1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to natural resources; creating an ombudsman position; proposing coding 
1.3 	for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [84.04] NATURAL RESOURCES OMBUDSMAN.
1.6 	A position is created to gather information about decisions, acts, and other matters 
1.7 	involving the Department of Natural Resources and its divisions, bureaus, and programs 
1.8 	and investigate complaints arising from this chapter. In carrying out the functions of the 
1.9 	position, the ombudsman shall act independently of the department in providing testimony 
1.10 	to the legislature, contacting state officials as necessary, and addressing other areas of 
1.11 	concern. The ombudsman shall be jointly appointed by the chairs of the senate and house 
1.12 	of representatives committees with jurisdiction over environment and natural resources, 
1.13 	must be selected without regard to political affiliation, and must be a person who has 
1.14 	knowledge and experience concerning Minnesota's unique natural resources.