that requested the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.30"></a><var>45.30</var>examination shall be liable for the cost of the examination.<br/>
<a id="pl.45.31"></a><var>45.31</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Authority of attorney general.</b> The attorney general may pursue <br/>
<a id="pl.45.32"></a><var>45.32</var>remedies available by law to avoid the obligation of an agency to pay under a grant or to <br/>
<a id="pl.45.33"></a><var>45.33</var>recover payments made if activities under the grant are so unsatisfactory, incomplete, or <br/>
<a id="pl.45.34"></a><var>45.34</var>inconsistent that payment would involve unjust enrichment. The contrary opinion of the <br/>
<a id="pl.45.35"></a><var>45.35</var>granting agency does not affect the power of the attorney general under this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.46.1"></a><var>46.1</var>    Subd. 10. <b>Grants with Indian tribes and bands.</b> Notwithstanding any other law, <br/>
<a id="pl.46.2"></a><var>46.2</var>an agency may not require an Indian tribe or band to deny its sovereignty as a requirement <br/>
<a id="pl.46.3"></a><var>46.3</var>or condition of a grant with an agency.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.50.0"></a><a id="pl.46.4"></a><var>46.4</var>    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.46.5"></a><var>46.5</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.6"></a><var>46.6</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Best and final offer.</b> "Best and final offer" means an optional step in <br/>
<a id="pl.46.7"></a><var>46.7</var>the solicitation process in which responders are requested to improve their response by <br/>
<a id="pl.46.8"></a><var>46.8</var>methods including, but not limited to, the reduction of cost, clarification or modification of <br/>
<a id="pl.46.9"></a><var>46.9</var>the response, or the provision of additional information.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.51.0"></a><a id="pl.46.10"></a><var>46.10</var>    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.11"></a><var>46.11</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Best value.</b> "Best value" describes a result intended in the acquisition of all <br/>
<a id="pl.46.12"></a><var>46.12</var>goods and services. Price must be one of the evaluation criteria when acquiring goods <br/>
<a id="pl.46.13"></a><var>46.13</var>and services. Other evaluation criteria may include, but are not limited to, environmental <br/>
<a id="pl.46.14"></a><var>46.14</var>considerations, quality, and vendor performance. In achieving "best value" strategic <br/>
<a id="pl.46.15"></a><var>46.15</var>sourcing tools, including but not limited to best and final offers, negotiations, contract <br/>
<a id="pl.46.16"></a><var>46.16</var>consolidation, product standardization, and mandatory-use enterprise contracts shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.46.17"></a><var>46.17</var>used at the commissioner's discretion.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.52.0"></a><a id="pl.46.18"></a><var>46.18</var>    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.46.19"></a><var>46.19</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.20"></a><var>46.20</var>    Subd. 6a. <b>Enterprise procurement.</b> "Enterprise procurement" means the process <br/>
<a id="pl.46.21"></a><var>46.21</var>undertaken by the commissioner to leverage economies of scale of multiple end users to <br/>
<a id="pl.46.22"></a><var>46.22</var>achieve cost savings and other favorable terms in contracts for goods and services.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.53.0"></a><a id="pl.46.23"></a><var>46.23</var>    Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, subdivision 12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.24"></a><var>46.24</var>    Subd. 12. <b>Request for proposal or RFP.</b> "Request for proposal" or "RFP" means a <br/>
<a id="pl.46.25"></a><var>46.25</var>solicitation in which it is not advantageous to set forth all the actual, detailed requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.46.26"></a><var>46.26</var>at the time of solicitation and responses are subject to negotiation negotiated to achieve <br/>
<a id="pl.46.27"></a><var>46.27</var>best value for the state.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.54.0"></a><a id="pl.46.28"></a><var>46.28</var>    Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, subdivision 14, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.46.29"></a><var>46.29</var>    Subd. 14. <b>Response.</b> "Response" means the offer received from a vendor in <br/>
<a id="pl.46.30"></a><var>46.30</var>response to a solicitation. A response includes submissions commonly referred to as <br/>
<a id="pl.46.31"></a><var>46.31</var>"offers," "bids," "quotes," or "proposals.," "best and final offers," or "negotiated offers."<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.55.0"></a><a id="pl.47.1"></a><var>47.1</var>    Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.47.2"></a><var>47.2</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.3"></a><var>47.3</var>    Subd. 20. <b>Strategic sourcing.</b> "Strategic sourcing" means methods used to <br/>
<a id="pl.47.4"></a><var>47.4</var>analyze and reduce spending on goods and services, including but not limited to <br/>
<a id="pl.47.5"></a><var>47.5</var>spend analysis, product standardization, contract consolidation, negotiations, multiple <br/>
<a id="pl.47.6"></a><var>47.6</var>jurisdiction purchasing alliances, reverse and forward auctions, life-cycle costing, and <br/>
<a id="pl.47.7"></a><var>47.7</var>other techniques.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.56.0"></a><a id="pl.47.8"></a><var>47.8</var>    Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.9"></a><var>47.9</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Rulemaking authority.</b> Subject to chapter 14, the commissioner may <br/>
<a id="pl.47.10"></a><var>47.10</var>adopt rules, consistent with this chapter and chapter 16B, relating to the following topics:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.11"></a><var>47.11</var>    (1) procurement process including solicitations and responses to solicitations, bid <br/>
<a id="pl.47.12"></a><var>47.12</var>security, vendor errors, opening of responses, award of contracts, tied bids, and award <br/>
<a id="pl.47.13"></a><var>47.13</var>protest process;<br/>
<a id="pl.47.14"></a><var>47.14</var>    (2) contract performance and failure to perform;<br/>
<a id="pl.47.15"></a><var>47.15</var>    (3) authority to debar or suspend vendors, and reinstatement of vendors;<br/>
<a id="pl.47.16"></a><var>47.16</var>    (4) contract cancellation;<br/>
<a id="pl.47.17"></a><var>47.17</var>    (5) procurement from rehabilitation facilities; and<br/>
<a id="pl.47.18"></a><var>47.18</var>    (6) organizational conflicts of interest.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.57.0"></a><a id="pl.47.19"></a><var>47.19</var>    Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.20"></a><var>47.20</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Contracting authority.</b> The commissioner shall conduct all contracting by, <br/>
<a id="pl.47.21"></a><var>47.21</var>for, and between agencies and perform all contract management and review functions for <br/>
<a id="pl.47.22"></a><var>47.22</var>contracts, except those functions specifically delegated to be performed by the contracting <br/>
<a id="pl.47.23"></a><var>47.23</var>agency, the attorney general, or otherwise provided for by law. The commissioner may <br/>
<a id="pl.47.24"></a><var>47.24</var>require that agency staff participate in the development of enterprise procurements <br/>
<a id="pl.47.25"></a><var>47.25</var>including the development of product standards, specifications and other requirements.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.58.0"></a><a id="pl.47.26"></a><var>47.26</var>    Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.47.27"></a><var>47.27</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Policy and procedures.</b> The commissioner is authorized to issue policies, <br/>
<a id="pl.47.28"></a><var>47.28</var>procedures, and standards applicable to all acquisition activities by and for agencies. <br/>
<a id="pl.47.29"></a><var>47.29</var>Consistent with the authority specified in this chapter, the commissioner shall develop <br/>
<a id="pl.47.30"></a><var>47.30</var>and implement policies, procedures, and standards ensuring the optimal use of strategic <br/>
<a id="pl.47.31"></a><var>47.31</var>sourcing techniques.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.59.0"></a><a id="pl.47.32"></a><var>47.32</var>    Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, subdivision 16, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.48.1"></a><var>48.1</var>    Subd. 16. <b>Delegation of duties.</b> The commissioner may delegate duties imposed by <br/>
<a id="pl.48.2"></a><var>48.2</var>this chapter to the head of an agency and to any subordinate of the agency head. Delegated <br/>
<a id="pl.48.3"></a><var>48.3</var>duties shall be exercised in the name of the commissioner and under the commissioner's <br/>
<a id="pl.48.4"></a><var>48.4</var>direct supervision and control. A delegation of duties may include, but is not limited to, <br/>
<a id="pl.48.5"></a><var>48.5</var>allowing individuals within agencies to acquire goods, services, and utilities within dollar <br/>
<a id="pl.48.6"></a><var>48.6</var>limitations and for designated types of acquisitions. Delegation of contract management <br/>
<a id="pl.48.7"></a><var>48.7</var>and review functions must be filed with the secretary of state and may not, except with <br/>
<a id="pl.48.8"></a><var>48.8</var>respect to delegations within the Department of Administration, exceed two years in <br/>
<a id="pl.48.9"></a><var>48.9</var>duration. The commissioner may withdraw any delegation at the commissioner's sole <br/>
<a id="pl.48.10"></a><var>48.10</var>discretion. The commissioner may require an agency head or subordinate to accept <br/>
<a id="pl.48.11"></a><var>48.11</var>delegated responsibility to procure goods or services intended for the exclusive use of the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.12"></a><var>48.12</var>agency receiving the delegation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.60.0"></a><a id="pl.48.13"></a><var>48.13</var>    Sec. 60. <b>[16C.046] WEB SITE WITH SEARCHABLE DATABASE ON STATE </b><br/>
<a id="pl.48.14"></a><var>48.14</var><b>CONTRACTS AND GRANTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.48.15"></a><var>48.15</var>    (a) The commissioner of administration must maintain a Web site with a searchable <br/>
<a id="pl.48.16"></a><var>48.16</var>database providing the public with information on state contracts, including grant <br/>
<a id="pl.48.17"></a><var>48.17</var>contracts. The database must include the following information for each state contract <br/>
<a id="pl.48.18"></a><var>48.18</var>valued in excess of $25,000:<br/>
<a id="pl.48.19"></a><var>48.19</var>    (1) the name and address of the entity receiving the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.20"></a><var>48.20</var>    (2) the name of the agency entering into the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.21"></a><var>48.21</var>    (3) whether the contract is:<br/>
<a id="pl.48.22"></a><var>48.22</var>    (i) for goods;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.23"></a><var>48.23</var>    (ii) for professional or technical services;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.24"></a><var>48.24</var>    (iii) for services other than professional and technical services; or<br/>
<a id="pl.48.25"></a><var>48.25</var>    (iv) a grant;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.26"></a><var>48.26</var>    (4) a brief statement of the purpose of the contract or grant;<br/>
<a id="pl.48.27"></a><var>48.27</var>    (5) the amount of the contract or grant and the fund from which this amount will be <br/>
<a id="pl.48.28"></a><var>48.28</var>paid; and<br/>
<a id="pl.48.29"></a><var>48.29</var>    (6) the dollar value of state contracts, other than grants, the entity has received in each <br/>
<a id="pl.48.30"></a><var>48.30</var>fiscal year and the dollar value of state grants the entity has received in each fiscal year.<br/>
<a id="pl.48.31"></a><var>48.31</var>    (b) Required information on a new contract or grant must be entered into the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.32"></a><var>48.32</var>database within 30 days of the time the contract is entered into.<br/>
<a id="pl.48.33"></a><var>48.33</var>    (c) For purposes of this section, a "grant" is a contract between a state agency and <br/>
<a id="pl.48.34"></a><var>48.34</var>a recipient, the primary purpose of which is to transfer cash or a thing of value to the <br/>
<a id="pl.48.35"></a><var>48.35</var>recipient to support a public purpose. Grant does not include payments to units of local <br/>
<a id="pl.49.1"></a><var>49.1</var>government, payments to state employees, or payments made under laws providing for <br/>
<a id="pl.49.2"></a><var>49.2</var>assistance to individuals.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.3"></a><var>49.3</var>    (d) The database must include information on grants and contracts entered into <br/>
<a id="pl.49.4"></a><var>49.4</var>beginning with fiscal year 2008 funds, and must retain that data for ten years.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.5"></a><var>49.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.61.0"></a><a id="pl.49.6"></a><var>49.6</var>    Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.49.7"></a><var>49.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Agency cooperation.</b> Agencies shall fully cooperate with the <br/>
<a id="pl.49.8"></a><var>49.8</var>commissioner in the management and review of state contracts and in the development <br/>
<a id="pl.49.9"></a><var>49.9</var>and implementation of strategic sourcing techniques.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.62.0"></a><a id="pl.49.10"></a><var>49.10</var>    Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.49.11"></a><var>49.11</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Creation and validity of contracts.</b> (a) A contract is not valid and the state <br/>
<a id="pl.49.12"></a><var>49.12</var>is not bound by it and no agency, without the prior written approval of the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.49.13"></a><var>49.13</var>granted pursuant to subdivision 2a, may authorize work to begin on it unless:<br/>
<a id="pl.49.14"></a><var>49.14</var>    (1) it has first been executed by the head of the agency or a delegate who is a party <br/>
<a id="pl.49.15"></a><var>49.15</var>to the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.49.16"></a><var>49.16</var>    (2) it has been approved by the commissioner; and<br/>
<a id="pl.49.17"></a><var>49.17</var>    (3) the accounting system shows an encumbrance for the amount of the contract <br/>
<a id="pl.49.18"></a><var>49.18</var>liability, except as allowed by policy approved by the commissioner and commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.49.19"></a><var>49.19</var>finance for routine, low-dollar procurements.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.20"></a><var>49.20</var>    (b) The combined contract and amendments must not exceed five years without <br/>
<a id="pl.49.21"></a><var>49.21</var>specific, written approval by the commissioner according to established policy, procedures, <br/>
<a id="pl.49.22"></a><var>49.22</var>and standards, or unless otherwise provided for by law. The term of the original contract <br/>
<a id="pl.49.23"></a><var>49.23</var>must not exceed two years unless the commissioner determines that a longer duration is <br/>
<a id="pl.49.24"></a><var>49.24</var>in the best interest of the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.25"></a><var>49.25</var>    (c) Grants, interagency agreements, purchase orders, work orders, and annual plans <br/>
<a id="pl.49.26"></a><var>49.26</var>need not, in the discretion of the commissioner and attorney general, require the signature <br/>
<a id="pl.49.27"></a><var>49.27</var>of the commissioner and/or the attorney general. A signature is not required for work <br/>
<a id="pl.49.28"></a><var>49.28</var>orders and amendments to work orders related to Department of Transportation contracts. <br/>
<a id="pl.49.29"></a><var>49.29</var>Bond purchase agreements by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority do not require <br/>
<a id="pl.49.30"></a><var>49.30</var>the approval of the commissioner.<br/>
<a id="pl.49.31"></a><var>49.31</var>    (d) Amendments to contracts must entail tasks that are substantially similar to <br/>
<a id="pl.49.32"></a><var>49.32</var>those in the original contract or involve tasks that are so closely related to the original <br/>
<a id="pl.49.33"></a><var>49.33</var>contract that it would be impracticable for a different contractor to perform the work. The <br/>
<a id="pl.49.34"></a><var>49.34</var>commissioner or an agency official to whom the commissioner has delegated contracting <br/>
<a id="pl.50.1"></a><var>50.1</var>authority under section 
         <statute_ref>16C.03, subdivision 16</statute_ref>, must determine that an amendment would <br/>
<a id="pl.50.2"></a><var>50.2</var>serve the interest of the state better than a new contract and would cost no more. <br/>
<a id="pl.50.3"></a><var>50.3</var>    (e) A fully executed copy of every contract, amendments to the contract, and <br/>
<a id="pl.50.4"></a><var>50.4</var>performance evaluations relating to the contract must be kept on file at the contracting <br/>
<a id="pl.50.5"></a><var>50.5</var>agency for a time equal to that specified for contract vendors and other parties in <br/>
<a id="pl.50.6"></a><var>50.6</var>subdivision 5.<br/>
<a id="pl.50.7"></a><var>50.7</var>    (f) The attorney general must periodically review and evaluate a sample of state <br/>
<a id="pl.50.8"></a><var>50.8</var>agency contracts to ensure compliance with laws.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.63.0"></a><a id="pl.50.9"></a><var>50.9</var>    Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.08, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.50.10"></a><var>50.10</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.11"></a><var>50.11</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Enterprise procurement.</b> Notwithstanding section 15.061 or any <br/>
<a id="pl.50.12"></a><var>50.12</var>other law, the commissioner shall, to the fullest extent practicable, conduct enterprise <br/>
<a id="pl.50.13"></a><var>50.13</var>procurements that result in the establishment of professional or technical contracts for <br/>
<a id="pl.50.14"></a><var>50.14</var>use by multiple state agencies. The commissioner is authorized to mandate use of any <br/>
<a id="pl.50.15"></a><var>50.15</var>contract entered into as a result of an enterprise procurement process. Agencies shall fully <br/>
<a id="pl.50.16"></a><var>50.16</var>cooperate in the development and use of contracts entered into under this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.64.0"></a><a id="pl.50.17"></a><var>50.17</var>    Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.08, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.18"></a><var>50.18</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties of contracting agency.</b> (a) Before an agency may seek approval of <br/>
<a id="pl.50.19"></a><var>50.19</var>a professional or technical services contract valued in excess of $5,000, it must provide <br/>
<a id="pl.50.20"></a><var>50.20</var>the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.21"></a><var>50.21</var>    (1) a description of how the proposed contract or amendment is necessary and <br/>
<a id="pl.50.22"></a><var>50.22</var>reasonable to advance the statutory mission of the agency;<br/>
<a id="pl.50.23"></a><var>50.23</var>    (2) a description of the agency's plan to notify firms or individuals who may be <br/>
<a id="pl.50.24"></a><var>50.24</var>available to perform the services called for in the solicitation; and<br/>
<a id="pl.50.25"></a><var>50.25</var>    (3) a description of the performance measures or other tools that will be used to <br/>
<a id="pl.50.26"></a><var>50.26</var>monitor and evaluate contract performance.; and<br/>
<a id="pl.50.27"></a><var>50.27</var>    (4) an explanation detailing, if applicable, why this procurement is being pursued <br/>
<a id="pl.50.28"></a><var>50.28</var>unilaterally by the agency and not as an enterprise procurement.<br/>
<a id="pl.50.29"></a><var>50.29</var>    (b) In addition to paragraph (a), the agency must certify that:<br/>
<a id="pl.50.30"></a><var>50.30</var>    (1) no current state employee is able and available to perform the services called <br/>
<a id="pl.50.31"></a><var>50.31</var>for by the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.50.32"></a><var>50.32</var>    (2) the normal competitive bidding mechanisms will not provide for adequate <br/>
<a id="pl.50.33"></a><var>50.33</var>performance of the services;<br/>
<a id="pl.51.1"></a><var>51.1</var>    (3) reasonable efforts will be made to publicize the availability of the contract to <br/>
<a id="pl.51.2"></a><var>51.2</var>the public;<br/>
<a id="pl.51.3"></a><var>51.3</var>    (4) the agency will develop and implement a written plan providing for the <br/>
<a id="pl.51.4"></a><var>51.4</var>assignment of specific agency personnel to manage the contract, including a monitoring <br/>
<a id="pl.51.5"></a><var>51.5</var>and liaison function, the periodic review of interim reports or other indications of past <br/>
<a id="pl.51.6"></a><var>51.6</var>performance, and the ultimate utilization of the final product of the services;<br/>
<a id="pl.51.7"></a><var>51.7</var>    (5) the agency will not allow the contractor to begin work before the contract is fully <br/>
<a id="pl.51.8"></a><var>51.8</var>executed unless an exception under section 
         <statute_ref>16C.05, subdivision 2a</statute_ref>, has been granted by <br/>
<a id="pl.51.9"></a><var>51.9</var>the commissioner and funds are fully encumbered; <br/>
<a id="pl.51.10"></a><var>51.10</var>    (6) the contract will not establish an employment relationship between the state or <br/>
<a id="pl.51.11"></a><var>51.11</var>the agency and any persons performing under the contract; and<br/>
<a id="pl.51.12"></a><var>51.12</var>    (7) in the event the results of the contract work will be carried out or continued by <br/>
<a id="pl.51.13"></a><var>51.13</var>state employees upon completion of the contract, the contractor is required to include <br/>
<a id="pl.51.14"></a><var>51.14</var>state employees in development and training, to the extent necessary to ensure that after <br/>
<a id="pl.51.15"></a><var>51.15</var>completion of the contract, state employees can perform any ongoing work related to <br/>
<a id="pl.51.16"></a><var>51.16</var>the same function.; and<br/>
<a id="pl.51.17"></a><var>51.17</var>    (8) the agency will not contract out its previously eliminated jobs for four years <br/>
<a id="pl.51.18"></a><var>51.18</var>without first considering the same former employees who are on the seniority unit layoff <br/>
<a id="pl.51.19"></a><var>51.19</var>list who meet the minimum qualifications determined by the agency.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.20"></a><var>51.20</var>    (c) A contract establishes an employment relationship for purposes of paragraph (b), <br/>
<a id="pl.51.21"></a><var>51.21</var>clause (6), if, under federal laws governing the distinction between an employee and an <br/>
<a id="pl.51.22"></a><var>51.22</var>independent contractor, a person would be considered an employee.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.65.0"></a><a id="pl.51.23"></a><var>51.23</var>    Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.08, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.51.24"></a><var>51.24</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Reports.</b> (a) The commissioner shall submit to the governor, the chairs of <br/>
<a id="pl.51.25"></a><var>51.25</var>the house Ways and Means and senate Finance Committees, and the Legislative Reference <br/>
<a id="pl.51.26"></a><var>51.26</var>Library a yearly listing of all contracts for professional or technical services executed. <br/>
<a id="pl.51.27"></a><var>51.27</var>The report must identify the contractor, contract amount, duration, and services to be <br/>
<a id="pl.51.28"></a><var>51.28</var>provided. The commissioner shall also issue yearly reports summarizing the contract <br/>
<a id="pl.51.29"></a><var>51.29</var>review activities of the department by fiscal year.<br/>
<a id="pl.51.30"></a><var>51.30</var>    (b) The fiscal year report must be submitted by September 1 of each year and must:<br/>
<a id="pl.51.31"></a><var>51.31</var>    (1) be sorted by agency and by contractor;<br/>
<a id="pl.51.32"></a><var>51.32</var>    (2) show the aggregate value of contracts issued by each agency and issued to each <br/>
<a id="pl.51.33"></a><var>51.33</var>contractor;<br/>
<a id="pl.51.34"></a><var>51.34</var>    (3) distinguish between contracts that are being issued for the first time and contracts <br/>
<a id="pl.51.35"></a><var>51.35</var>that are being extended;<br/>
<a id="pl.52.1"></a><var>52.1</var>    (4) state the termination date of each contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.52.2"></a><var>52.2</var>    (5) identify services by commodity code, including topics such as contracts for <br/>
<a id="pl.52.3"></a><var>52.3</var>training, contracts for research and opinions, and contracts for computer systems; and<br/>
<a id="pl.52.4"></a><var>52.4</var>    (6) identify which contracts were awarded without following the solicitation process <br/>
<a id="pl.52.5"></a><var>52.5</var>in this chapter because it was determined that there was only a single source for the <br/>
<a id="pl.52.6"></a><var>52.6</var>services.<br/>
<a id="pl.52.7"></a><var>52.7</var>    (c) Within 30 days of final completion of a contract over $50,000 covered by this <br/>
<a id="pl.52.8"></a><var>52.8</var>subdivision, the head of the agency entering into the contract must submit a one-page <br/>
<a id="pl.52.9"></a><var>52.9</var>report to the commissioner who must submit a copy to the Legislative Reference Library. <br/>
<a id="pl.52.10"></a><var>52.10</var>The report must:<br/>
<a id="pl.52.11"></a><var>52.11</var>    (1) summarize the purpose of the contract, including why it was necessary to enter <br/>
<a id="pl.52.12"></a><var>52.12</var>into a contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.52.13"></a><var>52.13</var>    (2) state the amount spent on the contract;<br/>
<a id="pl.52.14"></a><var>52.14</var>    (3) be accompanied by the performance evaluation prepared according to subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.52.15"></a><var>52.15</var>4a; and<br/>
<a id="pl.52.16"></a><var>52.16</var>    (4) (3) if the contract was awarded without following the solicitation process in this <br/>
<a id="pl.52.17"></a><var>52.17</var>chapter because it was determined that there was only a single source for the services, <br/>
<a id="pl.52.18"></a><var>52.18</var>explain why the agency determined there was only a single source for the services.; and<br/>
<a id="pl.52.19"></a><var>52.19</var>    (4) include a written performance evaluation of the work done under the contract. <br/>
<a id="pl.52.20"></a><var>52.20</var>The evaluation must include an appraisal of the contractor's timeliness, quality, cost, and <br/>
<a id="pl.52.21"></a><var>52.21</var>overall performance in meeting the terms and objectives of the contract. Contractors may <br/>
<a id="pl.52.22"></a><var>52.22</var>request copies of evaluations prepared under this subdivision and may respond in writing. <br/>
<a id="pl.52.23"></a><var>52.23</var>Contractor responses must be maintained with the contract file.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.66.0"></a><a id="pl.52.24"></a><var>52.24</var>    Sec. 66. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.08, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.52.25"></a><var>52.25</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.52.26"></a><var>52.26</var>    Subd. 4b. <b>Limitations on actions.</b> No action may be maintained by a contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.52.27"></a><var>52.27</var>against an employee or agency who discloses information about a current or former <br/>
<a id="pl.52.28"></a><var>52.28</var>contractor under subdivision 4, unless the contractor demonstrates by clear and convincing <br/>
<a id="pl.52.29"></a><var>52.29</var>evidence that:<br/>
<a id="pl.52.30"></a><var>52.30</var>    (1) the information was false and defamatory;<br/>
<a id="pl.52.31"></a><var>52.31</var>    (2) the employee or agency knew or should have known the information was false <br/>
<a id="pl.52.32"></a><var>52.32</var>and acted with malicious intent to injure the current or former contractor; and<br/>
<a id="pl.52.33"></a><var>52.33</var>    (3) the information was acted upon in a manner that caused harm to the current or <br/>
<a id="pl.52.34"></a><var>52.34</var>former contractor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.67.0"></a><a id="pl.53.1"></a><var>53.1</var>    Sec. 67. <b>[16C.086] CALL-CENTER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.53.2"></a><var>53.2</var>    An agency may not enter into a contract for operation of a call-center, or a contract <br/>
<a id="pl.53.3"></a><var>53.3</var>whose primary purpose is to provide similar services answering or responding to telephone <br/>
<a id="pl.53.4"></a><var>53.4</var>calls on behalf of an agency without determining if the service can be provided by state <br/>
<a id="pl.53.5"></a><var>53.5</var>employees, and the services must be provided at offices located in the United States. For <br/>
<a id="pl.53.6"></a><var>53.6</var>purposes of this section, "agency" includes the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.7"></a><var>53.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment, <br/>
<a id="pl.53.8"></a><var>53.8</var>and applies to a contract entered into or renewed or otherwise extended after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.68.0"></a><a id="pl.53.9"></a><var>53.9</var>    Sec. 68. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.10, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.53.10"></a><var>53.10</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Reverse auction.</b> (a) For the purpose of this subdivision, "reverse auction" <br/>
<a id="pl.53.11"></a><var>53.11</var>means a purchasing process in which vendors compete to provide goods or computer <br/>
<a id="pl.53.12"></a><var>53.12</var>services at the lowest selling price in an open and interactive environment. Reverse <br/>
<a id="pl.53.13"></a><var>53.13</var>auctions may not be utilized to procure engineering design services or architectural <br/>
<a id="pl.53.14"></a><var>53.14</var>services or to establish building and construction contracts under sections 16C.26 to <br/>
<a id="pl.53.15"></a><var>53.15</var>16C.29.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.16"></a><var>53.16</var>    (b) The provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>13.591, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>16C.06, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.53.17"></a><var>53.17</var>do not apply when the commissioner determines that a reverse auction is the appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.53.18"></a><var>53.18</var>purchasing process.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.69.0"></a><a id="pl.53.19"></a><var>53.19</var>    Sec. 69. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.16, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.53.20"></a><var>53.20</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Designation of targeted groups.</b> (a) The commissioner of administration <br/>
<a id="pl.53.21"></a><var>53.21</var>shall periodically designate businesses that are majority owned and operated by women, <br/>
<a id="pl.53.22"></a><var>53.22</var>persons with a substantial physical disability, or specific minorities as targeted group <br/>
<a id="pl.53.23"></a><var>53.23</var>businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the commissioner. A group <br/>
<a id="pl.53.24"></a><var>53.24</var>may be targeted within a purchasing category if the commissioner determines there is a <br/>
<a id="pl.53.25"></a><var>53.25</var>statistical disparity between the percentage of purchasing from businesses owned by <br/>
<a id="pl.53.26"></a><var>53.26</var>group members and the representation of businesses owned by group members among all <br/>
<a id="pl.53.27"></a><var>53.27</var>businesses in the state in the purchasing category.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.28"></a><var>53.28</var>    (b) In addition to designations under paragraph (a), an individual business may be <br/>
<a id="pl.53.29"></a><var>53.29</var>included as a targeted group business if the commissioner determines that inclusion is <br/>
<a id="pl.53.30"></a><var>53.30</var>necessary to remedy discrimination against the owner based on race, gender, or disability <br/>
<a id="pl.53.31"></a><var>53.31</var>in attempting to operate a business that would provide goods or services to public agencies.<br/>
<a id="pl.53.32"></a><var>53.32</var>    (c) In addition to the designations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.53.33"></a><var>53.33</var>administration shall designate businesses that are majority owned and operated by veterans <br/>
<a id="pl.53.34"></a><var>53.34</var>who have served in federal active service as defined in section 190.05, subdivision 5c, in <br/>
<a id="pl.54.1"></a><var>54.1</var>support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom as targeted group <br/>
<a id="pl.54.2"></a><var>54.2</var>businesses within purchasing categories as determined by the commissioner. "Veteran" <br/>
<a id="pl.54.3"></a><var>54.3</var>has the meaning given in section 197.447, and also includes both currently serving and <br/>
<a id="pl.54.4"></a><var>54.4</var>honorably discharged members of the national guard and other military reserves.<br/>
<a id="pl.54.5"></a><var>54.5</var>    (c) (d) The designations of purchasing categories and businesses under paragraphs <br/>
<a id="pl.54.6"></a><var>54.6</var>(a) and, (b), and (c) are not rules for purposes of chapter 14, and are not subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.54.7"></a><var>54.7</var>rulemaking procedures of that chapter.<br/>
<a id="pl.54.8"></a><var>54.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007, and applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.54.9"></a><var>54.9</var>procurement contract bid solicitations issued on and after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.70.0"></a><a id="pl.54.10"></a><var>54.10</var>    Sec. 70. <b>[16C.251] BEST AND FINAL OFFER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.54.11"></a><var>54.11</var>    A "best and final offer" solicitation process may not be used for building and <br/>
<a id="pl.54.12"></a><var>54.12</var>construction contracts.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.71.0"></a><a id="pl.54.13"></a><var>54.13</var>    Sec. 71. <b>[16E.22] LICENSING SYSTEM.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.54.14"></a><var>54.14</var>    The state chief information officer may enter into a professional or technical services <br/>
<a id="pl.54.15"></a><var>54.15</var>contract for information systems development in which the vendor finances all or part of <br/>
<a id="pl.54.16"></a><var>54.16</var>the cost of system development. The state chief information officer may assess and accept <br/>
<a id="pl.54.17"></a><var>54.17</var>a fee for business and occupational licenses for the purpose of developing and maintaining <br/>
<a id="pl.54.18"></a><var>54.18</var>a licensing system. Before implementing a fee under this section, the director must submit <br/>
<a id="pl.54.19"></a><var>54.19</var>the proposed fee to the Legislative Advisory Commission for its review.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.72.0"></a><a id="pl.54.20"></a><var>54.20</var>    Sec. 72. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 37.06, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.54.21"></a><var>54.21</var><b>37.06 SECRETARY; LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR; DUTIES; REPORT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.54.22"></a><var>54.22</var>    The secretary shall keep a complete record of the proceedings of the annual meetings <br/>
<a id="pl.54.23"></a><var>54.23</var>of the State Agricultural Society and all meetings of the board of managers and any <br/>
<a id="pl.54.24"></a><var>54.24</var>committee of the board, keep all accounts of the society other than those kept by the <br/>
<a id="pl.54.25"></a><var>54.25</var>treasurer of the society, and perform other duties as directed by the board of managers. On <br/>
<a id="pl.54.26"></a><var>54.26</var>or before December 31 each year, the secretary shall report to the governor for the fiscal <br/>
<a id="pl.54.27"></a><var>54.27</var>year ending October 31 all the proceedings of the society during the current year and its <br/>
<a id="pl.54.28"></a><var>54.28</var>financial condition as appears from its books. This report must contain a full, detailed <br/>
<a id="pl.54.29"></a><var>54.29</var>statement of all receipts and expenditures during the year.<br/>
<a id="pl.54.30"></a><var>54.30</var>    The books and accounts of the society for the fiscal year must be examined and <br/>
<a id="pl.54.31"></a><var>54.31</var>audited annually by the legislative auditor. The cost of the examination must be paid by the <br/>
<a id="pl.54.32"></a><var>54.32</var>society to the state and credited to the general fund appropriation for the legislative auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.55.1"></a><var>55.1</var>    A summary of this examination, certified by the legislative auditor, must be <br/>
<a id="pl.55.2"></a><var>55.2</var>appended to the secretary's report, along with the legislative auditor's recommendations <br/>
<a id="pl.55.3"></a><var>55.3</var>and the proceedings of the first annual meeting of the society held following the secretary's <br/>
<a id="pl.55.4"></a><var>55.4</var>report, including addresses made at the meeting as directed by the board of managers. The <br/>
<a id="pl.55.5"></a><var>55.5</var>summary, recommendations, and proceedings must be printed in the same manner as the <br/>
<a id="pl.55.6"></a><var>55.6</var>reports of state officers. Copies of the report must be printed annually and distributed as <br/>
<a id="pl.55.7"></a><var>55.7</var>follows: to each society or association entitled to membership in the society, to each <br/>
<a id="pl.55.8"></a><var>55.8</var>newspaper in the state, and the remaining copies as directed by the board of managers.<br/>
<a id="pl.55.9"></a><var>55.9</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.73.0"></a><a id="pl.55.10"></a><var>55.10</var>    Sec. 73. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 43A.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.55.11"></a><var>55.11</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.55.12"></a><var>55.12</var>    Subd. 18a. <b>Domestic partner.</b> "Domestic partner" means a person who has entered <br/>
<a id="pl.55.13"></a><var>55.13</var>into a committed interdependent relationship with another adult, where the partners:<br/>
<a id="pl.55.14"></a><var>55.14</var>    (1) are responsible for each other's basic common welfare;<br/>
<a id="pl.55.15"></a><var>55.15</var>    (2) share a common residence and intend to do so indefinitely;<br/>
<a id="pl.55.16"></a><var>55.16</var>    (3) are not related by blood or adoption to an extent that would prohibit marriage in <br/>
<a id="pl.55.17"></a><var>55.17</var>this state; and <br/>
<a id="pl.55.18"></a><var>55.18</var>    (4) are legally competent and qualified to enter into a contract.<br/>
<a id="pl.55.19"></a><var>55.19</var>    For purposes of this subdivision, domestic partners may share a common residence, <br/>
<a id="pl.55.20"></a><var>55.20</var>even if:<br/>
<a id="pl.55.21"></a><var>55.21</var>    (1) they do not each have a legal right to possess the residence; or<br/>
<a id="pl.55.22"></a><var>55.22</var>    (2) one or both domestic partners possess additional real property.<br/>
<a id="pl.55.23"></a><var>55.23</var>    If one domestic partner temporarily leaves the common residence with the intention <br/>
<a id="pl.55.24"></a><var>55.24</var>to return, the domestic partners continue to share a common residence for the purposes <br/>
<a id="pl.55.25"></a><var>55.25</var>of this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.74.0"></a><a id="pl.55.26"></a><var>55.26</var>    Sec. 74. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 43A.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.55.27"></a><var>55.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>General.</b> Employees, including persons on layoff from a civil <br/>
<a id="pl.55.28"></a><var>55.28</var>service position, and employees who are employed less than full time, shall be eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.55.29"></a><var>55.29</var>for state paid life insurance and hospital, medical and dental benefits as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.55.30"></a><var>55.30</var>collective bargaining agreements or plans established pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>43A.18</statute_ref>. If a <br/>
<a id="pl.55.31"></a><var>55.31</var>collective bargaining agreement or plan provides state paid health insurance for spouses of <br/>
<a id="pl.55.32"></a><var>55.32</var>employees, the insurance must be made available to domestic partners of state employees <br/>
<a id="pl.55.33"></a><var>55.33</var>on the same terms and conditions.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.75.0"></a><a id="pl.56.1"></a><var>56.1</var>    Sec. 75. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 43A.49, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.56.2"></a><var>56.2</var><b>43A.49 VOLUNTARY UNPAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.56.3"></a><var>56.3</var>    (a) Appointing authorities in state government may allow each employee to take <br/>
<a id="pl.56.4"></a><var>56.4</var>unpaid leaves of absence for up to 1,040 hours between June 1, 2003, and June 30, 2005. <br/>
<a id="pl.56.5"></a><var>56.5</var>The 1,040 hour limit replaces, and is not in addition to, limits set in prior laws in each <br/>
<a id="pl.56.6"></a><var>56.6</var>two-year period beginning July 1 of each odd-numbered year. Each appointing authority <br/>
<a id="pl.56.7"></a><var>56.7</var>approving such a leave shall allow the employee to continue accruing vacation and <br/>
<a id="pl.56.8"></a><var>56.8</var>sick leave, be eligible for paid holidays and insurance benefits, accrue seniority, and, if <br/>
<a id="pl.56.9"></a><var>56.9</var>payments are made under paragraph (b), accrue service credit and credited salary in the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.10"></a><var>56.10</var>state retirement plans, as if the employee had actually been employed during the time of <br/>
<a id="pl.56.11"></a><var>56.11</var>leave. An employee covered by the unclassified plan may voluntarily make the employee <br/>
<a id="pl.56.12"></a><var>56.12</var>contributions to the unclassified plan during the leave of absence. If the employee makes <br/>
<a id="pl.56.13"></a><var>56.13</var>these contributions, the appointing authority must make the employer contribution. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.14"></a><var>56.14</var>leave of absence is for one full pay period or longer, any holiday pay shall be included in <br/>
<a id="pl.56.15"></a><var>56.15</var>the first payroll warrant after return from the leave of absence. The appointing authority <br/>
<a id="pl.56.16"></a><var>56.16</var>shall attempt to grant requests for the unpaid leaves of absence consistent with the need to <br/>
<a id="pl.56.17"></a><var>56.17</var>continue efficient operation of the agency. However, each appointing authority shall retain <br/>
<a id="pl.56.18"></a><var>56.18</var>discretion to grant or refuse to grant requests for leaves of absence and to schedule and <br/>
<a id="pl.56.19"></a><var>56.19</var>cancel leaves, subject to the applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements <br/>
<a id="pl.56.20"></a><var>56.20</var>and compensation plans.<br/>
<a id="pl.56.21"></a><var>56.21</var>    (b) To receive eligible service credit and credited salary in a defined benefit plan, the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.22"></a><var>56.22</var>member shall pay an amount equal to the applicable employee contribution rates. If an <br/>
<a id="pl.56.23"></a><var>56.23</var>employee pays the employee contribution for the period of the leave under this section, <br/>
<a id="pl.56.24"></a><var>56.24</var>the appointing authority must pay the employer contribution. The appointing authority <br/>
<a id="pl.56.25"></a><var>56.25</var>may, at its discretion, pay the employee contributions. Contributions must be made in a <br/>
<a id="pl.56.26"></a><var>56.26</var>time and manner prescribed by the executive director of the Minnesota State Retirement <br/>
<a id="pl.56.27"></a><var>56.27</var>Association System.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.76.0"></a><a id="pl.56.28"></a><var>56.28</var>    Sec. 76. <b>[43A.50] CERTIFICATE OF PAY EQUITY COMPLIANCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.56.29"></a><var>56.29</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Scope of application.</b> For a contract for goods or services in excess <br/>
<a id="pl.56.30"></a><var>56.30</var>of $100,000, a state department or agency may not accept a bid or proposal from a <br/>
<a id="pl.56.31"></a><var>56.31</var>business having more than 40 full-time employees within the state on a single working <br/>
<a id="pl.56.32"></a><var>56.32</var>day during the previous 12 months unless the commissioner has approved the business' <br/>
<a id="pl.56.33"></a><var>56.33</var>plan to establish equitable compensation relationships for its employees and has issued the <br/>
<a id="pl.56.34"></a><var>56.34</var>business a certificate of compliance. A certificate of compliance is valid for two years.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.1"></a><var>57.1</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Compliance; good faith effort.</b> (a) The commissioner must approve a <br/>
<a id="pl.57.2"></a><var>57.2</var>plan and issue a certificate of compliance under this section to a business if the business <br/>
<a id="pl.57.3"></a><var>57.3</var>demonstrates that it is in compliance with equitable compensation relationship standards <br/>
<a id="pl.57.4"></a><var>57.4</var>or is making a good faith effort to achieve compliance with those standards. The standards <br/>
<a id="pl.57.5"></a><var>57.5</var>for determining equitable compensation relationships for a business under this section <br/>
<a id="pl.57.6"></a><var>57.6</var>are the same as the standards in sections 471.991 to 471.997 and rules adopted under <br/>
<a id="pl.57.7"></a><var>57.7</var>those sections.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.8"></a><var>57.8</var>    (b) A business that is not in compliance with equitable compensation relationship <br/>
<a id="pl.57.9"></a><var>57.9</var>standards is making a good faith effort to achieve compliance if the commissioner has <br/>
<a id="pl.57.10"></a><var>57.10</var>approved:<br/>
<a id="pl.57.11"></a><var>57.11</var>    (1) a plan for achieving compliance, including the business' proposed actions and <br/>
<a id="pl.57.12"></a><var>57.12</var>response to the commissioner's recommendations; and<br/>
<a id="pl.57.13"></a><var>57.13</var>    (2) a proposed date for achieving compliance and for submitting a revised report <br/>
<a id="pl.57.14"></a><var>57.14</var>for the commissioner's review.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.15"></a><var>57.15</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Filing fee; account; appropriation.</b> The commissioner shall collect <br/>
<a id="pl.57.16"></a><var>57.16</var>a $75 fee for each certificate of compliance issued by the commissioner under this <br/>
<a id="pl.57.17"></a><var>57.17</var>section. The proceeds of the fee must be deposited in a pay equity fee special revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.57.18"></a><var>57.18</var>account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to fund the cost of <br/>
<a id="pl.57.19"></a><var>57.19</var>administering this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.20"></a><var>57.20</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Revocation of certificate.</b> A certificate of compliance may be suspended or <br/>
<a id="pl.57.21"></a><var>57.21</var>revoked by the commissioner of administration if a holder of a certificate is not effectively <br/>
<a id="pl.57.22"></a><var>57.22</var>implementing or making a good faith effort to implement its approved plan to establish <br/>
<a id="pl.57.23"></a><var>57.23</var>equitable compensation relationships. If a contractor does not effectively implement its <br/>
<a id="pl.57.24"></a><var>57.24</var>approved plan, or fails to make a good faith effort to do so, the commissioner of employee <br/>
<a id="pl.57.25"></a><var>57.25</var>relations may refuse to approve subsequent plans submitted by that business.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.26"></a><var>57.26</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Revocation of contract.</b> A contract awarded by a department or agency of <br/>
<a id="pl.57.27"></a><var>57.27</var>the state may be terminated or abridged by the contracting department or agency because <br/>
<a id="pl.57.28"></a><var>57.28</var>of suspension or revocation of a certificate. If a contract is awarded to a person who <br/>
<a id="pl.57.29"></a><var>57.29</var>does not have a contract compliance certificate required, the commissioner may void <br/>
<a id="pl.57.30"></a><var>57.30</var>the contract on behalf of the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.31"></a><var>57.31</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Technical assistance.</b> If the commissioner of administration has <br/>
<a id="pl.57.32"></a><var>57.32</var>suspended a contractor's certificate of compliance, the commissioner shall provide <br/>
<a id="pl.57.33"></a><var>57.33</var>technical assistance that may enable the contractor to be recertified within 90 days after <br/>
<a id="pl.57.34"></a><var>57.34</var>the contractor's certificate has been suspended.<br/>
<a id="pl.57.35"></a><var>57.35</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Access to data.</b> Data submitted to the commissioner by a contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.57.36"></a><var>57.36</var>or potential contractor for purposes of obtaining a certificate of compliance under this <br/>
<a id="pl.58.1"></a><var>58.1</var>section are private data on individuals or nonpublic data with respect to persons other <br/>
<a id="pl.58.2"></a><var>58.2</var>than department employees. The commissioner's decision to grant, not grant, revoke, or <br/>
<a id="pl.58.3"></a><var>58.3</var>suspend a certificate of compliance is public data.<br/>
<a id="pl.58.4"></a><var>58.4</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007, and applies to contracts <br/>
<a id="pl.58.5"></a><var>58.5</var>for which a state department or agency issues solicitations on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.77.0"></a><a id="pl.58.6"></a><var>58.6</var>    Sec. 77. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103D.355, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.58.7"></a><var>58.7</var><b>103D.355 ANNUAL AUDIT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.58.8"></a><var>58.8</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Requirement.</b> The managers must have an annual audit completed <br/>
<a id="pl.58.9"></a><var>58.9</var>of the books and accounts of the watershed district. The annual audit may be made by <br/>
<a id="pl.58.10"></a><var>58.10</var>a private certified public accountant or by the state auditor. The annual audit must be <br/>
<a id="pl.58.11"></a><var>58.11</var>made by a certified public accountant or the state auditor at least once every five years, or <br/>
<a id="pl.58.12"></a><var>58.12</var>when cumulative district revenues or expenditures exceed an amount established by the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.13"></a><var>58.13</var>board in consultation with the state auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.58.14"></a><var>58.14</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Audit by state auditor.</b> (a) If the annual An audit is to be made by the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.15"></a><var>58.15</var>state auditor, the audit must may be initiated by a petition of the resident owners of the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.16"></a><var>58.16</var>watershed district or resolution of the managers of the watershed district. The petition <br/>
<a id="pl.58.17"></a><var>58.17</var>must request an annual audit pursuant to the authority granted municipalities under <br/>
<a id="pl.58.18"></a><var>58.18</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>6.54</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>6.55</statute_ref>. The state auditor may conduct such examinations of accounts and <br/>
<a id="pl.58.19"></a><var>58.19</var>records as the state auditor may deem the public interest to demand. <br/>
<a id="pl.58.20"></a><var>58.20</var>    (b) If the audit or examination is made by the state auditor, the watershed <br/>
<a id="pl.58.21"></a><var>58.21</var>district receiving the examination must pay the state the total cost and expenses of the <br/>
<a id="pl.58.22"></a><var>58.22</var>examination, including the salaries paid to the examiners while actually engaged in <br/>
<a id="pl.58.23"></a><var>58.23</var>making the examination. The general fund must be credited with all collections made <br/>
<a id="pl.58.24"></a><var>58.24</var>for examinations under this subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.58.25"></a><var>58.25</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Reports for state auditor.</b> The managers must make and submit reports <br/>
<a id="pl.58.26"></a><var>58.26</var>demanded by the state auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.78.0"></a><a id="pl.58.27"></a><var>58.27</var>    Sec. 78. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.1419, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.58.28"></a><var>58.28</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Expiration.</b> The commission expires on June 30, 2007 2012.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.79.0"></a><a id="pl.58.29"></a><var>58.29</var>    Sec. 79. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 181.9413, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.58.30"></a><var>58.30</var><b>181.9413 SICK </b><b>OR INJURED CHILD CARE</b><b> LEAVE</b><b> BENEFITS; USE TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.58.31"></a><var>58.31</var><b>CARE FOR CERTAIN RELATIVES</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.59.1"></a><var>59.1</var>    (a) An employee may use personal sick leave benefits provided by the employer <br/>
<a id="pl.59.2"></a><var>59.2</var>for absences due to an illness of or injury to the employee's child, spouse, sibling, parent, <br/>
<a id="pl.59.3"></a><var>59.3</var>grandparent, stepparent, or domestic partner for such reasonable periods as the employee's <br/>
<a id="pl.59.4"></a><var>59.4</var>attendance with the child may be necessary, on the same terms upon which the employee <br/>
<a id="pl.59.5"></a><var>59.5</var>is able to use sick leave benefits for the employee's own illness or injury. This section <br/>
<a id="pl.59.6"></a><var>59.6</var>applies only to personal sick leave benefits payable to the employee from the employer's <br/>
<a id="pl.59.7"></a><var>59.7</var>general assets.<br/>
<a id="pl.59.8"></a><var>59.8</var>    (b) For purposes of this section, "personal sick leave benefits" means time accrued <br/>
<a id="pl.59.9"></a><var>59.9</var>and available to an employee to be used as a result of absence from work due to personal <br/>
<a id="pl.59.10"></a><var>59.10</var>illness or injury, but does not include short-term or long-term disability or other salary <br/>
<a id="pl.59.11"></a><var>59.11</var>continuation benefits.<br/>
<a id="pl.59.12"></a><var>59.12</var>    (c) For purposes of this section, "domestic partner" means a person who has entered <br/>
<a id="pl.59.13"></a><var>59.13</var>into a committed interdependent relationship with another adult, where the partners:<br/>
<a id="pl.59.14"></a><var>59.14</var>    (1) are responsible for each other's basic common welfare;<br/>
<a id="pl.59.15"></a><var>59.15</var>    (2) share a common residence and intend to do so indefinitely;<br/>
<a id="pl.59.16"></a><var>59.16</var>    (3) are not related by blood or adoption to an extent that would prohibit marriage in <br/>
<a id="pl.59.17"></a><var>59.17</var>this state; and<br/>
<a id="pl.59.18"></a><var>59.18</var>    (4) are legally competent and qualified to enter into a contract.<br/>
<a id="pl.59.19"></a><var>59.19</var>    For purposes of this section, domestic partners may share a common residence even <br/>
<a id="pl.59.20"></a><var>59.20</var>if they do not have a legal right to possess the residence or one or both domestic partners <br/>
<a id="pl.59.21"></a><var>59.21</var>possess additional real property.<br/>
<a id="pl.59.22"></a><var>59.22</var>    If one domestic partner temporarily leaves the common residence with the intention <br/>
<a id="pl.59.23"></a><var>59.23</var>to return, the domestic partners continue to share a common residence for the purposes <br/>
<a id="pl.59.24"></a><var>59.24</var>of this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.59.25"></a><var>59.25</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007, and applies to sick <br/>
<a id="pl.59.26"></a><var>59.26</var>leave used on or after that date.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.80.0"></a><a id="pl.59.27"></a><var>59.27</var>    Sec. 80. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 302A.821, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.59.28"></a><var>59.28</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Penalty; reinstatement.</b> (a) A corporation that has failed to file a <br/>
<a id="pl.59.29"></a><var>59.29</var>registration pursuant to the requirements of subdivision 2 must be dissolved by the <br/>
<a id="pl.59.30"></a><var>59.30</var>secretary of state as described in paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.59.31"></a><var>59.31</var>    (b) If the corporation has not filed the registration for two consecutive during <br/>
<a id="pl.59.32"></a><var>59.32</var>any calendar years year, the secretary of state must issue a certificate of administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.59.33"></a><var>59.33</var>dissolution and the certificate must be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State. The <br/>
<a id="pl.59.34"></a><var>59.34</var>secretary of state shall send notice to the corporation that the corporation has been <br/>
<a id="pl.59.35"></a><var>59.35</var>dissolved and that the corporation may be reinstated by filing a registration and a $25 fee. <br/>
<a id="pl.60.1"></a><var>60.1</var>The notice must be given by United States mail unless the company has indicated to the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.2"></a><var>60.2</var>secretary of state that they are willing to receive notice by electronic notification, in which <br/>
<a id="pl.60.3"></a><var>60.3</var>case the secretary of state may give notice by mail or the indicated means. The secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.60.4"></a><var>60.4</var>of state shall annually inform the attorney general and the commissioner of revenue of <br/>
<a id="pl.60.5"></a><var>60.5</var>the methods by which the names of corporations dissolved under this section during the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.6"></a><var>60.6</var>preceding year may be determined. The secretary of state must also make available in <br/>
<a id="pl.60.7"></a><var>60.7</var>an electronic format the names of the dissolved corporations. A corporation dissolved in <br/>
<a id="pl.60.8"></a><var>60.8</var>this manner is not entitled to the benefits of section 
         <statute_ref>302A.781</statute_ref>. The liability, if any, of the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.9"></a><var>60.9</var>shareholders of a corporation dissolved in this manner shall be determined and limited in <br/>
<a id="pl.60.10"></a><var>60.10</var>accordance with section 
         <statute_ref>302A.557</statute_ref>, except that the shareholders shall have no liability to <br/>
<a id="pl.60.11"></a><var>60.11</var>any director of the corporation under section 
         <statute_ref>302A.559, subdivision 2</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.60.12"></a><var>60.12</var>    (c) After administrative dissolution, filing a registration and the $25 fee with the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.13"></a><var>60.13</var>secretary of state:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.14"></a><var>60.14</var>    (1) returns the corporation to good standing as of the date of the dissolution;<br/>
<a id="pl.60.15"></a><var>60.15</var>    (2) validates contracts or other acts within the authority of the articles, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.16"></a><var>60.16</var>corporation is liable for those contracts or acts; and<br/>
<a id="pl.60.17"></a><var>60.17</var>    (3) restores to the corporation all assets and rights of the corporation to the extent <br/>
<a id="pl.60.18"></a><var>60.18</var>they were held by the corporation before the dissolution occurred, except to the extent that <br/>
<a id="pl.60.19"></a><var>60.19</var>assets or rights were affected by acts occurring after the dissolution or sold or otherwise <br/>
<a id="pl.60.20"></a><var>60.20</var>distributed after that time.<br/>
<a id="pl.60.21"></a><var>60.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.81.0"></a><a id="pl.60.22"></a><var>60.22</var>    Sec. 81. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 308A.995, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.60.23"></a><var>60.23</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Penalty; dissolution.</b> (a) A cooperative that has failed to file a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.60.24"></a><var>60.24</var>pursuant to the requirements of this section by December 31 of the calendar year for which <br/>
<a id="pl.60.25"></a><var>60.25</var>the registration was required must be dissolved by the secretary of state as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.60.26"></a><var>60.26</var>paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.60.27"></a><var>60.27</var>    (b) If the cooperative has not filed the registration by December 31 of that calendar <br/>
<a id="pl.60.28"></a><var>60.28</var>year, the secretary of state must issue a certificate of involuntary dissolution, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.60.29"></a><var>60.29</var>certificate must be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State. The secretary of state must <br/>
<a id="pl.60.30"></a><var>60.30</var>annually inform the attorney general and the commissioner of revenue of the methods by <br/>
<a id="pl.60.31"></a><var>60.31</var>which the names of cooperatives dissolved under this section during the preceding year <br/>
<a id="pl.60.32"></a><var>60.32</var>may be determined. The secretary of state must also make available in an electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.60.33"></a><var>60.33</var>format the names of the dissolved cooperatives. A cooperative dissolved in this manner is <br/>
<a id="pl.60.34"></a><var>60.34</var>not entitled to the benefits of section 
         <statute_ref>308A.981</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.61.1"></a><var>61.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.82.0"></a><a id="pl.61.2"></a><var>61.2</var>    Sec. 82. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 308B.121, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.61.3"></a><var>61.3</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Penalty; dissolution.</b> (a) A cooperative that has failed to file a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.61.4"></a><var>61.4</var>under the requirements of this section must be dissolved by the secretary of state as <br/>
<a id="pl.61.5"></a><var>61.5</var>described in paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.61.6"></a><var>61.6</var>    (b) If the cooperative has not filed the registration by December 31 of that calendar <br/>
<a id="pl.61.7"></a><var>61.7</var>year, the secretary of state must issue a certificate of involuntary dissolution and the <br/>
<a id="pl.61.8"></a><var>61.8</var>certificate must be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State. The secretary of state must <br/>
<a id="pl.61.9"></a><var>61.9</var>annually inform the attorney general and the commissioner of revenue of the methods by <br/>
<a id="pl.61.10"></a><var>61.10</var>which the names of cooperatives dissolved under this section during the preceding year <br/>
<a id="pl.61.11"></a><var>61.11</var>may be determined. The secretary of state must also make available in an electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.61.12"></a><var>61.12</var>format the names of the dissolved cooperatives. A cooperative dissolved in this manner is <br/>
<a id="pl.61.13"></a><var>61.13</var>not entitled to the benefits of section 
         <statute_ref>308B.971</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.61.14"></a><var>61.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.83.0"></a><a id="pl.61.15"></a><var>61.15</var>    Sec. 83. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 308B.215, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.61.16"></a><var>61.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Filing.</b> The original articles and a designation of the cooperative's <br/>
<a id="pl.61.17"></a><var>61.17</var>registered office and agent, including a registration form under section 
<statute_ref>308B.121</statute_ref>, shall <br/>
<a id="pl.61.18"></a><var>61.18</var>be filed with the secretary of state. The fee for filing the articles with the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.61.19"></a><var>61.19</var>state is $60. <br/>
<a id="pl.61.20"></a><var>61.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.84.0"></a><a id="pl.61.21"></a><var>61.21</var>    Sec. 84. <b>[308B.903] NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISSOLVE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.61.22"></a><var>61.22</var>    Before a cooperative begins dissolution, a notice of intent to dissolve must be filed <br/>
<a id="pl.61.23"></a><var>61.23</var>with the secretary of state. The notice must contain:<br/>
<a id="pl.61.24"></a><var>61.24</var>    (1) the name of the cooperative;<br/>
<a id="pl.61.25"></a><var>61.25</var>    (2) the date and place of the members' meeting at which the resolution was <br/>
<a id="pl.61.26"></a><var>61.26</var>approved; and<br/>
<a id="pl.61.27"></a><var>61.27</var>    (3) a statement that the requisite vote of the members approved the proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.61.28"></a><var>61.28</var>dissolution.<br/>
<a id="pl.61.29"></a><var>61.29</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.85.0"></a><a id="pl.61.30"></a><var>61.30</var>    Sec. 85. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 317A.823, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.1"></a><var>62.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Annual registration.</b> (a) The secretary of state must send annually <br/>
<a id="pl.62.2"></a><var>62.2</var>to each corporation at the registered office of the corporation a postcard notice announcing <br/>
<a id="pl.62.3"></a><var>62.3</var>the need to file the annual registration and informing the corporation that the annual <br/>
<a id="pl.62.4"></a><var>62.4</var>registration may be filed online and that paper filings may also be made, and informing <br/>
<a id="pl.62.5"></a><var>62.5</var>the corporation that failing to file the annual registration will result in an administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.62.6"></a><var>62.6</var>dissolution of the corporation.<br/>
<a id="pl.62.7"></a><var>62.7</var>    (b) Except for corporations to which paragraph (d) applies, Each calendar year <br/>
<a id="pl.62.8"></a><var>62.8</var>beginning in the calendar year following the calendar year in which a corporation <br/>
<a id="pl.62.9"></a><var>62.9</var>incorporates, a corporation must file with the secretary of state by December 31 of each <br/>
<a id="pl.62.10"></a><var>62.10</var>calendar year a registration containing the information listed in paragraph (c).<br/>
<a id="pl.62.11"></a><var>62.11</var>    (c) The registration must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.12"></a><var>62.12</var>    (1) the name of the corporation;<br/>
<a id="pl.62.13"></a><var>62.13</var>    (2) the address of its registered office;<br/>
<a id="pl.62.14"></a><var>62.14</var>    (3) the name of its registered agent, if any; and<br/>
<a id="pl.62.15"></a><var>62.15</var>    (4) the name and business address of the officer or other person exercising the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.16"></a><var>62.16</var>principal functions of president of the corporation.<br/>
<a id="pl.62.17"></a><var>62.17</var>    (d) The timely filing of an annual financial report and audit or an annual financial <br/>
<a id="pl.62.18"></a><var>62.18</var>statement under section 
<statute_ref>69.051, subdivision 1</statute_ref> or 1a, by a volunteer firefighter relief <br/>
<a id="pl.62.19"></a><var>62.19</var>association, as reflected in the notification by the state auditor under section 
<statute_ref>69.051, <br/>
<a id="pl.62.20"></a><var>62.20</var>subdivision 1c
</statute_ref>, constitutes presentation of the corporate registration. The secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.62.21"></a><var>62.21</var>may reject the registration by the volunteer firefighter relief association. Rejection must <br/>
<a id="pl.62.22"></a><var>62.22</var>occur if the information provided to the state auditor does not match the information <br/>
<a id="pl.62.23"></a><var>62.23</var>in the records of the secretary of state. The volunteer firefighter relief association may <br/>
<a id="pl.62.24"></a><var>62.24</var>amend the articles of incorporation as provided in sections 
<statute_ref>317A.131</statute_ref> to 
<statute_ref>317A.151</statute_ref> so <br/>
<a id="pl.62.25"></a><var>62.25</var>that the information from the state auditor may be accepted for filing. The timely filing <br/>
<a id="pl.62.26"></a><var>62.26</var>of an annual financial report and audit or an annual financial statement under section <br/>
<a id="pl.62.27"></a><var>62.27</var><statute_ref>69.051, subdivision 1</statute_ref> or 1a, does not relieve the volunteer firefighter relief association <br/>
<a id="pl.62.28"></a><var>62.28</var>of the requirement to file amendments to the articles of incorporation directly with the <br/>
<a id="pl.62.29"></a><var>62.29</var>secretary of state. <br/>
<a id="pl.62.30"></a><var>62.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.86.0"></a><a id="pl.62.31"></a><var>62.31</var>    Sec. 86. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 321.0206, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.62.32"></a><var>62.32</var><b>321.0206 DELIVERY TO AND FILING OF RECORDS BY SECRETARY OF </b><br/>
<a id="pl.62.33"></a><var>62.33</var><b>STATE; EFFECTIVE TIME AND DATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.63.1"></a><var>63.1</var>    (a) A record authorized or required to be delivered to the secretary of state for filing <br/>
<a id="pl.63.2"></a><var>63.2</var>under this chapter must be captioned to describe the record's purpose, be in a medium <br/>
<a id="pl.63.3"></a><var>63.3</var>permitted by the secretary of state, and be delivered to the secretary of state. Unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.63.4"></a><var>63.4</var>secretary of state determines that a record does not comply with the filing requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.63.5"></a><var>63.5</var>of this chapter, and if the appropriate filing fees have been paid, the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.63.6"></a><var>63.6</var>shall file the record and:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.7"></a><var>63.7</var>    (1) for a statement of dissociation, send:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.8"></a><var>63.8</var>    (A) a copy of the filed statement to the person which the statement indicates has <br/>
<a id="pl.63.9"></a><var>63.9</var>dissociated as a general partner; and<br/>
<a id="pl.63.10"></a><var>63.10</var>    (B) a copy of the filed statement to the limited partnership;<br/>
<a id="pl.63.11"></a><var>63.11</var>    (2) for a statement of withdrawal, send:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.12"></a><var>63.12</var>    (A) a copy of the filed statement to the person on whose behalf the record was <br/>
<a id="pl.63.13"></a><var>63.13</var>filed; and<br/>
<a id="pl.63.14"></a><var>63.14</var>    (B) if the statement refers to an existing limited partnership, a copy of the filed <br/>
<a id="pl.63.15"></a><var>63.15</var>statement to the limited partnership; and<br/>
<a id="pl.63.16"></a><var>63.16</var>    (3) for all other records, send a copy of the filed record to the person on whose <br/>
<a id="pl.63.17"></a><var>63.17</var>behalf the record was filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.63.18"></a><var>63.18</var>    (b) Upon request and payment of a fee, the secretary of state shall send to the <br/>
<a id="pl.63.19"></a><var>63.19</var>requester a certified copy of the requested record.<br/>
<a id="pl.63.20"></a><var>63.20</var>    (c) Except as otherwise provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>321.0116</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>321.0207</statute_ref>, a record <br/>
<a id="pl.63.21"></a><var>63.21</var>delivered to the secretary of state for filing under this chapter may specify an effective <br/>
<a id="pl.63.22"></a><var>63.22</var>time and a delayed effective date. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a record <br/>
<a id="pl.63.23"></a><var>63.23</var>filed by the secretary of state is effective: <br/>
<a id="pl.63.24"></a><var>63.24</var>    (1) if the record does not specify an effective time and does not specify a delayed <br/>
<a id="pl.63.25"></a><var>63.25</var>effective date, on the date and at the time the record is filed as evidenced by the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.63.26"></a><var>63.26</var>of state's endorsement of the date and time on the record;<br/>
<a id="pl.63.27"></a><var>63.27</var>    (2) if the record specifies an effective time but not a delayed effective date, on the <br/>
<a id="pl.63.28"></a><var>63.28</var>date the record is filed at the time specified in the record;<br/>
<a id="pl.63.29"></a><var>63.29</var>    (3) if the record specifies a delayed effective date but not an effective time, at 12:01 <br/>
<a id="pl.63.30"></a><var>63.30</var>a.m. on the earlier of:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.31"></a><var>63.31</var>    (A) the specified date; or<br/>
<a id="pl.63.32"></a><var>63.32</var>    (B) the 30th day after the record is filed; or<br/>
<a id="pl.63.33"></a><var>63.33</var>    (4) if the record specifies an effective time and a delayed effective date, at the <br/>
<a id="pl.63.34"></a><var>63.34</var>specified time on the earlier of:<br/>
<a id="pl.63.35"></a><var>63.35</var>    (A) the specified date; or<br/>
<a id="pl.63.36"></a><var>63.36</var>    (B) the 30th day after the record is filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.1"></a><var>64.1</var>    (d) The appropriate fees for filings under this chapter are:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.2"></a><var>64.2</var>    (1) for filing a certificate of limited partnership, $100;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.3"></a><var>64.3</var>    (2) for filing an amended certificate of limited partnership, $50;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.4"></a><var>64.4</var>    (3) for filing any other record, other than the annual report required by section <br/>
<a id="pl.64.5"></a><var>64.5</var>321.0210, for which no fee must be charged, required or permitted to be delivered for <br/>
<a id="pl.64.6"></a><var>64.6</var>filing, $35;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.7"></a><var>64.7</var>    (4) for filing a certificate requesting authority to transact business in Minnesota as a <br/>
<a id="pl.64.8"></a><var>64.8</var>foreign limited partnership, $85;<br/>
<a id="pl.64.9"></a><var>64.9</var>    (5) for filing an application of reinstatement, $25; and<br/>
<a id="pl.64.10"></a><var>64.10</var>    (6) for filing a name reservation for a foreign limited partnership name, $35; and<br/>
<a id="pl.64.11"></a><var>64.11</var>    (7) for filing any other record, other than the annual report required by section <br/>
<a id="pl.64.12"></a><var>64.12</var>321.0210, for which no fee must be charged, required or permitted to be delivered for <br/>
<a id="pl.64.13"></a><var>64.13</var>filing on a foreign limited partnership authorized to transact business in Minnesota, $50.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.14"></a><var>64.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.87.0"></a><a id="pl.64.15"></a><var>64.15</var>    Sec. 87. <b>[321.0909] NAME CHANGES FILED IN HOME STATE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.64.16"></a><var>64.16</var>    A foreign limited partnership shall notify the secretary of state of any changes to the <br/>
<a id="pl.64.17"></a><var>64.17</var>partnership name filed with the state of formation by filing a certificate from the state of <br/>
<a id="pl.64.18"></a><var>64.18</var>formation certifying to the change of name.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.19"></a><var>64.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.88.0"></a><a id="pl.64.20"></a><var>64.20</var>    Sec. 88. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 336.1-110, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.64.21"></a><var>64.21</var><b>336.1-110 UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE ACCOUNT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.64.22"></a><var>64.22</var>    The Uniform Commercial Code account is established as an account in the state <br/>
<a id="pl.64.23"></a><var>64.23</var>treasury. Fees that are not expressly set by statute but are charged by the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.64.24"></a><var>64.24</var>to offset the costs of providing a service under this chapter must be deposited in the state <br/>
<a id="pl.64.25"></a><var>64.25</var>treasury and credited to the Uniform Commercial Code account.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.26"></a><var>64.26</var>    Fees that are not expressly set by statute but are charged by the secretary of state <br/>
<a id="pl.64.27"></a><var>64.27</var>to offset the costs of providing information contained in the computerized records <br/>
<a id="pl.64.28"></a><var>64.28</var>maintained by the secretary of state must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to <br/>
<a id="pl.64.29"></a><var>64.29</var>the Uniform Commercial Code account.<br/>
<a id="pl.64.30"></a><var>64.30</var>    Money in the Uniform Commercial Code account is continuously appropriated to the <br/>
<a id="pl.64.31"></a><var>64.31</var>secretary of state to implement and maintain the central filing system under this chapter, <br/>
<a id="pl.64.32"></a><var>64.32</var>to provide, improve, and expand other online or remote lien and business entity filing, <br/>
<a id="pl.65.1"></a><var>65.1</var>retrieval, and payment method services provided by the secretary of state, and to provide <br/>
<a id="pl.65.2"></a><var>65.2</var>electronic access to other computerized records maintained by the secretary of state.<br/>
<a id="pl.65.3"></a><var>65.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.89.0"></a><a id="pl.65.4"></a><var>65.4</var>    Sec. 89. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 336.9-516, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.5"></a><var>65.5</var><b>336.9-516 WHAT CONSTITUTES FILING; EFFECTIVENESS OF FILING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.65.6"></a><var>65.6</var>    (a) What constitutes filing. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), <br/>
<a id="pl.65.7"></a><var>65.7</var>communication of a record to a filing office and tender of the filing fee or acceptance of <br/>
<a id="pl.65.8"></a><var>65.8</var>the record by the filing office constitutes filing. <br/>
<a id="pl.65.9"></a><var>65.9</var>    (b) Refusal to accept record; filing does not occur. Filing does not occur with <br/>
<a id="pl.65.10"></a><var>65.10</var>respect to a record that a filing office refuses to accept because: <br/>
<a id="pl.65.11"></a><var>65.11</var>    (1) the record is not communicated by a method or medium of communication <br/>
<a id="pl.65.12"></a><var>65.12</var>authorized by the filing office. For purposes of filing office authorization, transmission of <br/>
<a id="pl.65.13"></a><var>65.13</var>records using the Extensible Markup Language (XML) format is authorized by the filing <br/>
<a id="pl.65.14"></a><var>65.14</var>office after the later of July 1, 2007, or the determination of the secretary of state that the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.15"></a><var>65.15</var>central filing system is capable of receiving and processing these records;<br/>
<a id="pl.65.16"></a><var>65.16</var>    (2) an amount equal to or greater than the applicable filing fee is not tendered;<br/>
<a id="pl.65.17"></a><var>65.17</var>    (3) the filing office is unable to index the record because:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.18"></a><var>65.18</var>    (A) in the case of an initial financing statement, the record does not provide a name <br/>
<a id="pl.65.19"></a><var>65.19</var>for the debtor;<br/>
<a id="pl.65.20"></a><var>65.20</var>    (B) in the case of an amendment or correction statement, the record:<br/>
<a id="pl.65.21"></a><var>65.21</var>    (i) does not identify the initial financing statement as required by section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-512</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.65.22"></a><var>65.22</var>or 
         <statute_ref>336.9-518</statute_ref>, as applicable; or <br/>
<a id="pl.65.23"></a><var>65.23</var>    (ii) identifies an initial financing statement whose effectiveness has lapsed under <br/>
<a id="pl.65.24"></a><var>65.24</var>section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-515</statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.65.25"></a><var>65.25</var>    (C) in the case of an initial financing statement that provides the name of a debtor <br/>
<a id="pl.65.26"></a><var>65.26</var>identified as an individual or an amendment that provides a name of a debtor identified as <br/>
<a id="pl.65.27"></a><var>65.27</var>an individual which was not previously provided in the financing statement to which the <br/>
<a id="pl.65.28"></a><var>65.28</var>record relates, the record does not identify the debtor's last name; or<br/>
<a id="pl.65.29"></a><var>65.29</var>    (D) in the case of a record filed or recorded in the filing office described in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.65.30"></a><var>65.30</var>336.9-501(a)(1)
         </statute_ref>, the record does not provide a sufficient description of the real property <br/>
<a id="pl.65.31"></a><var>65.31</var>to which it relates; <br/>
<a id="pl.65.32"></a><var>65.32</var>    (4) in the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment that adds a secured <br/>
<a id="pl.65.33"></a><var>65.33</var>party of record, the record does not provide a name and mailing address for the secured <br/>
<a id="pl.65.34"></a><var>65.34</var>party of record;<br/>
<a id="pl.66.1"></a><var>66.1</var>    (5) in the case of an initial financing statement or an amendment that provides a <br/>
<a id="pl.66.2"></a><var>66.2</var>name of a debtor which was not previously provided in the financing statement to which <br/>
<a id="pl.66.3"></a><var>66.3</var>the amendment relates, the record does not:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.4"></a><var>66.4</var>    (A) provide a mailing address for the debtor;<br/>
<a id="pl.66.5"></a><var>66.5</var>    (B) indicate whether the debtor is an individual or an organization; or<br/>
<a id="pl.66.6"></a><var>66.6</var>    (C) if the financing statement indicates that the debtor is an organization, provide:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.7"></a><var>66.7</var>    (i) a type of organization for the debtor;<br/>
<a id="pl.66.8"></a><var>66.8</var>    (ii) a jurisdiction of organization for the debtor; or<br/>
<a id="pl.66.9"></a><var>66.9</var>    (iii) an organizational identification number for the debtor or indicate that the debtor <br/>
<a id="pl.66.10"></a><var>66.10</var>has none;<br/>
<a id="pl.66.11"></a><var>66.11</var>    (6) in the case of an assignment reflected in an initial financing statement under <br/>
<a id="pl.66.12"></a><var>66.12</var>section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-514(a)</statute_ref> or an amendment filed under section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-514(b)</statute_ref>, the record does <br/>
<a id="pl.66.13"></a><var>66.13</var>not provide a name and mailing address for the assignee; or <br/>
<a id="pl.66.14"></a><var>66.14</var>    (7) in the case of a continuation statement, the record is not filed within the <br/>
<a id="pl.66.15"></a><var>66.15</var>six-month period prescribed by section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-515(d)</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.66.16"></a><var>66.16</var>    (c) Rules applicable to subsection (b). For purposes of subsection (b): <br/>
<a id="pl.66.17"></a><var>66.17</var>    (1) a record does not provide information if the filing office is unable to read or <br/>
<a id="pl.66.18"></a><var>66.18</var>decipher the information; and<br/>
<a id="pl.66.19"></a><var>66.19</var>    (2) a record that does not indicate that it is an amendment or identify an initial <br/>
<a id="pl.66.20"></a><var>66.20</var>financing statement to which it relates, as required by section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-512</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>336.9-514</statute_ref>, or <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.66.21"></a><var>66.21</var>336.9-518
         </statute_ref>, is an initial financing statement. <br/>
<a id="pl.66.22"></a><var>66.22</var>    (d) Refusal to accept record; record effective as filed record. A record that is <br/>
<a id="pl.66.23"></a><var>66.23</var>communicated to the filing office with tender of the filing fee, but which the filing office <br/>
<a id="pl.66.24"></a><var>66.24</var>refuses to accept for a reason other than one set forth in subsection (b), is effective as a <br/>
<a id="pl.66.25"></a><var>66.25</var>filed record except as against a purchaser of the collateral which gives value in reasonable <br/>
<a id="pl.66.26"></a><var>66.26</var>reliance upon the absence of the record from the files. <br/>
<a id="pl.66.27"></a><var>66.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.90.0"></a><a id="pl.66.28"></a><var>66.28</var>    Sec. 90. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 336.9-525, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.66.29"></a><var>66.29</var><b>336.9-525 FEES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.66.30"></a><var>66.30</var>    (a) Initial financing statement or other record: general rule. Except as otherwise <br/>
<a id="pl.66.31"></a><var>66.31</var>provided in subsection (d), the fee for filing and indexing a record under this part delivered <br/>
<a id="pl.66.32"></a><var>66.32</var>on paper is $20 and for a record delivered by any electronic means is $15. $5 of the fee <br/>
<a id="pl.66.33"></a><var>66.33</var>collected for each request delivered online must be deposited in the uniform commercial <br/>
<a id="pl.66.34"></a><var>66.34</var>code account. <br/>
<a id="pl.67.1"></a><var>67.1</var>    (b) Number of names. The number of names required to be indexed does not <br/>
<a id="pl.67.2"></a><var>67.2</var>affect the amount of the fee in subsection (a). <br/>
<a id="pl.67.3"></a><var>67.3</var>    (c) Response to information request. The fee for responding to a request for <br/>
<a id="pl.67.4"></a><var>67.4</var>information from the filing office, including for issuing a certificate showing whether there <br/>
<a id="pl.67.5"></a><var>67.5</var>is on file any financing statement naming a particular debtor, delivered on paper is $20 <br/>
<a id="pl.67.6"></a><var>67.6</var>and for a record delivered by any electronic means is $15. $5 of the fee collected for each <br/>
<a id="pl.67.7"></a><var>67.7</var>request delivered online must be deposited in the uniform commercial code account. <br/>
<a id="pl.67.8"></a><var>67.8</var>    (d) Record of mortgage. This section does not require a fee with respect to a record <br/>
<a id="pl.67.9"></a><var>67.9</var>of a mortgage which is effective as a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or as a <br/>
<a id="pl.67.10"></a><var>67.10</var>financing statement covering as-extracted collateral or timber to be cut under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.67.11"></a><var>67.11</var>336.9-502(c)
         </statute_ref>. However, the recording and satisfaction fees that otherwise would be <br/>
<a id="pl.67.12"></a><var>67.12</var>applicable to the record of the mortgage apply. <br/>
<a id="pl.67.13"></a><var>67.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.91.0"></a><a id="pl.67.14"></a><var>67.14</var>    Sec. 91. <b>[349A.021] LOTTERY OFFICES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.67.15"></a><var>67.15</var>    The State Lottery may not move its operations at its Mountain Iron location to a <br/>
<a id="pl.67.16"></a><var>67.16</var>location outside the Quad-City area of Mountain Iron, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Virginia, and <br/>
<a id="pl.67.17"></a><var>67.17</var>may not reduce the complement of staff employed at this office.<br/>
<a id="pl.67.18"></a><var>67.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.92.0"></a><a id="pl.67.19"></a><var>67.19</var>    Sec. 92. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 356.219, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.67.20"></a><var>67.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Report required.</b> (a) Except as indicated in subdivision 4, the State <br/>
<a id="pl.67.21"></a><var>67.21</var>Board of Investment, on behalf of the public pension funds and programs for which it is <br/>
<a id="pl.67.22"></a><var>67.22</var>the investment authority, and any Minnesota public pension plan that is not fully invested <br/>
<a id="pl.67.23"></a><var>67.23</var>through the State Board of Investment, including a local police or firefighters relief <br/>
<a id="pl.67.24"></a><var>67.24</var>association governed by sections 
         <statute_ref>69.77</statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>69.771</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>69.775</statute_ref>, shall report the information <br/>
<a id="pl.67.25"></a><var>67.25</var>specified in subdivision 3 to the state auditor. A report under this section must be filed <br/>
<a id="pl.67.26"></a><var>67.26</var>electronically with the state auditor, unless the state auditor determines that it is not <br/>
<a id="pl.67.27"></a><var>67.27</var>feasible for a particular plan or association to file electronically. The state auditor may <br/>
<a id="pl.67.28"></a><var>67.28</var>prescribe a form or forms for the purposes of the reporting requirements contained in the <br/>
<a id="pl.67.29"></a><var>67.29</var>format for reports required by this section. The state auditor must attempt to provide <br/>
<a id="pl.67.30"></a><var>67.30</var>access on the state auditor's Web site to reports filed under this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.67.31"></a><var>67.31</var>    (b) A local police or firefighters relief association governed by section 
         <statute_ref>69.77</statute_ref> or <br/>
<a id="pl.67.32"></a><var>67.32</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>69.771</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>69.775</statute_ref> is fully invested during a given calendar year for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.67.33"></a><var>67.33</var>this section if all assets of the applicable pension plan beyond sufficient cash equivalent <br/>
<a id="pl.68.1"></a><var>68.1</var>investments to cover six months expected expenses are invested under section 
         <statute_ref>11A.17</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.68.2"></a><var>68.2</var>The board of any fully invested public pension plan remains responsible for submitting <br/>
<a id="pl.68.3"></a><var>68.3</var>investment policy statements and subsequent revisions as required by subdivision 3, <br/>
<a id="pl.68.4"></a><var>68.4</var>paragraph (a). <br/>
<a id="pl.68.5"></a><var>68.5</var>    (c) For purposes of this section, the State Board of Investment is considered to be <br/>
<a id="pl.68.6"></a><var>68.6</var>the investment authority for any Minnesota public pension fund required to be invested by <br/>
<a id="pl.68.7"></a><var>68.7</var>the State Board of Investment under section 
         <statute_ref>11A.23</statute_ref>, or for any Minnesota public pension <br/>
<a id="pl.68.8"></a><var>68.8</var>fund authorized to invest in the supplemental investment fund under section 
         <statute_ref>11A.17</statute_ref> and <br/>
<a id="pl.68.9"></a><var>68.9</var>which is fully invested by the State Board of Investment. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.93.0"></a><a id="pl.68.10"></a><var>68.10</var>    Sec. 93. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 358.41, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.68.11"></a><var>68.11</var><b>358.41 DEFINITIONS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.68.12"></a><var>68.12</var>    As used in sections 
         <statute_ref>358.41</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>358.49</statute_ref>: <br/>
<a id="pl.68.13"></a><var>68.13</var>    (1) "Notarial act" means any act that a notary public of this state is authorized to <br/>
<a id="pl.68.14"></a><var>68.14</var>perform, and includes taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, <br/>
<a id="pl.68.15"></a><var>68.15</var>taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying <br/>
<a id="pl.68.16"></a><var>68.16</var>or attesting a copy, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument. A notary public may <br/>
<a id="pl.68.17"></a><var>68.17</var>perform a notarial act by electronic means.<br/>
<a id="pl.68.18"></a><var>68.18</var>    (2) "Acknowledgment" means a declaration by a person that the person has executed <br/>
<a id="pl.68.19"></a><var>68.19</var>an instrument or electronic record for the purposes stated therein and, if the instrument <br/>
<a id="pl.68.20"></a><var>68.20</var>or electronic record is executed in a representative capacity, that the person signed <br/>
<a id="pl.68.21"></a><var>68.21</var>the instrument with proper authority and executed it as the act of the person or entity <br/>
<a id="pl.68.22"></a><var>68.22</var>represented and identified therein.<br/>
<a id="pl.68.23"></a><var>68.23</var>    (3) "Verification upon oath or affirmation" means a declaration that a statement is <br/>
<a id="pl.68.24"></a><var>68.24</var>true made by a person upon oath or affirmation.<br/>
<a id="pl.68.25"></a><var>68.25</var>    (4) "In a representative capacity" means:<br/>
<a id="pl.68.26"></a><var>68.26</var>    (i) for and on behalf of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or <br/>
<a id="pl.68.27"></a><var>68.27</var>other entity, as an authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee, or other representative;<br/>
<a id="pl.68.28"></a><var>68.28</var>    (ii) as a public officer, personal representative, guardian, or other representative, <br/>
<a id="pl.68.29"></a><var>68.29</var>in the capacity recited in the instrument;<br/>
<a id="pl.68.30"></a><var>68.30</var>    (iii) as an attorney in fact for a principal; or<br/>
<a id="pl.68.31"></a><var>68.31</var>    (iv) in any other capacity as an authorized representative of another.<br/>
<a id="pl.68.32"></a><var>68.32</var>    (5) "Notarial officer" means a notary public or other officer authorized to perform <br/>
<a id="pl.68.33"></a><var>68.33</var>notarial acts.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.1"></a><var>69.1</var>    (6) "Electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached <br/>
<a id="pl.69.2"></a><var>69.2</var>to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the <br/>
<a id="pl.69.3"></a><var>69.3</var>intent to sign the record.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.4"></a><var>69.4</var>    (7) "Electronic record" means a record created, generated, sent, communicated, <br/>
<a id="pl.69.5"></a><var>69.5</var>received, or stored by electronic means.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.6"></a><var>69.6</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.94.0"></a><a id="pl.69.7"></a><var>69.7</var>    Sec. 94. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 358.42, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.69.8"></a><var>69.8</var><b>358.42 NOTARIAL ACTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.69.9"></a><var>69.9</var>    (a) In taking an acknowledgment, the notarial officer must determine, either from <br/>
<a id="pl.69.10"></a><var>69.10</var>personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person appearing before the <br/>
<a id="pl.69.11"></a><var>69.11</var>officer and making the acknowledgment is the person whose true signature is on the <br/>
<a id="pl.69.12"></a><var>69.12</var>instrument or electronic record.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.13"></a><var>69.13</var>    (b) In taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, the notarial officer must <br/>
<a id="pl.69.14"></a><var>69.14</var>determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the person <br/>
<a id="pl.69.15"></a><var>69.15</var>appearing before the officer and making the verification is the person whose true signature <br/>
<a id="pl.69.16"></a><var>69.16</var>is made in the presence of the officer on the statement verified.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.17"></a><var>69.17</var>    (c) In witnessing or attesting a signature the notarial officer must determine, either <br/>
<a id="pl.69.18"></a><var>69.18</var>from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that the signature is that of the <br/>
<a id="pl.69.19"></a><var>69.19</var>person appearing before the officer and named therein. When witnessing or attesting a <br/>
<a id="pl.69.20"></a><var>69.20</var>signature, the officer must be present when the signature is made.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.21"></a><var>69.21</var>    (d) In certifying or attesting a copy of a document, electronic record, or other item, <br/>
<a id="pl.69.22"></a><var>69.22</var>the notarial officer must determine that the proffered copy is a full, true, and accurate <br/>
<a id="pl.69.23"></a><var>69.23</var>transcription or reproduction of that which was copied.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.24"></a><var>69.24</var>    (e) In making or noting a protest of a negotiable instrument or electronic record the <br/>
<a id="pl.69.25"></a><var>69.25</var>notarial officer must determine the matters set forth in section 
         <statute_ref>336.3-505</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.69.26"></a><var>69.26</var>    (f) A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence that a person is the person whose true <br/>
<a id="pl.69.27"></a><var>69.27</var>signature is on a document or electronic record if that person (i) is personally known to <br/>
<a id="pl.69.28"></a><var>69.28</var>the notarial officer, (ii) is identified upon the oath or affirmation of a credible witness <br/>
<a id="pl.69.29"></a><var>69.29</var>personally known to the notarial officer, or (iii) is identified on the basis of identification <br/>
<a id="pl.69.30"></a><var>69.30</var>documents.<br/>
<a id="pl.69.31"></a><var>69.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.95.0"></a><a id="pl.69.32"></a><var>69.32</var>    Sec. 95. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 358.50, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.69.33"></a><var>69.33</var><b>358.50 EFFECT OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.70.1"></a><var>70.1</var>    An acknowledgment made in a representative capacity for and on behalf of a <br/>
<a id="pl.70.2"></a><var>70.2</var>corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, or other entity and certified <br/>
<a id="pl.70.3"></a><var>70.3</var>substantially in the form prescribed in this chapter is prima facie evidence that the <br/>
<a id="pl.70.4"></a><var>70.4</var>instrument or electronic record was executed and delivered with proper authority.<br/>
<a id="pl.70.5"></a><var>70.5</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.96.0"></a><a id="pl.70.6"></a><var>70.6</var>    Sec. 96. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 359.085, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.70.7"></a><var>70.7</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Verifications.</b> In taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, the notarial <br/>
<a id="pl.70.8"></a><var>70.8</var>officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory evidence, that <br/>
<a id="pl.70.9"></a><var>70.9</var>the person appearing before the officer and making the verification is the person whose <br/>
<a id="pl.70.10"></a><var>70.10</var>true signature is made in the presence of the officer on the statement verified.<br/>
<a id="pl.70.11"></a><var>70.11</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.97.0"></a><a id="pl.70.12"></a><var>70.12</var>    Sec. 97. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 359.085, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.70.13"></a><var>70.13</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Witnessing or attesting signatures.</b> In witnessing or attesting a signature, <br/>
<a id="pl.70.14"></a><var>70.14</var>the notarial officer must determine, either from personal knowledge or from satisfactory <br/>
<a id="pl.70.15"></a><var>70.15</var>evidence, that the signature is that of the person appearing before the officer and named in <br/>
<a id="pl.70.16"></a><var>70.16</var>the document or electronic record. When witnessing or attesting a signature, the officer <br/>
<a id="pl.70.17"></a><var>70.17</var>must be present when the signature is made.<br/>
<a id="pl.70.18"></a><var>70.18</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.98.0"></a><a id="pl.70.19"></a><var>70.19</var>    Sec. 98. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 471.61, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.70.20"></a><var>70.20</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Dependents.</b> Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969, <br/>
<a id="pl.70.21"></a><var>70.21</var>section 
         <statute_ref>471.61</statute_ref>, as amended by Laws 1971, chapter 451, section 1, the word "dependents" <br/>
<a id="pl.70.22"></a><var>70.22</var>as used therein shall mean spouse and minor unmarried children under the age of 18 years <br/>
<a id="pl.70.23"></a><var>70.23</var>and dependent students under the age of 25 years actually dependent upon the employee, <br/>
<a id="pl.70.24"></a><var>70.24</var>and others as defined by governmental units at their discretion. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.99.0"></a><a id="pl.70.25"></a><var>70.25</var>    Sec. 99. <b>[471.6175] TRUST FOR POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.70.26"></a><var>70.26</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Authorization; establishment.</b> A political subdivision or other <br/>
<a id="pl.70.27"></a><var>70.27</var>public entity that creates or has created an actuarial liability to pay postemployment <br/>
<a id="pl.70.28"></a><var>70.28</var>benefits to employees or officers after their termination of service may establish a trust to <br/>
<a id="pl.70.29"></a><var>70.29</var>pay those benefits. For purposes of this section, the term "postemployment benefits" means <br/>
<a id="pl.70.30"></a><var>70.30</var>benefits giving rise to a liability under Statement No. 45 of the Governmental Accounting <br/>
<a id="pl.71.1"></a><var>71.1</var>Standards Board and the term "trust" means a trust, a trust account, or a custodial account <br/>
<a id="pl.71.2"></a><var>71.2</var>or contract authorized under section 401(f) of the Internal Revenue Code.<br/>
<a id="pl.71.3"></a><var>71.3</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Purpose of trust.</b> The trust established under this section may only be <br/>
<a id="pl.71.4"></a><var>71.4</var>used to pay postemployment benefits and may be either revocable or irrevocable.<br/>
<a id="pl.71.5"></a><var>71.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Trust administrator.</b> The trust administrator of a trust established under <br/>
<a id="pl.71.6"></a><var>71.6</var>this section shall be either:<br/>
<a id="pl.71.7"></a><var>71.7</var>    (1) the Public Employees Retirement Association; <br/>
<a id="pl.71.8"></a><var>71.8</var>    (2) a bank or banking association incorporated under the laws of the United States or <br/>
<a id="pl.71.9"></a><var>71.9</var>of any state and authorized by the laws under which it is organized to exercise corporate <br/>
<a id="pl.71.10"></a><var>71.10</var>trust powers; or <br/>
<a id="pl.71.11"></a><var>71.11</var>    (3) an insurance company or agency qualified to do business in Minnesota which has <br/>
<a id="pl.71.12"></a><var>71.12</var>at least five years experience in investment products and services for group retirement <br/>
<a id="pl.71.13"></a><var>71.13</var>benefits and which has a specialized department dedicated to services for retirement <br/>
<a id="pl.71.14"></a><var>71.14</var>investment products. <br/>
<a id="pl.71.15"></a><var>71.15</var>    A political subdivision or public entity may, in its discretion and in compliance <br/>
<a id="pl.71.16"></a><var>71.16</var>with any applicable trust document, change trust administrators and transfer trust assets <br/>
<a id="pl.71.17"></a><var>71.17</var>accordingly.<br/>
<a id="pl.71.18"></a><var>71.18</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Account maintenance.</b> A political subdivision or other public entity may <br/>
<a id="pl.71.19"></a><var>71.19</var>establish a trust account to be held under the supervision of the trust administrator for the <br/>
<a id="pl.71.20"></a><var>71.20</var>purposes of this section. A trust administrator shall establish a separate account for each <br/>
<a id="pl.71.21"></a><var>71.21</var>participating political subdivision or public entity. The trust administrator may charge <br/>
<a id="pl.71.22"></a><var>71.22</var>participating political subdivisions and public entities fees for reasonable administrative <br/>
<a id="pl.71.23"></a><var>71.23</var>costs. The amount of any fees charged by the Public Employees Retirement Association <br/>
<a id="pl.71.24"></a><var>71.24</var>is appropriated to the association from the account. A trust administrator may establish <br/>
<a id="pl.71.25"></a><var>71.25</var>other reasonable terms and conditions for creation and maintenance of these accounts. <br/>
<a id="pl.71.26"></a><var>71.26</var>The trust administrator must report electronically to the state auditor the portfolio and <br/>
<a id="pl.71.27"></a><var>71.27</var>performance information specified in section 356.219, subdivision 3, in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.71.28"></a><var>71.28</var>prescribed by the state auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.71.29"></a><var>71.29</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Investment.</b> (a) The assets of a trust or trust account shall be invested and <br/>
<a id="pl.71.30"></a><var>71.30</var>held as stipulated in paragraphs (b) to (e).<br/>
<a id="pl.71.31"></a><var>71.31</var>    (b) The Public Employees Retirement Association must certify all money in the trust <br/>
<a id="pl.71.32"></a><var>71.32</var>accounts for which it is trust administrator to the State Board of Investment for investment <br/>
<a id="pl.71.33"></a><var>71.33</var>under section 11A.14, subject to the policies and procedures established by the State <br/>
<a id="pl.71.34"></a><var>71.34</var>Board of Investment. Investment earnings must be credited to the trust account of the <br/>
<a id="pl.71.35"></a><var>71.35</var>individual political subdivision or public entity.<br/>
<a id="pl.72.1"></a><var>72.1</var>    (c) A trust administrator, other than the Public Employees Retirement Association, <br/>
<a id="pl.72.2"></a><var>72.2</var>must ensure that all money in the trust accounts for which it is trust administrator is <br/>
<a id="pl.72.3"></a><var>72.3</var>invested by a registered investment adviser, a bank investment trust department, or an <br/>
<a id="pl.72.4"></a><var>72.4</var>insurance company or agency retirement investment department. Investment earnings <br/>
<a id="pl.72.5"></a><var>72.5</var>must be credited to the trust account of the individual political subdivision or public entity.<br/>
<a id="pl.72.6"></a><var>72.6</var>    (d) For trust assets invested by the State Board of Investment, the investment <br/>
<a id="pl.72.7"></a><var>72.7</var>restrictions shall be the same as those generally applicable to the State Board of <br/>
<a id="pl.72.8"></a><var>72.8</var>Investment. For trust assets invested by a trust administrator other than the Public <br/>
<a id="pl.72.9"></a><var>72.9</var>Employees Retirement Association, the assets may only be invested in investments <br/>
<a id="pl.72.10"></a><var>72.10</var>authorized under chapter 118A or section 356A.06, subdivision 7, in the manner specified <br/>
<a id="pl.72.11"></a><var>72.11</var>in the applicable trust document.<br/>
<a id="pl.72.12"></a><var>72.12</var>    (e) A political subdivision or public entity may provide investment direction to a <br/>
<a id="pl.72.13"></a><var>72.13</var>trust administrator in compliance with any applicable trust document.<br/>
<a id="pl.72.14"></a><var>72.14</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Limit on deposit.</b> A political subdivision or public entity may not <br/>
<a id="pl.72.15"></a><var>72.15</var>deposit money in a trust or trust account created pursuant to this section if the total <br/>
<a id="pl.72.16"></a><var>72.16</var>amount invested by that political subdivision or public entity would exceed the political <br/>
<a id="pl.72.17"></a><var>72.17</var>subdivision's or public entity's actuarially determined liabilities for postemployment <br/>
<a id="pl.72.18"></a><var>72.18</var>benefits due to officers and employees, as determined under the applicable standards of the <br/>
<a id="pl.72.19"></a><var>72.19</var>Governmental Accounting Standards Board.<br/>
<a id="pl.72.20"></a><var>72.20</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Withdrawal of funds and termination of account.</b> (a) For a revocable <br/>
<a id="pl.72.21"></a><var>72.21</var>account, a political subdivision or public entity may withdraw some or all of its money <br/>
<a id="pl.72.22"></a><var>72.22</var>or terminate the trust account for any reason. Money and accrued investment earnings <br/>
<a id="pl.72.23"></a><var>72.23</var>withdrawn from a revocable account must be deposited in a fund separate and distinct from <br/>
<a id="pl.72.24"></a><var>72.24</var>any other funds of the political subdivision or public entity. This money, with accrued <br/>
<a id="pl.72.25"></a><var>72.25</var>investment earnings, must be used to pay legally enforceable postemployment benefits <br/>
<a id="pl.72.26"></a><var>72.26</var>to former officers and employees, unless (i) there has been a change in state or federal <br/>
<a id="pl.72.27"></a><var>72.27</var>law affecting that political subdivision's or public entity's liabilities for postemployment <br/>
<a id="pl.72.28"></a><var>72.28</var>benefits, or (ii) there has been a change in the demographic composition of that political <br/>
<a id="pl.72.29"></a><var>72.29</var>subdivision's or public entity's employees eligible for postemployment benefits, or (iii) <br/>
<a id="pl.72.30"></a><var>72.30</var>there has been a change in the provisions or terms of the postemployment benefits in that <br/>
<a id="pl.72.31"></a><var>72.31</var>political subdivision or public entity including, but not limited to, the portion of the costs <br/>
<a id="pl.72.32"></a><var>72.32</var>eligible employees must pay to receive the benefits, or (iv) other factors exist that have <br/>
<a id="pl.72.33"></a><var>72.33</var>a material effect on that political subdivision's or public entity's actuarially determined <br/>
<a id="pl.72.34"></a><var>72.34</var>liabilities for postemployment benefits, in which event any amount in excess of 100 <br/>
<a id="pl.72.35"></a><var>72.35</var>percent of that political subdivision's or public entity's actuarially determined liabilities for <br/>
<a id="pl.73.1"></a><var>73.1</var>postemployment benefits, as determined under standards of the Government Accounting <br/>
<a id="pl.73.2"></a><var>73.2</var>Standards Board, may be withdrawn and used for any purpose.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.3"></a><var>73.3</var>    (b) For an irrevocable account, a political subdivision or public entity may withdraw <br/>
<a id="pl.73.4"></a><var>73.4</var>money only:<br/>
<a id="pl.73.5"></a><var>73.5</var>    (1) as needed to pay postemployment benefits owed to former officers and employees <br/>
<a id="pl.73.6"></a><var>73.6</var>of the political subdivision or public entity; or<br/>
<a id="pl.73.7"></a><var>73.7</var>    (2) when all postemployment benefit liability owed to former officers or employees <br/>
<a id="pl.73.8"></a><var>73.8</var>of the political subdivision or public entity has been satisfied or otherwise defeased.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.9"></a><var>73.9</var>    (c) A political subdivision or public entity requesting withdrawal of money from <br/>
<a id="pl.73.10"></a><var>73.10</var>an account created under this section must do so at a time and in the manner required by <br/>
<a id="pl.73.11"></a><var>73.11</var>the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association or specified in an <br/>
<a id="pl.73.12"></a><var>73.12</var>applicable trust document. The political subdivision or public entity that created the trust <br/>
<a id="pl.73.13"></a><var>73.13</var>must ensure that withdrawals comply with the requirements of this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.14"></a><var>73.14</var>    (d) The legislature may not divert funds in these trusts or trust accounts for use for <br/>
<a id="pl.73.15"></a><var>73.15</var>any other purpose.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.16"></a><var>73.16</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Status of irrevocable trust.</b> (a) All money in an irrevocable trust or <br/>
<a id="pl.73.17"></a><var>73.17</var>trust account created in this section is held in trust for the exclusive benefit of former <br/>
<a id="pl.73.18"></a><var>73.18</var>officers and employees of the participating political subdivision or public entity, and are <br/>
<a id="pl.73.19"></a><var>73.19</var>not subject to claims by creditors of the state, the participating political subdivision or <br/>
<a id="pl.73.20"></a><var>73.20</var>public entity, the current or former officers and employees of the political subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.73.21"></a><var>73.21</var>or public entity, or the trust administrator.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.22"></a><var>73.22</var>    (b) An irrevocable trust fund or trust account created in this section shall be deemed <br/>
<a id="pl.73.23"></a><var>73.23</var>an arrangement equivalent to a trust for all legal purposes.<br/>
<a id="pl.73.24"></a><var>73.24</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment, <br/>
<a id="pl.73.25"></a><var>73.25</var>and is applicable immediately to all political subdivisions or public entities subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.73.26"></a><var>73.26</var>Statement No. 45 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board in 2007, to those <br/>
<a id="pl.73.27"></a><var>73.27</var>political subdivisions or public entities whose trusts or trust accounts are validated <br/>
<a id="pl.73.28"></a><var>73.28</var>by section 113, and to those political subdivisions or public entities that have begun <br/>
<a id="pl.73.29"></a><var>73.29</var>consideration of measures to implement Statement No. 45 in 2007. This section is <br/>
<a id="pl.73.30"></a><var>73.30</var>applicable on July 1, 2008, for all other political subdivisions or public entities.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.100.0"></a><a id="pl.73.31"></a><var>73.31</var>    Sec. 100. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.246, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.73.32"></a><var>73.32</var><b>473.246 COUNCIL'S SUBMISSIONS TO </b><b>LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION</b><b> </b><br/>
<a id="pl.73.33"></a><var>73.33</var><b>LEGISLATURE</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.74.1"></a><var>74.1</var>    The Metropolitan Council shall submit to the Legislative Commission on <br/>
<a id="pl.74.2"></a><var>74.2</var>Metropolitan Government chairs of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over <br/>
<a id="pl.74.3"></a><var>74.3</var>metropolitan affairs information on the council's tax rates and dollar amounts levied for <br/>
<a id="pl.74.4"></a><var>74.4</var>the current year, proposed property tax rates and levies, operating and capital budgets, <br/>
<a id="pl.74.5"></a><var>74.5</var>work program, capital improvement program, and any other information requested by the <br/>
<a id="pl.74.6"></a><var>74.6</var>commission, for review by the legislative commission, as provided in section 
<statute_ref>3.8841</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.74.7"></a><var>74.7</var>relevant committees. <br/>
<a id="pl.74.8"></a><var>74.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.101.0"></a><a id="pl.74.9"></a><var>74.9</var>    Sec. 101. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 477A.014, subdivision 4, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.74.10"></a><var>74.10</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.74.11"></a><var>74.11</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Costs.</b> The director of the Office of Strategic and Long-Range Planning <br/>
<a id="pl.74.12"></a><var>74.12</var>shall annually bill the commissioner of revenue for one-half of the costs incurred by the <br/>
<a id="pl.74.13"></a><var>74.13</var>state demographer in the preparation of materials required by section 
         <statute_ref>4A.02</statute_ref>. The state <br/>
<a id="pl.74.14"></a><var>74.14</var>auditor shall bill the commissioner of revenue for the costs of best practices reviews <br/>
<a id="pl.74.15"></a><var>74.15</var>and the services provided by the Government Information Division and the parts of the <br/>
<a id="pl.74.16"></a><var>74.16</var>constitutional office that are related to the government information function, and for <br/>
<a id="pl.74.17"></a><var>74.17</var>the services provided by the Tax Increment Financing Investment and Finance Division <br/>
<a id="pl.74.18"></a><var>74.18</var>required by section 469.3201, not to exceed $217,000 $614,000 each fiscal year. The <br/>
<a id="pl.74.19"></a><var>74.19</var>commissioner of administration shall bill the commissioner of revenue for the costs of <br/>
<a id="pl.74.20"></a><var>74.20</var>the local government records program and the intergovernmental information systems <br/>
<a id="pl.74.21"></a><var>74.21</var>activity, not to exceed $205,800 each fiscal year. The commissioner of employee relations <br/>
<a id="pl.74.22"></a><var>74.22</var>shall bill the commissioner of revenue for the costs of administering the local government <br/>
<a id="pl.74.23"></a><var>74.23</var>pay equity function, not to exceed $55,000 each fiscal year. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.102.0"></a><a id="pl.74.24"></a><var>74.24</var>    Sec. 102. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 491A.02, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.74.25"></a><var>74.25</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Representation.</b> (a) A corporation, partnership, limited liability company, <br/>
<a id="pl.74.26"></a><var>74.26</var>sole proprietorship, or association may be represented in conciliation court by an officer, <br/>
<a id="pl.74.27"></a><var>74.27</var>manager, or partner or an agent in the case of a condominium, cooperative, or townhouse <br/>
<a id="pl.74.28"></a><var>74.28</var>association, or may appoint a natural person who is an employee or commercial property <br/>
<a id="pl.74.29"></a><var>74.29</var>manager to appear on its behalf or settle a claim in conciliation court. The state or a <br/>
<a id="pl.74.30"></a><var>74.30</var>political subdivision of the state may be represented in conciliation court by an employee <br/>
<a id="pl.74.31"></a><var>74.31</var>of the pertinent governmental unit without a written authorization. The state also may be <br/>
<a id="pl.74.32"></a><var>74.32</var>represented in conciliation court by an employee of the Division of Risk Management of <br/>
<a id="pl.74.33"></a><var>74.33</var>the Department of Administration without a written authorization. Representation under <br/>
<a id="pl.74.34"></a><var>74.34</var>this subdivision does not constitute the practice of law for purposes of section 
         <statute_ref>481.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.75.1"></a><var>75.1</var>subdivision 8
         </statute_ref>. In the case of an officer, employee, commercial property manager, or <br/>
<a id="pl.75.2"></a><var>75.2</var>agent of a condominium, cooperative, or townhouse association, an authorized power <br/>
<a id="pl.75.3"></a><var>75.3</var>of attorney, corporate authorization resolution, corporate bylaw, or other evidence of <br/>
<a id="pl.75.4"></a><var>75.4</var>authority acceptable to the court must be filed with the claim or presented at the hearing. <br/>
<a id="pl.75.5"></a><var>75.5</var>This subdivision also applies to appearances in district court by a corporation or limited <br/>
<a id="pl.75.6"></a><var>75.6</var>liability company with five or fewer shareholders or members and to any condominium, <br/>
<a id="pl.75.7"></a><var>75.7</var>cooperative, or townhouse association, if the action was removed from conciliation court. <br/>
<a id="pl.75.8"></a><var>75.8</var>    (b) "Commercial property manager" means a corporation, partnership, or limited <br/>
<a id="pl.75.9"></a><var>75.9</var>liability company or its employees who are hired by the owner of commercial real <br/>
<a id="pl.75.10"></a><var>75.10</var>estate to perform a broad range of administrative duties at the property including tenant <br/>
<a id="pl.75.11"></a><var>75.11</var>relations matters, leasing, repairs, maintenance, the negotiation and resolution of tenant <br/>
<a id="pl.75.12"></a><var>75.12</var>disputes, and related matters. In order to appear in conciliation court, a property manager's <br/>
<a id="pl.75.13"></a><var>75.13</var>employees must possess a real estate license under section 
         <statute_ref>82.20</statute_ref> and be authorized by the <br/>
<a id="pl.75.14"></a><var>75.14</var>owner of the property to settle all disputes with tenants and others within the jurisdictional <br/>
<a id="pl.75.15"></a><var>75.15</var>limits of conciliation court. <br/>
<a id="pl.75.16"></a><var>75.16</var>    (c) A commercial property manager who is appointed to settle a claim in conciliation <br/>
<a id="pl.75.17"></a><var>75.17</var>court may not charge or collect a separate fee for services rendered under paragraph (a).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.103.0"></a><a id="pl.75.18"></a><var>75.18</var>    Sec. 103. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 507.24, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.75.19"></a><var>75.19</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Original signatures required.</b> (a) Unless otherwise provided by law, an <br/>
<a id="pl.75.20"></a><var>75.20</var>instrument affecting real estate that is to be recorded as provided in this section or other <br/>
<a id="pl.75.21"></a><var>75.21</var>applicable law must contain the original signatures of the parties who execute it and of the <br/>
<a id="pl.75.22"></a><var>75.22</var>notary public or other officer taking an acknowledgment. However, a financing statement <br/>
<a id="pl.75.23"></a><var>75.23</var>that is recorded as a filing pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>336.9-502(b)</statute_ref> need not contain: (1) the <br/>
<a id="pl.75.24"></a><var>75.24</var>signatures of the debtor or the secured party; or (2) an acknowledgment.<br/>
<a id="pl.75.25"></a><var>75.25</var>    (b)(1) Any electronic instruments, including signatures and seals, affecting real <br/>
<a id="pl.75.26"></a><var>75.26</var>estate may only be recorded as part of a pilot project for the electronic filing of real <br/>
<a id="pl.75.27"></a><var>75.27</var>estate documents implemented by the task force created in Laws 2000, chapter 391, or <br/>
<a id="pl.75.28"></a><var>75.28</var>by the Electronic Real Estate Recording Task Force created under section 
         <statute_ref>507.094</statute_ref>. The <br/>
<a id="pl.75.29"></a><var>75.29</var>Electronic Real Estate Recording Task Force created under section 507.094 may amend <br/>
<a id="pl.75.30"></a><var>75.30</var>standards set by the task force created in Laws 2000, chapter 391, and may set new or <br/>
<a id="pl.75.31"></a><var>75.31</var>additional standards and establish pilot projects to the full extent permitted in section <br/>
<a id="pl.75.32"></a><var>75.32</var>507.094, subdivision 2, paragraph (b). Documents recorded in conformity with those <br/>
<a id="pl.75.33"></a><var>75.33</var>standards and in those pilot projects are deemed to meet the requirements of this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.76.1"></a><var>76.1</var>    (2)(i) A county that participated in the pilot project for the electronic filing of real <br/>
<a id="pl.76.2"></a><var>76.2</var>estate documents under the task force created in Laws 2000, chapter 391, may continue to <br/>
<a id="pl.76.3"></a><var>76.3</var>record or file documents electronically, if:<br/>
<a id="pl.76.4"></a><var>76.4</var>    (1) (A) the county complies with standards adopted by the task force; and<br/>
<a id="pl.76.5"></a><var>76.5</var>    (2) (B) the county uses software that was validated by the task force.<br/>
<a id="pl.76.6"></a><var>76.6</var>    (ii) A county that did not participate in the pilot project may record or file a real <br/>
<a id="pl.76.7"></a><var>76.7</var>estate document electronically, if:<br/>
<a id="pl.76.8"></a><var>76.8</var>    (i) (A) the document to be recorded or filed is of a type included in the pilot project <br/>
<a id="pl.76.9"></a><var>76.9</var>for the electronic filing of real estate documents under the task force created in Laws <br/>
<a id="pl.76.10"></a><var>76.10</var>2000, chapter 391;<br/>
<a id="pl.76.11"></a><var>76.11</var>    (ii) (B) the county complies with the standards adopted by the task force;<br/>
<a id="pl.76.12"></a><var>76.12</var>    (iii) (C) the county uses software that was validated by the task force; and<br/>
<a id="pl.76.13"></a><var>76.13</var>    (iv) (D) the task force created under section 
         <statute_ref>507.094</statute_ref>, votes to accept a written <br/>
<a id="pl.76.14"></a><var>76.14</var>certification of compliance with paragraph (b), clause (2), of this section by the county <br/>
<a id="pl.76.15"></a><var>76.15</var>board and county recorder of the county to implement electronic filing under this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.76.16"></a><var>76.16</var>    (c) Notices filed pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>168A.141, subdivisions 1 and 3</statute_ref>, need not <br/>
<a id="pl.76.17"></a><var>76.17</var>contain an acknowledgment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.104.0"></a><a id="pl.76.18"></a><var>76.18</var>    Sec. 104. Laws 2006, chapter 253, section 22, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.76.19"></a><var>76.19</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Genetic information; work group.</b> (a) The commissioner must <br/>
<a id="pl.76.20"></a><var>76.20</var>create a work group to develop principles for public policy on the use of genetic <br/>
<a id="pl.76.21"></a><var>76.21</var>information. The work group must include representatives of state government, including <br/>
<a id="pl.76.22"></a><var>76.22</var>the judicial branch, local government, prosecutors, public defenders, the American Civil <br/>
<a id="pl.76.23"></a><var>76.23</var>Liberties Union - Minnesota, the Citizens Council on Health Care, the University of <br/>
<a id="pl.76.24"></a><var>76.24</var>Minnesota Center on Bioethics, the Minnesota Medical Association, the Mayo Clinic <br/>
<a id="pl.76.25"></a><var>76.25</var>and Foundation, the March of Dimes, and representatives of employers, researchers, <br/>
<a id="pl.76.26"></a><var>76.26</var>epidemiologists, laboratories, and insurance companies.<br/>
<a id="pl.76.27"></a><var>76.27</var>    (b) The commissioner of administration and the work group must conduct reviews <br/>
<a id="pl.76.28"></a><var>76.28</var>of the topics in paragraphs (c) to (f), in light of the issues raised in the report on treatment <br/>
<a id="pl.76.29"></a><var>76.29</var>of genetic information under state law required by Laws 2005, chapter 163, section 87. <br/>
<a id="pl.76.30"></a><var>76.30</var>The commissioner must report the results, including any recommendations for legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.76.31"></a><var>76.31</var>changes, to the chairs of the house Civil Law Committee and the senate Judiciary <br/>
<a id="pl.76.32"></a><var>76.32</var>Committee and the ranking minority members of those committees by January 15, 2008 <br/>
<a id="pl.76.33"></a><var>76.33</var>2009.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.1"></a><var>77.1</var>    (c) The commissioner and the work group must determine whether changes are <br/>
<a id="pl.77.2"></a><var>77.2</var>needed in Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>144.69</statute_ref>, dealing with collection of information <br/>
<a id="pl.77.3"></a><var>77.3</var>from cancer patients and their relatives.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.4"></a><var>77.4</var>    (d) The commissioner and the work group must make recommendations whether <br/>
<a id="pl.77.5"></a><var>77.5</var>all relatives affected by a formal three-generation pedigree created by the Department of <br/>
<a id="pl.77.6"></a><var>77.6</var>Health should be able to access the entire data set, rather than only allowing individuals <br/>
<a id="pl.77.7"></a><var>77.7</var>access to the data of which they are the subject.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.8"></a><var>77.8</var>    (e) The commissioner and the work group must identify, and may make <br/>
<a id="pl.77.9"></a><var>77.9</var>recommendations among, options for resolving questions of secondary uses of genetic <br/>
<a id="pl.77.10"></a><var>77.10</var>information.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.11"></a><var>77.11</var>    (f) The commissioner and the work group must make recommendations whether <br/>
<a id="pl.77.12"></a><var>77.12</var>legislative changes are needed regarding access to DNA test results and the specimens <br/>
<a id="pl.77.13"></a><var>77.13</var>used to create the test results held by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension as part of <br/>
<a id="pl.77.14"></a><var>77.14</var>a criminal investigation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.105.0"></a><a id="pl.77.15"></a><var>77.15</var>    Sec. 105. <b>FORD BUILDING.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.77.16"></a><var>77.16</var>    The Ford Building at 117 University Avenue in St. Paul may not be demolished <br/>
<a id="pl.77.17"></a><var>77.17</var>during the biennium ending June 30, 2009.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.106.0"></a><a id="pl.77.18"></a><var>77.18</var>    Sec. 106. <b>TASK FORCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.77.19"></a><var>77.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Creation.</b> A task force is created to work with the Commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.77.20"></a><var>77.20</var>Administration on a disparity study. The task force consists of one member appointed by <br/>
<a id="pl.77.21"></a><var>77.21</var>and serving at the pleasure of each of the following groups:<br/>
<a id="pl.77.22"></a><var>77.22</var>    (1) the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans;<br/>
<a id="pl.77.23"></a><var>77.23</var>    (2) the Council on Black Minnesotans;<br/>
<a id="pl.77.24"></a><var>77.24</var>    (3) the Council on Affairs of Chicano/Latino people;<br/>
<a id="pl.77.25"></a><var>77.25</var>    (4) the Indian Affairs Council;<br/>
<a id="pl.77.26"></a><var>77.26</var>    (5) the Association of Women Contractors; and<br/>
<a id="pl.77.27"></a><var>77.27</var>    (6) the National Association of Minority Contractors.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.28"></a><var>77.28</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Consultation and approval.</b> (a) The commissioner must consult with <br/>
<a id="pl.77.29"></a><var>77.29</var>the task force on the design of the disparity study, the nature of the services sought in a <br/>
<a id="pl.77.30"></a><var>77.30</var>request for proposals for the study, the criteria that the commissioner will use to evaluate <br/>
<a id="pl.77.31"></a><var>77.31</var>and select a contractor, and selection of the contractor.<br/>
<a id="pl.77.32"></a><var>77.32</var>    (b) The commissioner must consult with the task force regarding the commissioner's <br/>
<a id="pl.77.33"></a><var>77.33</var>interpretation of data obtained through the study, and on the commissioner's <br/>
<a id="pl.77.34"></a><var>77.34</var>recommendations for any changes in the targeted group purchasing program resulting from <br/>
<a id="pl.78.1"></a><var>78.1</var>the study. The task force may make its own recommendations before the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.78.2"></a><var>78.2</var>presents the recommendations in a final report. If the commissioner's recommendations <br/>
<a id="pl.78.3"></a><var>78.3</var>are different from the task force recommendations, the commissioner's report must note <br/>
<a id="pl.78.4"></a><var>78.4</var>the differences.<br/>
<a id="pl.78.5"></a><var>78.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Support services.</b> The commissioner must provide meeting space and <br/>
<a id="pl.78.6"></a><var>78.6</var>administrative support to the task force.<br/>
<a id="pl.78.7"></a><var>78.7</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Expiration.</b> The task force expires at the end of the regular session of the <br/>
<a id="pl.78.8"></a><var>78.8</var>legislature at which the commissioner presents the results of the targeted group business <br/>
<a id="pl.78.9"></a><var>78.9</var>disparity study to the legislature.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.107.0"></a><a id="pl.78.10"></a><var>78.10</var>    Sec. 107. <b>VALIDATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.78.11"></a><var>78.11</var>    Any trust or trust account or other custodial account or contract authorized under <br/>
<a id="pl.78.12"></a><var>78.12</var>section 401(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, created prior to June 6, 2006, to pay <br/>
<a id="pl.78.13"></a><var>78.13</var>postemployment benefits to employees or officers after termination of service, is hereby <br/>
<a id="pl.78.14"></a><var>78.14</var>validated, may continue in full force and effect, and shall have continuing authority <br/>
<a id="pl.78.15"></a><var>78.15</var>to accept new funds; however, this section does not validate or correct defects in any <br/>
<a id="pl.78.16"></a><var>78.16</var>previously created trust document. Any funds held by a validated trust or account <br/>
<a id="pl.78.17"></a><var>78.17</var>under this section may be invested as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 471.6175, <br/>
<a id="pl.78.18"></a><var>78.18</var>subdivision 5. A validated trust or account shall have until January 1, 2008, to bring <br/>
<a id="pl.78.19"></a><var>78.19</var>its trust documents and procedures into compliance with Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.78.20"></a><var>78.20</var>471.6175.<br/>
<a id="pl.78.21"></a><var>78.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.108.0"></a><a id="pl.78.22"></a><var>78.22</var>    Sec. 108. <b>REPORT; ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.78.23"></a><var>78.23</var>    By October 15, 2007, the commissioner of finance must provide a report listing <br/>
<a id="pl.78.24"></a><var>78.24</var>specific areas where state budgeting practices differ from generally accepted accounting <br/>
<a id="pl.78.25"></a><var>78.25</var>principles and the reasons for those differences. If that difference is a result of direction in <br/>
<a id="pl.78.26"></a><var>78.26</var>law, the report must include the law causing the difference.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.109.0"></a><a id="pl.78.27"></a><var>78.27</var>    Sec. 109. <b>BUILDING REPLACEMENT FUNDS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.78.28"></a><var>78.28</var>    In addition to the requirements in Laws 2002, chapter 400, section 13, subdivision 7, <br/>
<a id="pl.78.29"></a><var>78.29</var>the commissioner of administration shall collect appropriate rent revenues for the Elmer L. <br/>
<a id="pl.78.30"></a><var>78.30</var>Andersen and Orville L. Freeman buildings to be set aside in a segregated special revenue <br/>
<a id="pl.78.31"></a><var>78.31</var>fund for deferred maintenance and other extraordinary building repairs. Funds shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.78.32"></a><var>78.32</var>expended for these purposes as determined by the commissioner.<br/>
<a id="pl.79.1"></a><var>79.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.110.0"></a><a id="pl.79.2"></a><var>79.2</var>    Sec. 110. <b>COMPENSATION FOR PERIOD OF PARTIAL GOVERNMENT </b><br/>
<a id="pl.79.3"></a><var>79.3</var><b>SHUTDOWN.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.79.4"></a><var>79.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions; coverage.</b> For purposes of this section:<br/>
<a id="pl.79.5"></a><var>79.5</var>    (1) "employee" means a state employee, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.79.6"></a><var>79.6</var>43A.02, subdivision 21, who is a state employee on the effective date of this section and <br/>
<a id="pl.79.7"></a><var>79.7</var>who the commissioner determines was prevented from working because of the partial <br/>
<a id="pl.79.8"></a><var>79.8</var>government shutdown; and<br/>
<a id="pl.79.9"></a><var>79.9</var>    (2) "partial government shutdown" means the period from July 1, 2005, through July <br/>
<a id="pl.79.10"></a><var>79.10</var>14, 2005, during which appropriations needed to fund certain state government functions <br/>
<a id="pl.79.11"></a><var>79.11</var>had not been enacted.<br/>
<a id="pl.79.12"></a><var>79.12</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Credit for uncompensated hours.</b> A state employee who was previously <br/>
<a id="pl.79.13"></a><var>79.13</var>compensated in cash or by a credit to the employee's vacation bank for hours the employee <br/>
<a id="pl.79.14"></a><var>79.14</var>could not work due to the partial government shutdown, must:<br/>
<a id="pl.79.15"></a><var>79.15</var>    (1) be paid an additional amount equal to the previous payment, if the previous <br/>
<a id="pl.79.16"></a><var>79.16</var>payment was made in cash; or<br/>
<a id="pl.79.17"></a><var>79.17</var>    (2) have hours credited to the employee's vacation bank in the same amount as <br/>
<a id="pl.79.18"></a><var>79.18</var>the previous credit.<br/>
<a id="pl.79.19"></a><var>79.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment. <br/>
<a id="pl.79.20"></a><var>79.20</var>The commissioner must make payments or credits required by this section within 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.79.21"></a><var>79.21</var>days of the effective date of this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.111.0"></a><a id="pl.79.22"></a><var>79.22</var>    Sec. 111. <b>ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS STUDY AND REPORT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.79.23"></a><var>79.23</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Study.</b> The chief information officer of the state shall study <br/>
<a id="pl.79.24"></a><var>79.24</var>how electronic documents and the mechanisms and processes for accessing and <br/>
<a id="pl.79.25"></a><var>79.25</var>reading electronic data can be created, maintained, exchanged, and preserved by the <br/>
<a id="pl.79.26"></a><var>79.26</var>state in a manner that encourages appropriate government control, access, choice, <br/>
<a id="pl.79.27"></a><var>79.27</var>and interoperability. The study must consider, but not be limited to, the policies of <br/>
<a id="pl.79.28"></a><var>79.28</var>other states and nations, management guidelines for state archives as they pertain to <br/>
<a id="pl.79.29"></a><var>79.29</var>electronic documents, public access, expected storage life of electronic documents, costs <br/>
<a id="pl.79.30"></a><var>79.30</var>of implementation, and savings. The chief information officer shall solicit comments <br/>
<a id="pl.79.31"></a><var>79.31</var>regarding the creation, maintenance, exchange, and preservation of electronic documents <br/>
<a id="pl.79.32"></a><var>79.32</var>by the state from stakeholders, including but not limited to the legislative auditor, <br/>
<a id="pl.79.33"></a><var>79.33</var>the attorney general, the state archivist, the state legislative reference librarian, other <br/>
<a id="pl.80.1"></a><var>80.1</var>librarians, representatives of the state historical society, and other historians. The chief <br/>
<a id="pl.80.2"></a><var>80.2</var>information officer shall also solicit comments from members of the public.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.3"></a><var>80.3</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Report and recommendation.</b> The chief information officer shall <br/>
<a id="pl.80.4"></a><var>80.4</var>report the officer's findings and recommendations to the chairs of the senate State <br/>
<a id="pl.80.5"></a><var>80.5</var>and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee; house Government <br/>
<a id="pl.80.6"></a><var>80.6</var>Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee; and the senate and house State <br/>
<a id="pl.80.7"></a><var>80.7</var>Government Finance Divisions by January 15, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.112.0"></a><a id="pl.80.8"></a><var>80.8</var>    Sec. 112. <b>LABOR AGREEMENTS AND COMPENSATION PLANS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.80.9"></a><var>80.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Minnesota Law Enforcement Association.</b> The labor agreement <br/>
<a id="pl.80.10"></a><var>80.10</var>between the state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Law Enforcement Association, <br/>
<a id="pl.80.11"></a><var>80.11</var>approved by the Legislative Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee <br/>
<a id="pl.80.12"></a><var>80.12</var>Relations on August 7, 2006, is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.13"></a><var>80.13</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Minnesota Nurses Association.</b> The labor agreement between the <br/>
<a id="pl.80.14"></a><var>80.14</var>state of Minnesota and the Minnesota Nurses Association, approved by the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.80.15"></a><var>80.15</var>Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on September 18, 2006, <br/>
<a id="pl.80.16"></a><var>80.16</var>is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.17"></a><var>80.17</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Office of Higher Education.</b> The amendments to the compensation <br/>
<a id="pl.80.18"></a><var>80.18</var>plan for unrepresented employees of the Office of Higher Education, approved by <br/>
<a id="pl.80.19"></a><var>80.19</var>the Legislative Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on <br/>
<a id="pl.80.20"></a><var>80.20</var>September 18, 2006, are ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.21"></a><var>80.21</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Gambling Control Board.</b> The proposal to increase the salary of the <br/>
<a id="pl.80.22"></a><var>80.22</var>director of the Gambling Control Board, as approved by the Legislative Coordinating <br/>
<a id="pl.80.23"></a><var>80.23</var>Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on August 7, 2006, is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.24"></a><var>80.24</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Public Employees Retirement Association.</b> The proposal to increase <br/>
<a id="pl.80.25"></a><var>80.25</var>the salary of the director of the Public Employees Retirement Association, as approved <br/>
<a id="pl.80.26"></a><var>80.26</var>by the Legislative Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on <br/>
<a id="pl.80.27"></a><var>80.27</var>March 27, 2007, is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.28"></a><var>80.28</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Minnesota State Retirement System.</b> The proposal to increase the <br/>
<a id="pl.80.29"></a><var>80.29</var>salary of the director of the Minnesota State Retirement System, as approved by the <br/>
<a id="pl.80.30"></a><var>80.30</var>Legislative Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on March <br/>
<a id="pl.80.31"></a><var>80.31</var>27, 2007, is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.80.32"></a><var>80.32</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Teachers Retirement Association.</b> The proposal to increase the salary <br/>
<a id="pl.80.33"></a><var>80.33</var>of the director of the Teachers Retirement Association, as approved by the Legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.80.34"></a><var>80.34</var>Coordinating Commission Subcommittee on Employee Relations on March 27, 2007, <br/>
<a id="pl.80.35"></a><var>80.35</var>is ratified.<br/>
<a id="pl.81.1"></a><var>81.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.113.0"></a><a id="pl.81.2"></a><var>81.2</var>    Sec. 113. <b>STATE EMPLOYEES ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS PILOT </b><br/>
<a id="pl.81.3"></a><var>81.3</var><b>PROJECT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.81.4"></a><var>81.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Project established.</b> The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities <br/>
<a id="pl.81.5"></a><var>81.5</var>Board of Trustees (MnSCU), in collaboration with the commissioner of employee relations <br/>
<a id="pl.81.6"></a><var>81.6</var>shall establish an enterprise-wide pilot project to provide consumer-owned electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.81.7"></a><var>81.7</var>personal health records to MnSCU employees and all participants in the state employee <br/>
<a id="pl.81.8"></a><var>81.8</var>group insurance program. If the Department of Employee Relations is abolished, then the <br/>
<a id="pl.81.9"></a><var>81.9</var>Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees shall work in collaboration <br/>
<a id="pl.81.10"></a><var>81.10</var>with the commissioner of the department responsible for administration of the state <br/>
<a id="pl.81.11"></a><var>81.11</var>employee group insurance program. <br/>
<a id="pl.81.12"></a><var>81.12</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Project goals.</b> The goal of the project is to provide consumer-owned <br/>
<a id="pl.81.13"></a><var>81.13</var>electronic personal health records that are portable among health care providers, health <br/>
<a id="pl.81.14"></a><var>81.14</var>plan companies, and employers in order to control costs, improve quality, and enhance <br/>
<a id="pl.81.15"></a><var>81.15</var>safety, and to demonstrate the feasibility of a statewide health information exchange. <br/>
<a id="pl.81.16"></a><var>81.16</var>The pilot project shall coordinate to the extent possible with other health information <br/>
<a id="pl.81.17"></a><var>81.17</var>consumer engagement initiatives in Minnesota designed to support the goal of statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.81.18"></a><var>81.18</var>health information exchange. The electronic personal health records may provide, but <br/>
<a id="pl.81.19"></a><var>81.19</var>are not limited to, the following: <br/>
<a id="pl.81.20"></a><var>81.20</var>    (1) access to electronic medical records;<br/>
<a id="pl.81.21"></a><var>81.21</var>    (2) prescription and appointment information;<br/>
<a id="pl.81.22"></a><var>81.22</var>    (3) information regarding health education, public health, and health cost <br/>
<a id="pl.81.23"></a><var>81.23</var>management; and<br/>
<a id="pl.81.24"></a><var>81.24</var>    (4) privacy, security, and HIPAA compliance.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.114.0"></a><a id="pl.81.25"></a><var>81.25</var>    Sec. 114. <b>VALUE-ADDED CONTRACT AUTHORITY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.81.26"></a><var>81.26</var>    (a) The director of the Office of Enterprise Technology, with approval of <br/>
<a id="pl.81.27"></a><var>81.27</var>the commissioner of finance, may enter into contracts for: (1) development and <br/>
<a id="pl.81.28"></a><var>81.28</var>implementation of an electronic system for executive branch state agencies to issue <br/>
<a id="pl.81.29"></a><var>81.29</var>licenses; and (2) development and implementation of an integrated system to support <br/>
<a id="pl.81.30"></a><var>81.30</var>tax processing, reporting, and enforcement functions. The director must use funds <br/>
<a id="pl.81.31"></a><var>81.31</var>appropriated by this act for these purposes. In addition, the director may enter into <br/>
<a id="pl.81.32"></a><var>81.32</var>contracts for these purposes under which the vendor initially pays all or part of the costs, <br/>
<a id="pl.81.33"></a><var>81.33</var>and the state accounting system does not show an encumbrance for some or all of the <br/>
<a id="pl.81.34"></a><var>81.34</var>contract liability when the director initially enters into the contracts.<br/>
<a id="pl.82.1"></a><var>82.1</var>    (b) Before entering into a contract authorized by this section, the director must <br/>
<a id="pl.82.2"></a><var>82.2</var>prepare, and the commissioner of finance must approve, a plan for how payments will be <br/>
<a id="pl.82.3"></a><var>82.3</var>made to the vendors under the contracts. If the contracts will involve performance-based <br/>
<a id="pl.82.4"></a><var>82.4</var>payments to the vendor, the plan must describe the criteria for making those payments. If <br/>
<a id="pl.82.5"></a><var>82.5</var>the director intends to pay for all or part of the contract from savings generated, the plan <br/>
<a id="pl.82.6"></a><var>82.6</var>must describe what savings are anticipated, and how the savings will be captured so as to <br/>
<a id="pl.82.7"></a><var>82.7</var>be available to make payments under the contract. The plan must explain how the total <br/>
<a id="pl.82.8"></a><var>82.8</var>contract costs relate to the costs anticipated in the governor's budget recommendations <br/>
<a id="pl.82.9"></a><var>82.9</var>presented to the legislature in 2007.<br/>
<a id="pl.82.10"></a><var>82.10</var>    (c) The director must present the plan required by paragraph (b) to the chairs of the <br/>
<a id="pl.82.11"></a><var>82.11</var>house Ways and Means and Finance Committees and the senate Finance Committee when <br/>
<a id="pl.82.12"></a><var>82.12</var>the director submits the plan to the commissioner of finance for approval. The director <br/>
<a id="pl.82.13"></a><var>82.13</var>must notify these chairs when the commissioner of finance has approved the plan. This <br/>
<a id="pl.82.14"></a><var>82.14</var>notice must include any changes from the original plan.<br/>
<a id="pl.82.15"></a><var>82.15</var>    (d) The director must report to the chairs of the house Ways and Means and Finance <br/>
<a id="pl.82.16"></a><var>82.16</var>Committees and the senate Finance Committee by January 15 each of the next five years <br/>
<a id="pl.82.17"></a><var>82.17</var>after entering into a contract authorized under this section. The report must include a <br/>
<a id="pl.82.18"></a><var>82.18</var>detailed breakdown of how and by whom the contract costs are being paid, and on the cost <br/>
<a id="pl.82.19"></a><var>82.19</var>savings and service improvements achieved as a result of the contract.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.115.0"></a><a id="pl.82.20"></a><var>82.20</var>    Sec. 115. <b>PRE-1969 TRA MEMBER GRATUITY PAYMENT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.82.21"></a><var>82.21</var>    (a) $4,100,000 is appropriated to the executive director of the Teachers Retirement <br/>
<a id="pl.82.22"></a><var>82.22</var>Association for the payment of a gratuity to persons who were teachers as defined in <br/>
<a id="pl.82.23"></a><var>82.23</var>Minnesota Statutes, section 354.05, subdivision 2, and who rendered teaching service as <br/>
<a id="pl.82.24"></a><var>82.24</var>defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 354.05, subdivision 3, either during the 1968-1969 <br/>
<a id="pl.82.25"></a><var>82.25</var>school year, but were not covered by the improved money purchase program savings <br/>
<a id="pl.82.26"></a><var>82.26</var>clause in Minnesota Statutes, section 354.55, subdivision 17, or before the 1968-1969 <br/>
<a id="pl.82.27"></a><var>82.27</var>school year, did not take a refund of member contributions upon the termination of teacher <br/>
<a id="pl.82.28"></a><var>82.28</var>service, and who were eligible to make an election under Minnesota Statutes 1971, section <br/>
<a id="pl.82.29"></a><var>82.29</var>354.55, subdivision 8. The payment is intended to reflect the special contribution of <br/>
<a id="pl.82.30"></a><var>82.30</var>these persons to education and to offset any unfulfilled expectation the person may have <br/>
<a id="pl.82.31"></a><var>82.31</var>as to potential benefit levels. The gratuity payment amount for each person is $1,000 or <br/>
<a id="pl.82.32"></a><var>82.32</var>a prorated portion of that amount if, at any time, the executive director of the Teachers <br/>
<a id="pl.82.33"></a><var>82.33</var>Retirement Association determines that payment of the full amount to the remaining <br/>
<a id="pl.82.34"></a><var>82.34</var>participants would likely exceed the appropriation.<br/>
<a id="pl.83.1"></a><var>83.1</var>    (b) The Teachers Retirement Association shall make available to persons eligible to <br/>
<a id="pl.83.2"></a><var>83.2</var>receive a payment under this section on or before August 1, 2007, an application form. <br/>
<a id="pl.83.3"></a><var>83.3</var>Filing an application form is a waiver of any legal, equitable, or legislative claim for any <br/>
<a id="pl.83.4"></a><var>83.4</var>other special consideration and the form must indicate the waiver.<br/>
<a id="pl.83.5"></a><var>83.5</var>    (c) On August 1, 2007, the Teachers Retirement Association shall determine those <br/>
<a id="pl.83.6"></a><var>83.6</var>remaining persons who are eligible to receive a payment under this section and who have <br/>
<a id="pl.83.7"></a><var>83.7</var>not applied for a payment and send to each remaining person, at the person's residence <br/>
<a id="pl.83.8"></a><var>83.8</var>of record, a state warrant of the full or a prorated payment amount. If the recipient <br/>
<a id="pl.83.9"></a><var>83.9</var>negotiates the state warrant, that negotiation constitutes a waiver of any legal, equitable, <br/>
<a id="pl.83.10"></a><var>83.10</var>or legislative claim for any other special consideration as documentation accompanying <br/>
<a id="pl.83.11"></a><var>83.11</var>the warrant must indicate the waiver. Any warrant under this section expires on August <br/>
<a id="pl.83.12"></a><var>83.12</var>1, 2009, and the amount of any unnegotiated state warrant under this section cancels <br/>
<a id="pl.83.13"></a><var>83.13</var>to the Teachers Retirement Association.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.116.0"></a><a id="pl.83.14"></a><var>83.14</var>    Sec. 116. <b>CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE; TEMPORARY PROVISION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.83.15"></a><var>83.15</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Pay equity.</b> Until July 1, 2008, a business that is not in compliance <br/>
<a id="pl.83.16"></a><var>83.16</var>with equitable compensation relationship standards under Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.83.17"></a><var>83.17</var>43A.50, is making a good faith effort to achieve compliance if the commissioner of <br/>
<a id="pl.83.18"></a><var>83.18</var>employee relations has approved: <br/>
<a id="pl.83.19"></a><var>83.19</var>    (1) a statement of the business's intention to prepare a pay equity report and an <br/>
<a id="pl.83.20"></a><var>83.20</var>estimated date no later than July 1, 2008, when the report and plan will be submitted; and <br/>
<a id="pl.83.21"></a><var>83.21</var>    (2) information on the business's current status, including a statement on the <br/>
<a id="pl.83.22"></a><var>83.22</var>existence of a company-wide job evaluation system, the total number of male and female <br/>
<a id="pl.83.23"></a><var>83.23</var>employees of the business, and the business's interest in receiving training on how to <br/>
<a id="pl.83.24"></a><var>83.24</var>establish equitable compensation relationships.<br/>
<a id="pl.83.25"></a><var>83.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Report.</b> The commissioner of employee relations shall report to the <br/>
<a id="pl.83.26"></a><var>83.26</var>legislature by January 31, 2008, on implementation of this section. The report must <br/>
<a id="pl.83.27"></a><var>83.27</var>include findings and recommendations on any changes needed to ensure that state <br/>
<a id="pl.83.28"></a><var>83.28</var>contractors achieve equitable compensation relationships.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.117.0"></a><a id="pl.83.29"></a><var>83.29</var>    Sec. 117. <b>SUSTAINABLE GROWTH WORKING GROUP.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.83.30"></a><var>83.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Creation.</b> The sustainable growth working group consists of the <br/>
<a id="pl.83.31"></a><var>83.31</var>following members:<br/>
<a id="pl.83.32"></a><var>83.32</var>    (1) two senators, including one member of the minority caucus, appointed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.83.33"></a><var>83.33</var>Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration;<br/>
<a id="pl.84.1"></a><var>84.1</var>    (2) two members of the house of representatives, one appointed by the speaker <br/>
<a id="pl.84.2"></a><var>84.2</var>and one appointed by the minority leader;<br/>
<a id="pl.84.3"></a><var>84.3</var>    (3) commissioners of the following agencies, or their designees: Department of <br/>
<a id="pl.84.4"></a><var>84.4</var>Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department <br/>
<a id="pl.84.5"></a><var>84.5</var>of Commerce, Department of Transportation, Department of Employment and Economic <br/>
<a id="pl.84.6"></a><var>84.6</var>Development, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the Minnesota Pollution Control <br/>
<a id="pl.84.7"></a><var>84.7</var>Agency; and the chair of the Metropolitan Council or the chair's designee;<br/>
<a id="pl.84.8"></a><var>84.8</var>    (4) up to 12 public members who have an interest in promoting sustainable <br/>
<a id="pl.84.9"></a><var>84.9</var>communities in Minnesota, including up to six public members appointed by the speaker <br/>
<a id="pl.84.10"></a><var>84.10</var>of the house of representatives and up to six public members appointed by the majority <br/>
<a id="pl.84.11"></a><var>84.11</var>leader of the senate. The appointing authorities must use their best efforts to include at <br/>
<a id="pl.84.12"></a><var>84.12</var>least one representative from each of the following sectors: business, environmental, <br/>
<a id="pl.84.13"></a><var>84.13</var>energy, affordable housing, transportation, local government, planning, and philanthropic.<br/>
<a id="pl.84.14"></a><var>84.14</var>    The membership of the working group must include balanced representation from <br/>
<a id="pl.84.15"></a><var>84.15</var>rural, urban, and suburban areas of the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.84.16"></a><var>84.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties.</b> The working group must identify strategies, recommendations, and <br/>
<a id="pl.84.17"></a><var>84.17</var>a process for implementing state-level coordination of state and local policies, programs, <br/>
<a id="pl.84.18"></a><var>84.18</var>and regulations in the areas of housing, transportation, natural resource preservation, <br/>
<a id="pl.84.19"></a><var>84.19</var>capital development, economic development, sustainability, and preservation of the <br/>
<a id="pl.84.20"></a><var>84.20</var>environment. The working group must identify sustainable development principles that <br/>
<a id="pl.84.21"></a><var>84.21</var>will guide decision making in Minnesota. The working group must gather information <br/>
<a id="pl.84.22"></a><var>84.22</var>and develop strategies relative to the strategic use of state resources, to be consistent with <br/>
<a id="pl.84.23"></a><var>84.23</var>statewide goals of sustainable development. The working group must report proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.84.24"></a><var>84.24</var>strategies, recommendations, and a process for implementation to the legislature and the <br/>
<a id="pl.84.25"></a><var>84.25</var>governor by February 1, 2008. In its report to the legislature and the governor, the working <br/>
<a id="pl.84.26"></a><var>84.26</var>group must identify its source of funding.<br/>
<a id="pl.84.27"></a><var>84.27</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Administrative provisions.</b> (a) The commissioner of administration <br/>
<a id="pl.84.28"></a><var>84.28</var>must convene the initial meeting. Upon request of the working group, the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.84.29"></a><var>84.29</var>must provide meeting space and administrative services for the group. The Office of <br/>
<a id="pl.84.30"></a><var>84.30</var>Geographic and Demographic Analysis must provide staff support for the working group. <br/>
<a id="pl.84.31"></a><var>84.31</var>The members of the working group must elect a chair.<br/>
<a id="pl.84.32"></a><var>84.32</var>    (b) Members of the working group serve without compensation but may be <br/>
<a id="pl.84.33"></a><var>84.33</var>reimbursed for expenses under Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059.<br/>
<a id="pl.84.34"></a><var>84.34</var>    (c) The working group expires June 30, 2008.<br/>
<a id="pl.85.1"></a><var>85.1</var>    (d) The working group may accept gifts and grants, which are accepted on behalf <br/>
<a id="pl.85.2"></a><var>85.2</var>of the state and constitute donations to the state. Funds received are appropriated to the <br/>
<a id="pl.85.3"></a><var>85.3</var>commissioner of administration for purposes of the working group.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.118.0"></a><a id="pl.85.4"></a><var>85.4</var>    Sec. 118. <b>ASSISTANCE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.85.5"></a><var>85.5</var>    House and senate staff must assist the Legislative Coordinating Commission with <br/>
<a id="pl.85.6"></a><var>85.6</var>new duties assigned to the commission by this act.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.119.0"></a><a id="pl.85.7"></a><var>85.7</var>    Sec. 119. <b>TRAINING SERVICES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.85.8"></a><var>85.8</var>    During the biennium ending June 30, 2009, state executive branch agencies must <br/>
<a id="pl.85.9"></a><var>85.9</var>consider using services provided by government training services before contracting with <br/>
<a id="pl.85.10"></a><var>85.10</var>other outside vendors for similar services.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.2.120.0"></a><a id="pl.85.11"></a><var>85.11</var>    Sec. 120. <b>REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.85.12"></a><var>85.12</var>Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 3.884; 3.8841; 6.56, subdivision 1; 16A.102; <br/>
<a id="pl.85.13"></a><var>85.13</var>16C.055, subdivision 1; 16C.08, subdivision 4a; 69.051, subdivision 1c; 359.085, <br/>
<a id="pl.85.14"></a><var>85.14</var>subdivision 8; and 645.44, subdivision 19, are repealed.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.3.1.0"></a><a id="pl.85.17"></a><var>85.17</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.85.18"></a><var>85.18</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.85.19"></a><var>85.19</var>    Subd. 4a. <b>Best value; construction.</b> For purposes of construction, building, <br/>
<a id="pl.85.20"></a><var>85.20</var>alteration, improvement, or repair services, "best value" describes the result determined by <br/>
<a id="pl.85.21"></a><var>85.21</var>a procurement method that considers price and performance criteria, which may include, <br/>
<a id="pl.85.22"></a><var>85.22</var>but are not limited to:<br/>
<a id="pl.85.23"></a><var>85.23</var>    (1) the quality of the vendor's or contractor's performance on previous projects;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.24"></a><var>85.24</var>    (2) the timeliness of the vendor's or contractor's performance on previous projects;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.25"></a><var>85.25</var>    (3) the level of customer satisfaction with the vendor's or contractor's performance <br/>
<a id="pl.85.26"></a><var>85.26</var>on previous projects; <br/>
<a id="pl.85.27"></a><var>85.27</var>    (4) the vendor's or contractor's record of performing previous projects on budget and <br/>
<a id="pl.85.28"></a><var>85.28</var>ability to minimize cost overruns;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.29"></a><var>85.29</var>    (5) the vendor's or contractor's ability to minimize change orders;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.30"></a><var>85.30</var>    (6) the vendor's or contractor's ability to prepare appropriate project plans;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.31"></a><var>85.31</var>    (7) the vendor's or contractor's technical capacities;<br/>
<a id="pl.85.32"></a><var>85.32</var>    (8) the individual qualifications of the contractor's key personnel; or<br/>
<a id="pl.86.1"></a><var>86.1</var>    (9) the vendor's or contractor's ability to assess and minimize risks.<br/>
<a id="pl.86.2"></a><var>86.2</var>    "Performance on previous projects" does not include the exercise or assertion of a <br/>
<a id="pl.86.3"></a><var>86.3</var>person's legal rights. This definition does not apply to sections 16C.32, 16C.33, 16C.34, <br/>
<a id="pl.86.4"></a><var>86.4</var>and 16C.35.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.2.0"></a><a id="pl.86.5"></a><var>86.5</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.02, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.86.6"></a><var>86.6</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.86.7"></a><var>86.7</var>    Subd. 20. <b>Vendor.</b> "Vendor" means a business, including a construction contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.86.8"></a><var>86.8</var>or a natural person, and includes both if the natural person is engaged in a business.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.3.0"></a><a id="pl.86.9"></a><var>86.9</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.86.10"></a><var>86.10</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Acquisition authority.</b> The commissioner shall acquire all goods, services, <br/>
<a id="pl.86.11"></a><var>86.11</var>and utilities needed by agencies. The commissioner shall acquire goods, services, and <br/>
<a id="pl.86.12"></a><var>86.12</var>utilities by requests for bids, requests for proposals, reverse auctions as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.86.13"></a><var>86.13</var>section 
         <statute_ref>16C.10, subdivision 7</statute_ref>, or other methods provided by law, unless a section of law <br/>
<a id="pl.86.14"></a><var>86.14</var>requires a particular method of acquisition to be used. The commissioner shall make all <br/>
<a id="pl.86.15"></a><var>86.15</var>decisions regarding acquisition activities. The determination of the acquisition method <br/>
<a id="pl.86.16"></a><var>86.16</var>and all decisions involved in the acquisition process, unless otherwise provided for by <br/>
<a id="pl.86.17"></a><var>86.17</var>law, shall be based on best value which includes an evaluation of price and may include <br/>
<a id="pl.86.18"></a><var>86.18</var>other considerations including, but not limited to, environmental considerations, quality, <br/>
<a id="pl.86.19"></a><var>86.19</var>and vendor performance. A best value determination must be based on the evaluation <br/>
<a id="pl.86.20"></a><var>86.20</var>criteria detailed in the solicitation document. If criteria other than price are used, the <br/>
<a id="pl.86.21"></a><var>86.21</var>solicitation document must state the relative importance of price and other factors. Unless <br/>
<a id="pl.86.22"></a><var>86.22</var>it is determined by the commissioner that an alternative solicitation method provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.86.23"></a><var>86.23</var>law should be used to determine best value, a request for bid must be used to solicit <br/>
<a id="pl.86.24"></a><var>86.24</var>formal responses for all building and construction contracts. Any or all responses may <br/>
<a id="pl.86.25"></a><var>86.25</var>be rejected. When using the request for bid process, the bid must be awarded to the <br/>
<a id="pl.86.26"></a><var>86.26</var>lowest responsive and responsible bidder, taking into consideration conformity with <br/>
<a id="pl.86.27"></a><var>86.27</var>the specifications, terms of delivery, the purpose for which the contract or purchase is <br/>
<a id="pl.86.28"></a><var>86.28</var>intended, the status and capability of the vendor, and other considerations imposed in the <br/>
<a id="pl.86.29"></a><var>86.29</var>request for bids. The commissioner may decide which is the lowest responsible bidder <br/>
<a id="pl.86.30"></a><var>86.30</var>for all purchases and may use the principles of life-cycle costing, where appropriate, in <br/>
<a id="pl.86.31"></a><var>86.31</var>determining the lowest overall bid. The duties set forth in this subdivision are subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.86.32"></a><var>86.32</var>delegation pursuant to this section. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.4.0"></a><a id="pl.87.1"></a><var>87.1</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.87.2"></a><var>87.2</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.87.3"></a><var>87.3</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Acquisition authority; construction contracts.</b> For all building and <br/>
<a id="pl.87.4"></a><var>87.4</var>construction contracts, the commissioner shall award contracts pursuant to section <br/>
<a id="pl.87.5"></a><var>87.5</var>16C.28, and "best value" shall be defined and applied as set forth in sections 16C.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.87.6"></a><var>87.6</var>subdivision 4a and 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c). <br/>
<a id="pl.87.7"></a><var>87.7</var>The duties set forth in this subdivision are subject to delegation pursuant to this section. <br/>
<a id="pl.87.8"></a><var>87.8</var>The commissioner shall establish procedures for developing and awarding best value <br/>
<a id="pl.87.9"></a><var>87.9</var>requests for proposals for construction projects. The criteria to be used to evaluate the <br/>
<a id="pl.87.10"></a><var>87.10</var>proposals must be included in the solicitation document and must be evaluated in an open <br/>
<a id="pl.87.11"></a><var>87.11</var>and competitive manner.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.5.0"></a><a id="pl.87.12"></a><var>87.12</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.03, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.87.13"></a><var>87.13</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.87.14"></a><var>87.14</var>    Subd. 19. <b>Training.</b> Any personnel administering procurement procedures for a <br/>
<a id="pl.87.15"></a><var>87.15</var>user of best value procurement or any consultant retained by a local unit of government to <br/>
<a id="pl.87.16"></a><var>87.16</var>prepare or evaluate solicitation documents must be trained, either by the department or <br/>
<a id="pl.87.17"></a><var>87.17</var>through other training, in the request for proposals process for best value contracting for <br/>
<a id="pl.87.18"></a><var>87.18</var>construction projects. The commissioner may establish a training program for state and <br/>
<a id="pl.87.19"></a><var>87.19</var>local officials, and vendors and contractors, on best value procurement for construction <br/>
<a id="pl.87.20"></a><var>87.20</var>projects, including those governed by section 16C.28. If the commissioner establishes <br/>
<a id="pl.87.21"></a><var>87.21</var>such a training program, the state may charge a fee for providing training.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.6.0"></a><a id="pl.87.22"></a><var>87.22</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.26, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.87.23"></a><var>87.23</var><b>16C.26 COMPETITIVE BIDS</b><b> OR PROPOSALS</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.87.24"></a><var>87.24</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application.</b> Except as otherwise provided by sections 16C.10, <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.87.25"></a><var>87.25</var>16C.26
         </statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>16C.27</statute_ref>, all contracts for building and construction or repairs must be based on <br/>
<a id="pl.87.26"></a><var>87.26</var>competitive bids or proposals. "Competitive proposals" specifically refers to the method <br/>
<a id="pl.87.27"></a><var>87.27</var>of procurement described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2). <br/>
<a id="pl.87.28"></a><var>87.28</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Requirement contracts.</b> Standard requirement price contracts for building <br/>
<a id="pl.87.29"></a><var>87.29</var>and construction must be established by competitive bids as provided in subdivision 1. <br/>
<a id="pl.87.30"></a><var>87.30</var>The standard requirement price contracts may contain escalation clauses and may provide <br/>
<a id="pl.87.31"></a><var>87.31</var>for a negotiated price increase or decrease based upon a demonstrable industrywide or <br/>
<a id="pl.87.32"></a><var>87.32</var>regional increase or decrease in the vendor's costs or for the addition of similar products or <br/>
<a id="pl.87.33"></a><var>87.33</var>replacement items not significant to the total value of existing contracts. The term of these <br/>
<a id="pl.87.34"></a><var>87.34</var>contracts may not exceed five years including all extensions.<br/>
<a id="pl.88.1"></a><var>88.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Publication of notice; expenditures over $25,000.</b> If the amount of an <br/>
<a id="pl.88.2"></a><var>88.2</var>expenditure is estimated to exceed $25,000, bids or proposals must be solicited by public <br/>
<a id="pl.88.3"></a><var>88.3</var>notice in a manner designated by the commissioner. To the extent practical, this must <br/>
<a id="pl.88.4"></a><var>88.4</var>include posting on a state Web site. For expenditures over $50,000, when a call for bids is <br/>
<a id="pl.88.5"></a><var>88.5</var>issued the commissioner shall solicit sealed bids by providing notices to all prospective <br/>
<a id="pl.88.6"></a><var>88.6</var>bidders known to the commissioner by posting notice on a state Web site at least seven <br/>
<a id="pl.88.7"></a><var>88.7</var>days before the final date of submitting bids. All bids over $50,000 must be sealed when <br/>
<a id="pl.88.8"></a><var>88.8</var>they are received and must be opened in public at the hour stated in the notice. All <br/>
<a id="pl.88.9"></a><var>88.9</var>proposals responsive to a request for proposals according to section 16C.28, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.88.10"></a><var>88.10</var>1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c), shall be submitted and evaluated in the <br/>
<a id="pl.88.11"></a><var>88.11</var>manner described in the request for proposals, regardless of the dollar amount. All original <br/>
<a id="pl.88.12"></a><var>88.12</var>bids and proposals and all documents pertaining to the award of a contract must be retained <br/>
<a id="pl.88.13"></a><var>88.13</var>and made a part of a permanent file or record and remain open to public inspection.<br/>
<a id="pl.88.14"></a><var>88.14</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Building and construction contracts; $50,000 or less.</b> An informal bid <br/>
<a id="pl.88.15"></a><var>88.15</var>may be used for building, construction, and repair contracts that are estimated at less than <br/>
<a id="pl.88.16"></a><var>88.16</var>$50,000. Informal bids must be authenticated by the bidder in a manner specified by the <br/>
<a id="pl.88.17"></a><var>88.17</var>commissioner. Alternatively, a request for proposals may be issued according to section <br/>
<a id="pl.88.18"></a><var>88.18</var>16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c), for such contracts.<br/>
<a id="pl.88.19"></a><var>88.19</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Standard specifications, security.</b> Contracts must be based on the <br/>
<a id="pl.88.20"></a><var>88.20</var>standard specifications prescribed and enforced by the commissioner under this chapter, <br/>
<a id="pl.88.21"></a><var>88.21</var>unless otherwise expressly provided or as authorized under section 16C.28, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.88.22"></a><var>88.22</var>1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c). Each bidder for a contract vendor or <br/>
<a id="pl.88.23"></a><var>88.23</var>contractor must furnish security approved by the commissioner to ensure the making of <br/>
<a id="pl.88.24"></a><var>88.24</var>the contract being bid for.<br/>
<a id="pl.88.25"></a><var>88.25</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Noncompetitive bids.</b> Agencies are encouraged to contract with small <br/>
<a id="pl.88.26"></a><var>88.26</var>targeted group businesses designated under section 
         <statute_ref>16C.16</statute_ref> when entering into contracts <br/>
<a id="pl.88.27"></a><var>88.27</var>that are not subject to competitive bidding procedures. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.7.0"></a><a id="pl.88.28"></a><var>88.28</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.88.29"></a><var>88.29</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Single source of supply.</b> Competitive bidding is or proposals are not <br/>
<a id="pl.88.30"></a><var>88.30</var>required for contracts clearly and legitimately limited to a single source of supply, and the <br/>
<a id="pl.88.31"></a><var>88.31</var>contract price may be best established by direct negotiation.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.8.0"></a><a id="pl.88.32"></a><var>88.32</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 16C.28, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.88.33"></a><var>88.33</var><b>16C.28 CONTRACTS; AWARD.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.89.1"></a><var>89.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Lowest responsible bidder</b><b> Award requirements</b><b>.</b> (a) All state <br/>
<a id="pl.89.2"></a><var>89.2</var>building and construction contracts entered into by or under the supervision of the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.3"></a><var>89.3</var>commissioner or an agency for which competitive bids or proposals are required must <br/>
<a id="pl.89.4"></a><var>89.4</var>be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, taking into consideration conformity with <br/>
<a id="pl.89.5"></a><var>89.5</var>the specifications, terms of delivery, the purpose for which the contract is intended, the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.6"></a><var>89.6</var>status and capability of the vendor, and other considerations imposed in the call for bids. <br/>
<a id="pl.89.7"></a><var>89.7</var>The commissioner may decide which is the lowest responsible bidder for all contracts <br/>
<a id="pl.89.8"></a><var>89.8</var>and may use the principles of life cycle costing, where appropriate, in determining the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.9"></a><var>89.9</var>lowest overall bid. The head of the interested agency shall make the decision, subject <br/>
<a id="pl.89.10"></a><var>89.10</var>to the approval of the commissioner. Any or all bids may be rejected. In a case where <br/>
<a id="pl.89.11"></a><var>89.11</var>competitive bids are required and where all bids are rejected, new bids, if solicited, must <br/>
<a id="pl.89.12"></a><var>89.12</var>be called for as in the first instance, unless otherwise provided by law. may be awarded to <br/>
<a id="pl.89.13"></a><var>89.13</var>either of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.89.14"></a><var>89.14</var>    (1) the lowest responsible bidder, taking into consideration conformity with the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.15"></a><var>89.15</var>specifications, terms of delivery, the purpose for which the contract is intended, the status <br/>
<a id="pl.89.16"></a><var>89.16</var>and capability of the vendor or contractor, other considerations imposed in the call for <br/>
<a id="pl.89.17"></a><var>89.17</var>bids, and, where appropriate, principles of life-cycle costing; or<br/>
<a id="pl.89.18"></a><var>89.18</var>    (2) the vendor or contractor offering the best value, taking into account the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.19"></a><var>89.19</var>specifications of the request for proposals, the price and performance criteria as set forth <br/>
<a id="pl.89.20"></a><var>89.20</var>in section 16C.02, subdivision 4a, and described in the solicitation document.<br/>
<a id="pl.89.21"></a><var>89.21</var>    (b) The vendor or contractor must secure bonding, commercial general insurance <br/>
<a id="pl.89.22"></a><var>89.22</var>coverage, and workers' compensation insurance coverage under paragraph (a), clause <br/>
<a id="pl.89.23"></a><var>89.23</var>(1) or (2). The commissioner shall determine whether to use the procurement process <br/>
<a id="pl.89.24"></a><var>89.24</var>described in paragraph (a), clause (1), or the procurement process described in paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.89.25"></a><var>89.25</var>(a), clause (2). If the commissioner uses the method in paragraph (a), clause (2), the head <br/>
<a id="pl.89.26"></a><var>89.26</var>of the agency shall determine which vendor or contractor offers the best value, subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.89.27"></a><var>89.27</var>the approval of the commissioner. Any or all bids or proposals may be rejected.<br/>
<a id="pl.89.28"></a><var>89.28</var>    (c) When using the procurement process described in paragraph (a), clause (2), the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.29"></a><var>89.29</var>solicitation document must state the relative importance of price and other factors.<br/>
<a id="pl.89.30"></a><var>89.30</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Establishment and purpose.</b> (a) The state recognizes the importance of <br/>
<a id="pl.89.31"></a><var>89.31</var>the inclusion of a best value contracting system for construction as an alternative to the <br/>
<a id="pl.89.32"></a><var>89.32</var>current low-bid system of procurement. In order to accomplish that goal, state and local <br/>
<a id="pl.89.33"></a><var>89.33</var>governmental entities shall be able to choose the best value system in different phases.<br/>
<a id="pl.89.34"></a><var>89.34</var>    (b) "Best value" means the procurement method defined in section 16C.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.89.35"></a><var>89.35</var>subdivision 4a.<br/>
<a id="pl.89.36"></a><var>89.36</var>    (c) The following entities are eligible to participate in phase I:<br/>
<a id="pl.90.1"></a><var>90.1</var>    (1) state agencies;<br/>
<a id="pl.90.2"></a><var>90.2</var>    (2) counties;<br/>
<a id="pl.90.3"></a><var>90.3</var>    (3) cities; and<br/>
<a id="pl.90.4"></a><var>90.4</var>    (4) school districts with the highest 25 percent enrollment of students in the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.5"></a><var>90.5</var>Phase I begins on the effective date of this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.6"></a><var>90.6</var>    (d) The following entities are eligible to participate in phase II:<br/>
<a id="pl.90.7"></a><var>90.7</var>    (1) those entities included in phase I; and<br/>
<a id="pl.90.8"></a><var>90.8</var>    (2) school districts with the highest 50 percent enrollment of students in the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.9"></a><var>90.9</var>Phase II begins two years from the effective date of this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.10"></a><var>90.10</var>    (e) The following entities are eligible to participate in phase III:<br/>
<a id="pl.90.11"></a><var>90.11</var>    (1) all entities included in phases I and II; and<br/>
<a id="pl.90.12"></a><var>90.12</var>    (2) all other townships, school districts, and political subdivisions in the state.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.13"></a><var>90.13</var>Phase III begins three years from the effective date of this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.14"></a><var>90.14</var>    (f) The commissioner or any agency for which competitive bids or proposals are <br/>
<a id="pl.90.15"></a><var>90.15</var>required may not use best value contracting as defined in section 16C.02, subdivision 4a, <br/>
<a id="pl.90.16"></a><var>90.16</var>for more than one project annually, or 20 percent of its projects, whichever is greater, in <br/>
<a id="pl.90.17"></a><var>90.17</var>each of the first three fiscal years in which best value construction contracting is used.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.18"></a><var>90.18</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Alterations and erasures.</b> A bid containing an alteration or erasure of <br/>
<a id="pl.90.19"></a><var>90.19</var>any price contained in the bid which is used in determining the lowest responsible bid <br/>
<a id="pl.90.20"></a><var>90.20</var>must be rejected unless the alteration or erasure is corrected in a manner that is clear and <br/>
<a id="pl.90.21"></a><var>90.21</var>authenticated by an authorized representative of the responder. An alteration or erasure <br/>
<a id="pl.90.22"></a><var>90.22</var>may be crossed out and the correction printed in ink or typewritten adjacent to it and <br/>
<a id="pl.90.23"></a><var>90.23</var>initialed by an authorized representative of the responder.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.24"></a><var>90.24</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Special circumstances.</b> The commissioner may reject the bid or proposal <br/>
<a id="pl.90.25"></a><var>90.25</var>of any bidder vendor or contractor who has failed to perform a previous contract with <br/>
<a id="pl.90.26"></a><var>90.26</var>the state. In the case of identical low bids from two or more bidders, the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.90.27"></a><var>90.27</var>may use negotiated procurement methods with the tied low bidders for that particular <br/>
<a id="pl.90.28"></a><var>90.28</var>transaction so long as the price paid does not exceed the low tied bid price. The <br/>
<a id="pl.90.29"></a><var>90.29</var>commissioner may award contracts to more than one bidder vendor or contractor in <br/>
<a id="pl.90.30"></a><var>90.30</var>accordance with subdivision 1, if doing so does not decrease the service level or diminish <br/>
<a id="pl.90.31"></a><var>90.31</var>the effect of competition.<br/>
<a id="pl.90.32"></a><var>90.32</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Record.</b> A record must be kept of all bids or proposals, including names of <br/>
<a id="pl.90.33"></a><var>90.33</var>bidders, amounts of bids or proposals, and each successful bid or proposal. This record is <br/>
<a id="pl.90.34"></a><var>90.34</var>open to public inspection, subject to section 13.591 and other applicable law.<br/>
<a id="pl.91.1"></a><var>91.1</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Preferences not cumulative.</b> The preferences under sections 
         <statute_ref>16B.121</statute_ref>, <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.91.2"></a><var>91.2</var>16C.06, subdivision 7
         </statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>16C.16</statute_ref> apply, but are not cumulative. The total percentage <br/>
<a id="pl.91.3"></a><var>91.3</var>of preference granted on a contract may not exceed the highest percentage of preference <br/>
<a id="pl.91.4"></a><var>91.4</var>allowed for that contract under any one of those sections. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.9.0"></a><a id="pl.91.5"></a><var>91.5</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103D.811, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.91.6"></a><var>91.6</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Awarding of contract.</b> (a) At a time and place specified in the bid notice, <br/>
<a id="pl.91.7"></a><var>91.7</var>the managers may accept or reject any or all bids and may award the contract to the lowest <br/>
<a id="pl.91.8"></a><var>91.8</var>responsible bidder. The bidder to whom the contract is to be awarded must give a bond, <br/>
<a id="pl.91.9"></a><var>91.9</var>with ample security, conditioned by satisfactory completion of the contract.<br/>
<a id="pl.91.10"></a><var>91.10</var>    (b) Bids must not be considered which in the aggregate exceed by more than 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.91.11"></a><var>91.11</var>percent the total estimated cost of construction or implementation.<br/>
<a id="pl.91.12"></a><var>91.12</var>    (c) As an alternative to the procurement method described in paragraph (a), the <br/>
<a id="pl.91.13"></a><var>91.13</var>managers may issue a request for proposals and award the contract to the vendor or <br/>
<a id="pl.91.14"></a><var>91.14</var>contractor offering the best value as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.91.15"></a><var>91.15</var>(a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<a id="pl.91.16"></a><var>91.16</var>    (d) The contract must be in writing and be accompanied by or refer to the plans and <br/>
<a id="pl.91.17"></a><var>91.17</var>specifications for the work to be done as prepared by the engineer for the watershed <br/>
<a id="pl.91.18"></a><var>91.18</var>district. The plans and specifications shall become a part of the contract.<br/>
<a id="pl.91.19"></a><var>91.19</var>    (d) (e) The contract shall be approved by the managers and signed by the president, <br/>
<a id="pl.91.20"></a><var>91.20</var>secretary, and contractor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.10.0"></a><a id="pl.91.21"></a><var>91.21</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103E.505, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.91.22"></a><var>91.22</var>    Subd. 5. <b>How contract may be awarded.</b> The contract may be awarded in one <br/>
<a id="pl.91.23"></a><var>91.23</var>job, in sections, or separately for labor and material and must may be let to the lowest <br/>
<a id="pl.91.24"></a><var>91.24</var>responsible bidder. Alternatively, the contract may be awarded to the vendor or contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.91.25"></a><var>91.25</var>offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, <br/>
<a id="pl.91.26"></a><var>91.26</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.11.0"></a><a id="pl.91.27"></a><var>91.27</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 116A.13, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.91.28"></a><var>91.28</var>    Subd. 5. <b>How job may be let.</b> The job may be let in one job, or in sections, or <br/>
<a id="pl.91.29"></a><var>91.29</var>separately for labor and material, and shall may be let to the lowest responsible bidder or <br/>
<a id="pl.91.30"></a><var>91.30</var>bidders therefor. Alternatively, the contract may be awarded to the vendor or contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.91.31"></a><var>91.31</var>offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, <br/>
<a id="pl.91.32"></a><var>91.32</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.12.0"></a><a id="pl.92.1"></a><var>92.1</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.52, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.92.2"></a><var>92.2</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Contracts.</b> A contract for work or labor, or for the purchase of <br/>
<a id="pl.92.3"></a><var>92.3</var>furniture, fixtures, or other property, except books registered under the copyright laws, or <br/>
<a id="pl.92.4"></a><var>92.4</var>for the construction or repair of school houses, the estimated cost or value of which shall <br/>
<a id="pl.92.5"></a><var>92.5</var>exceed that specified in section 
         <statute_ref>471.345, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, must not be made by the school <br/>
<a id="pl.92.6"></a><var>92.6</var>board without first advertising for bids or proposals by two weeks' published notice in the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.7"></a><var>92.7</var>official newspaper. This notice must state the time and place of receiving bids and contain <br/>
<a id="pl.92.8"></a><var>92.8</var>a brief description of the subject matter. <br/>
<a id="pl.92.9"></a><var>92.9</var>    Additional publication in the official newspaper or elsewhere may be made as the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.10"></a><var>92.10</var>board shall deem necessary.<br/>
<a id="pl.92.11"></a><var>92.11</var>    After taking into consideration conformity with the specifications, terms of delivery, <br/>
<a id="pl.92.12"></a><var>92.12</var>and other conditions imposed in the call for bids, every such contract for which a call for <br/>
<a id="pl.92.13"></a><var>92.13</var>bids has been issued must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, be duly executed <br/>
<a id="pl.92.14"></a><var>92.14</var>in writing, and be otherwise conditioned as required by law. The person to whom the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.15"></a><var>92.15</var>contract is awarded shall give a sufficient bond to the board for its faithful performance. <br/>
<a id="pl.92.16"></a><var>92.16</var>Notwithstanding section 
         <statute_ref>574.26</statute_ref> or any other law to the contrary, on a contract limited <br/>
<a id="pl.92.17"></a><var>92.17</var>to the purchase of a finished tangible product, a board may require, at its discretion, a <br/>
<a id="pl.92.18"></a><var>92.18</var>performance bond of a contractor in the amount the board considers necessary. A record <br/>
<a id="pl.92.19"></a><var>92.19</var>must be kept of all bids, with names of bidders and amount of bids, and with the successful <br/>
<a id="pl.92.20"></a><var>92.20</var>bid indicated thereon. A bid containing an alteration or erasure of any price contained in <br/>
<a id="pl.92.21"></a><var>92.21</var>the bid which is used in determining the lowest responsible bid must be rejected unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.22"></a><var>92.22</var>alteration or erasure is corrected as provided in this section. An alteration or erasure may <br/>
<a id="pl.92.23"></a><var>92.23</var>be crossed out and the correction thereof printed in ink or typewritten adjacent thereto and <br/>
<a id="pl.92.24"></a><var>92.24</var>initialed in ink by the person signing the bid. In the case of identical low bids from two or <br/>
<a id="pl.92.25"></a><var>92.25</var>more bidders, the board may, at its discretion, utilize negotiated procurement methods <br/>
<a id="pl.92.26"></a><var>92.26</var>with the tied low bidders for that particular transaction, so long as the price paid does not <br/>
<a id="pl.92.27"></a><var>92.27</var>exceed the low tied bid price. In the case where only a single bid is received, the board <br/>
<a id="pl.92.28"></a><var>92.28</var>may, at its discretion, negotiate a mutually agreeable contract with the bidder so long as <br/>
<a id="pl.92.29"></a><var>92.29</var>the price paid does not exceed the original bid. If no satisfactory bid is received, the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.30"></a><var>92.30</var>board may readvertise. Standard requirement price contracts established for supplies or <br/>
<a id="pl.92.31"></a><var>92.31</var>services to be purchased by the district must be established by competitive bids. Such <br/>
<a id="pl.92.32"></a><var>92.32</var>standard requirement price contracts may contain escalation clauses and may provide for a <br/>
<a id="pl.92.33"></a><var>92.33</var>negotiated price increase or decrease based upon a demonstrable industrywide or regional <br/>
<a id="pl.92.34"></a><var>92.34</var>increase or decrease in the vendor's costs. Either party to the contract may request that the <br/>
<a id="pl.92.35"></a><var>92.35</var>other party demonstrate such increase or decrease. The term of such contracts must not <br/>
<a id="pl.92.36"></a><var>92.36</var>exceed two years with an option on the part of the district to renew for an additional two <br/>
<a id="pl.93.1"></a><var>93.1</var>years. Contracts for the purchase of perishable food items, except milk for school lunches <br/>
<a id="pl.93.2"></a><var>93.2</var>and vocational training programs, in any amount may be made by direct negotiation <br/>
<a id="pl.93.3"></a><var>93.3</var>by obtaining two or more written quotations for the purchase or sale, when possible, <br/>
<a id="pl.93.4"></a><var>93.4</var>without advertising for bids or otherwise complying with the requirements of this section <br/>
<a id="pl.93.5"></a><var>93.5</var>or section 
         <statute_ref>471.345, subdivision 3</statute_ref>. All quotations obtained shall be kept on file for a <br/>
<a id="pl.93.6"></a><var>93.6</var>period of at least one year after receipt. <br/>
<a id="pl.93.7"></a><var>93.7</var>    Every contract made without compliance with the provisions of this section shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.93.8"></a><var>93.8</var>void. Except in the case of the destruction of buildings or injury thereto, where the public <br/>
<a id="pl.93.9"></a><var>93.9</var>interest would suffer by delay, contracts for repairs may be made without advertising <br/>
<a id="pl.93.10"></a><var>93.10</var>for bids.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.13.0"></a><a id="pl.93.11"></a><var>93.11</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 123B.52, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.93.12"></a><var>93.12</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.93.13"></a><var>93.13</var>    Subd. 1b. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.93.14"></a><var>93.14</var>described in subdivision 1, a contract for construction, building, alteration, improvement, <br/>
<a id="pl.93.15"></a><var>93.15</var>or repair work may be awarded to the vendor or contractor offering the best value under a <br/>
<a id="pl.93.16"></a><var>93.16</var>request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause <br/>
<a id="pl.93.17"></a><var>93.17</var>(2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.14.0"></a><a id="pl.93.18"></a><var>93.18</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.17, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.93.19"></a><var>93.19</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.93.20"></a><var>93.20</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.93.21"></a><var>93.21</var>referenced in subdivision 2, counties or towns may issue a request for proposal and award <br/>
<a id="pl.93.22"></a><var>93.22</var>the contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value as described in section <br/>
<a id="pl.93.23"></a><var>93.23</var>16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.15.0"></a><a id="pl.93.24"></a><var>93.24</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 160.262, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.93.25"></a><var>93.25</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.93.26"></a><var>93.26</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.93.27"></a><var>93.27</var>described in subdivision 4, the commissioner may allow for the award of design-build <br/>
<a id="pl.93.28"></a><var>93.28</var>contracts for the projects described in subdivision 4 to the vendor or contractor offering <br/>
<a id="pl.93.29"></a><var>93.29</var>the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.93.30"></a><var>93.30</var>paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.16.0"></a><a id="pl.93.31"></a><var>93.31</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.32, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.93.32"></a><var>93.32</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.94.1"></a><var>94.1</var>    Subd. 1f. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.94.2"></a><var>94.2</var>described in subdivisions 1a to 1e, the commissioner may issue a request for proposals <br/>
<a id="pl.94.3"></a><var>94.3</var>and award the contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.94.4"></a><var>94.4</var>section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.17.0"></a><a id="pl.94.5"></a><var>94.5</var>    Sec. 17. <b>[161.3206] BEST VALUE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.94.6"></a><var>94.6</var>    Notwithstanding sections 16C.25, 161.32, and 161.321, or any other law to the <br/>
<a id="pl.94.7"></a><var>94.7</var>contrary, the commissioner may solicit and award all contracts, other than design-build <br/>
<a id="pl.94.8"></a><var>94.8</var>contracts governed by section 161.3412, for a project on the basis of a best value selection <br/>
<a id="pl.94.9"></a><var>94.9</var>process as defined in section 16C.02, subdivision 4a. Section 16C.08 does not apply <br/>
<a id="pl.94.10"></a><var>94.10</var>to this section.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.18.0"></a><a id="pl.94.11"></a><var>94.11</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.3412, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.94.12"></a><var>94.12</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Best value selection</b><b> for design-build contracts</b><b>.</b> Notwithstanding <br/>
<a id="pl.94.13"></a><var>94.13</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>16C.25</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>161.32</statute_ref>, and 
         <statute_ref>161.321</statute_ref>, or any other law to the contrary, the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.94.14"></a><var>94.14</var>may solicit and award a design-build contract for a project on the basis of a best value <br/>
<a id="pl.94.15"></a><var>94.15</var>selection process. Section 
         <statute_ref>16C.08</statute_ref> does not apply to design-build contracts to which the <br/>
<a id="pl.94.16"></a><var>94.16</var>commissioner is a party. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.19.0"></a><a id="pl.94.17"></a><var>94.17</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 161.38, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.94.18"></a><var>94.18</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Effects on other law of public contract with commissioner.</b> Whenever <br/>
<a id="pl.94.19"></a><var>94.19</var>the road authority of any city enters into an agreement with the commissioner pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.94.20"></a><var>94.20</var>to this section, and a portion of the cost is to be assessed against benefited property, <br/>
<a id="pl.94.21"></a><var>94.21</var>the letting of a public contract by the commissioner for the work shall be deemed to <br/>
<a id="pl.94.22"></a><var>94.22</var>comply with statutory or charter provisions requiring the city (1) to advertise for bids <br/>
<a id="pl.94.23"></a><var>94.23</var>before awarding a contract for a public improvement, (2) to let the contract to the lowest <br/>
<a id="pl.94.24"></a><var>94.24</var>responsible bidder or to the vendor or contractor offering the best value, and (3) to require <br/>
<a id="pl.94.25"></a><var>94.25</var>a performance bond to be filed by the contractor before undertaking the work. The <br/>
<a id="pl.94.26"></a><var>94.26</var>contract so let by the commissioner and the performance bond required of the contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.94.27"></a><var>94.27</var>by the commissioner shall be considered to be the contract and bond of the city for the <br/>
<a id="pl.94.28"></a><var>94.28</var>purposes of complying with the requirements of any applicable law or charter provision, <br/>
<a id="pl.94.29"></a><var>94.29</var>and the bond shall inure to the benefit of the city and operate for their protection to the <br/>
<a id="pl.94.30"></a><var>94.30</var>same extent as though they were parties thereto.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.20.0"></a><a id="pl.94.31"></a><var>94.31</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 365.37, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.94.32"></a><var>94.32</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.95.1"></a><var>95.1</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.95.2"></a><var>95.2</var>described in subdivision 2, a contract for construction, building, alteration, improvement, <br/>
<a id="pl.95.3"></a><var>95.3</var>or repair work may be awarded to the vendor or contractor offering the best value under a <br/>
<a id="pl.95.4"></a><var>95.4</var>request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause <br/>
<a id="pl.95.5"></a><var>95.5</var>(2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.21.0"></a><a id="pl.95.6"></a><var>95.6</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 374.13, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.95.7"></a><var>95.7</var><b>374.13 TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.95.8"></a><var>95.8</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Bidding process.</b> When the plans and specifications are completed <br/>
<a id="pl.95.9"></a><var>95.9</var>and approved by the city council and the county board, the commission shall, after notice <br/>
<a id="pl.95.10"></a><var>95.10</var>appropriate to inform possible bidders, obtain bids or proposals for all or any portion of <br/>
<a id="pl.95.11"></a><var>95.11</var>the work or materials, or both, to be done, performed, or furnished in the construction of <br/>
<a id="pl.95.12"></a><var>95.12</var>the building. All bids or proposals shall be sealed by the bidders or proposers and filed <br/>
<a id="pl.95.13"></a><var>95.13</var>with the commission at or before the time specified for the opening of bids or proposals. <br/>
<a id="pl.95.14"></a><var>95.14</var>At the time and place specified for the opening of bids or proposals, the commission shall <br/>
<a id="pl.95.15"></a><var>95.15</var>meet, open the bids or proposals, tabulate them, and award the contract or contracts to the <br/>
<a id="pl.95.16"></a><var>95.16</var>responsible bidder whose bid or proposal is the most favorable to the city or county, or <br/>
<a id="pl.95.17"></a><var>95.17</var>reject all bids and proposals. If all bids or proposals are rejected, the commission may, <br/>
<a id="pl.95.18"></a><var>95.18</var>after similar notice, obtain more bids or proposals or may modify or change the plans and <br/>
<a id="pl.95.19"></a><var>95.19</var>specifications and submit the modified plans and specifications to the city council and the <br/>
<a id="pl.95.20"></a><var>95.20</var>county board for approval. When the modified or changed plans and specifications are <br/>
<a id="pl.95.21"></a><var>95.21</var>satisfactory to both the city council and the county board, the plans and specifications <br/>
<a id="pl.95.22"></a><var>95.22</var>shall be returned to the commission and the commission shall proceed again, after similar <br/>
<a id="pl.95.23"></a><var>95.23</var>notice, to obtain bids or proposals. Any contract awarded by the commission shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.95.24"></a><var>95.24</var>subject to approval by the city council and the county board.<br/>
<a id="pl.95.25"></a><var>95.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.95.26"></a><var>95.26</var>described in subdivision 1, the commission may issue a request for proposals and award <br/>
<a id="pl.95.27"></a><var>95.27</var>the contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value as described in section <br/>
<a id="pl.95.28"></a><var>95.28</var>16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.22.0"></a><a id="pl.95.29"></a><var>95.29</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 375.21, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.95.30"></a><var>95.30</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.95.31"></a><var>95.31</var>    Subd. 1b. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.95.32"></a><var>95.32</var>described in subdivision 1, a county board may award a contract for construction, building, <br/>
<a id="pl.95.33"></a><var>95.33</var>alteration, improvement, or repair work to the vendor or contractor offering the best value <br/>
<a id="pl.96.1"></a><var>96.1</var>under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.96.2"></a><var>96.2</var>(a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.23.0"></a><a id="pl.96.3"></a><var>96.3</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 383C.094, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.96.4"></a><var>96.4</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.96.5"></a><var>96.5</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Contracts in excess of $500; best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to <br/>
<a id="pl.96.6"></a><var>96.6</var>the procurement method described in subdivision 1, the contract may be awarded to the <br/>
<a id="pl.96.7"></a><var>96.7</var>vendor or contractor offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in <br/>
<a id="pl.96.8"></a><var>96.8</var>section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.24.0"></a><a id="pl.96.9"></a><var>96.9</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 412.311, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.96.10"></a><var>96.10</var><b>412.311 CONTRACTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.96.11"></a><var>96.11</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Lowest responsible bidder.</b> Except as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>471.87</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.96.12"></a><var>96.12</var>to 
         <statute_ref>471.89</statute_ref>, no member of a council shall be directly or indirectly interested in any contract <br/>
<a id="pl.96.13"></a><var>96.13</var>made by the council. Whenever the amount of a contract for the purchase of merchandise, <br/>
<a id="pl.96.14"></a><var>96.14</var>materials or equipment or for any kind of construction work undertaken by the city is <br/>
<a id="pl.96.15"></a><var>96.15</var>estimated to exceed the amount specified by section 
         <statute_ref>471.345, subdivision 3</statute_ref>, the contract <br/>
<a id="pl.96.16"></a><var>96.16</var>shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder, after notice has been published once in the <br/>
<a id="pl.96.17"></a><var>96.17</var>official newspaper at least ten days in advance of the last day for the submission of bids. If <br/>
<a id="pl.96.18"></a><var>96.18</var>the amount of the contract exceeds $1,000, it shall be entered into only after compliance <br/>
<a id="pl.96.19"></a><var>96.19</var>with section 
         <statute_ref>471.345</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.96.20"></a><var>96.20</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.96.21"></a><var>96.21</var>described in subdivision 1, a contract for construction, building, alteration, improvement, <br/>
<a id="pl.96.22"></a><var>96.22</var>or repair work may be awarded to the vendor or contractor offering the best value under a <br/>
<a id="pl.96.23"></a><var>96.23</var>request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause <br/>
<a id="pl.96.24"></a><var>96.24</var>(2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.25.0"></a><a id="pl.96.25"></a><var>96.25</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 429.041, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.96.26"></a><var>96.26</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.96.27"></a><var>96.27</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.96.28"></a><var>96.28</var>described in subdivision 2, the council may issue a request for proposals and award the <br/>
<a id="pl.96.29"></a><var>96.29</var>contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value as described in section 16C.28, <br/>
<a id="pl.96.30"></a><var>96.30</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.26.0"></a><a id="pl.96.31"></a><var>96.31</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 458D.21, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.96.32"></a><var>96.32</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.97.1"></a><var>97.1</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Contracts in excess of $5,000; best value alternative.</b> As an alternative <br/>
<a id="pl.97.2"></a><var>97.2</var>to the procurement method described in subdivision 2, the board may issue a request for <br/>
<a id="pl.97.3"></a><var>97.3</var>proposals and award the contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value as <br/>
<a id="pl.97.4"></a><var>97.4</var>described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.27.0"></a><a id="pl.97.5"></a><var>97.5</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 469.015, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.97.6"></a><var>97.6</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.97.7"></a><var>97.7</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement method <br/>
<a id="pl.97.8"></a><var>97.8</var>described in subdivision 1, the authority may issue a request for proposals and award the <br/>
<a id="pl.97.9"></a><var>97.9</var>contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value under a request for proposals as <br/>
<a id="pl.97.10"></a><var>97.10</var>described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.28.0"></a><a id="pl.97.11"></a><var>97.11</var>    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 469.068, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.97.12"></a><var>97.12</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Contracts; bids; bonds.</b> All construction work and every purchase <br/>
<a id="pl.97.13"></a><var>97.13</var>of equipment, supplies, or materials necessary in carrying out the purposes of sections <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.97.14"></a><var>97.14</var>469.048
         </statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>469.068</statute_ref>, that involve the expenditure of $1,000 or more, shall be awarded by <br/>
<a id="pl.97.15"></a><var>97.15</var>contract as provided in this subdivision or in subdivision 1a. Before receiving bids under <br/>
<a id="pl.97.16"></a><var>97.16</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>469.048</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>469.068</statute_ref>, the authority shall publish, once a week for two consecutive <br/>
<a id="pl.97.17"></a><var>97.17</var>weeks in the official newspaper of the port's city, a notice that bids will be received for the <br/>
<a id="pl.97.18"></a><var>97.18</var>construction work, or purchase of equipment, supplies, or materials. The notice shall state <br/>
<a id="pl.97.19"></a><var>97.19</var>the nature of the work, and the terms and conditions upon which the contract is to be let <br/>
<a id="pl.97.20"></a><var>97.20</var>and name a time and place where the bids will be received, opened, and read publicly, <br/>
<a id="pl.97.21"></a><var>97.21</var>which time shall be not less than seven days after the date of the last publication. After <br/>
<a id="pl.97.22"></a><var>97.22</var>the bids have been received, opened, read publicly, and recorded, the commissioners <br/>
<a id="pl.97.23"></a><var>97.23</var>shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, reserving the right to reject <br/>
<a id="pl.97.24"></a><var>97.24</var>any or all bids. The contract shall be executed in writing and the person to whom the <br/>
<a id="pl.97.25"></a><var>97.25</var>contract is awarded shall give sufficient bond to the board for its faithful performance. If <br/>
<a id="pl.97.26"></a><var>97.26</var>no satisfactory bid is received, the port authority may readvertise, or, by an affirmative <br/>
<a id="pl.97.27"></a><var>97.27</var>vote of two of its commissioners in the case of a three-member commission, or five of <br/>
<a id="pl.97.28"></a><var>97.28</var>its members in the case of a seven-member commission, may authorize the authority <br/>
<a id="pl.97.29"></a><var>97.29</var>to perform any part or parts of any construction work by day labor under conditions it <br/>
<a id="pl.97.30"></a><var>97.30</var>prescribes. The commissioners may establish reasonable qualifications to determine <br/>
<a id="pl.97.31"></a><var>97.31</var>the fitness and responsibility of bidders, and require bidders to meet the qualifications <br/>
<a id="pl.97.32"></a><var>97.32</var>before bids are accepted. If the commissioners by a two-thirds or five-sevenths vote <br/>
<a id="pl.97.33"></a><var>97.33</var>declare that an emergency exists requiring the immediate purchase of any equipment or <br/>
<a id="pl.97.34"></a><var>97.34</var>material or supplies at a cost in excess of $1,000, but not exceeding $5,000, in amount, <br/>
<a id="pl.98.1"></a><var>98.1</var>or making of emergency repairs, it shall not be necessary to advertise for bids, but the <br/>
<a id="pl.98.2"></a><var>98.2</var>material, equipment, or supplies may be purchased in the open market at the lowest price <br/>
<a id="pl.98.3"></a><var>98.3</var>obtainable, or the emergency repairs may be contracted for or performed without securing <br/>
<a id="pl.98.4"></a><var>98.4</var>formal competitive bids. An emergency, for purposes of this section, is unforeseen <br/>
<a id="pl.98.5"></a><var>98.5</var>circumstances or conditions which result in the jeopardizing of human life or property. <br/>
<a id="pl.98.6"></a><var>98.6</var>    In all contracts involving the employment of labor, the commissioners shall stipulate <br/>
<a id="pl.98.7"></a><var>98.7</var>conditions they deem reasonable, as to the hours of labor and wages and may stipulate as <br/>
<a id="pl.98.8"></a><var>98.8</var>to the residence of employees to be employed by the contractors.<br/>
<a id="pl.98.9"></a><var>98.9</var>    Bonds shall be required from contractors for any works of construction as provided <br/>
<a id="pl.98.10"></a><var>98.10</var>in and subject to all the provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>574.26</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>574.31</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.29.0"></a><a id="pl.98.11"></a><var>98.11</var>    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 469.068, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.98.12"></a><var>98.12</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.98.13"></a><var>98.13</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Contracts; best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the procurement <br/>
<a id="pl.98.14"></a><var>98.14</var>method described in subdivision 1, a contract may be awarded to the vendor or contractor <br/>
<a id="pl.98.15"></a><var>98.15</var>offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, <br/>
<a id="pl.98.16"></a><var>98.16</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.30.0"></a><a id="pl.98.17"></a><var>98.17</var>    Sec. 30. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 471.345, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.98.18"></a><var>98.18</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.98.19"></a><var>98.19</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Contracts over $50,000; best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to the <br/>
<a id="pl.98.20"></a><var>98.20</var>procurement method described in subdivision 3, municipalities may award a contract for <br/>
<a id="pl.98.21"></a><var>98.21</var>construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance work to the vendor or contractor offering <br/>
<a id="pl.98.22"></a><var>98.22</var>the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.98.23"></a><var>98.23</var>paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.31.0"></a><a id="pl.98.24"></a><var>98.24</var>    Sec. 31. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 471.345, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.98.25"></a><var>98.25</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.98.26"></a><var>98.26</var>    Subd. 4a. <b>Contracts from $10,000 to $50,000; best value alternative.</b> As an <br/>
<a id="pl.98.27"></a><var>98.27</var>alternative to the procurement method described in subdivision 4, municipalities may <br/>
<a id="pl.98.28"></a><var>98.28</var>award a contract for construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance work to the vendor or <br/>
<a id="pl.98.29"></a><var>98.29</var>contractor offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in section <br/>
<a id="pl.98.30"></a><var>98.30</var>16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.32.0"></a><a id="pl.98.31"></a><var>98.31</var>    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 471.345, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.99.1"></a><var>99.1</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Contracts less than $10,000.</b> If the amount of the contract is estimated <br/>
<a id="pl.99.2"></a><var>99.2</var>to be $10,000 or less, the contract may be made either upon quotation or in the open <br/>
<a id="pl.99.3"></a><var>99.3</var>market, in the discretion of the governing body. If the contract is made upon quotation <br/>
<a id="pl.99.4"></a><var>99.4</var>it shall be based, so far as practicable, on at least two quotations which shall be kept on <br/>
<a id="pl.99.5"></a><var>99.5</var>file for a period of at least one year after their receipt. Alternatively, municipalities may <br/>
<a id="pl.99.6"></a><var>99.6</var>award a contract for construction, alteration, repair, or maintenance work to the vendor or <br/>
<a id="pl.99.7"></a><var>99.7</var>contractor offering the best value under a request for proposals as described in section <br/>
<a id="pl.99.8"></a><var>99.8</var>16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.33.0"></a><a id="pl.99.9"></a><var>99.9</var>    Sec. 33. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.523, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.99.10"></a><var>99.10</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.99.11"></a><var>99.11</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Contracts over $50,000; best value alternative.</b> As an alternative to <br/>
<a id="pl.99.12"></a><var>99.12</var>the procurement method described in subdivision 1, the council may issue a request for <br/>
<a id="pl.99.13"></a><var>99.13</var>proposals and award the contract to the vendor or contractor offering the best value <br/>
<a id="pl.99.14"></a><var>99.14</var>under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, subdivision 1, paragraph <br/>
<a id="pl.99.15"></a><var>99.15</var>(a), clause (2), and paragraph (c).<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.3.34.0"></a><a id="pl.99.16"></a><var>99.16</var>    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 473.756, subdivision 12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.99.17"></a><var>99.17</var>    Subd. 12. <b>Contracts.</b> The authority may enter into a development agreement with <br/>
<a id="pl.99.18"></a><var>99.18</var>the team, the county, or any other entity relating to the construction, financing, and use of <br/>
<a id="pl.99.19"></a><var>99.19</var>the ballpark and related facilities and public infrastructure. The authority may contract <br/>
<a id="pl.99.20"></a><var>99.20</var>for materials, supplies, and equipment in accordance with sections 
         <statute_ref>471.345</statute_ref> and 
         <statute_ref>473.754</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.99.21"></a><var>99.21</var>except that the authority, with the consent of the county, may employ or contract with <br/>
<a id="pl.99.22"></a><var>99.22</var>persons, firms, or corporations to perform one or more or all of the functions of architect, <br/>
<a id="pl.99.23"></a><var>99.23</var>engineer, or construction manager with respect to all or any part of the ballpark and <br/>
<a id="pl.99.24"></a><var>99.24</var>public infrastructure. Alternatively, at the request of the team and with the consent of the <br/>
<a id="pl.99.25"></a><var>99.25</var>county, the authority shall authorize the team to provide for the design and construction <br/>
<a id="pl.99.26"></a><var>99.26</var>of the ballpark and related public infrastructure, subject to terms of Laws 2006, chapter <br/>
<a id="pl.99.27"></a><var>99.27</var>257. The construction manager may enter into contracts with contractors for labor, <br/>
<a id="pl.99.28"></a><var>99.28</var>materials, supplies, and equipment for the construction of the ballpark and related public <br/>
<a id="pl.99.29"></a><var>99.29</var>infrastructure through the process of public bidding, except that the construction manager <br/>
<a id="pl.99.30"></a><var>99.30</var>may, with the consent of the authority or the team:<br/>
<a id="pl.99.31"></a><var>99.31</var>    (1) narrow the listing of eligible bidders to those which the construction manager <br/>
<a id="pl.99.32"></a><var>99.32</var>determines to possess sufficient expertise to perform the intended functions;<br/>
<a id="pl.99.33"></a><var>99.33</var>    (2) award contracts to the contractors that the construction manager determines <br/>
<a id="pl.99.34"></a><var>99.34</var>provide the best value under a request for proposals as described in section 16C.28, <br/>
<a id="pl.100.1"></a><var>100.1</var>subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), and paragraph (c), which are not required to be <br/>
<a id="pl.100.2"></a><var>100.2</var>the lowest responsible bidder; and<br/>
<a id="pl.100.3"></a><var>100.3</var>    (3) for work the construction manager determines to be critical to the completion <br/>
<a id="pl.100.4"></a><var>100.4</var>schedule, award contracts on the basis of competitive proposals or perform work with <br/>
<a id="pl.100.5"></a><var>100.5</var>its own forces without soliciting competitive bids if the construction manager provides <br/>
<a id="pl.100.6"></a><var>100.6</var>evidence of competitive pricing.<br/>
<a id="pl.100.7"></a><var>100.7</var>The authority shall require that the construction manager certify, before the contract is <br/>
<a id="pl.100.8"></a><var>100.8</var>signed, a fixed and stipulated construction price and completion date to the authority <br/>
<a id="pl.100.9"></a><var>100.9</var>and post a performance bond in an amount at least equal to 100 percent of the certified <br/>
<a id="pl.100.10"></a><var>100.10</var>price, to cover any costs which may be incurred in excess of the certified price, including <br/>
<a id="pl.100.11"></a><var>100.11</var>but not limited to costs incurred by the authority or loss of revenues resulting from <br/>
<a id="pl.100.12"></a><var>100.12</var>incomplete construction on the completion date. The authority may secure surety bonds <br/>
<a id="pl.100.13"></a><var>100.13</var>as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>574.26</statute_ref>, securing payment of just claims in connection with all <br/>
<a id="pl.100.14"></a><var>100.14</var>public work undertaken by it. Persons entitled to the protection of the bonds may enforce <br/>
<a id="pl.100.15"></a><var>100.15</var>them as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>574.28</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>574.32</statute_ref>, and shall not be entitled to a lien on any <br/>
<a id="pl.100.16"></a><var>100.16</var>property of the authority under the provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>514.01</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>514.16</statute_ref>. Contracts for <br/>
<a id="pl.100.17"></a><var>100.17</var>construction and operation of the ballpark must include programs, including Youthbuild, <br/>
<a id="pl.100.18"></a><var>100.18</var>to provide for participation by small local businesses and businesses owned by people of <br/>
<a id="pl.100.19"></a><var>100.19</var>color, and the inclusion of women and people of color in the workforces of contractors <br/>
<a id="pl.100.20"></a><var>100.20</var>and ballpark operators. The construction of the ballpark is a "project" as that term is <br/>
<a id="pl.100.21"></a><var>100.21</var>defined in section 
         <statute_ref>177.42</statute_ref>, subdivision 2, and is subject to the prevailing wage law under <br/>
<a id="pl.100.22"></a><var>100.22</var>sections 
         <statute_ref>177.41</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>177.43</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.4.1.0"></a><a id="pl.100.25"></a><var>100.25</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 200.02, subdivision 7, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.100.26"></a><var>100.26</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Major political party.</b> (a) "Major political party" means a political party <br/>
<a id="pl.100.27"></a><var>100.27</var>that maintains a party organization in the state, political division, or precinct in question <br/>
<a id="pl.100.28"></a><var>100.28</var>and that has presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:<br/>
<a id="pl.100.29"></a><var>100.29</var>    (1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney <br/>
<a id="pl.100.30"></a><var>100.30</var>general at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or<br/>
<a id="pl.100.31"></a><var>100.31</var>    (2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the last preceding state general election for <br/>
<a id="pl.100.32"></a><var>100.32</var>presidential electors; and<br/>
<a id="pl.100.33"></a><var>100.33</var>    whose candidate received votes in each county in that election and received votes <br/>
<a id="pl.100.34"></a><var>100.34</var>from not less than five percent of the total number of individuals who voted in that election.<br/>
<a id="pl.101.1"></a><var>101.1</var>    (b) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party <br/>
<a id="pl.101.2"></a><var>101.2</var>organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and that has <br/>
<a id="pl.101.3"></a><var>101.3</var>presented at least 45 candidates for election to the office of state representative, 23 <br/>
<a id="pl.101.4"></a><var>101.4</var>candidates for election to the office of state senator, four candidates for election to <br/>
<a id="pl.101.5"></a><var>101.5</var>the office of representative in Congress, and one candidate for election to each of the <br/>
<a id="pl.101.6"></a><var>101.6</var>following offices: governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, <br/>
<a id="pl.101.7"></a><var>101.7</var>and state auditor, at the last preceding state general election for those offices.<br/>
<a id="pl.101.8"></a><var>101.8</var>    (c) "Major political party" also means a political party that maintains a party <br/>
<a id="pl.101.9"></a><var>101.9</var>organization in the state, political subdivision, or precinct in question and whose members <br/>
<a id="pl.101.10"></a><var>101.10</var>present to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state partisan <br/>
<a id="pl.101.11"></a><var>101.11</var>primary ballot at least six weeks before the start of the filing period a petition for a place <br/>
<a id="pl.101.12"></a><var>101.12</var>on the state partisan primary ballot, which petition contains signatures of a number of <br/>
<a id="pl.101.13"></a><var>101.13</var>the party members equal to at least five percent of the total number of individuals who <br/>
<a id="pl.101.14"></a><var>101.14</var>voted in the preceding state general election. The petition may be circulated at any time <br/>
<a id="pl.101.15"></a><var>101.15</var>after January 1 and more than six weeks before the start of the filing period in the year <br/>
<a id="pl.101.16"></a><var>101.16</var>the petition is submitted.<br/>
<a id="pl.101.17"></a><var>101.17</var>    (d) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a state <br/>
<a id="pl.101.18"></a><var>101.18</var>general election described in paragraph (a) or a political party that presents candidates at <br/>
<a id="pl.101.19"></a><var>101.19</var>an election as required by paragraph (b) becomes a major political party as of January <br/>
<a id="pl.101.20"></a><var>101.20</var>1 following that election and retains its major party status for at least two state general <br/>
<a id="pl.101.21"></a><var>101.21</var>elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number and <br/>
<a id="pl.101.22"></a><var>101.22</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) or fails to present candidates as required <br/>
<a id="pl.101.23"></a><var>101.23</var>by paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.101.24"></a><var>101.24</var>    (e) A major political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and <br/>
<a id="pl.101.25"></a><var>101.25</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (a) and that fails to present candidates as <br/>
<a id="pl.101.26"></a><var>101.26</var>required by paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general elections described by <br/>
<a id="pl.101.27"></a><var>101.27</var>paragraph (a) or (b), respectively, loses major party status as of December 31 following <br/>
<a id="pl.101.28"></a><var>101.28</var>the later of the two consecutive state general elections.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.2.0"></a><a id="pl.101.29"></a><var>101.29</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 200.02, subdivision 23, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.101.30"></a><var>101.30</var>    Subd. 23. <b>Minor political party.</b> (a) "Minor political party" means a political party <br/>
<a id="pl.101.31"></a><var>101.31</var>that has adopted a state constitution, designated a state party chair, held a state convention <br/>
<a id="pl.101.32"></a><var>101.32</var>in the last two years, filed with the secretary of state no later than December 31 following <br/>
<a id="pl.101.33"></a><var>101.33</var>the most recent state general election a certification that the party has met the foregoing <br/>
<a id="pl.101.34"></a><var>101.34</var>requirements, and met the requirements of paragraph (b) or (e), as applicable.<br/>
<a id="pl.102.1"></a><var>102.1</var>    (b) To be considered a minor party in all elections statewide, the political party must <br/>
<a id="pl.102.2"></a><var>102.2</var>have presented at least one candidate for election to the office of:<br/>
<a id="pl.102.3"></a><var>102.3</var>    (1) governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, or attorney <br/>
<a id="pl.102.4"></a><var>102.4</var>general, at the last preceding state general election for those offices; or<br/>
<a id="pl.102.5"></a><var>102.5</var>    (2) presidential elector or U.S. senator at the preceding state general election for <br/>
<a id="pl.102.6"></a><var>102.6</var>presidential electors; and<br/>
<a id="pl.102.7"></a><var>102.7</var>    who received votes in each county that in the aggregate equal at least one percent <br/>
<a id="pl.102.8"></a><var>102.8</var>of the total number of individuals who voted in the election, or its members must have <br/>
<a id="pl.102.9"></a><var>102.9</var>presented to the secretary of state at any time before the close of filing for the state <br/>
<a id="pl.102.10"></a><var>102.10</var>partisan primary ballot at least six weeks before the start of the filing period a nominating <br/>
<a id="pl.102.11"></a><var>102.11</var>petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the signatures of party <br/>
<a id="pl.102.12"></a><var>102.12</var>members in a number equal to at least one percent of the total number of individuals who <br/>
<a id="pl.102.13"></a><var>102.13</var>voted in the preceding state general election. The petition may be circulated at any time <br/>
<a id="pl.102.14"></a><var>102.14</var>after January 1 and more than six weeks before the start of the filing period in the year <br/>
<a id="pl.102.15"></a><var>102.15</var>the petition is submitted.<br/>
<a id="pl.102.16"></a><var>102.16</var>    (c) A political party whose candidate receives a sufficient number of votes at a <br/>
<a id="pl.102.17"></a><var>102.17</var>state general election described in paragraph (b) becomes a minor political party as of <br/>
<a id="pl.102.18"></a><var>102.18</var>January 1 following that election and retains its minor party status for at least two state <br/>
<a id="pl.102.19"></a><var>102.19</var>general elections even if the party fails to present a candidate who receives the number <br/>
<a id="pl.102.20"></a><var>102.20</var>and percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at subsequent state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.102.21"></a><var>102.21</var>    (d) A minor political party whose candidates fail to receive the number and <br/>
<a id="pl.102.22"></a><var>102.22</var>percentage of votes required under paragraph (b) at each of two consecutive state general <br/>
<a id="pl.102.23"></a><var>102.23</var>elections described by paragraph (b) loses minor party status as of December 31 following <br/>
<a id="pl.102.24"></a><var>102.24</var>the later of the two consecutive state general elections.<br/>
<a id="pl.102.25"></a><var>102.25</var>    (e) A minor party that qualifies to be a major party loses its status as a minor party <br/>
<a id="pl.102.26"></a><var>102.26</var>at the time it becomes a major party. Votes received by the candidates of a major party <br/>
<a id="pl.102.27"></a><var>102.27</var>must be counted in determining whether the party received sufficient votes to qualify as <br/>
<a id="pl.102.28"></a><var>102.28</var>a minor party, notwithstanding that the party does not receive sufficient votes to retain <br/>
<a id="pl.102.29"></a><var>102.29</var>its major party status. To be considered a minor party in an election in a legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.102.30"></a><var>102.30</var>district, the political party must have presented at least one candidate for a legislative <br/>
<a id="pl.102.31"></a><var>102.31</var>office in that district who received votes from at least ten percent of the total number of <br/>
<a id="pl.102.32"></a><var>102.32</var>individuals who voted for that office, or its members must have presented to the secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.102.33"></a><var>102.33</var>of state a nominating petition in a form prescribed by the secretary of state containing the <br/>
<a id="pl.102.34"></a><var>102.34</var>signatures of party members in a number equal to at least ten percent of the total number <br/>
<a id="pl.102.35"></a><var>102.35</var>of individuals who voted in the preceding state general election for that legislative office.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.3.0"></a><a id="pl.103.1"></a><var>103.1</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.016, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.103.2"></a><var>103.2</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Violations; penalty.</b> (a) The county auditor shall mail a violation notice <br/>
<a id="pl.103.3"></a><var>103.3</var>to any voter who the county auditor can determine has voted in a precinct other than the <br/>
<a id="pl.103.4"></a><var>103.4</var>precinct in using an address at which the voter maintains does not maintain residence on <br/>
<a id="pl.103.5"></a><var>103.5</var>election day. The notice must be in the form provided by the secretary of state. The <br/>
<a id="pl.103.6"></a><var>103.6</var>county auditor shall also change the status of the voter in the statewide registration system <br/>
<a id="pl.103.7"></a><var>103.7</var>to "challenged" and the voter shall be required to provide proof of residence to either the <br/>
<a id="pl.103.8"></a><var>103.8</var>county auditor or to the election judges in the voter's precinct before voting in the next <br/>
<a id="pl.103.9"></a><var>103.9</var>election. Any of the forms authorized by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061</statute_ref> for registration at the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.103.10"></a><var>103.10</var>place may be used for this purpose. <br/>
<a id="pl.103.11"></a><var>103.11</var>    (b) A voter who votes in a precinct other than the precinct in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.103.12"></a><var>103.12</var>maintains residence after receiving an initial violation notice as provided in this <br/>
<a id="pl.103.13"></a><var>103.13</var>subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.<br/>
<a id="pl.103.14"></a><var>103.14</var>    (c) A voter who votes in a precinct other than the precinct in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.103.15"></a><var>103.15</var>maintains residence after having been found to have committed a petty misdemeanor <br/>
<a id="pl.103.16"></a><var>103.16</var>under paragraph (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor.<br/>
<a id="pl.103.17"></a><var>103.17</var>    (d) Reliance by the voter on inaccurate information regarding the location of the <br/>
<a id="pl.103.18"></a><var>103.18</var>voter's polling place provided by the state, county, or municipality is an affirmative <br/>
<a id="pl.103.19"></a><var>103.19</var>defense to a prosecution under this subdivision.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.4.0"></a><a id="pl.103.20"></a><var>103.20</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.056, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.103.21"></a><var>103.21</var><b>201.056 SIGNATURE OF REGISTERED VOTER; MARKS ALLOWED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.103.22"></a><var>103.22</var>    An individual who is unable to write the individual's name shall be required to sign a <br/>
<a id="pl.103.23"></a><var>103.23</var>registration card by making the individual's mark application in the manner provided by <br/>
<a id="pl.103.24"></a><var>103.24</var>section 645.44, subdivision 14. If the individual registers in person and signs by making <br/>
<a id="pl.103.25"></a><var>103.25</var>a mark, the clerk or election judge accepting the registration shall certify the mark by <br/>
<a id="pl.103.26"></a><var>103.26</var>signing the individual's name. If the individual registers by mail and signs by making a <br/>
<a id="pl.103.27"></a><var>103.27</var>mark, the mark shall be certified by having a voter registered in the individual's precinct <br/>
<a id="pl.103.28"></a><var>103.28</var>sign the individual's name and the voter's own name and give the voter's own address.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.5.0"></a><a id="pl.103.29"></a><var>103.29</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.103.30"></a><var>103.30</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Prior to election day.</b> At any time except during the 20 days <br/>
<a id="pl.103.31"></a><var>103.31</var>immediately preceding any regularly scheduled election, an eligible voter or any <br/>
<a id="pl.103.32"></a><var>103.32</var>individual who will be an eligible voter at the time of the next election may register to <br/>
<a id="pl.103.33"></a><var>103.33</var>vote in the precinct in which the voter maintains residence by completing a paper voter <br/>
<a id="pl.103.34"></a><var>103.34</var>registration application as described in section 
         <statute_ref>201.071, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, and submitting <br/>
<a id="pl.104.1"></a><var>104.1</var>it in person or by mail to the county auditor of that county or to the Secretary of State's <br/>
<a id="pl.104.2"></a><var>104.2</var>Office. If the Web site maintained by the secretary of state provides, an individual who has <br/>
<a id="pl.104.3"></a><var>104.3</var>a Minnesota driver's license, identification card, or learner's permit may register online. <br/>
<a id="pl.104.4"></a><var>104.4</var>A registration that is received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the 21st day preceding any <br/>
<a id="pl.104.5"></a><var>104.5</var>election shall be accepted. An improperly addressed or delivered registration application <br/>
<a id="pl.104.6"></a><var>104.6</var>shall be forwarded within two working days after receipt to the county auditor of the <br/>
<a id="pl.104.7"></a><var>104.7</var>county where the voter maintains residence. A state or local agency or an individual that <br/>
<a id="pl.104.8"></a><var>104.8</var>accepts completed voter registration applications from a voter must submit the completed <br/>
<a id="pl.104.9"></a><var>104.9</var>applications to the secretary of state or the appropriate county auditor within ten business <br/>
<a id="pl.104.10"></a><var>104.10</var>days after the applications are dated by the voter. <br/>
<a id="pl.104.11"></a><var>104.11</var>    For purposes of this section, mail registration is defined as a voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.104.12"></a><var>104.12</var>application delivered to the secretary of state, county auditor, or municipal clerk by the <br/>
<a id="pl.104.13"></a><var>104.13</var>United States Postal Service or a commercial carrier.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.6.0"></a><a id="pl.104.14"></a><var>104.14</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.104.15"></a><var>104.15</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.104.16"></a><var>104.16</var>    Subd. 1b. <b>Prohibited methods of compensation; penalty.</b> (a) No individual <br/>
<a id="pl.104.17"></a><var>104.17</var>may be compensated for the solicitation, collection, or acceptance of voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.104.18"></a><var>104.18</var>applications from voters for submission to the secretary of state, a county auditor, or other <br/>
<a id="pl.104.19"></a><var>104.19</var>local election official in a manner in which payment is calculated by multiplying (1) <br/>
<a id="pl.104.20"></a><var>104.20</var>either a set or variable payment rate, by (2) the number of voter registration applications <br/>
<a id="pl.104.21"></a><var>104.21</var>solicited, collected, or accepted.<br/>
<a id="pl.104.22"></a><var>104.22</var>    (b) No individual may be deprived of compensation or have compensation <br/>
<a id="pl.104.23"></a><var>104.23</var>automatically reduced exclusively for failure to solicit, collect, or accept a minimum <br/>
<a id="pl.104.24"></a><var>104.24</var>number of voter registration applications and no individual may receive additional <br/>
<a id="pl.104.25"></a><var>104.25</var>compensation for reaching or exceeding a minimum number of voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.104.26"></a><var>104.26</var>applications.<br/>
<a id="pl.104.27"></a><var>104.27</var>    (c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.7.0"></a><a id="pl.104.28"></a><var>104.28</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.104.29"></a><var>104.29</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Election day registration.</b> (a) The definitions in this paragraph apply <br/>
<a id="pl.104.30"></a><var>104.30</var>to this subdivision:<br/>
<a id="pl.104.31"></a><var>104.31</var>    (1) "current utility bill" means a utility bill dated within 30 days before the election <br/>
<a id="pl.104.32"></a><var>104.32</var>day or due within 30 days before or after the election;<br/>
<a id="pl.104.33"></a><var>104.33</var>    (2) "photo identification" means identification that displays the name and photo <br/>
<a id="pl.104.34"></a><var>104.34</var>of an individual and that was issued by:<br/>
<a id="pl.105.1"></a><var>105.1</var>    (i) another state for use as a driver's license or identification card;<br/>
<a id="pl.105.2"></a><var>105.2</var>    (ii) a Minnesota college, university, or other postsecondary educational institution or <br/>
<a id="pl.105.3"></a><var>105.3</var>high school as a student identification card; or<br/>
<a id="pl.105.4"></a><var>105.4</var>    (iii) a tribal government of a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United <br/>
<a id="pl.105.5"></a><var>105.5</var>States Department of the Interior;<br/>
<a id="pl.105.6"></a><var>105.6</var>    (3) "residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 
<statute_ref>256E.33, <br/>
<a id="pl.105.7"></a><var>105.7</var>subdivision 1
</statute_ref>; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under <br/>
<a id="pl.105.8"></a><var>105.8</var>section 
<statute_ref>144.50, subdivision 6</statute_ref>; a nursing home as defined in section 
<statute_ref>144A.01, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.105.9"></a><var>105.9</var>5
</statute_ref>; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services <br/>
<a id="pl.105.10"></a><var>105.10</var>establishment as defined in section 
<statute_ref>144D.01, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; a veterans home operated by <br/>
<a id="pl.105.11"></a><var>105.11</var>the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence <br/>
<a id="pl.105.12"></a><var>105.12</var>licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as <br/>
<a id="pl.105.13"></a><var>105.13</var>defined in section 
<statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>; a residential facility for persons with a <br/>
<a id="pl.105.14"></a><var>105.14</var>developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section <br/>
<a id="pl.105.15"></a><var>105.15</var><statute_ref>252.28</statute_ref>; group residential housing as defined in section 
<statute_ref>256I.03, subdivision 3</statute_ref>; a shelter <br/>
<a id="pl.105.16"></a><var>105.16</var>for battered women as defined in section 
<statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; or a supervised <br/>
<a id="pl.105.17"></a><var>105.17</var>publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living <br/>
<a id="pl.105.18"></a><var>105.18</var>accommodations for the homeless; and<br/>
<a id="pl.105.19"></a><var>105.19</var>    (4) "utility bill" means a written or electronic bill for gas, electricity, telephone, <br/>
<a id="pl.105.20"></a><var>105.20</var>wireless telephone, cable television, satellite television, solid waste, water, sewer services, <br/>
<a id="pl.105.21"></a><var>105.21</var>or an itemized rent statement.<br/>
<a id="pl.105.22"></a><var>105.22</var>    (b) An individual who is eligible to vote may register on election day by appearing <br/>
<a id="pl.105.23"></a><var>105.23</var>in person at the polling place for the precinct in which the individual maintains residence, <br/>
<a id="pl.105.24"></a><var>105.24</var>by completing a registration application, making an oath in the form prescribed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.105.25"></a><var>105.25</var>secretary of state and providing proof of residence. An individual may prove residence for <br/>
<a id="pl.105.26"></a><var>105.26</var>purposes of registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.105.27"></a><var>105.27</var>    (1) presenting a driver's license or Minnesota identification card issued pursuant <br/>
<a id="pl.105.28"></a><var>105.28</var>to section 
         <statute_ref>171.07</statute_ref>;<br/>
<a id="pl.105.29"></a><var>105.29</var>    (2) presenting:<br/>
<a id="pl.105.30"></a><var>105.30</var>    (i) a photo identification; and<br/>
<a id="pl.105.31"></a><var>105.31</var>    (ii) a current utility bill or lease, showing the individual's name and valid residential <br/>
<a id="pl.105.32"></a><var>105.32</var>address in the precinct;<br/>
<a id="pl.105.33"></a><var>105.33</var>    (3) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.105.34"></a><var>105.34</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.105.35"></a><var>105.35</var>contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual;<br/>
<a id="pl.106.1"></a><var>106.1</var>    (2) (4) presenting any document approved by the secretary of state as proper <br/>
<a id="pl.106.2"></a><var>106.2</var>identification;<br/>
<a id="pl.106.3"></a><var>106.3</var>    (3) (5) presenting one of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.106.4"></a><var>106.4</var>    (i) a current valid student identification card from a postsecondary educational <br/>
<a id="pl.106.5"></a><var>106.5</var>institution in Minnesota, if a list of students from that institution has been prepared under <br/>
<a id="pl.106.6"></a><var>106.6</var>section 
         <statute_ref>135A.17</statute_ref> and certified to the county auditor in the manner provided in rules of <br/>
<a id="pl.106.7"></a><var>106.7</var>the secretary of state; or<br/>
<a id="pl.106.8"></a><var>106.8</var>    (ii) a current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the <br/>
<a id="pl.106.9"></a><var>106.9</var>precinct together with a picture photo identification card; or<br/>
<a id="pl.106.10"></a><var>106.10</var>    (4) (6)(i) having a voter who is registered to vote in the precinct, or who is an <br/>
<a id="pl.106.11"></a><var>106.11</var>employee employed by and working in a residential facility in the precinct and vouching <br/>
<a id="pl.106.12"></a><var>106.12</var>for a resident in the facility, sign an oath in the presence of the election judge vouching that <br/>
<a id="pl.106.13"></a><var>106.13</var>the voter or employee personally knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct. A <br/>
<a id="pl.106.14"></a><var>106.14</var>voter who has been vouched for on election day may not sign a proof of residence oath <br/>
<a id="pl.106.15"></a><var>106.15</var>vouching for any other individual on that election day. A voter who is registered to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.106.16"></a><var>106.16</var>in the precinct may sign up to 15 proof-of-residence oaths on any election day. This <br/>
<a id="pl.106.17"></a><var>106.17</var>limitation does not apply to an employee of a residential facility described in this clause. <br/>
<a id="pl.106.18"></a><var>106.18</var>    (ii) The secretary of state shall provide a form for election judges to use in recording <br/>
<a id="pl.106.19"></a><var>106.19</var>the number of individuals for whom a voter signs proof-of-residence oaths on election <br/>
<a id="pl.106.20"></a><var>106.20</var>day. The form must include space for the maximum number of individuals for whom a <br/>
<a id="pl.106.21"></a><var>106.21</var>voter may sign proof-of-residence oaths. For each proof-of-residence oath, the form <br/>
<a id="pl.106.22"></a><var>106.22</var>must include a statement that the voter is registered to vote in the precinct, personally <br/>
<a id="pl.106.23"></a><var>106.23</var>knows that the individual is a resident of the precinct, and is making the statement on <br/>
<a id="pl.106.24"></a><var>106.24</var>oath. The form must include a space for the voter's printed name, signature, telephone <br/>
<a id="pl.106.25"></a><var>106.25</var>number, and address.<br/>
<a id="pl.106.26"></a><var>106.26</var>    The oath required by this subdivision and Minnesota Rules, part 
         <statute_ref>8200.9939</statute_ref>, must <br/>
<a id="pl.106.27"></a><var>106.27</var>be attached to the voter registration application and the information on the oath must be <br/>
<a id="pl.106.28"></a><var>106.28</var>recorded on the records of both the voter registering on election day and the voter who <br/>
<a id="pl.106.29"></a><var>106.29</var>is vouching for the person's residence, and entered into the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.106.30"></a><var>106.30</var>system by the county auditor when the voter registration application is entered into that <br/>
<a id="pl.106.31"></a><var>106.31</var>system.<br/>
<a id="pl.106.32"></a><var>106.32</var>    (b) The operator of a residential facility shall prepare a list of the names of its <br/>
<a id="pl.106.33"></a><var>106.33</var>employees currently working in the residential facility and the address of the residential <br/>
<a id="pl.106.34"></a><var>106.34</var>facility. The operator shall certify the list and provide it to the appropriate county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.106.35"></a><var>106.35</var>no less than 20 days before each election for use in election day registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.107.1"></a><var>107.1</var>    (c) "Residential facility" means transitional housing as defined in section 
<statute_ref>256E.33, <br/>
<a id="pl.107.2"></a><var>107.2</var>subdivision 1
</statute_ref>; a supervised living facility licensed by the commissioner of health under <br/>
<a id="pl.107.3"></a><var>107.3</var>section 
<statute_ref>144.50, subdivision 6</statute_ref>; a nursing home as defined in section 
<statute_ref>144A.01, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.107.4"></a><var>107.4</var>5
</statute_ref>; a residence registered with the commissioner of health as a housing with services <br/>
<a id="pl.107.5"></a><var>107.5</var>establishment as defined in section 
<statute_ref>144D.01, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; a veterans home operated by <br/>
<a id="pl.107.6"></a><var>107.6</var>the board of directors of the Minnesota Veterans Homes under chapter 198; a residence <br/>
<a id="pl.107.7"></a><var>107.7</var>licensed by the commissioner of human services to provide a residential program as <br/>
<a id="pl.107.8"></a><var>107.8</var>defined in section 
<statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision 14</statute_ref>; a residential facility for persons with a <br/>
<a id="pl.107.9"></a><var>107.9</var>developmental disability licensed by the commissioner of human services under section <br/>
<a id="pl.107.10"></a><var>107.10</var><statute_ref>252.28</statute_ref>; group residential housing as defined in section 
<statute_ref>256I.03, subdivision 3</statute_ref>; a shelter <br/>
<a id="pl.107.11"></a><var>107.11</var>for battered women as defined in section 
<statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision 4</statute_ref>; or a supervised <br/>
<a id="pl.107.12"></a><var>107.12</var>publicly or privately operated shelter or dwelling designed to provide temporary living <br/>
<a id="pl.107.13"></a><var>107.13</var>accommodations for the homeless.<br/>
<a id="pl.107.14"></a><var>107.14</var>    (d) For tribal band members, an individual may prove residence for purposes of <br/>
<a id="pl.107.15"></a><var>107.15</var>registering by:<br/>
<a id="pl.107.16"></a><var>107.16</var>    (1) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.107.17"></a><var>107.17</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.107.18"></a><var>107.18</var>contains the name, address, signature, and picture of the individual; or<br/>
<a id="pl.107.19"></a><var>107.19</var>    (2) presenting an identification card issued by the tribal government of a tribe <br/>
<a id="pl.107.20"></a><var>107.20</var>recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of the Interior, that <br/>
<a id="pl.107.21"></a><var>107.21</var>contains the name, signature, and picture of the individual and also presenting one of the <br/>
<a id="pl.107.22"></a><var>107.22</var>documents listed in Minnesota Rules, part 
<statute_ref>8200.5100</statute_ref>, subpart 2, item B.<br/>
<a id="pl.107.23"></a><var>107.23</var>    (c) An employee of a residential facility must prove employment with that <br/>
<a id="pl.107.24"></a><var>107.24</var>facility by presenting a current identification card issued by the facility or other official <br/>
<a id="pl.107.25"></a><var>107.25</var>documentation verifying the employee's current status with the facility on election day to <br/>
<a id="pl.107.26"></a><var>107.26</var>be eligible to vouch for individuals residing in that facility.<br/>
<a id="pl.107.27"></a><var>107.27</var>    (e) (d) A county, school district, or municipality may require that an election judge <br/>
<a id="pl.107.28"></a><var>107.28</var>responsible for election day registration initial each completed registration application.<br/>
<a id="pl.107.29"></a><var>107.29</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective September 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.8.0"></a><a id="pl.107.30"></a><var>107.30</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.071, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.107.31"></a><var>107.31</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form.</b> A voter registration application must be of suitable size and <br/>
<a id="pl.107.32"></a><var>107.32</var>weight for mailing and contain spaces for the following required information: voter's first <br/>
<a id="pl.107.33"></a><var>107.33</var>name, middle name, and last name; voter's previous name, if any; voter's current address; <br/>
<a id="pl.107.34"></a><var>107.34</var>voter's previous address, if any; voter's date of birth; voter's municipality and county of <br/>
<a id="pl.107.35"></a><var>107.35</var>residence; voter's telephone number, if provided by the voter; date of registration; current <br/>
<a id="pl.108.1"></a><var>108.1</var>and valid Minnesota driver's license number or Minnesota state identification number, <br/>
<a id="pl.108.2"></a><var>108.2</var>or if the voter has no current and valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state <br/>
<a id="pl.108.3"></a><var>108.3</var>identification, and the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number; and voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.108.4"></a><var>108.4</var>signature. The registration application may include the voter's e-mail address, if provided <br/>
<a id="pl.108.5"></a><var>108.5</var>by the voter, and the voter's interest in serving as an election judge, if indicated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.108.6"></a><var>108.6</var>voter. The application must also contain the following certification of voter eligibility:<br/>
<a id="pl.108.7"></a><var>108.7</var>    "I certify that I:<br/>
<a id="pl.108.8"></a><var>108.8</var>    (1) will be at least 18 years old on election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.9"></a><var>108.9</var>    (2) am a citizen of the United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.10"></a><var>108.10</var>    (3) will have resided in Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding election day;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.11"></a><var>108.11</var>    (4) maintain residence at the address given on the registration form;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.12"></a><var>108.12</var>    (5) am not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes my <br/>
<a id="pl.108.13"></a><var>108.13</var>right to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.14"></a><var>108.14</var>    (6) have not been found by a court to be legally incompetent to vote;<br/>
<a id="pl.108.15"></a><var>108.15</var>    (7) have the right to vote because, if I have been convicted of a felony, my felony <br/>
<a id="pl.108.16"></a><var>108.16</var>sentence has expired (been completed) or I have been discharged from my sentence; and<br/>
<a id="pl.108.17"></a><var>108.17</var>    (8) have read and understand the following statement: that giving false information <br/>
<a id="pl.108.18"></a><var>108.18</var>is a felony punishable by not more than five years imprisonment or a fine of not more <br/>
<a id="pl.108.19"></a><var>108.19</var>than $10,000, or both."<br/>
<a id="pl.108.20"></a><var>108.20</var>    The certification must include boxes for the voter to respond to the following <br/>
<a id="pl.108.21"></a><var>108.21</var>questions:<br/>
<a id="pl.108.22"></a><var>108.22</var>    "(1) Are you a citizen of the United States?" and<br/>
<a id="pl.108.23"></a><var>108.23</var>    "(2) Will you be 18 years old on or before election day?"<br/>
<a id="pl.108.24"></a><var>108.24</var>    And the instruction:<br/>
<a id="pl.108.25"></a><var>108.25</var>    "If you checked 'no' to either of these questions, do not complete this form."<br/>
<a id="pl.108.26"></a><var>108.26</var>    The form of the voter registration application and the certification of voter eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.108.27"></a><var>108.27</var>must be as provided in this subdivision and approved by the secretary of state. Voter <br/>
<a id="pl.108.28"></a><var>108.28</var>registration forms authorized by the National Voter Registration Act must also be accepted <br/>
<a id="pl.108.29"></a><var>108.29</var>as valid. The federal postcard application form must also be accepted as valid if it is not <br/>
<a id="pl.108.30"></a><var>108.30</var>deficient and the voter is eligible to register in Minnesota.<br/>
<a id="pl.108.31"></a><var>108.31</var>    An individual may use a voter registration application to apply to register to vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.108.32"></a><var>108.32</var>Minnesota or to change information on an existing registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.108.33"></a><var>108.33</var>    A paper voter registration application must include space for the voter's signature <br/>
<a id="pl.108.34"></a><var>108.34</var>and be of suitable size and weight for mailing.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.9.0"></a><a id="pl.109.1"></a><var>109.1</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.109.2"></a><var>109.2</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.109.3"></a><var>109.3</var>    Subd. 5a. <b>Registration verification to registered voter.</b> The secretary of state may <br/>
<a id="pl.109.4"></a><var>109.4</var>provide for voter registration verification to a registered voter on the secretary of state's <br/>
<a id="pl.109.5"></a><var>109.5</var>Web site. An individual using the verification service must provide the individual's name, <br/>
<a id="pl.109.6"></a><var>109.6</var>address, and date of birth when requesting registration verification. If the verification <br/>
<a id="pl.109.7"></a><var>109.7</var>information provided completely matches an active registration record in the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.109.8"></a><var>109.8</var>registration system, the individual must be informed that the individual is a registered <br/>
<a id="pl.109.9"></a><var>109.9</var>voter and provided with the individual's polling place location. If the verification <br/>
<a id="pl.109.10"></a><var>109.10</var>information provided does not completely match an active registration record in the <br/>
<a id="pl.109.11"></a><var>109.11</var>statewide registration system, the individual must be informed that a registration record <br/>
<a id="pl.109.12"></a><var>109.12</var>at the name and address provided cannot be retrieved and advised to contact the county <br/>
<a id="pl.109.13"></a><var>109.13</var>auditor or secretary of state for further information.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.10.0"></a><a id="pl.109.14"></a><var>109.14</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 9, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.109.15"></a><var>109.15</var>    Subd. 9. <b>Restricted data.</b> A list provided for public inspection or purchase, for <br/>
<a id="pl.109.16"></a><var>109.16</var>jury selection, or in response to a law enforcement inquiry, must not include a voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.109.17"></a><var>109.17</var>date of birth or any part of a voter's Social Security number, driver's license number, or <br/>
<a id="pl.109.18"></a><var>109.18</var>identification card number, military identification card number, or passport number.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.11.0"></a><a id="pl.109.19"></a><var>109.19</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.12, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.109.20"></a><var>109.20</var><b>201.12 PROPER REGISTRATION; VERIFICATION BY MAIL; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.109.21"></a><var>109.21</var><b>CHALLENGES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.109.22"></a><var>109.22</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Notice of registration.</b> To prevent fraudulent voting and to eliminate <br/>
<a id="pl.109.23"></a><var>109.23</var>excess names, the county auditor may mail to any registered voter a notice stating the <br/>
<a id="pl.109.24"></a><var>109.24</var>voter's name and address as they appear in the registration files. The notice shall request <br/>
<a id="pl.109.25"></a><var>109.25</var>the voter to notify the county auditor if there is any mistake in the information.<br/>
<a id="pl.109.26"></a><var>109.26</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Challenges</b><b> Moved within state</b><b>.</b>  If the notice is returned as undeliverable <br/>
<a id="pl.109.27"></a><var>109.27</var>but with a permanent forwarding address in this state, the county auditor shall notify the <br/>
<a id="pl.109.28"></a><var>109.28</var>auditor of the county where the voter resides. Upon receipt of the notice, the county <br/>
<a id="pl.109.29"></a><var>109.29</var>auditor shall update the voter's address in the statewide voter registration system and mail <br/>
<a id="pl.109.30"></a><var>109.30</var>to the voter the notice of registration required by section 
<statute_ref>201.121, subdivision 2</statute_ref>. The <br/>
<a id="pl.109.31"></a><var>109.31</var>notice must advise the voter that the voter's voting address has been changed and that the <br/>
<a id="pl.109.32"></a><var>109.32</var>voter must notify the county auditor within 21 days if the new address is not what the <br/>
<a id="pl.109.33"></a><var>109.33</var>voter intended to be their permanent address.<br/>
<a id="pl.110.1"></a><var>110.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Moved out of state.</b> If the notice is returned as undeliverable but with a <br/>
<a id="pl.110.2"></a><var>110.2</var>permanent forwarding address outside this state, the county auditor shall promptly mail <br/>
<a id="pl.110.3"></a><var>110.3</var>to the voter at the forwarding address a notice advising the voter that the voter's voter <br/>
<a id="pl.110.4"></a><var>110.4</var>registration in this state will be deleted unless the voter notifies the county auditor within <br/>
<a id="pl.110.5"></a><var>110.5</var>21 days that the voter intends to retain the former address as the voter's permanent address. <br/>
<a id="pl.110.6"></a><var>110.6</var>If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall delete the registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.110.7"></a><var>110.7</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Challenges.</b> Upon return of any nonforwardable mailing from an <br/>
<a id="pl.110.8"></a><var>110.8</var>election official, the county auditor or the auditor's staff shall ascertain the name and <br/>
<a id="pl.110.9"></a><var>110.9</var>address of that individual. If the individual is no longer at the address recorded in the <br/>
<a id="pl.110.10"></a><var>110.10</var>statewide registration system If the notice is returned as undeliverable but with no <br/>
<a id="pl.110.11"></a><var>110.11</var>forwarding address, the county auditor shall change the registrant's status to "challenged" <br/>
<a id="pl.110.12"></a><var>110.12</var>in the statewide registration system. An individual challenged in accordance with this <br/>
<a id="pl.110.13"></a><var>110.13</var>subdivision shall comply with the provisions of section 
         <statute_ref>204C.12</statute_ref>, before being allowed to <br/>
<a id="pl.110.14"></a><var>110.14</var>vote. If a notice mailed at least 60 days after the return of the first nonforwardable mailing <br/>
<a id="pl.110.15"></a><var>110.15</var>is also returned by the postal service, the county auditor shall change the registrant's status <br/>
<a id="pl.110.16"></a><var>110.16</var>to "inactive" in the statewide registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.110.17"></a><var>110.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.12.0"></a><a id="pl.110.18"></a><var>110.18</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.13, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.110.19"></a><var>110.19</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Use of change of address system.</b> The county auditor may delete the <br/>
<a id="pl.110.20"></a><var>110.20</var>records in the statewide registration system of voters whose change of address can be <br/>
<a id="pl.110.21"></a><var>110.21</var>confirmed by the United States Postal Service. The secretary of state may provide the <br/>
<a id="pl.110.22"></a><var>110.22</var>county auditors with periodic reports on voters whose change of address can be confirmed <br/>
<a id="pl.110.23"></a><var>110.23</var>by the United States Postal Service.<br/>
<a id="pl.110.24"></a><var>110.24</var>    (a) At least once each month the secretary of state shall obtain a list of individuals in <br/>
<a id="pl.110.25"></a><var>110.25</var>this state who have filed with the United States Postal Service a change of their permanent <br/>
<a id="pl.110.26"></a><var>110.26</var>address. If an individual is registered as a voter in the statewide voter registration system <br/>
<a id="pl.110.27"></a><var>110.27</var>and the change is to another address in this state, the secretary of state shall transmit <br/>
<a id="pl.110.28"></a><var>110.28</var>the registration by electronic means to the county auditor of the county where the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.110.29"></a><var>110.29</var>resides. Upon receipt of the registration, the county auditor shall update the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.110.30"></a><var>110.30</var>address in the statewide voter registration system and mail to the voter the notice of <br/>
<a id="pl.110.31"></a><var>110.31</var>registration required by section 
<statute_ref>201.121, subdivision 2</statute_ref>. The notice must advise the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.110.32"></a><var>110.32</var>that the voter's permanent address has been changed and that the voter must notify the <br/>
<a id="pl.110.33"></a><var>110.33</var>county auditor within 21 days if the new address is not what the voter intended to be the <br/>
<a id="pl.110.34"></a><var>110.34</var>voter's permanent address.<br/>
<a id="pl.111.1"></a><var>111.1</var>    (b) If the change of permanent address is to a forwarding address outside this state, <br/>
<a id="pl.111.2"></a><var>111.2</var>the secretary of state shall notify by electronic means the auditor of the county where the <br/>
<a id="pl.111.3"></a><var>111.3</var>voter formerly resided that the voter has left the state. The county auditor shall promptly <br/>
<a id="pl.111.4"></a><var>111.4</var>mail to the voter at the forwarding address a notice advising the voter that the voter's voter <br/>
<a id="pl.111.5"></a><var>111.5</var>registration in this state will be deleted unless the voter notifies the county auditor within <br/>
<a id="pl.111.6"></a><var>111.6</var>21 days that the voter intends to retain the former address as the voter's permanent address. <br/>
<a id="pl.111.7"></a><var>111.7</var>If the notice is not received by the deadline, the county auditor shall delete the registration.<br/>
<a id="pl.111.8"></a><var>111.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.13.0"></a><a id="pl.111.9"></a><var>111.9</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.161, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.111.10"></a><var>111.10</var><b>201.161 </b><b>AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION OF </b><b>DRIVER'S LICENSE</b><b>, </b><br/>
<a id="pl.111.11"></a><var>111.11</var><b>INSTRUCTION PERMIT,</b><b> AND IDENTIFICATION CARD </b><b>APPLICATIONS</b><b> </b><br/>
<a id="pl.111.12"></a><var>111.12</var><b>APPLICANTS</b><b>.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.111.13"></a><var>111.13</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Automatic registration.</b> An individual who properly completes <br/>
<a id="pl.111.14"></a><var>111.14</var>an application for a new or renewed Minnesota driver's license, instruction permit, or <br/>
<a id="pl.111.15"></a><var>111.15</var>identification card, and who is eligible to vote under section 
<statute_ref>201.014</statute_ref>, must be registered to <br/>
<a id="pl.111.16"></a><var>111.16</var>vote as provided in this section, unless the applicant declines to be registered.<br/>
<a id="pl.111.17"></a><var>111.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Applications.</b> The Department commissioner of public safety, in <br/>
<a id="pl.111.18"></a><var>111.18</var>consultation with the secretary of state, shall change its the applications for an original, <br/>
<a id="pl.111.19"></a><var>111.19</var>duplicate, or change of address driver's license, instruction permit, or identification card so <br/>
<a id="pl.111.20"></a><var>111.20</var>that the forms may also serve as voter registration applications. The forms must contain <br/>
<a id="pl.111.21"></a><var>111.21</var>spaces for all information collected by voter registration applications prescribed by the <br/>
<a id="pl.111.22"></a><var>111.22</var>secretary of state and a box for the applicant to decline to be registered to vote. Applicants <br/>
<a id="pl.111.23"></a><var>111.23</var>for driver's licenses or identification cards must be asked if they want to register to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.111.24"></a><var>111.24</var>at the same time and that If the applicant has not declined to be registered to vote, the <br/>
<a id="pl.111.25"></a><var>111.25</var>commissioner shall transmit the information must be transmitted at least weekly daily by <br/>
<a id="pl.111.26"></a><var>111.26</var>electronic means to the secretary of state. Pursuant to the Help America Vote Act of 2002, <br/>
<a id="pl.111.27"></a><var>111.27</var>Public Law 107-252, the computerized driver's license record containing the voter's name, <br/>
<a id="pl.111.28"></a><var>111.28</var>address, date of birth, citizenship, driver's license number or state identification number, <br/>
<a id="pl.111.29"></a><var>111.29</var>county, town, and city or town, and signature must be made available for access by the <br/>
<a id="pl.111.30"></a><var>111.30</var>secretary of state and interaction with the statewide voter registration system.<br/>
<a id="pl.111.31"></a><var>111.31</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Registration.</b> (a) The secretary of state shall determine whether the <br/>
<a id="pl.111.32"></a><var>111.32</var>applicant is currently registered in the statewide voter registration system. For each <br/>
<a id="pl.111.33"></a><var>111.33</var>currently registered voter whose registration is not changed, the secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.111.34"></a><var>111.34</var>update the voter's registration date in the statewide voter registration system. For each <br/>
<a id="pl.112.1"></a><var>112.1</var>currently registered voter whose registration is changed, the secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.112.2"></a><var>112.2</var>transmit the registration daily by electronic means to the county auditor of the county <br/>
<a id="pl.112.3"></a><var>112.3</var>where the voter resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.112.4"></a><var>112.4</var>    (b) If the applicant is not currently registered in the statewide voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.112.5"></a><var>112.5</var>system, the secretary of state shall determine whether the applicant is 18 years of age or <br/>
<a id="pl.112.6"></a><var>112.6</var>older and a citizen of the United States and compare the voter registration information <br/>
<a id="pl.112.7"></a><var>112.7</var>received from the commissioner of public safety with the information on wards, <br/>
<a id="pl.112.8"></a><var>112.8</var>incompetents, and felons received from the state court administrator under sections 201.15 <br/>
<a id="pl.112.9"></a><var>112.9</var>and 201.155, to determine whether the applicant is eligible to vote. If an applicant is <br/>
<a id="pl.112.10"></a><var>112.10</var>less than 18 years of age, the secretary of state shall wait until the applicant has turned <br/>
<a id="pl.112.11"></a><var>112.11</var>18 years of age to determine whether the applicant is eligible to vote. For each applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.112.12"></a><var>112.12</var>the secretary of state determines is an eligible voter, the secretary of state shall transmit <br/>
<a id="pl.112.13"></a><var>112.13</var>the registration daily by electronic means to the county auditor of the county where the <br/>
<a id="pl.112.14"></a><var>112.14</var>voter resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.112.15"></a><var>112.15</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Notice.</b> Upon receipt of the registration, the county auditor shall mail to <br/>
<a id="pl.112.16"></a><var>112.16</var>the voter the notice of registration required by section 
<statute_ref>201.121, subdivision 2</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.112.17"></a><var>112.17</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Effective date.</b>  An application for registration that is dated during the 20 <br/>
<a id="pl.112.18"></a><var>112.18</var>days before an election in any jurisdiction within which the voter resides is not effective <br/>
<a id="pl.112.19"></a><var>112.19</var>until the day after the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.14.0"></a><a id="pl.112.20"></a><var>112.20</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.171, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.112.21"></a><var>112.21</var><b>201.171 POSTING VOTING HISTORY; FAILURE TO VOTE; </b><br/>
<a id="pl.112.22"></a><var>112.22</var><b>REGISTRATION REMOVED.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.112.23"></a><var>112.23</var>    Within six weeks after every election, the county auditor shall post the voting <br/>
<a id="pl.112.24"></a><var>112.24</var>history for every person who voted in the election. After the close of the calendar year, the <br/>
<a id="pl.112.25"></a><var>112.25</var>secretary of state shall determine if any registrants have not voted during the preceding <br/>
<a id="pl.112.26"></a><var>112.26</var>four six years. The secretary of state shall perform list maintenance by changing the status <br/>
<a id="pl.112.27"></a><var>112.27</var>of those registrants to "inactive" in the statewide registration system. The list maintenance <br/>
<a id="pl.112.28"></a><var>112.28</var>performed must be conducted in a manner that ensures that the name of each registered <br/>
<a id="pl.112.29"></a><var>112.29</var>voter appears in the official list of eligible voters in the statewide registration system. <br/>
<a id="pl.112.30"></a><var>112.30</var>A voter must not be removed from the official list of eligible voters unless the voter is <br/>
<a id="pl.112.31"></a><var>112.31</var>not eligible or is not registered to vote. List maintenance must include procedures for <br/>
<a id="pl.112.32"></a><var>112.32</var>eliminating duplicate names from the official list of eligible voters.<br/>
<a id="pl.112.33"></a><var>112.33</var>    The secretary of state shall also prepare a report to the county auditor containing the <br/>
<a id="pl.112.34"></a><var>112.34</var>names of all registrants whose status was changed to "inactive."<br/>
<a id="pl.113.1"></a><var>113.1</var>    Registrants whose status was changed to "inactive" must register in the manner <br/>
<a id="pl.113.2"></a><var>113.2</var>specified in section 
         <statute_ref>201.054</statute_ref> before voting in any primary, special primary, general, school <br/>
<a id="pl.113.3"></a><var>113.3</var>district, or special election, as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.018</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.113.4"></a><var>113.4</var>    Although not counted in an election, a late or rejected absentee or mail ballot must <br/>
<a id="pl.113.5"></a><var>113.5</var>be considered a vote for the purpose of continuing registration.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.15.0"></a><a id="pl.113.6"></a><var>113.6</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.02, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.113.7"></a><var>113.7</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Unable to go to polling place</b><b> Eligibility for absentee voting</b><b>.</b> (a) <br/>
<a id="pl.113.8"></a><var>113.8</var>Any eligible voter who reasonably expects to be unable to go to the polling place on <br/>
<a id="pl.113.9"></a><var>113.9</var>election day in the precinct where the individual maintains residence because of absence <br/>
<a id="pl.113.10"></a><var>113.10</var>from the precinct; illness, including isolation or quarantine under sections 
<statute_ref>144.419</statute_ref> <br/>
<a id="pl.113.11"></a><var>113.11</var>to 
<statute_ref>144.4196</statute_ref> or United States Code, title 42, sections 264 to 272; disability; religious <br/>
<a id="pl.113.12"></a><var>113.12</var>discipline; observance of a religious holiday; or service as an election judge in another <br/>
<a id="pl.113.13"></a><var>113.13</var>precinct may vote by absentee ballot as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.15</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.113.14"></a><var>113.14</var>    (b) If the governor has declared an emergency and filed the declaration with the <br/>
<a id="pl.113.15"></a><var>113.15</var>secretary of state under section 
<statute_ref>12.31</statute_ref>, and the declaration states that the emergency has <br/>
<a id="pl.113.16"></a><var>113.16</var>made it difficult for voters to go to the polling place on election day, any voter in a <br/>
<a id="pl.113.17"></a><var>113.17</var>precinct covered by the declaration may vote by absentee ballot as provided in sections <br/>
<a id="pl.113.18"></a><var>113.18</var><statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref> to 
<statute_ref>203B.15</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.113.19"></a><var>113.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.16.0"></a><a id="pl.113.20"></a><var>113.20</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.113.21"></a><var>113.21</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application procedures.</b> Except as otherwise allowed by <br/>
<a id="pl.113.22"></a><var>113.22</var>subdivision 2, an application for absentee ballots for any election may be submitted at <br/>
<a id="pl.113.23"></a><var>113.23</var>any time not less than one day before the day of that election. The county auditor shall <br/>
<a id="pl.113.24"></a><var>113.24</var>prepare absentee ballot application forms in the format provided by the secretary of state, <br/>
<a id="pl.113.25"></a><var>113.25</var>notwithstanding rules on absentee ballot forms, and shall furnish them to any person on <br/>
<a id="pl.113.26"></a><var>113.26</var>request. By January 1 of each even-numbered year, the secretary of state shall make the <br/>
<a id="pl.113.27"></a><var>113.27</var>forms to be used available to auditors through electronic means. An application submitted <br/>
<a id="pl.113.28"></a><var>113.28</var>pursuant to this subdivision shall be in writing and shall be submitted to:<br/>
<a id="pl.113.29"></a><var>113.29</var>    (a) (1) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or<br/>
<a id="pl.113.30"></a><var>113.30</var>    (b) (2) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where <br/>
<a id="pl.113.31"></a><var>113.31</var>the applicant maintains residence.<br/>
<a id="pl.113.32"></a><var>113.32</var>    An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.113.33"></a><var>113.33</var>applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, and states <br/>
<a id="pl.113.34"></a><var>113.34</var>that the applicant is eligible to vote by absentee ballot for one of the reasons specified in <br/>
<a id="pl.114.1"></a><var>114.1</var>section 
<statute_ref>203B.02</statute_ref>. The application may contain a request for the voter's date of birth, which <br/>
<a id="pl.114.2"></a><var>114.2</var>must not be made available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.114.3"></a><var>114.3</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application <br/>
<a id="pl.114.4"></a><var>114.4</var>mailed or returned in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.114.5"></a><var>114.5</var>by a person other than the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to <br/>
<a id="pl.114.6"></a><var>114.6</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.114.7"></a><var>114.7</var>and no later than six days before the election. The absentee ballot applications or a list of <br/>
<a id="pl.114.8"></a><var>114.8</var>persons applying for an absentee ballot may not be made available for public inspection <br/>
<a id="pl.114.9"></a><var>114.9</var>until the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.114.10"></a><var>114.10</var>    An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.114.11"></a><var>114.11</var>5 to automatically receive an absentee ballot application.<br/>
<a id="pl.114.12"></a><var>114.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.17.0"></a><a id="pl.114.13"></a><var>114.13</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 6, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.114.14"></a><var>114.14</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Ongoing absentee status; termination</b><b>; rules</b><b>.</b> (a) An eligible voter <br/>
<a id="pl.114.15"></a><var>114.15</var>may apply to a county auditor or municipal clerk for status as an ongoing absentee voter <br/>
<a id="pl.114.16"></a><var>114.16</var>who reasonably expects to meet the requirements of section 
<statute_ref>203B.02, subdivision 1</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.114.17"></a><var>114.17</var>The voter may decline to receive an absentee ballot for one or more elections, provided <br/>
<a id="pl.114.18"></a><var>114.18</var>the request is received by the county auditor or municipal clerk at least five days before <br/>
<a id="pl.114.19"></a><var>114.19</var>the deadline in section 204B.35 for delivering ballots for the election to which it applies. <br/>
<a id="pl.114.20"></a><var>114.20</var>Each applicant must automatically be provided with an absentee ballot application for <br/>
<a id="pl.114.21"></a><var>114.21</var>each ensuing election, other than an election by mail conducted under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.45</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.114.22"></a><var>114.22</var>or as otherwise requested by the voter, and must have the status of ongoing absentee voter <br/>
<a id="pl.114.23"></a><var>114.23</var>indicated on the voter's registration record.<br/>
<a id="pl.114.24"></a><var>114.24</var>    (b) Ongoing absentee voter status ends on:<br/>
<a id="pl.114.25"></a><var>114.25</var>    (1) the voter's written request;<br/>
<a id="pl.114.26"></a><var>114.26</var>    (2) the voter's death;<br/>
<a id="pl.114.27"></a><var>114.27</var>    (3) return of an ongoing absentee ballot as undeliverable;<br/>
<a id="pl.114.28"></a><var>114.28</var>    (4) a change in the voter's status so that the voter is not eligible to vote under section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.114.29"></a><var>114.29</var>201.15
         </statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>201.155</statute_ref>; or<br/>
<a id="pl.114.30"></a><var>114.30</var>    (5) placement of the voter's registration on inactive status under section 
         <statute_ref>201.171</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.114.31"></a><var>114.31</var>    (c) The secretary of state shall adopt rules governing procedures under this <br/>
<a id="pl.114.32"></a><var>114.32</var>subdivision.<br/>
<a id="pl.114.33"></a><var>114.33</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.18.0"></a><a id="pl.115.1"></a><var>115.1</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.06, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.115.2"></a><var>115.2</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Delivery of ballots.</b> (a) If an application for absentee ballots is accepted <br/>
<a id="pl.115.3"></a><var>115.3</var>at a time when absentee ballots are not yet available for distribution, the county auditor, <br/>
<a id="pl.115.4"></a><var>115.4</var>or municipal clerk accepting the application shall file it and as soon as absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.115.5"></a><var>115.5</var>are available for distribution shall mail them to the address specified in the application. <br/>
<a id="pl.115.6"></a><var>115.6</var>If an application for absentee ballots is accepted when absentee ballots are available for <br/>
<a id="pl.115.7"></a><var>115.7</var>distribution, the county auditor or municipal clerk accepting the application shall promptly:<br/>
<a id="pl.115.8"></a><var>115.8</var>    (1) mail the ballots to the voter whose signature appears on the application if the <br/>
<a id="pl.115.9"></a><var>115.9</var>application is submitted by mail and does not request commercial shipping under clause <br/>
<a id="pl.115.10"></a><var>115.10</var>(2);<br/>
<a id="pl.115.11"></a><var>115.11</var>    (2) ship the ballots to the voter using a commercial shipper requested by the voter at <br/>
<a id="pl.115.12"></a><var>115.12</var>the voter's expense;<br/>
<a id="pl.115.13"></a><var>115.13</var>    (3) deliver the absentee ballots directly to the voter if the application is submitted in <br/>
<a id="pl.115.14"></a><var>115.14</var>person; or<br/>
<a id="pl.115.15"></a><var>115.15</var>    (4) deliver the absentee ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope to an agent who has <br/>
<a id="pl.115.16"></a><var>115.16</var>been designated to bring the ballots, as provided in section 203B.11, subdivision 4, to a <br/>
<a id="pl.115.17"></a><var>115.17</var>voter who is would have difficulty getting to the polls because of health reasons, or who is <br/>
<a id="pl.115.18"></a><var>115.18</var>disabled, a patient in a health care facility, as provided in section 
<statute_ref>203B.11, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.115.19"></a><var>115.19</var>4
</statute_ref>, a resident of a facility providing assisted living services governed by chapter 144G, a <br/>
<a id="pl.115.20"></a><var>115.20</var>participant in a residential program for adults licensed under section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.115.21"></a><var>115.21</var>14
         </statute_ref>, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.115.22"></a><var>115.22</var>4
         </statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.115.23"></a><var>115.23</var>    (b) If an application does not indicate the election for which absentee ballots are <br/>
<a id="pl.115.24"></a><var>115.24</var>sought, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall mail or deliver only the ballots for <br/>
<a id="pl.115.25"></a><var>115.25</var>the next election occurring after receipt of the application. Only one set of ballots may <br/>
<a id="pl.115.26"></a><var>115.26</var>be mailed, shipped, or delivered to an applicant for any election, except as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.115.27"></a><var>115.27</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.13, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, or when a replacement ballot has been requested by the <br/>
<a id="pl.115.28"></a><var>115.28</var>voter for a ballot that has been spoiled or lost in transit. <br/>
<a id="pl.115.29"></a><var>115.29</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.19.0"></a><a id="pl.115.30"></a><var>115.30</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.07, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.115.31"></a><var>115.31</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Design of envelopes.</b> The return envelope shall be of sufficient size <br/>
<a id="pl.115.32"></a><var>115.32</var>to conveniently enclose and contain the ballot envelope and a voter registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.115.33"></a><var>115.33</var>application folded along its perforations. The return envelope shall be designed to open <br/>
<a id="pl.115.34"></a><var>115.34</var>on the left-hand end. Notwithstanding any rule to the contrary, the return envelope must <br/>
<a id="pl.115.35"></a><var>115.35</var>be designed in one of the following ways:<br/>
<a id="pl.116.1"></a><var>116.1</var>    (1) it must be of sufficient size to contain an additional envelope that when sealed, <br/>
<a id="pl.116.2"></a><var>116.2</var>conceals the signature, identification, and other information; or<br/>
<a id="pl.116.3"></a><var>116.3</var>    (2) it must provide an additional flap that when sealed, conceals the signature, <br/>
<a id="pl.116.4"></a><var>116.4</var>identification, and other information. Election officials may open the flap or the additional <br/>
<a id="pl.116.5"></a><var>116.5</var>envelope at any time after receiving the returned ballot to inspect the returned certificate <br/>
<a id="pl.116.6"></a><var>116.6</var>for completeness or to ascertain other information. A certificate of eligibility to vote by <br/>
<a id="pl.116.7"></a><var>116.7</var>absentee ballot shall be printed on the back of the envelope. The certificate shall contain <br/>
<a id="pl.116.8"></a><var>116.8</var>a statement to be signed and sworn by the voter indicating that the voter meets all of <br/>
<a id="pl.116.9"></a><var>116.9</var>the requirements established by law for voting by absentee ballot. If the voter was not <br/>
<a id="pl.116.10"></a><var>116.10</var>previously registered, the certificate shall also contain a statement signed by a person who <br/>
<a id="pl.116.11"></a><var>116.11</var>is registered to vote in Minnesota or by a notary public or other individual authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.116.12"></a><var>116.12</var>to administer oaths stating that:<br/>
<a id="pl.116.13"></a><var>116.13</var>    (a) (i) the ballots were displayed to that individual unmarked;<br/>
<a id="pl.116.14"></a><var>116.14</var>    (b) (ii) the voter marked the ballots in that individual's presence without showing <br/>
<a id="pl.116.15"></a><var>116.15</var>how they were marked, or, if the voter was physically unable to mark them, that the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.116.16"></a><var>116.16</var>directed another individual to mark them; and<br/>
<a id="pl.116.17"></a><var>116.17</var>    (c) if the voter was not previously registered, (iii) the voter has provided proof of <br/>
<a id="pl.116.18"></a><var>116.18</var>residence as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 3</statute_ref>.<br/>
<a id="pl.116.19"></a><var>116.19</var>    The county auditor or municipal clerk shall affix first class postage to the return <br/>
<a id="pl.116.20"></a><var>116.20</var>envelopes.<br/>
<a id="pl.116.21"></a><var>116.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.20.0"></a><a id="pl.116.22"></a><var>116.22</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.116.23"></a><var>116.23</var><b>203B.081 LOCATIONS FOR ABSENTEE VOTING IN PERSON.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.116.24"></a><var>116.24</var>    An eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot during the 30 days before the election <br/>
<a id="pl.116.25"></a><var>116.25</var>in the office of the county auditor and at any other polling place designated by the county <br/>
<a id="pl.116.26"></a><var>116.26</var>auditor. The county auditor shall make such designations at least 90 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.116.27"></a><var>116.27</var>election. At least one voting booth and at least one electronic ballot marker in each polling <br/>
<a id="pl.116.28"></a><var>116.28</var>place must be made available by the county auditor for this purpose.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.21.0"></a><a id="pl.116.29"></a><var>116.29</var>    Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.11, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.116.30"></a><var>116.30</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Agent delivery of ballots.</b> During the four seven days preceding an <br/>
<a id="pl.116.31"></a><var>116.31</var>election and until 2:00 p.m. on election day, an eligible voter who is would have difficulty <br/>
<a id="pl.116.32"></a><var>116.32</var>getting to the polls because of health reasons, or who is disabled, a patient of a health care <br/>
<a id="pl.116.33"></a><var>116.33</var>facility, a resident of a facility providing assisted living services governed by chapter <br/>
<a id="pl.117.1"></a><var>117.1</var>144G, a participant in a residential program for adults licensed under section 
         <statute_ref>245A.02</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.117.2"></a><var>117.2</var>subdivision 14, or a resident of a shelter for battered women as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>611A.37</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.117.3"></a><var>117.3</var>subdivision 4, may designate an agent to deliver the ballots to the voter from the county <br/>
<a id="pl.117.4"></a><var>117.4</var>auditor or municipal clerk. A candidate at the election may not be designated as an agent. <br/>
<a id="pl.117.5"></a><var>117.5</var>The voted ballots must be returned to the county auditor or municipal clerk no later than <br/>
<a id="pl.117.6"></a><var>117.6</var>3:00 p.m. on election day. The voter must complete an affidavit requesting the auditor or <br/>
<a id="pl.117.7"></a><var>117.7</var>clerk to provide the agent with the ballots in a sealed transmittal envelope. The affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.117.8"></a><var>117.8</var>must include a statement from the voter stating that the ballots were delivered to the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.117.9"></a><var>117.9</var>by the agent in the sealed transmittal envelope. An agent may deliver ballots to no more <br/>
<a id="pl.117.10"></a><var>117.10</var>than three persons in any election. The secretary of state shall provide samples of the <br/>
<a id="pl.117.11"></a><var>117.11</var>affidavit and transmission envelope for use by the county auditors.<br/>
<a id="pl.117.12"></a><var>117.12</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.22.0"></a><a id="pl.117.13"></a><var>117.13</var>    Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.12, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.117.14"></a><var>117.14</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Placement in container; opening and counting of ballots.</b> The ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.117.15"></a><var>117.15</var>envelopes from return envelopes marked "Accepted" shall be placed by the election <br/>
<a id="pl.117.16"></a><var>117.16</var>judges in a separate absentee ballot container. The container and each ballot envelope may <br/>
<a id="pl.117.17"></a><var>117.17</var>be opened only after the last regular mail delivery by the United States postal service <br/>
<a id="pl.117.18"></a><var>117.18</var>noon on election day. The ballots shall then be initialed by the election judges in the <br/>
<a id="pl.117.19"></a><var>117.19</var>same manner as ballots delivered by them to voters in person and shall be deposited in <br/>
<a id="pl.117.20"></a><var>117.20</var>the appropriate ballot box.<br/>
<a id="pl.117.21"></a><var>117.21</var>    If more than one ballot of any kind is enclosed in the ballot envelope, none of the <br/>
<a id="pl.117.22"></a><var>117.22</var>ballots of that kind shall be counted but all ballots of that kind shall be returned in the <br/>
<a id="pl.117.23"></a><var>117.23</var>manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>204C.25</statute_ref> for return of spoiled ballots. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.23.0"></a><a id="pl.117.24"></a><var>117.24</var>    Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.117.25"></a><var>117.25</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Establishment.</b> The governing body of any county that has <br/>
<a id="pl.117.26"></a><var>117.26</var>established a counting center as provided in section 
<statute_ref>206.85, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, any <br/>
<a id="pl.117.27"></a><var>117.27</var>municipality, or any school district may by ordinance or resolution, authorize an absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.117.28"></a><var>117.28</var>ballot board. The board shall consist of a sufficient number of election judges appointed as <br/>
<a id="pl.117.29"></a><var>117.29</var>provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>204B.22</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.24.0"></a><a id="pl.117.30"></a><var>117.30</var>    Sec. 24. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.13, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.117.31"></a><var>117.31</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Duties.</b> The absentee ballot board may do any of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.117.32"></a><var>117.32</var>    (a) receive from each precinct in the municipality or school district all ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.117.33"></a><var>117.33</var>envelopes marked "Accepted" by the election judges; provided that the governing body of <br/>
<a id="pl.118.1"></a><var>118.1</var>a municipality or the school board of a school district may authorize the board to examine <br/>
<a id="pl.118.2"></a><var>118.2</var>all return absentee ballot envelopes and receive accept or reject absentee ballots in the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.3"></a><var>118.3</var>manner provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.12</statute_ref>;. <br/>
<a id="pl.118.4"></a><var>118.4</var>    (b) open and count the absentee ballots, tabulating the vote in a manner that indicates <br/>
<a id="pl.118.5"></a><var>118.5</var>each vote of the absentee voter and the total absentee vote cast for each candidate or <br/>
<a id="pl.118.6"></a><var>118.6</var>question in each precinct; or<br/>
<a id="pl.118.7"></a><var>118.7</var>    (c) report the vote totals tabulated for each precinct.<br/>
<a id="pl.118.8"></a><var>118.8</var>    The absentee ballot board may begin the process of examining the return envelopes <br/>
<a id="pl.118.9"></a><var>118.9</var>and marking them "accepted" or "rejected" at any time during the 30 days before the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.10"></a><var>118.10</var>election. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.11"></a><var>118.11</var>ballots in the envelope must be considered spoiled ballots and the official in charge of the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.12"></a><var>118.12</var>absentee ballot board shall provide the voter with a replacement absentee ballot and return <br/>
<a id="pl.118.13"></a><var>118.13</var>envelope in place of the spoiled ballot. The secretary of state shall provide samples of the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.14"></a><var>118.14</var>replacement ballot and return envelope for use by the county auditor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.25.0"></a><a id="pl.118.15"></a><var>118.15</var>    Sec. 25. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.16, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.118.16"></a><var>118.16</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Permanent residence outside United States.</b> Sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.118.17"></a><var>118.17</var>203B.27
         </statute_ref> provide the exclusive voting procedure for United States citizens who are <br/>
<a id="pl.118.18"></a><var>118.18</var>living permanently outside the territorial limits of the United States who meet all the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.19"></a><var>118.19</var>qualifications of an eligible voter except residence in Minnesota, but who are authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.118.20"></a><var>118.20</var>by federal law to vote in Minnesota because they maintained residence in Minnesota for <br/>
<a id="pl.118.21"></a><var>118.21</var>at least 20 days immediately prior to their departure from the United States or because, <br/>
<a id="pl.118.22"></a><var>118.22</var>although they have never resided in the United States, they have a parent who is eligible to <br/>
<a id="pl.118.23"></a><var>118.23</var>vote in Minnesota. Individuals described in this subdivision shall be permitted to vote <br/>
<a id="pl.118.24"></a><var>118.24</var>only for the offices of president, vice-president, senator in Congress, and representative in <br/>
<a id="pl.118.25"></a><var>118.25</var>Congress. <br/>
<a id="pl.118.26"></a><var>118.26</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.26.0"></a><a id="pl.118.27"></a><var>118.27</var>    Sec. 26. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.17, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.118.28"></a><var>118.28</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Required information.</b> An application shall be accepted if it contains the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.29"></a><var>118.29</var>following information stated under oath:<br/>
<a id="pl.118.30"></a><var>118.30</var>    (a) the voter's name, birthdate, and present address of residence in Minnesota, or <br/>
<a id="pl.118.31"></a><var>118.31</var>former address of residence in Minnesota if the voter is living permanently outside the <br/>
<a id="pl.118.32"></a><var>118.32</var>United States;<br/>
<a id="pl.118.33"></a><var>118.33</var>    (b) a statement indicating that the voter is in the military, or is the spouse or <br/>
<a id="pl.118.34"></a><var>118.34</var>dependent of an individual serving in the military, or is temporarily outside the territorial <br/>
<a id="pl.119.1"></a><var>119.1</var>limits of the United States, or is living permanently outside the territorial limits of the <br/>
<a id="pl.119.2"></a><var>119.2</var>United States and voting under federal law;<br/>
<a id="pl.119.3"></a><var>119.3</var>    (c) a statement that the voter expects to be absent from the precinct at the time <br/>
<a id="pl.119.4"></a><var>119.4</var>of the election;<br/>
<a id="pl.119.5"></a><var>119.5</var>    (d) the address to which absentee ballots are to be mailed;<br/>
<a id="pl.119.6"></a><var>119.6</var>    (e) the voter's signature or the signature and relationship of the individual authorized <br/>
<a id="pl.119.7"></a><var>119.7</var>to apply on the voter's behalf; and<br/>
<a id="pl.119.8"></a><var>119.8</var>    (f) the voter's military identification card number, passport number, or Minnesota <br/>
<a id="pl.119.9"></a><var>119.9</var>driver's license or state identification card number,; if the voter does not have a valid <br/>
<a id="pl.119.10"></a><var>119.10</var>passport or identification card, the signed statement of an individual authorized to <br/>
<a id="pl.119.11"></a><var>119.11</var>administer oaths or a commissioned or noncommissioned officer of the military not <br/>
<a id="pl.119.12"></a><var>119.12</var>below the rank of sergeant or its equivalent, certifying that the voter or other individual <br/>
<a id="pl.119.13"></a><var>119.13</var>requesting absentee ballots has attested to the truthfulness of the contents of the application <br/>
<a id="pl.119.14"></a><var>119.14</var>under oath.<br/>
<a id="pl.119.15"></a><var>119.15</var>    The oath taken must be the standard oath prescribed by section 101(b)(7) of the <br/>
<a id="pl.119.16"></a><var>119.16</var>Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.<br/>
<a id="pl.119.17"></a><var>119.17</var>    A form for providing this information shall be prepared by each county auditor and <br/>
<a id="pl.119.18"></a><var>119.18</var>shall be furnished to individuals who request it pursuant to this section. access to any of <br/>
<a id="pl.119.19"></a><var>119.19</var>these documents, the voter may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of the application <br/>
<a id="pl.119.20"></a><var>119.20</var>under penalty of perjury.<br/>
<a id="pl.119.21"></a><var>119.21</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.27.0"></a><a id="pl.119.22"></a><var>119.22</var>    Sec. 27. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.119.23"></a><var>119.23</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Mailing of ballots; return.</b> Ballots and instructions for marking them, <br/>
<a id="pl.119.24"></a><var>119.24</var>ballot envelopes, and return envelopes shall be sent by first class mail to addresses within <br/>
<a id="pl.119.25"></a><var>119.25</var>the continental United States and by air mail to addresses outside the continental United <br/>
<a id="pl.119.26"></a><var>119.26</var>States, unless the voter requests to have the ballot, instructions, and certificate of voter <br/>
<a id="pl.119.27"></a><var>119.27</var>eligibility sent electronically, as provided for by section 203B.225. The ballot envelope <br/>
<a id="pl.119.28"></a><var>119.28</var>and return envelope shall be marked "Official Ballot," and shall contain sufficient postage <br/>
<a id="pl.119.29"></a><var>119.29</var>to assure proper return delivery. The return envelope shall be addressed to comply with any <br/>
<a id="pl.119.30"></a><var>119.30</var>method for return of absentee ballots as authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.08, subdivision 2</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.119.31"></a><var>119.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.28.0"></a><a id="pl.119.32"></a><var>119.32</var>    Sec. 28. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.120.1"></a><var>120.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Back of return envelope.</b> On the back of the return envelope an affidavit <br/>
<a id="pl.120.2"></a><var>120.2</var>form shall appear with space for:<br/>
<a id="pl.120.3"></a><var>120.3</var>    (a) the voter's address of present or former residence in Minnesota;<br/>
<a id="pl.120.4"></a><var>120.4</var>    (b) a statement indicating the category described in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to which the <br/>
<a id="pl.120.5"></a><var>120.5</var>voter belongs;<br/>
<a id="pl.120.6"></a><var>120.6</var>    (c) a statement that the voter has not cast and will not cast another absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.120.7"></a><var>120.7</var>in the same election or elections;<br/>
<a id="pl.120.8"></a><var>120.8</var>    (d) a statement that the voter personally marked the ballots without showing them to <br/>
<a id="pl.120.9"></a><var>120.9</var>anyone, or if physically unable to mark them, that the voter directed another individual <br/>
<a id="pl.120.10"></a><var>120.10</var>to mark them; and<br/>
<a id="pl.120.11"></a><var>120.11</var>    (e) the same voter's military identification card number, passport number, or <br/>
<a id="pl.120.12"></a><var>120.12</var>Minnesota driver's license or state identification card number as provided on the absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.120.13"></a><var>120.13</var>ballot application,; if the voter does not have a valid passport or identification card, <br/>
<a id="pl.120.14"></a><var>120.14</var>the signature and certification of an individual authorized to administer oaths under <br/>
<a id="pl.120.15"></a><var>120.15</var>federal law or the law of the place where the oath was administered or commissioned or <br/>
<a id="pl.120.16"></a><var>120.16</var>noncommissioned personnel of the military not below the rank of sergeant or its equivalent <br/>
<a id="pl.120.17"></a><var>120.17</var>access to any of these documents, the voter may attest to the truthfulness of the contents of <br/>
<a id="pl.120.18"></a><var>120.18</var>the application under penalty of perjury.<br/>
<a id="pl.120.19"></a><var>120.19</var>    The affidavit shall also contain a signed and dated oath in the form required by <br/>
<a id="pl.120.20"></a><var>120.20</var>section 705 of the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252, which must read:<br/>
<a id="pl.120.21"></a><var>120.21</var>    "I swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that:<br/>
<a id="pl.120.22"></a><var>120.22</var>    I am a member of the uniformed services or merchant marine on active duty or <br/>
<a id="pl.120.23"></a><var>120.23</var>an eligible spouse or dependent of such a member; a United States citizen temporarily <br/>
<a id="pl.120.24"></a><var>120.24</var>residing outside the United States; or other United States citizen residing outside the <br/>
<a id="pl.120.25"></a><var>120.25</var>United States; and I am a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age (or will be by the <br/>
<a id="pl.120.26"></a><var>120.26</var>date of the election), and I am eligible to vote in the requested jurisdiction; I have not <br/>
<a id="pl.120.27"></a><var>120.27</var>been convicted of a felony, or other disqualifying offense, or been adjudicated mentally <br/>
<a id="pl.120.28"></a><var>120.28</var>incompetent, or, if so, my voting rights have been reinstated; and I am not registering, <br/>
<a id="pl.120.29"></a><var>120.29</var>requesting a ballot, or voting in any other jurisdiction in the United States except the <br/>
<a id="pl.120.30"></a><var>120.30</var>jurisdiction cited in this voting form. In voting, I have marked and sealed my ballot in <br/>
<a id="pl.120.31"></a><var>120.31</var>private and have not allowed any person to observe the marking of the ballot, except for <br/>
<a id="pl.120.32"></a><var>120.32</var>those authorized to assist voters under state or federal law. I have not been influenced.<br/>
<a id="pl.120.33"></a><var>120.33</var>    My signature and date below indicate when I completed this document.<br/>
<a id="pl.120.34"></a><var>120.34</var>    The information on this form is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my <br/>
<a id="pl.120.35"></a><var>120.35</var>knowledge. I understand that a material misstatement of fact in completion of this <br/>
<a id="pl.120.36"></a><var>120.36</var>document may constitute grounds for a conviction for perjury."<br/>
<a id="pl.121.1"></a><var>121.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.29.0"></a><a id="pl.121.2"></a><var>121.2</var>    Sec. 29. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.22, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.121.3"></a><var>121.3</var><b>203B.22 MAILING BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.121.4"></a><var>121.4</var>    The county auditor shall mail the appropriate ballots, as promptly as possible, to an <br/>
<a id="pl.121.5"></a><var>121.5</var>absent voter whose application has been recorded under section 
         <statute_ref>203B.19</statute_ref>. If the county <br/>
<a id="pl.121.6"></a><var>121.6</var>auditor determines that a voter is not eligible to vote at the primary but will be eligible to <br/>
<a id="pl.121.7"></a><var>121.7</var>vote at the general election, only general election ballots shall be mailed. Only one set of <br/>
<a id="pl.121.8"></a><var>121.8</var>ballots shall be mailed to any applicant for any election, except that the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.121.9"></a><var>121.9</var>may mail a replacement ballot to a voter whose ballot has been spoiled or lost in transit <br/>
<a id="pl.121.10"></a><var>121.10</var>or whose mailing address has changed after the date on which the original application <br/>
<a id="pl.121.11"></a><var>121.11</var>was submitted as confirmed by the county auditor. Ballots to be sent outside the United <br/>
<a id="pl.121.12"></a><var>121.12</var>States shall be given priority in mailing. A county auditor may make use of any special <br/>
<a id="pl.121.13"></a><var>121.13</var>service provided by the United States government for the mailing of voting materials <br/>
<a id="pl.121.14"></a><var>121.14</var>under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.121.15"></a><var>121.15</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.30.0"></a><a id="pl.121.16"></a><var>121.16</var>    Sec. 30. <b>[203B.225] TRANSMITTING AND RETURNING BALLOTS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.121.17"></a><var>121.17</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Transmitting ballot and voter certification.</b> Upon receipt of a <br/>
<a id="pl.121.18"></a><var>121.18</var>properly completed application, the county auditor may electronically transmit to the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.121.19"></a><var>121.19</var>the appropriate ballots, instructions, and affidavit form and certification of voter eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.121.20"></a><var>121.20</var>provided in section 203B.21, subdivision 3.<br/>
<a id="pl.121.21"></a><var>121.21</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Returning voted ballots.</b> The voter must return the voted ballots and the <br/>
<a id="pl.121.22"></a><var>121.22</var>certificate of voter eligibility to the county auditor in a sealed envelope. Upon receipt <br/>
<a id="pl.121.23"></a><var>121.23</var>of a ballot, the county auditor must immediately compare the information provided on <br/>
<a id="pl.121.24"></a><var>121.24</var>the absentee ballot application with the information provided on the certificate of voter <br/>
<a id="pl.121.25"></a><var>121.25</var>eligibility. After the information on the certificate of voter eligibility has been verified, <br/>
<a id="pl.121.26"></a><var>121.26</var>the certificate must be attached to the ballot secrecy envelope and placed with the other <br/>
<a id="pl.121.27"></a><var>121.27</var>absentee ballots for the precinct in which the voter resides.<br/>
<a id="pl.121.28"></a><var>121.28</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Rejecting transmitted ballots.</b> If the county auditor cannot verify that the <br/>
<a id="pl.121.29"></a><var>121.29</var>ballots were returned by the same person to whom the absentee ballot application was <br/>
<a id="pl.121.30"></a><var>121.30</var>transmitted, the ballots must be rejected and no votes on the ballots may be counted.<br/>
<a id="pl.121.31"></a><var>121.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.31.0"></a><a id="pl.121.32"></a><var>121.32</var>    Sec. 31. <b>[203B.227] WRITE-IN ABSENTEE BALLOT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.122.1"></a><var>122.1</var>    An eligible voter who will be outside the territorial limits of the United States during <br/>
<a id="pl.122.2"></a><var>122.2</var>the 180 days prior to the state general election may use the federal write-in absentee ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.122.3"></a><var>122.3</var>to vote in any federal, state, or local election.<br/>
<a id="pl.122.4"></a><var>122.4</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.32.0"></a><a id="pl.122.5"></a><var>122.5</var>    Sec. 32. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.24, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.122.6"></a><var>122.6</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Check of voter eligibility; proper execution of affidavit.</b> Upon <br/>
<a id="pl.122.7"></a><var>122.7</var>receipt of an absentee ballot returned as provided in sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>, the <br/>
<a id="pl.122.8"></a><var>122.8</var>election judges shall compare the voter's name with the names appearing on their copy of <br/>
<a id="pl.122.9"></a><var>122.9</var>the application records to insure that the ballot is from a voter eligible to cast an absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.122.10"></a><var>122.10</var>ballot under sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>. The election judges shall mark the return <br/>
<a id="pl.122.11"></a><var>122.11</var>envelope "Accepted" and initial or sign the return envelope below the word "Accepted" if <br/>
<a id="pl.122.12"></a><var>122.12</var>the election judges are satisfied that:<br/>
<a id="pl.122.13"></a><var>122.13</var>    (1) the voter's name on the return envelope appears in substantially the same form as <br/>
<a id="pl.122.14"></a><var>122.14</var>on the application records provided to the election judges by the county auditor;<br/>
<a id="pl.122.15"></a><var>122.15</var>    (2) the voter has signed the federal oath prescribed pursuant to section 705(b)(2) of <br/>
<a id="pl.122.16"></a><var>122.16</var>the Help America Vote Act, Public Law 107-252;<br/>
<a id="pl.122.17"></a><var>122.17</var>    (3) the voter has set forth the same voter's military identification number or, passport <br/>
<a id="pl.122.18"></a><var>122.18</var>number, or, if those numbers do not appear, a person authorized to administer oaths under <br/>
<a id="pl.122.19"></a><var>122.19</var>federal law or the law of the place where the oath was administered or a witness who is <br/>
<a id="pl.122.20"></a><var>122.20</var>military personnel with a rank at or above the rank of sergeant or its equivalent has signed <br/>
<a id="pl.122.21"></a><var>122.21</var>the ballot Minnesota driver's license or state identification card number as submitted on <br/>
<a id="pl.122.22"></a><var>122.22</var>the application, if the voter has one of these documents; and<br/>
<a id="pl.122.23"></a><var>122.23</var>    (4) the voter has not already voted at that election, either in person or by absentee <br/>
<a id="pl.122.24"></a><var>122.24</var>ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.122.25"></a><var>122.25</var>    An absentee ballot case pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref> may only be <br/>
<a id="pl.122.26"></a><var>122.26</var>rejected for the lack of one of clauses (1) to (4). In particular, failure to place the ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.122.27"></a><var>122.27</var>within the security envelope before placing it in the outer white envelope is not a reason to <br/>
<a id="pl.122.28"></a><var>122.28</var>reject an absentee ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.122.29"></a><var>122.29</var>    Election judges must note the reason for rejection on the back of the envelope in the <br/>
<a id="pl.122.30"></a><var>122.30</var>space provided for that purpose.<br/>
<a id="pl.122.31"></a><var>122.31</var>    Failure to return unused ballots shall not invalidate a marked ballot, but a ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.122.32"></a><var>122.32</var>shall not be counted if the affidavit on the return envelope is not properly executed. In <br/>
<a id="pl.122.33"></a><var>122.33</var>all other respects the provisions of the Minnesota Election Law governing deposit and <br/>
<a id="pl.122.34"></a><var>122.34</var>counting of ballots shall apply.<br/>
<a id="pl.123.1"></a><var>123.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective for elections held after April 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.33.0"></a><a id="pl.123.2"></a><var>123.2</var>    Sec. 33. <b>[203B.28] EMERGENCY POWERS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.123.3"></a><var>123.3</var>    (a) If the governor has declared an emergency and filed the declaration with the <br/>
<a id="pl.123.4"></a><var>123.4</var>secretary of state under section 12.31, or if a natural disaster or armed conflict involving <br/>
<a id="pl.123.5"></a><var>123.5</var>the United States Armed Forces, or mobilization of those forces, including National Guard <br/>
<a id="pl.123.6"></a><var>123.6</var>and reserve components of this state, makes substantial compliance with the Uniformed <br/>
<a id="pl.123.7"></a><var>123.7</var>and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act impossible or unreasonable, the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.123.8"></a><var>123.8</var>state may prescribe, by emergency orders, special procedures or requirements necessary to <br/>
<a id="pl.123.9"></a><var>123.9</var>facilitate absentee voting by those citizens directly affected who otherwise are eligible <br/>
<a id="pl.123.10"></a><var>123.10</var>to vote in this state.<br/>
<a id="pl.123.11"></a><var>123.11</var>    (b) The secretary of state shall adopt rules describing the emergency powers and the <br/>
<a id="pl.123.12"></a><var>123.12</var>situations in which the powers must be exercised.<br/>
<a id="pl.123.13"></a><var>123.13</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>Paragraph (a) is effective for elections held after April 1, <br/>
<a id="pl.123.14"></a><var>123.14</var>2008. Paragraph (b) is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.34.0"></a><a id="pl.123.15"></a><var>123.15</var>    Sec. 34. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.123.16"></a><var>123.16</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Form of affidavit.</b> An affidavit of candidacy shall state the name of <br/>
<a id="pl.123.17"></a><var>123.17</var>the office sought and, except as provided in subdivision 4, shall state that the candidate:<br/>
<a id="pl.123.18"></a><var>123.18</var>    (1) is an eligible voter;<br/>
<a id="pl.123.19"></a><var>123.19</var>    (2) has no other affidavit on file as a candidate for any office at the same primary <br/>
<a id="pl.123.20"></a><var>123.20</var>or next ensuing general election, except that a candidate for soil and water conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.123.21"></a><var>123.21</var>district supervisor in a district not located in whole or in part in Anoka, Hennepin, <br/>
<a id="pl.123.22"></a><var>123.22</var>Ramsey, or Washington County, may also have on file an affidavit of candidacy for <br/>
<a id="pl.123.23"></a><var>123.23</var>mayor or council member of a statutory or home rule charter city of not more than 2,500 <br/>
<a id="pl.123.24"></a><var>123.24</var>population contained in whole or in part in the soil and water conservation district or for <br/>
<a id="pl.123.25"></a><var>123.25</var>town supervisor in a town of not more than 2,500 population contained in whole or in part <br/>
<a id="pl.123.26"></a><var>123.26</var>in the soil and water conservation district; and<br/>
<a id="pl.123.27"></a><var>123.27</var>    (3) is, or will be on assuming the office, 21 years of age or more, and will have <br/>
<a id="pl.123.28"></a><var>123.28</var>maintained residence in the district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days <br/>
<a id="pl.123.29"></a><var>123.29</var>before the general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.123.30"></a><var>123.30</var>    An affidavit of candidacy must include a statement that the candidate's name as <br/>
<a id="pl.123.31"></a><var>123.31</var>written on the affidavit for ballot designation is the candidate's true name or the name by <br/>
<a id="pl.123.32"></a><var>123.32</var>which the candidate is commonly and generally known in the community.<br/>
<a id="pl.123.33"></a><var>123.33</var>    An affidavit of candidacy for partisan office shall also state the name of the <br/>
<a id="pl.123.34"></a><var>123.34</var>candidate's political party or political principle, stated in three words or less. Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.124.1"></a><var>124.1</var>provided in section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, the affidavit of candidacy must include an <br/>
<a id="pl.124.2"></a><var>124.2</var>original signature of the candidate.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.35.0"></a><a id="pl.124.3"></a><var>124.3</var>    Sec. 35. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.09, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.124.4"></a><var>124.4</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Candidates in state and county general elections.</b> (a) Except as <br/>
<a id="pl.124.5"></a><var>124.5</var>otherwise provided by this subdivision, affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions <br/>
<a id="pl.124.6"></a><var>124.6</var>for county, state, and federal offices filled at the state general election shall be filed not <br/>
<a id="pl.124.7"></a><var>124.7</var>more than 70 days nor less than 56 days before the state primary. The affidavit may <br/>
<a id="pl.124.8"></a><var>124.8</var>be prepared and signed at any time between 60 days before the filing period opens and <br/>
<a id="pl.124.9"></a><var>124.9</var>the last day of the filing period.<br/>
<a id="pl.124.10"></a><var>124.10</var>    (b) Notwithstanding other law to the contrary, the affidavit of candidacy must be <br/>
<a id="pl.124.11"></a><var>124.11</var>signed in the presence of a notarial officer or an individual authorized to administer oaths <br/>
<a id="pl.124.12"></a><var>124.12</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>358.10</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.124.13"></a><var>124.13</var>    (c) This provision does not apply to candidates for presidential elector nominated <br/>
<a id="pl.124.14"></a><var>124.14</var>by major political parties. Major party candidates for presidential elector are certified <br/>
<a id="pl.124.15"></a><var>124.15</var>under section 
         <statute_ref>208.03</statute_ref>. Other candidates for presidential electors may file petitions on or <br/>
<a id="pl.124.16"></a><var>124.16</var>before the state primary day pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.07, but no earlier than 70 days <br/>
<a id="pl.124.17"></a><var>124.17</var>before the state primary
</statute_ref>. Nominating petitions to fill vacancies in nominations shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.124.18"></a><var>124.18</var>filed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.13</statute_ref>. No affidavit or petition shall be accepted later than <br/>
<a id="pl.124.19"></a><var>124.19</var>5:00 p.m. on the last day for filing. <br/>
<a id="pl.124.20"></a><var>124.20</var>    (d) Affidavits and petitions for county offices to be voted on in only one county shall <br/>
<a id="pl.124.21"></a><var>124.21</var>must be filed with the county auditor of that county. Affidavits and petitions for federal <br/>
<a id="pl.124.22"></a><var>124.22</var>offices to be voted on in more than one county shall must be filed with the secretary of <br/>
<a id="pl.124.23"></a><var>124.23</var>state. Affidavits and petitions for state offices must be filed with the secretary of state or <br/>
<a id="pl.124.24"></a><var>124.24</var>with the county auditor of the county in which the candidate resides.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.36.0"></a><a id="pl.124.25"></a><var>124.25</var>    Sec. 36. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.124.26"></a><var>124.26</var>    Subd. 1a. <b>Absent candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for special district, county, state, <br/>
<a id="pl.124.27"></a><var>124.27</var>or federal office who will be absent from the state during the filing period may submit <br/>
<a id="pl.124.28"></a><var>124.28</var>a properly executed affidavit of candidacy, the appropriate filing fee, and any necessary <br/>
<a id="pl.124.29"></a><var>124.29</var>petitions in person to the filing officer. The candidate shall state in writing the reason for <br/>
<a id="pl.124.30"></a><var>124.30</var>being unable to submit the affidavit during the filing period. The affidavit, filing fee, <br/>
<a id="pl.124.31"></a><var>124.31</var>and petitions must be submitted to the filing officer during the seven days immediately <br/>
<a id="pl.124.32"></a><var>124.32</var>preceding the candidate's absence from the state. Nominating petitions may be signed <br/>
<a id="pl.124.33"></a><var>124.33</var>during the 14 days immediately preceding the date when the affidavit of candidacy is filed.<br/>
<a id="pl.125.1"></a><var>125.1</var>    (b) In extraordinary circumstances beyond the candidate's control that prevent <br/>
<a id="pl.125.2"></a><var>125.2</var>the candidate from filing an affidavit of candidacy authenticated by the candidate's <br/>
<a id="pl.125.3"></a><var>125.3</var>handwritten or other signature meeting the requirements of section 645.44, subdivision 14, <br/>
<a id="pl.125.4"></a><var>125.4</var>the affidavit of candidacy may be filed electronically with the secretary of state along with <br/>
<a id="pl.125.5"></a><var>125.5</var>a written statement of the extraordinary circumstances. The affidavit and statement may be <br/>
<a id="pl.125.6"></a><var>125.6</var>authenticated either by the electronic facsimile signature of the candidate, by an electronic <br/>
<a id="pl.125.7"></a><var>125.7</var>signature consisting of a password assigned by the secretary of state, or by another form of <br/>
<a id="pl.125.8"></a><var>125.8</var>electronic signature approved by the secretary of state. The secretary of state may adopt <br/>
<a id="pl.125.9"></a><var>125.9</var>rules governing the electronic filing of an affidavit of candidacy under this paragraph.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.37.0"></a><a id="pl.125.10"></a><var>125.10</var>    Sec. 37. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.09, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.125.11"></a><var>125.11</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Write-in candidates.</b> (a) A candidate for county, state, or federal office <br/>
<a id="pl.125.12"></a><var>125.12</var>who wants write-in votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with <br/>
<a id="pl.125.13"></a><var>125.13</var>the filing office for the office sought no later than the fifth seventh day before the general <br/>
<a id="pl.125.14"></a><var>125.14</var>election. The filing officer shall provide copies of the form to make the request.<br/>
<a id="pl.125.15"></a><var>125.15</var>    (b) A candidate for president of the United States who files a request under this <br/>
<a id="pl.125.16"></a><var>125.16</var>subdivision must include the name of a candidate for vice-president of the United States. <br/>
<a id="pl.125.17"></a><var>125.17</var>The request must also include the name of at least one candidate for presidential elector. <br/>
<a id="pl.125.18"></a><var>125.18</var>The total number of names of candidates for presidential elector on the request may not <br/>
<a id="pl.125.19"></a><var>125.19</var>exceed the total number of electoral votes to be cast by Minnesota in the presidential <br/>
<a id="pl.125.20"></a><var>125.20</var>election.<br/>
<a id="pl.125.21"></a><var>125.21</var>    (c) A candidate for governor who files a request under this subdivision must include <br/>
<a id="pl.125.22"></a><var>125.22</var>the name of a candidate for lieutenant governor.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.38.0"></a><a id="pl.125.23"></a><var>125.23</var>    Sec. 38. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.125.24"></a><var>125.24</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Petition in place of filing fee.</b> At the time of filing an affidavit of <br/>
<a id="pl.125.25"></a><var>125.25</var>candidacy, a candidate may present a petition in place of the filing fee. The petition may be <br/>
<a id="pl.125.26"></a><var>125.26</var>circulated from the date of precinct caucuses to the end of the period for filing affidavits of <br/>
<a id="pl.125.27"></a><var>125.27</var>candidacy. The petition may be signed by any individual eligible to vote for the candidate. <br/>
<a id="pl.125.28"></a><var>125.28</var>A nominating petition filed pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.07</statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>204B.13, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, is <br/>
<a id="pl.125.29"></a><var>125.29</var>effective as a petition in place of a filing fee if the nominating petition includes a prominent <br/>
<a id="pl.125.30"></a><var>125.30</var>statement informing the signers of the petition that it will be used for that purpose. <br/>
<a id="pl.125.31"></a><var>125.31</var>    The number of signatures on a petition in place of a filing fee shall be as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.125.32"></a><var>125.32</var>    (a) for a state office voted on statewide, or for president of the United States, or <br/>
<a id="pl.125.33"></a><var>125.33</var>United States senator, 2,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.125.34"></a><var>125.34</var>    (b) for a congressional office, 1,000;<br/>
<a id="pl.126.1"></a><var>126.1</var>    (c) for a county or legislative office, or for the office of district judge, 500; and<br/>
<a id="pl.126.2"></a><var>126.2</var>    (d) for any other office which requires a filing fee as prescribed by law, municipal <br/>
<a id="pl.126.3"></a><var>126.3</var>charter, or ordinance, the lesser of 500 signatures or five percent of the total number of <br/>
<a id="pl.126.4"></a><var>126.4</var>votes cast in the municipality, ward, or other election district at the preceding general <br/>
<a id="pl.126.5"></a><var>126.5</var>election at which that office was on the ballot.<br/>
<a id="pl.126.6"></a><var>126.6</var>    An official with whom petitions are filed shall make sample forms for petitions in <br/>
<a id="pl.126.7"></a><var>126.7</var>place of filing fees available upon request.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.39.0"></a><a id="pl.126.8"></a><var>126.8</var>    Sec. 39. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.16, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.126.9"></a><var>126.9</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Authority; location.</b> The governing body of each municipality and <br/>
<a id="pl.126.10"></a><var>126.10</var>of each county with precincts in unorganized territory shall designate by ordinance or <br/>
<a id="pl.126.11"></a><var>126.11</var>resolution a polling place for each election precinct. Polling places must be designated <br/>
<a id="pl.126.12"></a><var>126.12</var>and ballots must be distributed so that no one is required to go to more than one polling <br/>
<a id="pl.126.13"></a><var>126.13</var>place to vote in a school district and municipal election held on the same day. The polling <br/>
<a id="pl.126.14"></a><var>126.14</var>place for a precinct in a city or in a school district located in whole or in part in the <br/>
<a id="pl.126.15"></a><var>126.15</var>metropolitan area defined by section 
         <statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, shall be located within the <br/>
<a id="pl.126.16"></a><var>126.16</var>boundaries of the precinct or within 3,000 feet one mile of one of those boundaries unless <br/>
<a id="pl.126.17"></a><var>126.17</var>a single polling place is designated for a city pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>204B.14, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.126.18"></a><var>126.18</var>2
         </statute_ref>, or a school district pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>205A.11</statute_ref>. The polling place for a precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.126.19"></a><var>126.19</var>unorganized territory may be located outside the precinct at a place which is convenient to <br/>
<a id="pl.126.20"></a><var>126.20</var>the voters of the precinct. If no suitable place is available within a town or within a school <br/>
<a id="pl.126.21"></a><var>126.21</var>district located outside the metropolitan area defined by section 
         <statute_ref>200.02, subdivision 24</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.126.22"></a><var>126.22</var>then the polling place for a town or school district may be located outside the town or <br/>
<a id="pl.126.23"></a><var>126.23</var>school district within five miles of one of the boundaries of the town or school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.40.0"></a><a id="pl.126.24"></a><var>126.24</var>    Sec. 40. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.126.25"></a><var>126.25</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Appointing authority; powers and duties.</b> Election judges for precincts <br/>
<a id="pl.126.26"></a><var>126.26</var>in a municipality shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality. Election <br/>
<a id="pl.126.27"></a><var>126.27</var>judges for precincts in unorganized territory and for performing election-related duties <br/>
<a id="pl.126.28"></a><var>126.28</var>assigned by the county auditor shall be appointed by the county board. Election judges for <br/>
<a id="pl.126.29"></a><var>126.29</var>a precinct composed of two or more municipalities must be appointed by the governing <br/>
<a id="pl.126.30"></a><var>126.30</var>body of the municipality or municipalities responsible for appointing election judges as <br/>
<a id="pl.126.31"></a><var>126.31</var>provided in the agreement to combine for election purposes. Appointments shall may be <br/>
<a id="pl.126.32"></a><var>126.32</var>made from lists furnished pursuant to subdivision 1 subject to the eligibility requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.126.33"></a><var>126.33</var>and other qualifications established or authorized under section 
         <statute_ref>204B.19</statute_ref>. At least two <br/>
<a id="pl.126.34"></a><var>126.34</var>election judges in each precinct must be affiliated with different major political parties. If <br/>
<a id="pl.127.1"></a><var>127.1</var>no lists have been furnished or if additional election judges are required after all listed <br/>
<a id="pl.127.2"></a><var>127.2</var>names have been exhausted, the appointing authority may appoint any other individual to <br/>
<a id="pl.127.3"></a><var>127.3</var>serve as an election judge subject to the same requirements and qualifications individuals <br/>
<a id="pl.127.4"></a><var>127.4</var>who meet the qualifications to serve as an election judge, including persons who are not <br/>
<a id="pl.127.5"></a><var>127.5</var>affiliated with a major political party. The appointments shall be made at least 25 days <br/>
<a id="pl.127.6"></a><var>127.6</var>before the election at which the election judges will serve. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.41.0"></a><a id="pl.127.7"></a><var>127.7</var>    Sec. 41. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.21, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.127.8"></a><var>127.8</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.127.9"></a><var>127.9</var>    Subd. 2a. <b>Town elections.</b> The provisions of this section and sections 204B.19, <br/>
<a id="pl.127.10"></a><var>127.10</var>subdivision 5; 204C.15; 204C.19; 206.83; and 206.86, subdivision 2, relating to party <br/>
<a id="pl.127.11"></a><var>127.11</var>balance in the appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different <br/>
<a id="pl.127.12"></a><var>127.12</var>major political parties do not apply to town elections not held in conjunction with a <br/>
<a id="pl.127.13"></a><var>127.13</var>statewide election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.42.0"></a><a id="pl.127.14"></a><var>127.14</var>    Sec. 42. <b>[204B.445] VOTER COMPLAINT AND RESOLUTION PROCESS.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.127.15"></a><var>127.15</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Scope.</b> An eligible voter may file a complaint to seek the resolution <br/>
<a id="pl.127.16"></a><var>127.16</var>of any of the following conditions that have occurred or are about to occur:<br/>
<a id="pl.127.17"></a><var>127.17</var>    (1) voter records in the statewide registration system are not maintained by the <br/>
<a id="pl.127.18"></a><var>127.18</var>secretary of state or a county auditor in the manner provided in chapter 201;<br/>
<a id="pl.127.19"></a><var>127.19</var>    (2) voters are unable to register to vote in the manner provided by section 201.061; <br/>
<a id="pl.127.20"></a><var>127.20</var>    (3) a voting system, including an electronic ballot marker, meeting the requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.127.21"></a><var>127.21</var>of section 206.80 is not available for use by voters either casting an absentee ballot in <br/>
<a id="pl.127.22"></a><var>127.22</var>person at the locations designated by the county auditor or local election official, or for <br/>
<a id="pl.127.23"></a><var>127.23</var>voting at any polling place on election day; or<br/>
<a id="pl.127.24"></a><var>127.24</var>    (4) the secretary of state, county auditor, or local election official has failed, is <br/>
<a id="pl.127.25"></a><var>127.25</var>failing, or is about to fail to carry out a duty required by Title III of the Help America <br/>
<a id="pl.127.26"></a><var>127.26</var>Vote Act of 2002.<br/>
<a id="pl.127.27"></a><var>127.27</var>    A complaint against a municipal or school district clerk must be filed with the county <br/>
<a id="pl.127.28"></a><var>127.28</var>auditor of the county in which the action has occurred or is about to occur. A complaint <br/>
<a id="pl.127.29"></a><var>127.29</var>against a county auditor must be filed with the secretary of state. A complaint against the <br/>
<a id="pl.127.30"></a><var>127.30</var>secretary of state must be filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings. The secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.127.31"></a><var>127.31</var>of state shall provide a standard form for a complaint under this section. The form must <br/>
<a id="pl.127.32"></a><var>127.32</var>provide space for the complainant to specify the legal basis for the complaint. The <br/>
<a id="pl.127.33"></a><var>127.33</var>proceedings authorized by this section are not subject to the requirements of chapter 14.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.1"></a><var>128.1</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Notice of complaint.</b> The official with whom the complaint is filed must, <br/>
<a id="pl.128.2"></a><var>128.2</var>within seven days after the complaint was filed, provide written notice of the complaint, <br/>
<a id="pl.128.3"></a><var>128.3</var>including a copy of the complaint, to the official against whom the complaint has been <br/>
<a id="pl.128.4"></a><var>128.4</var>made.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.5"></a><var>128.5</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Response.</b> Within 14 days after the notice of complaint is received, the <br/>
<a id="pl.128.6"></a><var>128.6</var>official complained against must respond in writing to the complainant and state the <br/>
<a id="pl.128.7"></a><var>128.7</var>manner in which the respondent proposes to resolve the complaint.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.8"></a><var>128.8</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Hearing.</b> If the complainant believes the response does not resolve the <br/>
<a id="pl.128.9"></a><var>128.9</var>complaint, the complainant may file, with the official with whom the complaint was filed, <br/>
<a id="pl.128.10"></a><var>128.10</var>a request for a hearing. The request must state the objection to the response and propose <br/>
<a id="pl.128.11"></a><var>128.11</var>to resolve the complaint in a way that is consistent with the Minnesota Election Law. If <br/>
<a id="pl.128.12"></a><var>128.12</var>the complainant makes a request for hearing, a hearing must take place. The official with <br/>
<a id="pl.128.13"></a><var>128.13</var>whom the complaint was filed must rule on the complaint within 14 days after the hearing.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.14"></a><var>128.14</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Timeline.</b> A ruling on a complaint must be made no more than 90 days <br/>
<a id="pl.128.15"></a><var>128.15</var>after the complaint is filed. If the official with whom the complaint was filed fails to <br/>
<a id="pl.128.16"></a><var>128.16</var>make that ruling within 90 days after the complaint was filed, that official must provide <br/>
<a id="pl.128.17"></a><var>128.17</var>alternative dispute resolution for the disposition of the complaint. The alternative dispute <br/>
<a id="pl.128.18"></a><var>128.18</var>resolution process must be completed within 60 days of its commencement.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.19"></a><var>128.19</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Appeal.</b> No later than 30 days after the ruling, the complainant may appeal <br/>
<a id="pl.128.20"></a><var>128.20</var>the ruling. If the complaint was filed against a municipal clerk, school district clerk, or <br/>
<a id="pl.128.21"></a><var>128.21</var>county auditor, the appeal must be filed with the secretary of state. If the complaint was <br/>
<a id="pl.128.22"></a><var>128.22</var>filed against the secretary of state, the appeal must be filed with the Ramsey County <br/>
<a id="pl.128.23"></a><var>128.23</var>District Court. The appeal must be heard within 14 days. Upon hearing the appeal, the <br/>
<a id="pl.128.24"></a><var>128.24</var>secretary of state or district court may affirm, reverse, or modify the ruling and give <br/>
<a id="pl.128.25"></a><var>128.25</var>appropriate instructions, as needed, to the secretary of state, county auditor, or local <br/>
<a id="pl.128.26"></a><var>128.26</var>election official to resolve the complaint.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.27"></a><var>128.27</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Remedies; notice.</b> If the official rules that there has been a violation of <br/>
<a id="pl.128.28"></a><var>128.28</var>Title III of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the official must provide an appropriate <br/>
<a id="pl.128.29"></a><var>128.29</var>remedy. If the official rules that there has not been a violation, the complaint must be <br/>
<a id="pl.128.30"></a><var>128.30</var>dismissed and the results of the process published by the official.<br/>
<a id="pl.128.31"></a><var>128.31</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.43.0"></a><a id="pl.128.32"></a><var>128.32</var>    Sec. 43. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.45, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.128.33"></a><var>128.33</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Procedure.</b> Notice of the election and the special mail procedure must be <br/>
<a id="pl.128.34"></a><var>128.34</var>given at least six weeks prior to the election. No earlier Not more than 20 30 days or nor <br/>
<a id="pl.128.35"></a><var>128.35</var>later than 14 days prior to the election, the auditor shall mail ballots by nonforwardable <br/>
<a id="pl.129.1"></a><var>129.1</var>mail to all voters registered in the town or unorganized territory. No later than 14 days <br/>
<a id="pl.129.2"></a><var>129.2</var>before the election, the auditor must make a subsequent mailing of ballots to those voters <br/>
<a id="pl.129.3"></a><var>129.3</var>who register to vote after the initial mailing but before the 20th day before the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.129.4"></a><var>129.4</var>Eligible voters not registered at the time the ballots are mailed may apply for ballots as <br/>
<a id="pl.129.5"></a><var>129.5</var>provided in chapter 203B. Ballot return envelopes, with return postage provided, must be <br/>
<a id="pl.129.6"></a><var>129.6</var>preaddressed to the auditor or clerk and the voter may return the ballot by mail or in person <br/>
<a id="pl.129.7"></a><var>129.7</var>to the office of the auditor or clerk. The auditor or clerk may appoint election judges to <br/>
<a id="pl.129.8"></a><var>129.8</var>examine the return envelopes and mark them "accepted" or "rejected" during the 30 days <br/>
<a id="pl.129.9"></a><var>129.9</var>before the election. If an envelope has been rejected at least five days before the election, <br/>
<a id="pl.129.10"></a><var>129.10</var>the ballots in the envelope must be considered spoiled ballots and the auditor or clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.129.11"></a><var>129.11</var>provide the voter with a replacement ballot and return envelope in place of the spoiled <br/>
<a id="pl.129.12"></a><var>129.12</var>ballot. The costs of the mailing shall be paid by the election jurisdiction in which the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.129.13"></a><var>129.13</var>resides. Any ballot received by 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election must be counted.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.44.0"></a><a id="pl.129.14"></a><var>129.14</var>    Sec. 44. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.06, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.129.15"></a><var>129.15</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Lingering near polling place.</b> An individual shall be allowed to go <br/>
<a id="pl.129.16"></a><var>129.16</var>to and from the polling place for the purpose of voting without unlawful interference. No <br/>
<a id="pl.129.17"></a><var>129.17</var>one except an election official or an individual who is waiting to register or to vote shall <br/>
<a id="pl.129.18"></a><var>129.18</var>stand within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place. The entrance to a polling place <br/>
<a id="pl.129.19"></a><var>129.19</var>is the doorway or point of entry leading into the room or area where voting is occurring <br/>
<a id="pl.129.20"></a><var>129.20</var>building in which a polling place is located.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.45.0"></a><a id="pl.129.21"></a><var>129.21</var>    Sec. 45. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.07, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.129.22"></a><var>129.22</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Residence requirement.</b> A challenger must be a resident of this state. <br/>
<a id="pl.129.23"></a><var>129.23</var>Appointed challengers seeking admission to a polling place to serve in that capacity must <br/>
<a id="pl.129.24"></a><var>129.24</var>prove their status as a resident of this state by presenting one of the documents listed in <br/>
<a id="pl.129.25"></a><var>129.25</var>section 201.061, subdivision 3, paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4). Challengers need not <br/>
<a id="pl.129.26"></a><var>129.26</var>prove residence in the precinct in which they seek to act as a challenger.<br/>
<a id="pl.129.27"></a><var>129.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective September 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.46.0"></a><a id="pl.129.28"></a><var>129.28</var>    Sec. 46. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204C.07, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.129.29"></a><var>129.29</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.129.30"></a><var>129.30</var>    Subd. 3b. <b>Oath to obey the law.</b> A challenger must state under oath that the <br/>
<a id="pl.129.31"></a><var>129.31</var>challenger understands and will abide by the laws and rules governing challengers as <br/>
<a id="pl.129.32"></a><var>129.32</var>described in this section and in section 204C.12 and governing challenges to voters as <br/>
<a id="pl.129.33"></a><var>129.33</var>described in section 204C.12.<br/>
<a id="pl.130.1"></a><var>130.1</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective September 1, 2007.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.47.0"></a><a id="pl.130.2"></a><var>130.2</var>    Sec. 47. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.10, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.130.3"></a><var>130.3</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.130.4"></a><var>130.4</var>    Subd. 6. <b>Cancellation.</b> A special election ordered by the governing body of the <br/>
<a id="pl.130.5"></a><var>130.5</var>municipality on its own motion under subdivision 1 may be canceled by motion of the <br/>
<a id="pl.130.6"></a><var>130.6</var>governing body, but not less than 46 days before the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.48.0"></a><a id="pl.130.7"></a><var>130.7</var>    Sec. 48. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.13, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.130.8"></a><var>130.8</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.130.9"></a><var>130.9</var>    Subd. 7. <b>Write-in candidates.</b> A candidate for a city office who wants write-in <br/>
<a id="pl.130.10"></a><var>130.10</var>votes for the candidate to be counted must file a written request with the filing officer for <br/>
<a id="pl.130.11"></a><var>130.11</var>the office sought no later than the seventh day before the general election. The filing <br/>
<a id="pl.130.12"></a><var>130.12</var>officer must provide copies of the form to make the request.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.49.0"></a><a id="pl.130.13"></a><var>130.13</var>    Sec. 49. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.16, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.130.14"></a><var>130.14</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Sample ballot, posting.</b> For every municipal election, the municipal clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.130.15"></a><var>130.15</var>shall at least four days two weeks before the election post prepare a sample ballot for each <br/>
<a id="pl.130.16"></a><var>130.16</var>precinct in the municipality, make them available for public inspection in the clerk's office <br/>
<a id="pl.130.17"></a><var>130.17</var>for public inspection, and post a sample ballot in each polling place on election day.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.50.0"></a><a id="pl.130.18"></a><var>130.18</var>    Sec. 50. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205.16, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.130.19"></a><var>130.19</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Notice to auditor.</b> At least 53 days prior to every municipal election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.130.20"></a><var>130.20</var>municipal clerk shall provide a written notice to the county auditor, including the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.130.21"></a><var>130.21</var>the election, the offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and language for each <br/>
<a id="pl.130.22"></a><var>130.22</var>ballot question to be voted on at the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.130.23"></a><var>130.23</var>municipal clerk must provide written notice to the county auditor of any special election <br/>
<a id="pl.130.24"></a><var>130.24</var>canceled under section 205.10, subdivision 6.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.51.0"></a><a id="pl.130.25"></a><var>130.25</var>    Sec. 51. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.05, is amended by adding a <br/>
<a id="pl.130.26"></a><var>130.26</var>subdivision to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.130.27"></a><var>130.27</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Cancellation.</b> A special election ordered by the school board on its own <br/>
<a id="pl.130.28"></a><var>130.28</var>motion under subdivision 1 may be canceled by motion of the school board, but not less <br/>
<a id="pl.130.29"></a><var>130.29</var>than 46 days before the election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.52.0"></a><a id="pl.130.30"></a><var>130.30</var>    Sec. 52. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.07, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.131.1"></a><var>131.1</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Notice to auditor.</b> At least 53 days prior to every school district election, <br/>
<a id="pl.131.2"></a><var>131.2</var>the school district clerk shall provide a written notice to the county auditor of each county <br/>
<a id="pl.131.3"></a><var>131.3</var>in which the school district is located. The notice must include the date of the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.131.4"></a><var>131.4</var>offices to be voted on at the election, and the title and language for each ballot question to <br/>
<a id="pl.131.5"></a><var>131.5</var>be voted on at the election. For the purposes of meeting the timelines of this section, in <br/>
<a id="pl.131.6"></a><var>131.6</var>a bond election, a notice, including a proposed question, may be provided to the county <br/>
<a id="pl.131.7"></a><var>131.7</var>auditor prior to receipt of a review and comment from the commissioner of education and <br/>
<a id="pl.131.8"></a><var>131.8</var>prior to actual initiation of the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.131.9"></a><var>131.9</var>school district clerk must provide written notice to the county auditor of any special <br/>
<a id="pl.131.10"></a><var>131.10</var>election canceled under section 205A.05, subdivision 3.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.53.0"></a><a id="pl.131.11"></a><var>131.11</var>    Sec. 53. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.07, subdivision 3a, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.131.12"></a><var>131.12</var>    Subd. 3a. <b>Notice to commissioner of education.</b> At least 49 days prior to every <br/>
<a id="pl.131.13"></a><var>131.13</var>school district election, under section 
         <statute_ref>123B.62</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>123B.63</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>126C.17</statute_ref>, 
         <statute_ref>126C.69</statute_ref>, or 
         <statute_ref>475.58</statute_ref>, <br/>
<a id="pl.131.14"></a><var>131.14</var>the school district clerk shall provide a written notice to the commissioner of education. <br/>
<a id="pl.131.15"></a><var>131.15</var>The notice must include the date of the election and the title and language for each ballot <br/>
<a id="pl.131.16"></a><var>131.16</var>question to be voted on at the election. Not less than 46 days before the election, the <br/>
<a id="pl.131.17"></a><var>131.17</var>school district clerk must provide a written notice to the commissioner of education of <br/>
<a id="pl.131.18"></a><var>131.18</var>any special election canceled under section 205A.05, subdivision 3. The certified vote <br/>
<a id="pl.131.19"></a><var>131.19</var>totals for each ballot question shall be provided in a written notice to the commissioner <br/>
<a id="pl.131.20"></a><var>131.20</var>in a timely manner. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.54.0"></a><a id="pl.131.21"></a><var>131.21</var>    Sec. 54. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.10, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.131.22"></a><var>131.22</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Election, conduct.</b> A school district election must be by secret ballot and <br/>
<a id="pl.131.23"></a><var>131.23</var>must be held and the returns made in the manner provided for the state general election, as <br/>
<a id="pl.131.24"></a><var>131.24</var>far as practicable. The vote totals from an absentee ballot board established pursuant to <br/>
<a id="pl.131.25"></a><var>131.25</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.13</statute_ref> may be tabulated and reported by the school district as a whole rather <br/>
<a id="pl.131.26"></a><var>131.26</var>than by precinct. For school district elections not held in conjunction with a statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.131.27"></a><var>131.27</var>election, the school board shall appoint election judges as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>204B.21, <br/>
<a id="pl.131.28"></a><var>131.28</var>subdivision 2
         </statute_ref>. The provisions of sections 
         <statute_ref>204B.19, subdivision 5</statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204B.21, subdivision 2; <br/>
<a id="pl.131.29"></a><var>131.29</var>204C.15
         </statute_ref>; 
         <statute_ref>204C.19</statute_ref>; 206.64, subdivision 2;
<statute_ref>206.83</statute_ref>; and 
         <statute_ref>206.86, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, relating to <br/>
<a id="pl.131.30"></a><var>131.30</var>party balance in appointment of judges and to duties to be performed by judges of different <br/>
<a id="pl.131.31"></a><var>131.31</var>major political parties do not apply to school district elections not held in conjunction <br/>
<a id="pl.131.32"></a><var>131.32</var>with a statewide election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.55.0"></a><a id="pl.131.33"></a><var>131.33</var>    Sec. 55. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.57, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.132.1"></a><var>132.1</var>    Subd. 5. <b>Voting system for disabled voters.</b> In federal and state elections held after <br/>
<a id="pl.132.2"></a><var>132.2</var>December 31, 2005, and in county, municipal city, and school district elections held after <br/>
<a id="pl.132.3"></a><var>132.3</var>December 31, 2007, and in township elections held after December 31, 2009, the voting <br/>
<a id="pl.132.4"></a><var>132.4</var>method used in each polling place must include a voting system that is accessible for <br/>
<a id="pl.132.5"></a><var>132.5</var>individuals with disabilities, including nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually <br/>
<a id="pl.132.6"></a><var>132.6</var>impaired in a manner that provides the same opportunity for access and participation, <br/>
<a id="pl.132.7"></a><var>132.7</var>including privacy and independence, as for other voters.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.56.0"></a><a id="pl.132.8"></a><var>132.8</var>    Sec. 56. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.132.9"></a><var>132.9</var>    Subdivision 1.  <b>Definition. </b> For purposes of this section "postelection review official" <br/>
<a id="pl.132.10"></a><var>132.10</var>means the election administration official who is responsible for the conduct of elections <br/>
<a id="pl.132.11"></a><var>132.11</var>in a precinct selected for review under this section. county auditor, unless the county <br/>
<a id="pl.132.12"></a><var>132.12</var>auditor designates the municipal clerk as the "postelection review official" within 24 hours <br/>
<a id="pl.132.13"></a><var>132.13</var>after the canvass of the state general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.57.0"></a><a id="pl.132.14"></a><var>132.14</var>    Sec. 57. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.89, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.132.15"></a><var>132.15</var>    Subd. 5.  <b>Additional review.</b> (a) If the postelection review in one of the reviewed <br/>
<a id="pl.132.16"></a><var>132.16</var>precincts reveals a difference greater than one-half of one percent, or greater than two <br/>
<a id="pl.132.17"></a><var>132.17</var>votes in a precinct where 400 or fewer voters cast ballots, the postelection review official <br/>
<a id="pl.132.18"></a><var>132.18</var>must, within two days, conduct an additional review of the races indicated in subdivision 3 <br/>
<a id="pl.132.19"></a><var>132.19</var>in at least three precincts in the same jurisdiction where the discrepancy was discovered. If <br/>
<a id="pl.132.20"></a><var>132.20</var>all precincts in that jurisdiction have been reviewed, the county auditor must immediately <br/>
<a id="pl.132.21"></a><var>132.21</var>publicly select by lot at least three additional precincts for review. The postelection review <br/>
<a id="pl.132.22"></a><var>132.22</var>official must complete the additional review within two days after the precincts are <br/>
<a id="pl.132.23"></a><var>132.23</var>selected and report the results immediately to the county auditor. If the second review in <br/>
<a id="pl.132.24"></a><var>132.24</var>any of the reviewed precincts also indicates a difference in the vote totals compiled by the <br/>
<a id="pl.132.25"></a><var>132.25</var>voting system that is greater than one-half of one percent from the result indicated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.132.26"></a><var>132.26</var>postelection review, or greater than two votes in a precinct where 400 or fewer voters cast <br/>
<a id="pl.132.27"></a><var>132.27</var>ballots, the county auditor must conduct a review of the ballots from all the remaining <br/>
<a id="pl.132.28"></a><var>132.28</var>precincts in the county for the races indicated in subdivision 3. This review must be <br/>
<a id="pl.132.29"></a><var>132.29</var>completed no later than six weeks after the state general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.132.30"></a><var>132.30</var>    (b) If the results from the countywide reviews from one or more counties comprising <br/>
<a id="pl.132.31"></a><var>132.31</var>in the aggregate more than ten percent of the total number of persons voting in the election <br/>
<a id="pl.132.32"></a><var>132.32</var>clearly indicate that an error in vote counting has occurred, the postelection review official <br/>
<a id="pl.132.33"></a><var>132.33</var>must conduct a manual recount of all the ballots in the district for the affected office. The <br/>
<a id="pl.133.1"></a><var>133.1</var>recount must be completed and the results reported to the appropriate canvassing board no <br/>
<a id="pl.133.2"></a><var>133.2</var>later than ten weeks after the state general election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.58.0"></a><a id="pl.133.3"></a><var>133.3</var>    Sec. 58. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 211A.02, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.133.4"></a><var>133.4</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Information required.</b> The report to be filed by a candidate or committee <br/>
<a id="pl.133.5"></a><var>133.5</var>must include:<br/>
<a id="pl.133.6"></a><var>133.6</var>    (1) the name of the candidate or ballot question;<br/>
<a id="pl.133.7"></a><var>133.7</var>    (2) the printed name and, address, telephone number, signature, and e-mail address, <br/>
<a id="pl.133.8"></a><var>133.8</var>if available, of the person responsible for filing the report;<br/>
<a id="pl.133.9"></a><var>133.9</var>    (3) the total amount of receipts and expenditures for the period from the last previous <br/>
<a id="pl.133.10"></a><var>133.10</var>report to five days before the current report is due;<br/>
<a id="pl.133.11"></a><var>133.11</var>    (4) the amount, date, and purpose for each expenditure; and<br/>
<a id="pl.133.12"></a><var>133.12</var>    (5) the name, address, and employer, or occupation if self-employed, of any <br/>
<a id="pl.133.13"></a><var>133.13</var>individual or committee that during the year has made one or more contributions that in the <br/>
<a id="pl.133.14"></a><var>133.14</var>aggregate are equal to or greater than $100, and the amount and date of each contribution.<br/>
<a id="pl.133.15"></a><var>133.15</var>The filing officer must restrict public access to the address of any individual who has made <br/>
<a id="pl.133.16"></a><var>133.16</var>a contribution equal to or greater than $100 and who has filed with the filing officer a <br/>
<a id="pl.133.17"></a><var>133.17</var>written statement signed by the individual that withholding the individual's address from <br/>
<a id="pl.133.18"></a><var>133.18</var>the financial report is required for the safety of the individual or the individual's family.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.59.0"></a><a id="pl.133.19"></a><var>133.19</var>    Sec. 59. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 211A.05, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.133.20"></a><var>133.20</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Penalty.</b> A candidate who intentionally fails to file a report required <br/>
<a id="pl.133.21"></a><var>133.21</var>by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> or a certification required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. <br/>
<a id="pl.133.22"></a><var>133.22</var>The treasurer of a committee formed to promote or defeat a ballot question who <br/>
<a id="pl.133.23"></a><var>133.23</var>intentionally fails to file a report required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> or a certification required <br/>
<a id="pl.133.24"></a><var>133.24</var>by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each candidate or treasurer of a committee <br/>
<a id="pl.133.25"></a><var>133.25</var>formed to promote or defeat a ballot question shall certify to the filing officer that all <br/>
<a id="pl.133.26"></a><var>133.26</var>reports required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> have been submitted to the filing officer or that the <br/>
<a id="pl.133.27"></a><var>133.27</var>candidate or committee has not received contributions or made disbursements exceeding <br/>
<a id="pl.133.28"></a><var>133.28</var>$750 in the calendar year. The certification shall be submitted to the filing officer no <br/>
<a id="pl.133.29"></a><var>133.29</var>later than seven days after the general or special election. The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.133.30"></a><var>133.30</var>prepare blanks for this certification. An officer who issues a certificate of election to a <br/>
<a id="pl.133.31"></a><var>133.31</var>candidate who has not certified that all reports required by section 
         <statute_ref>211A.02</statute_ref> have been <br/>
<a id="pl.133.32"></a><var>133.32</var>filed is guilty of a misdemeanor. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.60.0"></a><a id="pl.134.1"></a><var>134.1</var>    Sec. 60. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 325L.03, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.134.2"></a><var>134.2</var><b>325L.03 SCOPE.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.134.3"></a><var>134.3</var>    (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (b) and (e), this chapter applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.134.4"></a><var>134.4</var>electronic records and electronic signatures relating to a transaction.<br/>
<a id="pl.134.5"></a><var>134.5</var>    (b) This chapter does not apply to a transaction to the extent it is governed by:<br/>
<a id="pl.134.6"></a><var>134.6</var>    (1) the Uniform Commercial Code other than section 
         <statute_ref>336.1-306</statute_ref>, article 2, and <br/>
<a id="pl.134.7"></a><var>134.7</var>article 2A; and <br/>
<a id="pl.134.8"></a><var>134.8</var>    (2) section 
         <statute_ref>145C.03, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, relating to requirements for creation of a health <br/>
<a id="pl.134.9"></a><var>134.9</var>care directive; section 
         <statute_ref>507.24</statute_ref>, relating to requirements for recording any conveyance, <br/>
<a id="pl.134.10"></a><var>134.10</var>power of attorney, or other instrument affecting real estate; section 
         <statute_ref>523.23, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.134.11"></a><var>134.11</var>3
         </statute_ref>, relating to requirements for creation of a statutory short form power of attorney; and <br/>
<a id="pl.134.12"></a><var>134.12</var>section 
         <statute_ref>253B.03, subdivision 6b</statute_ref>, relating to requirements for creation of a declaration of <br/>
<a id="pl.134.13"></a><var>134.13</var>preferences or instructions regarding intrusive mental health treatment. <br/>
<a id="pl.134.14"></a><var>134.14</var>    (c) This chapter applies to an electronic record or electronic signature otherwise <br/>
<a id="pl.134.15"></a><var>134.15</var>excluded from the application of this chapter under paragraph (b) to the extent it is <br/>
<a id="pl.134.16"></a><var>134.16</var>governed by a law other than those specified in paragraph (b).<br/>
<a id="pl.134.17"></a><var>134.17</var>    (d) A transaction subject to this chapter is also subject to other applicable substantive <br/>
<a id="pl.134.18"></a><var>134.18</var>law.<br/>
<a id="pl.134.19"></a><var>134.19</var>    (e) This chapter does not apply to the creation and execution of wills, codicils, or <br/>
<a id="pl.134.20"></a><var>134.20</var>trusts other than trusts relating to the conduct of business, commercial, or governmental <br/>
<a id="pl.134.21"></a><var>134.21</var>purposes.<br/>
<a id="pl.134.22"></a><var>134.22</var>    (f) Except as provided in section 204B.09, subdivision 1a, this chapter does not <br/>
<a id="pl.134.23"></a><var>134.23</var>apply to affidavits of candidacy relating to the conduct of elections.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.61.0"></a><a id="pl.134.24"></a><var>134.24</var>    Sec. 61. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 375.101, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.134.25"></a><var>134.25</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Option for filling vacancies; </b><b>election in 30 to </b><b>60</b><b> </b><b>90 </b><b>days.</b> Except <br/>
<a id="pl.134.26"></a><var>134.26</var>as provided in subdivision 3, a vacancy in the office of county commissioner shall may be <br/>
<a id="pl.134.27"></a><var>134.27</var>filled as provided in this subdivision and subdivision 2, or as provided in subdivision 4. If <br/>
<a id="pl.134.28"></a><var>134.28</var>the vacancy is to be filled under this subdivision and subdivision 2, it must be filled at a <br/>
<a id="pl.134.29"></a><var>134.29</var>special election not less than 30 nor more than 60 90 days after the vacancy occurs. The <br/>
<a id="pl.134.30"></a><var>134.30</var>special primary or special election may be held on the same day as a regular primary or <br/>
<a id="pl.134.31"></a><var>134.31</var>regular election but the special election shall be held not less than 14 days after the special <br/>
<a id="pl.134.32"></a><var>134.32</var>primary. The person elected at the special election shall take office immediately after <br/>
<a id="pl.134.33"></a><var>134.33</var>receipt of the certificate of election and upon filing the bond and taking the oath of office <br/>
<a id="pl.134.34"></a><var>134.34</var>and shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term. If the county has been reapportioned <br/>
<a id="pl.135.1"></a><var>135.1</var>since the commencement of the term of the vacant office, the election shall be based <br/>
<a id="pl.135.2"></a><var>135.2</var>on the district as reapportioned.<br/>
<a id="pl.135.3"></a><var>135.3</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.62.0"></a><a id="pl.135.4"></a><var>135.4</var>    Sec. 62. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 375.101, is amended by adding a subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.135.5"></a><var>135.5</var>to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.135.6"></a><var>135.6</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Option for filling vacancies; appointment.</b> Except as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.135.7"></a><var>135.7</var>subdivision 3, and as an alternative to the procedure provided in subdivisions 1 and 2, any <br/>
<a id="pl.135.8"></a><var>135.8</var>other vacancy in the office of county commissioner may be filled by board appointment at <br/>
<a id="pl.135.9"></a><var>135.9</var>a regular or special meeting. The appointment shall be evidenced by a resolution entered <br/>
<a id="pl.135.10"></a><var>135.10</var>in the minutes and shall continue until an election is held under this subdivision. All <br/>
<a id="pl.135.11"></a><var>135.11</var>elections to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term. If the vacancy occurs before the <br/>
<a id="pl.135.12"></a><var>135.12</var>first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the next county general election and more than <br/>
<a id="pl.135.13"></a><var>135.13</var>two years remain in the unexpired term, a special election shall be held in conjunction <br/>
<a id="pl.135.14"></a><var>135.14</var>with the county general election. The appointed person shall serve until the qualification <br/>
<a id="pl.135.15"></a><var>135.15</var>of the successor elected to fill the unexpired part of the term at that special election. If the <br/>
<a id="pl.135.16"></a><var>135.16</var>vacancy occurs on or after the first day to file affidavits of candidacy for the county general <br/>
<a id="pl.135.17"></a><var>135.17</var>election, or when less than two years remain in the unexpired term, there shall be no special <br/>
<a id="pl.135.18"></a><var>135.18</var>election to fill the vacancy and the appointed person shall serve the remainder of the <br/>
<a id="pl.135.19"></a><var>135.19</var>unexpired term and until a successor is elected and qualifies at the county general election.<br/>
<a id="pl.135.20"></a><var>135.20</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.63.0"></a><a id="pl.135.21"></a><var>135.21</var>    Sec. 63. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 410.12, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.135.22"></a><var>135.22</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Proposals.</b> The charter commission may propose amendments to <br/>
<a id="pl.135.23"></a><var>135.23</var>such charter and shall do so upon the petition of voters equal in number to five percent of <br/>
<a id="pl.135.24"></a><var>135.24</var>the total votes cast at the last previous state general election in the city. Proposed charter <br/>
<a id="pl.135.25"></a><var>135.25</var>amendments must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the general election. Petitions <br/>
<a id="pl.135.26"></a><var>135.26</var>may be signed no earlier than 26 weeks before the general election. Only registered <br/>
<a id="pl.135.27"></a><var>135.27</var>voters are eligible to sign the petition. All petitions circulated with respect to a charter <br/>
<a id="pl.135.28"></a><var>135.28</var>amendment shall be uniform in character and shall have attached thereto the text of the <br/>
<a id="pl.135.29"></a><var>135.29</var>proposed amendment in full; except that in the case of a proposed amendment containing <br/>
<a id="pl.135.30"></a><var>135.30</var>more than 1,000 words, a true and correct copy of the same may be filed with the city <br/>
<a id="pl.135.31"></a><var>135.31</var>clerk, and the petition shall then contain a summary of not less than 50 nor more than 300 <br/>
<a id="pl.135.32"></a><var>135.32</var>words setting forth in substance the nature of the proposed amendment. Such summary <br/>
<a id="pl.135.33"></a><var>135.33</var>shall contain a statement of the objects and purposes of the amendment proposed and an <br/>
<a id="pl.136.1"></a><var>136.1</var>outline of any proposed new scheme or frame work of government and shall be sufficient <br/>
<a id="pl.136.2"></a><var>136.2</var>to inform the signers of the petition as to what change in government is sought to be <br/>
<a id="pl.136.3"></a><var>136.3</var>accomplished by the amendment. The summary, together with a copy of the proposed <br/>
<a id="pl.136.4"></a><var>136.4</var>amendment, shall first be submitted to the charter commission for its approval as to form <br/>
<a id="pl.136.5"></a><var>136.5</var>and substance. The commission shall within ten days after such submission to it, return <br/>
<a id="pl.136.6"></a><var>136.6</var>the same to the proposers of the amendment with such modifications in statement as it <br/>
<a id="pl.136.7"></a><var>136.7</var>may deem necessary in order that the summary may fairly comply with the requirements <br/>
<a id="pl.136.8"></a><var>136.8</var>above set forth.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.64.0"></a><a id="pl.136.9"></a><var>136.9</var>    Sec. 64. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 447.32, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.136.10"></a><var>136.10</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Candidates; ballots; certifying election.</b> A person who wants to be a <br/>
<a id="pl.136.11"></a><var>136.11</var>candidate for the hospital board shall file an affidavit of candidacy for the election either <br/>
<a id="pl.136.12"></a><var>136.12</var>as member at large or as a member representing the city or town where the candidate <br/>
<a id="pl.136.13"></a><var>136.13</var>resides. The affidavit of candidacy must be filed with the city or town clerk not more than <br/>
<a id="pl.136.14"></a><var>136.14</var>70 days nor less than 56 days before the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November <br/>
<a id="pl.136.15"></a><var>136.15</var>of the year in which the general election is held. The city or town clerk must forward the <br/>
<a id="pl.136.16"></a><var>136.16</var>affidavits of candidacy to the clerk of the hospital district or, for the first election, the clerk <br/>
<a id="pl.136.17"></a><var>136.17</var>of the most populous city or town immediately after the last day of the filing period. A <br/>
<a id="pl.136.18"></a><var>136.18</var>candidate may withdraw from the election by filing an affidavit of withdrawal with the <br/>
<a id="pl.136.19"></a><var>136.19</var>clerk of the district no later than 5:00 p.m. two days after the last day to file affidavits <br/>
<a id="pl.136.20"></a><var>136.20</var>of candidacy. A candidate for a hospital district office who wants write-in votes for the <br/>
<a id="pl.136.21"></a><var>136.21</var>candidate to be counted must file a written request with the filing officer for the office <br/>
<a id="pl.136.22"></a><var>136.22</var>sought no later than the seventh day before the general election. The filing officer must <br/>
<a id="pl.136.23"></a><var>136.23</var>provide copies of the form to make the request.<br/>
<a id="pl.136.24"></a><var>136.24</var>    Voting must be by secret ballot. The clerk shall prepare, at the expense of the <br/>
<a id="pl.136.25"></a><var>136.25</var>district, necessary ballots for the election of officers. Ballots must be printed on tan paper <br/>
<a id="pl.136.26"></a><var>136.26</var>and prepared as provided in the rules of the secretary of state. The ballots must be marked <br/>
<a id="pl.136.27"></a><var>136.27</var>and initialed by at least two judges as official ballots and used exclusively at the election. <br/>
<a id="pl.136.28"></a><var>136.28</var>Any proposition to be voted on may be printed on the ballot provided for the election <br/>
<a id="pl.136.29"></a><var>136.29</var>of officers. The hospital board may also authorize the use of voting systems subject to <br/>
<a id="pl.136.30"></a><var>136.30</var>chapter 206. Enough election judges may be appointed to receive the votes at each <br/>
<a id="pl.136.31"></a><var>136.31</var>polling place. The election judges shall act as clerks of election, count the ballots cast, <br/>
<a id="pl.136.32"></a><var>136.32</var>and submit them to the board for canvass.<br/>
<a id="pl.136.33"></a><var>136.33</var>    After canvassing the election, the board shall issue a certificate of election to the <br/>
<a id="pl.136.34"></a><var>136.34</var>candidate who received the largest number of votes cast for each office. The clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.136.35"></a><var>136.35</var>deliver the certificate to the person entitled to it in person or by certified mail. Each person <br/>
<a id="pl.137.1"></a><var>137.1</var>certified shall file an acceptance and oath of office in writing with the clerk within 30 <br/>
<a id="pl.137.2"></a><var>137.2</var>days after the date of delivery or mailing of the certificate. The board may fill any office <br/>
<a id="pl.137.3"></a><var>137.3</var>as provided in subdivision 1 if the person elected fails to qualify within 30 days, but <br/>
<a id="pl.137.4"></a><var>137.4</var>qualification is effective if made before the board acts to fill the vacancy.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.65.0"></a><a id="pl.137.5"></a><var>137.5</var>    Sec. 65. <b>AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.137.6"></a><var>137.6</var>    An applicant for a Minnesota driver's license, instruction permit, or identification <br/>
<a id="pl.137.7"></a><var>137.7</var>card must not be automatically registered to vote under Minnesota Statutes, section <br/>
<a id="pl.137.8"></a><var>137.8</var>201.161, until the secretary of state has certified that the system for automatic registration <br/>
<a id="pl.137.9"></a><var>137.9</var>of those applicants has been tested and shown to properly determine whether an applicant <br/>
<a id="pl.137.10"></a><var>137.10</var>is eligible to vote.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.4.66.0"></a><a id="pl.137.11"></a><var>137.11</var>    Sec. 66. <b>REPEALER.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.137.12"></a><var>137.12</var>(a) Minnesota Statutes 2006, sections 201.061, subdivision 7; 201.096; 203B.02, <br/>
<a id="pl.137.13"></a><var>137.13</var>subdivision 1a; and 203B.13, subdivision 3a, are repealed.<br/>
<a id="pl.137.14"></a><var>137.14</var>(b) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 5, is repealed effective <br/>
<a id="pl.137.15"></a><var>137.15</var>April 1, 2008.<br/>
<a id="pl.137.16"></a><var>137.16</var>(c) Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 200.04, is repealed effective January 1, 2008.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.0.0"></a>

<a id="bill.5.1.0"></a><a id="pl.137.19"></a><var>137.19</var>    Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 103C.305, subdivision 3, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.137.20"></a><var>137.20</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.137.21"></a><var>137.21</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Ballots.</b> Ballots shall be prepared by the county auditor. The names of <br/>
<a id="pl.137.22"></a><var>137.22</var>candidates shall be placed on the "canary ballot" described in section 
         <statute_ref>204D.11, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.137.23"></a><var>137.23</var>3
         </statute_ref>. The office title printed on the ballot must be either "Soil and Water Conservation <br/>
<a id="pl.137.24"></a><var>137.24</var>District Supervisor" or "Conservation District Supervisor," based upon the district from <br/>
<a id="pl.137.25"></a><var>137.25</var>which the supervisor is to be elected. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.2.0"></a><a id="pl.137.26"></a><var>137.26</var>    Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.054, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.137.27"></a><var>137.27</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Registration.</b> An individual may register to vote:<br/>
<a id="pl.137.28"></a><var>137.28</var>    (1) at any time before the 20th day preceding any election as provided in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.137.29"></a><var>137.29</var>201.061, subdivision 1
         </statute_ref>; <br/>
<a id="pl.137.30"></a><var>137.30</var>    (2) on the day of an election as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 3</statute_ref>; or <br/>
<a id="pl.137.31"></a><var>137.31</var>    (3) when submitting an absentee ballot, by enclosing a completed registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.137.32"></a><var>137.32</var>application as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04, subdivision 4</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.3.0"></a><a id="pl.138.1"></a><var>138.1</var>    Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.061, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.138.2"></a><var>138.2</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Registration by election judges; procedures.</b> Registration at the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.138.3"></a><var>138.3</var>place on election day shall be conducted by the election judges. The election judge who <br/>
<a id="pl.138.4"></a><var>138.4</var>registers an individual at the polling place on election day shall not handle that voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.138.5"></a><var>138.5</var>ballots at any time prior to the opening of the ballot box after the voting ends. Registration <br/>
<a id="pl.138.6"></a><var>138.6</var>cards applications and forms for oaths shall be available at each polling place. If an <br/>
<a id="pl.138.7"></a><var>138.7</var>individual who registers on election day proves residence by oath of a registered voter, the <br/>
<a id="pl.138.8"></a><var>138.8</var>form containing the oath shall be attached to the individual's registration card application. <br/>
<a id="pl.138.9"></a><var>138.9</var>Registration cards applications completed on election day shall be forwarded to the <br/>
<a id="pl.138.10"></a><var>138.10</var>county auditor who shall add the name of each voter to the registration system unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.138.11"></a><var>138.11</var>information forwarded is substantially deficient. A county auditor who finds an election <br/>
<a id="pl.138.12"></a><var>138.12</var>day registration substantially deficient shall give written notice to the individual whose <br/>
<a id="pl.138.13"></a><var>138.13</var>registration is found deficient. An election day registration shall not be found deficient <br/>
<a id="pl.138.14"></a><var>138.14</var>solely because the individual who provided proof of residence was ineligible to do so.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.4.0"></a><a id="pl.138.15"></a><var>138.15</var>    Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.071, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.138.16"></a><var>138.16</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Deficient registration.</b> No voter registration application is deficient if it <br/>
<a id="pl.138.17"></a><var>138.17</var>contains the voter's name, address, date of birth, current and valid Minnesota driver's <br/>
<a id="pl.138.18"></a><var>138.18</var>license number or Minnesota state identification number, or if the voter has no current and <br/>
<a id="pl.138.19"></a><var>138.19</var>valid Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota state identification number, the last four <br/>
<a id="pl.138.20"></a><var>138.20</var>digits of the voter's Social Security number, if the voter has been issued a Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.138.21"></a><var>138.21</var>number, prior registration, if any, and signature. The absence of a zip code number does <br/>
<a id="pl.138.22"></a><var>138.22</var>not cause the registration to be deficient. Failure to check a box on an application form <br/>
<a id="pl.138.23"></a><var>138.23</var>that a voter has certified to be true does not cause the registration to be deficient. The <br/>
<a id="pl.138.24"></a><var>138.24</var>election judges shall request an individual to correct a voter registration application if it is <br/>
<a id="pl.138.25"></a><var>138.25</var>deficient or illegible or if the name or number of the voter's school district is missing or <br/>
<a id="pl.138.26"></a><var>138.26</var>obviously incorrect. No eligible voter may be prevented from voting unless the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.138.27"></a><var>138.27</var>registration application is deficient or the voter is duly and successfully challenged in <br/>
<a id="pl.138.28"></a><var>138.28</var>accordance with section 
         <statute_ref>201.195</statute_ref> or 
         <statute_ref>204C.12</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.138.29"></a><var>138.29</var>    A voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, is not deficient <br/>
<a id="pl.138.30"></a><var>138.30</var>for lack of date of birth. The county or municipality may attempt to obtain the date of <br/>
<a id="pl.138.31"></a><var>138.31</var>birth for a voter registration application accepted prior to August 1, 1983, by a request to <br/>
<a id="pl.138.32"></a><var>138.32</var>the voter at any time except at the polling place. Failure by the voter to comply with this <br/>
<a id="pl.138.33"></a><var>138.33</var>request does not make the registration deficient.<br/>
<a id="pl.138.34"></a><var>138.34</var>    A voter registration application accepted before January 1, 2004, is not deficient for <br/>
<a id="pl.138.35"></a><var>138.35</var>lack of a valid Minnesota driver's license or state identification number or the last four <br/>
<a id="pl.139.1"></a><var>139.1</var>digits of a Social Security number. A voter registration application submitted by a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.139.2"></a><var>139.2</var>who does not have a Minnesota driver's license or state identification number, or a Social <br/>
<a id="pl.139.3"></a><var>139.3</var>Security number, is not deficient for lack of any of these numbers.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.5.0"></a><a id="pl.139.4"></a><var>139.4</var>    Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.071, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.139.5"></a><var>139.5</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Change of registration.</b> Any A county auditor who receives a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.139.6"></a><var>139.6</var>card application indicating that an individual was previously registered in a different <br/>
<a id="pl.139.7"></a><var>139.7</var>county in Minnesota shall notify the county auditor of that county update the voter's <br/>
<a id="pl.139.8"></a><var>139.8</var>record electronically through the statewide registration system in the manner prescribed <br/>
<a id="pl.139.9"></a><var>139.9</var>in the rules of by the secretary of state. A county auditor receiving a registration card <br/>
<a id="pl.139.10"></a><var>139.10</var>indicating that a voter was previously registered in a different precinct in the same county <br/>
<a id="pl.139.11"></a><var>139.11</var>or receiving a notification as provided in this subdivision shall remove that individual's <br/>
<a id="pl.139.12"></a><var>139.12</var>voter registration card from the files. Any A county auditor who receives a registration <br/>
<a id="pl.139.13"></a><var>139.13</var>card application or notification requiring a change of registration records under this <br/>
<a id="pl.139.14"></a><var>139.14</var>subdivision as a result of an election day registration shall also check the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.139.15"></a><var>139.15</var>registration system to determine whether the individual voted in more than one precinct in <br/>
<a id="pl.139.16"></a><var>139.16</var>the most recent election.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.6.0"></a><a id="pl.139.17"></a><var>139.17</var>    Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.081, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.139.18"></a><var>139.18</var><b>201.081 REGISTRATION FILES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.139.19"></a><var>139.19</var>    The statewide registration system is the official record of registered voters. The <br/>
<a id="pl.139.20"></a><var>139.20</var>voter registration cards applications and the terminal providing access to the statewide <br/>
<a id="pl.139.21"></a><var>139.21</var>registration system must be under the control of the county auditor or the public official to <br/>
<a id="pl.139.22"></a><var>139.22</var>whom the county auditor has delegated the responsibility for maintaining voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.139.23"></a><var>139.23</var>records. The voter registration cards applications and terminals providing access to the <br/>
<a id="pl.139.24"></a><var>139.24</var>statewide registration system must not be removed from the control of the county auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.139.25"></a><var>139.25</var>except as provided in this subdivision. The county auditor may make photographic copies <br/>
<a id="pl.139.26"></a><var>139.26</var>of voter registration cards applications in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>. <br/>
<a id="pl.139.27"></a><var>139.27</var>    A properly completed voter registration card application that has been submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.139.28"></a><var>139.28</var>the secretary of state or a county auditor must be maintained by the secretary of state or <br/>
<a id="pl.139.29"></a><var>139.29</var>the county auditor for at least 22 months after the date that the information on the card <br/>
<a id="pl.139.30"></a><var>139.30</var>application is entered into the database of the statewide registration system. The secretary <br/>
<a id="pl.139.31"></a><var>139.31</var>of state or the county auditor may dispose of the cards applications after retention for 22 <br/>
<a id="pl.139.32"></a><var>139.32</var>months in the manner provided by section 
         <statute_ref>138.17</statute_ref>. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.7.0"></a><a id="pl.139.33"></a><var>139.33</var>    Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.140.1"></a><var>140.1</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Master list.</b> Each county auditor shall prepare and maintain a <br/>
<a id="pl.140.2"></a><var>140.2</var>current list of registered voters in each precinct in the county which is known as the <br/>
<a id="pl.140.3"></a><var>140.3</var>master list. The master list must be created by entering each completed voter registration <br/>
<a id="pl.140.4"></a><var>140.4</var>card application received by the county auditor into the statewide registration system. It <br/>
<a id="pl.140.5"></a><var>140.5</var>must show the name, residence address, and date of birth of each voter registered in <br/>
<a id="pl.140.6"></a><var>140.6</var>the precinct. The information contained in the master list may only be made available <br/>
<a id="pl.140.7"></a><var>140.7</var>to public officials for purposes related to election administration, jury selection, and in <br/>
<a id="pl.140.8"></a><var>140.8</var>response to a law enforcement inquiry concerning a violation of or failure to comply with <br/>
<a id="pl.140.9"></a><var>140.9</var>any criminal statute or state or local tax statute.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.8.0"></a><a id="pl.140.10"></a><var>140.10</var>    Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.091, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.140.11"></a><var>140.11</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Registration places.</b> Each county auditor shall designate a number of <br/>
<a id="pl.140.12"></a><var>140.12</var>public buildings in those political subdivisions of the county where preregistration of <br/>
<a id="pl.140.13"></a><var>140.13</var>voters is allowed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, where eligible voters may <br/>
<a id="pl.140.14"></a><var>140.14</var>register to vote. At least one public building must be designated for each 30,000 residents <br/>
<a id="pl.140.15"></a><var>140.15</var>of the county. At least one telecommunications device for the deaf must be available for <br/>
<a id="pl.140.16"></a><var>140.16</var>voter registration information in each county seat and in every city of the first, second, <br/>
<a id="pl.140.17"></a><var>140.17</var>and third class. <br/>
<a id="pl.140.18"></a><var>140.18</var>    An adequate supply of registration cards applications and instructions must be <br/>
<a id="pl.140.19"></a><var>140.19</var>maintained at each designated location, and a designated individual must be available <br/>
<a id="pl.140.20"></a><var>140.20</var>there to accept registration cards applications and transmit them to the county auditor.<br/>
<a id="pl.140.21"></a><var>140.21</var>    A person who, because of disability, needs assistance in order to determine eligibility <br/>
<a id="pl.140.22"></a><var>140.22</var>or to register must be assisted by a designated individual. Assistance includes but is not <br/>
<a id="pl.140.23"></a><var>140.23</var>limited to reading the registration form and instructions and filling out the registration <br/>
<a id="pl.140.24"></a><var>140.24</var>form as directed by the eligible voter.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.9.0"></a><a id="pl.140.25"></a><var>140.25</var>    Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 201.27, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.140.26"></a><var>140.26</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Intentional violation.</b> No officer, deputy, clerk, or other employee <br/>
<a id="pl.140.27"></a><var>140.27</var>shall intentionally:<br/>
<a id="pl.140.28"></a><var>140.28</var>    (1) fail to perform or enforce any of the provisions of this chapter except subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.140.29"></a><var>140.29</var>2;<br/>
<a id="pl.140.30"></a><var>140.30</var>    (2) remove a registration card application or record from its proper place in the <br/>
<a id="pl.140.31"></a><var>140.31</var>registration files in a manner or for a purpose not authorized by law;<br/>
<a id="pl.140.32"></a><var>140.32</var>    (3) destroy or make an unauthorized change to a record required to be kept by <br/>
<a id="pl.140.33"></a><var>140.33</var>this chapter; or<br/>
<a id="pl.141.1"></a><var>141.1</var>    (4) add a name or names to the voter registration files, records, or cards, except as <br/>
<a id="pl.141.2"></a><var>141.2</var>authorized by law.<br/>
<a id="pl.141.3"></a><var>141.3</var>    An individual who violates this subdivision is guilty of a felony.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.10.0"></a><a id="pl.141.4"></a><var>141.4</var>    Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.141.5"></a><var>141.5</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Application procedures.</b> Except as otherwise allowed by <br/>
<a id="pl.141.6"></a><var>141.6</var>subdivision 2 or by section 203B.11, subdivision 4, an application for absentee ballots <br/>
<a id="pl.141.7"></a><var>141.7</var>for any election may be submitted at any time not less than one day before the day of <br/>
<a id="pl.141.8"></a><var>141.8</var>that election. The county auditor shall prepare absentee ballot application forms in the <br/>
<a id="pl.141.9"></a><var>141.9</var>format provided by the secretary of state, notwithstanding rules on absentee ballot forms, <br/>
<a id="pl.141.10"></a><var>141.10</var>and shall furnish them to any person on request. By January 1 of each even-numbered <br/>
<a id="pl.141.11"></a><var>141.11</var>year, the secretary of state shall make the forms to be used available to auditors through <br/>
<a id="pl.141.12"></a><var>141.12</var>electronic means. An application submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be in writing <br/>
<a id="pl.141.13"></a><var>141.13</var>and shall be submitted to:<br/>
<a id="pl.141.14"></a><var>141.14</var>    (a) the county auditor of the county where the applicant maintains residence; or<br/>
<a id="pl.141.15"></a><var>141.15</var>    (b) the municipal clerk of the municipality, or school district if applicable, where <br/>
<a id="pl.141.16"></a><var>141.16</var>the applicant maintains residence.<br/>
<a id="pl.141.17"></a><var>141.17</var>    An application shall be approved if it is timely received, signed and dated by the <br/>
<a id="pl.141.18"></a><var>141.18</var>applicant, contains the applicant's name and residence and mailing addresses, and states <br/>
<a id="pl.141.19"></a><var>141.19</var>that the applicant is eligible to vote by absentee ballot for one of the reasons specified in <br/>
<a id="pl.141.20"></a><var>141.20</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.02</statute_ref>. The application may contain a request for the voter's date of birth, which <br/>
<a id="pl.141.21"></a><var>141.21</var>must not be made available for public inspection. An application may be submitted to <br/>
<a id="pl.141.22"></a><var>141.22</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk by an electronic facsimile device. An application <br/>
<a id="pl.141.23"></a><var>141.23</var>mailed or returned in person to the county auditor or municipal clerk on behalf of a voter <br/>
<a id="pl.141.24"></a><var>141.24</var>by a person other than the voter must be deposited in the mail or returned in person to <br/>
<a id="pl.141.25"></a><var>141.25</var>the county auditor or municipal clerk within ten days after it has been dated by the voter <br/>
<a id="pl.141.26"></a><var>141.26</var>and no later than six days before the election. The absentee ballot applications or a list of <br/>
<a id="pl.141.27"></a><var>141.27</var>persons applying for an absentee ballot may not be made available for public inspection <br/>
<a id="pl.141.28"></a><var>141.28</var>until the close of voting on election day.<br/>
<a id="pl.141.29"></a><var>141.29</var>    An application under this subdivision may contain an application under subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.141.30"></a><var>141.30</var>5 to automatically receive an absentee ballot application.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.11.0"></a><a id="pl.141.31"></a><var>141.31</var>    Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.04, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.141.32"></a><var>141.32</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Registration at time of application.</b> An eligible voter who is not <br/>
<a id="pl.141.33"></a><var>141.33</var>registered to vote but who is otherwise eligible to vote by absentee ballot may register by <br/>
<a id="pl.141.34"></a><var>141.34</var>including a completed voter registration card application with the absentee ballot. The <br/>
<a id="pl.142.1"></a><var>142.1</var>individual shall present proof of residence as required by section 
         <statute_ref>201.061, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.142.2"></a><var>142.2</var>3
         </statute_ref>, to the individual who witnesses the marking of the absentee ballots. A military voter, <br/>
<a id="pl.142.3"></a><var>142.3</var>as defined in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.01</statute_ref>, may register in this manner if voting pursuant to sections <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.142.4"></a><var>142.4</var>203B.04
         </statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.15</statute_ref>, or may register pursuant to sections 
         <statute_ref>203B.16</statute_ref> to 
         <statute_ref>203B.27</statute_ref>.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.12.0"></a><a id="pl.142.5"></a><var>142.5</var>    Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.05, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.142.6"></a><var>142.6</var>    Subd. 2. <b>City, school district, and town elections.</b> For city, town, and school <br/>
<a id="pl.142.7"></a><var>142.7</var>district elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, for school district <br/>
<a id="pl.142.8"></a><var>142.8</var>elections not held on the same day as a statewide election, and for town elections <br/>
<a id="pl.142.9"></a><var>142.9</var>conducted under the Australian ballot system, applications for absentee ballots shall be <br/>
<a id="pl.142.10"></a><var>142.10</var>filed with the city, school district, or town clerk and the duties prescribed by this chapter for <br/>
<a id="pl.142.11"></a><var>142.11</var>the county auditor shall be performed by the city, school district, or town clerk unless the <br/>
<a id="pl.142.12"></a><var>142.12</var>county auditor agrees to perform those duties on behalf of the city, school district, or town <br/>
<a id="pl.142.13"></a><var>142.13</var>clerk. The costs incurred to provide absentee ballots and perform the duties prescribed by <br/>
<a id="pl.142.14"></a><var>142.14</var>this subdivision shall be paid by the city, town, or school district holding the election.<br/>
<a id="pl.142.15"></a><var>142.15</var>    Notwithstanding any other law, this chapter applies to school district elections held <br/>
<a id="pl.142.16"></a><var>142.16</var>on the same day as a statewide election or an election for a county or municipality wholly <br/>
<a id="pl.142.17"></a><var>142.17</var>or partially within the school district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.13.0"></a><a id="pl.142.18"></a><var>142.18</var>    Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.07, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.142.19"></a><var>142.19</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Delivery of envelopes, directions.</b> The county auditor or the <br/>
<a id="pl.142.20"></a><var>142.20</var>municipal clerk shall prepare, print, and transmit a return envelope, a ballot envelope, and <br/>
<a id="pl.142.21"></a><var>142.21</var>a copy of the directions for casting an absentee ballot to each applicant whose application <br/>
<a id="pl.142.22"></a><var>142.22</var>for absentee ballots is accepted pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04</statute_ref>. The directions for casting <br/>
<a id="pl.142.23"></a><var>142.23</var>an absentee ballot shall be printed in at least 14-point bold type with heavy leading and <br/>
<a id="pl.142.24"></a><var>142.24</var>may be printed on the ballot envelope. When a person requests the directions in Braille <br/>
<a id="pl.142.25"></a><var>142.25</var>or on cassette tape, the county auditor or municipal clerk shall provide them in the form <br/>
<a id="pl.142.26"></a><var>142.26</var>requested. The secretary of state shall prepare Braille and cassette copies and make them <br/>
<a id="pl.142.27"></a><var>142.27</var>available. <br/>
<a id="pl.142.28"></a><var>142.28</var>    When a voter registration card application is sent to the applicant as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.142.29"></a><var>142.29</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 4</statute_ref>, the directions or registration card application shall include <br/>
<a id="pl.142.30"></a><var>142.30</var>instructions for registering to vote. <br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.14.0"></a><a id="pl.142.31"></a><var>142.31</var>    Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.142.32"></a><var>142.32</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Procedures on receipt of ballots.</b> When absentee ballots are returned to a <br/>
<a id="pl.142.33"></a><var>142.33</var>county auditor or municipal clerk, that official shall stamp or initial and date the return <br/>
<a id="pl.143.1"></a><var>143.1</var>envelope with an official seal of the office and place it in a secure location with other <br/>
<a id="pl.143.2"></a><var>143.2</var>return envelopes received by that office. The county auditor or municipal clerk shall <br/>
<a id="pl.143.3"></a><var>143.3</var>deliver to the appropriate election judges on election day all ballots received before or <br/>
<a id="pl.143.4"></a><var>143.4</var>with the last mail delivery by the United States Postal Service on election day. A town <br/>
<a id="pl.143.5"></a><var>143.5</var>clerk may request the United States Postal Service to deliver absentee ballots to the polling <br/>
<a id="pl.143.6"></a><var>143.6</var>place on election day instead of to the official address of the town clerk.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.15.0"></a><a id="pl.143.7"></a><var>143.7</var>    Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 203B.10, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.143.8"></a><var>143.8</var><b>203B.10 DELIVERY OF ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS TO </b><br/>
<a id="pl.143.9"></a><var>143.9</var><b>ELECTION JUDGES.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.143.10"></a><var>143.10</var>    (a) On the day before an election:<br/>
<a id="pl.143.11"></a><var>143.11</var>    (a) (1) the county auditor shall deliver to the municipal clerks within that county <br/>
<a id="pl.143.12"></a><var>143.12</var>the applications for absentee ballots theretofore received and endorsed as provided in <br/>
<a id="pl.143.13"></a><var>143.13</var>section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 5</statute_ref>; and <br/>
<a id="pl.143.14"></a><var>143.14</var>    (b) (2) the municipal clerks shall deliver the applications received from the county <br/>
<a id="pl.143.15"></a><var>143.15</var>auditor and the applications for absentee ballots filed with their respective offices and <br/>
<a id="pl.143.16"></a><var>143.16</var>endorsed as provided in section 
         <statute_ref>203B.06, subdivision 5</statute_ref>, to the appropriate election <br/>
<a id="pl.143.17"></a><var>143.17</var>judges. Applications received on election day pursuant to section 
         <statute_ref>203B.04, subdivision <br/>
<a id="pl.143.18"></a><var>143.18</var>2
         </statute_ref>, shall be promptly delivered to the election judges in the precincts or to the judges of <br/>
<a id="pl.143.19"></a><var>143.19</var>an absentee ballot board. <br/>
<a id="pl.143.20"></a><var>143.20</var>    (b) Delivery of the applications to the municipal clerks and election judges in the <br/>
<a id="pl.143.21"></a><var>143.21</var>precinct is not required if the absentee ballot envelopes have been accepted or rejected <br/>
<a id="pl.143.22"></a><var>143.22</var>by an absentee ballot board pursuant to section 203B.13.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.16.0"></a><a id="pl.143.23"></a><var>143.23</var>    Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.06, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.143.24"></a><var>143.24</var>    Subd. 8. <b>Proof of eligibility.</b> A candidate for judicial office or for the office of <br/>
<a id="pl.143.25"></a><var>143.25</var>county attorney shall submit with the affidavit of candidacy proof that the candidate is <br/>
<a id="pl.143.26"></a><var>143.26</var>licensed to practice law in this state. Proof means providing a copy of a current attorney <br/>
<a id="pl.143.27"></a><var>143.27</var>license.<br/>
<a id="pl.143.28"></a><var>143.28</var>    A candidate for county sheriff shall submit with the affidavit of candidacy proof of <br/>
<a id="pl.143.29"></a><var>143.29</var>licensure as a peace officer in this state. Proof means providing a copy of a current Peace <br/>
<a id="pl.143.30"></a><var>143.30</var>Officer Standards and Training Board license.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.17.0"></a><a id="pl.143.31"></a><var>143.31</var>    Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 204B.08, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.143.32"></a><var>143.32</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Number of signatures.</b> The number of signatures required on a <br/>
<a id="pl.143.33"></a><var>143.33</var>nominating petition shall be as follows:<br/>
<a id="pl.144.1"></a><var>144.1</var>    (a) for a federal or state office voted on statewide or for United States senator, one <br/>
<a id="pl.144.2"></a><var>144.2</var>percent of the total number of individuals voting in the state at the last preceding state <br/>
<a id="pl.144.3"></a><var>144.3</var>general election, or 2,000, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.144.4"></a><var>144.4</var>    (b) for a congressional office, five percent of the total number of individuals voting <br/>
<a id="pl.144.5"></a><var>144.5</var>in the district at the last preceding state general election, or 1,000, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.144.6"></a><var>144.6</var>    (c) for a county or legislative office, ten percent of the total number of individuals <br/>
<a id="pl.144.7"></a><var>144.7</var>voting in the county or legislative district at the last preceding state or county general <br/>
<a id="pl.144.8"></a><var>144.8</var>election, or 500, whichever is less;<br/>
<a id="pl.144.9"></a><var>144.9</var>    (d) for a municipal office in a city of the first class, the number specified in section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.144.10"></a><var>144.10</var>205.121
         </statute_ref>; and <br/>
<a id="pl.144.11"></a><var>144.11</var>    (e) for any other municipal or school district office, ten percent of the total number <br/>
<a id="pl.144.12"></a><var>144.12</var>of individuals voting in the municipality, ward, school district, or other election district <br/>
<a id="pl.144.13"></a><var>144.13</var>at the last preceding municipal, or school district if applicable, general election, or 500, <br/>
<a id="pl.144.14"></a><var>144.14</var>whichever is less.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.18.0"></a><a id="pl.144.15"></a><var>144.15</var>    Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.10, subdivision 1, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.144.16"></a><var>144.16</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Materials, ballots.</b> The school district clerk shall prepare and have <br/>
<a id="pl.144.17"></a><var>144.17</var>printed the necessary election materials, including ballots, for a school district election. <br/>
<a id="pl.144.18"></a><var>144.18</var>The name of each candidate for office shall be rotated with the names of the other <br/>
<a id="pl.144.19"></a><var>144.19</var>candidates for the same office so that the name of each candidate appears substantially <br/>
<a id="pl.144.20"></a><var>144.20</var>an equal number of times at the top, at the bottom, and at each intermediate place in the <br/>
<a id="pl.144.21"></a><var>144.21</var>group of candidates for that office names must be arranged on school district ballots in the <br/>
<a id="pl.144.22"></a><var>144.22</var>manner provided in section 204D.08, subdivision 3, for state elections.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.19.0"></a><a id="pl.144.23"></a><var>144.23</var>    Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 205A.11, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.144.24"></a><var>144.24</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Combined polling place.</b> When no other election is being held in two or <br/>
<a id="pl.144.25"></a><var>144.25</var>more precincts on the day of a school district election, the school board may designate <br/>
<a id="pl.144.26"></a><var>144.26</var>one or more combined polling places at which the voters in those precincts may vote in <br/>
<a id="pl.144.27"></a><var>144.27</var>the school district election. In school districts that have organized into separate board <br/>
<a id="pl.144.28"></a><var>144.28</var>member election districts under section 205A.12, a combined polling place for a school <br/>
<a id="pl.144.29"></a><var>144.29</var>general election must be arranged so that it does not include more than one board member <br/>
<a id="pl.144.30"></a><var>144.30</var>election district.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.20.0"></a><a id="pl.144.31"></a><var>144.31</var>    Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 206.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br/>
<a id="pl.144.32"></a><var>144.32</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Plan.</b> (a) Subject to paragraph (b), The municipal clerk in a municipality <br/>
<a id="pl.144.33"></a><var>144.33</var>where an electronic voting system is used and the county auditor of a county in which an <br/>
<a id="pl.145.1"></a><var>145.1</var>electronic voting system is used in more than one municipality and the county auditor of <br/>
<a id="pl.145.2"></a><var>145.2</var>a county in which a counting center serving more than one municipality is located shall <br/>
<a id="pl.145.3"></a><var>145.3</var>prepare a plan which indicates acquisition of sufficient facilities, computer time, and <br/>
<a id="pl.145.4"></a><var>145.4</var>professional services and which describes the proposed manner of complying with section <br/>
<statute_ref><a id="pl.145.5"></a><var>145.5</var>206.80
         </statute_ref>. The plan must be signed, notarized, and submitted to the secretary of state more <br/>
<a id="pl.145.6"></a><var>145.6</var>than 60 days before the first election at which the municipality uses an electronic voting <br/>
<a id="pl.145.7"></a><var>145.7</var>system. Prior to July 1 of each subsequent general election year, the clerk or auditor <br/>
<a id="pl.145.8"></a><var>145.8</var>shall submit to the secretary of state notification of any changes to the plan on file with <br/>
<a id="pl.145.9"></a><var>145.9</var>the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall review each plan for its sufficiency and <br/>
<a id="pl.145.10"></a><var>145.10</var>may request technical assistance from the Department of Administration or other agency <br/>
<a id="pl.145.11"></a><var>145.11</var>which may be operating as the central computer authority. The secretary of state shall <br/>
<a id="pl.145.12"></a><var>145.12</var>notify each reporting authority of the sufficiency or insufficiency of its plan within 20 days <br/>
<a id="pl.145.13"></a><var>145.13</var>of receipt of the plan. The attorney general, upon request of the secretary of state, may <br/>
<a id="pl.145.14"></a><var>145.14</var>seek a district court order requiring an election official to fulfill duties imposed by this <br/>
<a id="pl.145.15"></a><var>145.15</var>subdivision or by rules promulgated pursuant to this section.<br/>
<a id="pl.145.16"></a><var>145.16</var>    (b) Systems implemented by counties and municipalities in calendar year 2006 are <br/>
<a id="pl.145.17"></a><var>145.17</var>exempt from paragraph (a) and section 
<statute_ref>206.58</statute_ref>, subdivision 4, if:<br/>
<a id="pl.145.18"></a><var>145.18</var>    (1) the municipality has fewer than 10,000 residents; and<br/>
<a id="pl.145.19"></a><var>145.19</var>    (2) a valid county plan was filed by the county auditor of the county in which the <br/>
<a id="pl.145.20"></a><var>145.20</var>municipality is located.<br/>
<br/>
<a id="bill.5.21.0"></a><a id="pl.145.21"></a><var>145.21</var>    Sec. 21. Laws 2004, chapter 293, article 1, section 37, subdivision 2, is amended to <br/>
<a id="pl.145.22"></a><var>145.22</var>read:<br/>
<a id="pl.145.23"></a><var>145.23</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Social security number.</b> A voter must not be included on the list of voters <br/>
<a id="pl.145.24"></a><var>145.24</var>prepared under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>201.121, subdivision 1</statute_ref>, whose registration is <br/>
<a id="pl.145.25"></a><var>145.25</var>incomplete because of a failure to match the last four digits of the voter's Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.145.26"></a><var>145.26</var>number until the commissioner of public safety has:<br/>
<a id="pl.145.27"></a><var>145.27</var>    (1) entered into an agreement with the commissioner of the Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.145.28"></a><var>145.28</var>Administration under Minnesota Statutes, section 
         <statute_ref>201.1615</statute_ref>, regarding the use of the last <br/>
<a id="pl.145.29"></a><var>145.29</var>four digits of a Social Security number to verify voter registration information;<br/>
<a id="pl.145.30"></a><var>145.30</var>    (2) assembled a complete and current database of the last four digits of the Social <br/>
<a id="pl.145.31"></a><var>145.31</var>Security number of each resident of this state as maintained by the Social Security <br/>
<a id="pl.145.32"></a><var>145.32</var>Administration; and <br/>
<a id="pl.145.33"></a><var>145.33</var>    (3) (2) certified, along with the secretary of state, that the voter registration system <br/>
<a id="pl.145.34"></a><var>145.34</var>has been tested and shown to properly verify the last four digits of a voter's Social <br/>
<a id="pl.145.35"></a><var>145.35</var>Security number.<br/>