1.1A bill for an act1.2relating to telecommunications; modifying the voting requirements necessary to 1.3authorize local government construction of certain telephone exchanges.1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:1.5    Section 1. MUNICIPALITY OPERATION OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.1.6For the purpose of this section, "county" means a county that, as of January 1, 1.72010, has passed a county sales tax for the purpose, among other things, of funding the 1.8construction of a countywide high-speed communications infrastructure network, and has 1.9received federal funding from the Rural Utilities Service Broadband Initiatives Program 1.10for some of its construction costs of the telephone exchange. Notwithstanding Minnesota 1.11Statutes, section 237.19, a county may construct a new telephone exchange within its own 1.12borders where an exchange already exists, upon authorization of a majority of those 1.13voting thereon voting in favor of the undertaking at a general election or special election 1.14called for that purpose. Except as provided in this section, Minnesota Statutes, section 1.15237.19, applies to a county.1.16EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.