1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to transportation; establishing a transportation ombudsperson;amending 
1.3 	Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 174.02, by adding a subdivision.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 174.02, is amended by adding a 
1.6 	subdivision to read:
1.7 		Subd. 2a.Transportation ombudsperson. (a) The commissioner shall appoint a 
1.8 	person to the position of transportation ombudsperson. The transportation ombudsperson 
1.9 	reports directly to the commissioner. The ombudsperson must be selected without regard to 
1.10 	political affiliation and must be qualified to perform the duties specified in this subdivision.
1.11 	(b) Powers and duties of the transportation ombudsperson include, but are not 
1.12 	limited to:
1.13 	(1) providing a neutral, independent resource for dispute and issue resolution between 
1.14 	the department and the general public where another mechanism or forum is not available;
1.15 	(2) gathering information about decisions, acts, and other matters of the department;
1.16 	(3) providing information to the general public;
1.17 	(4) facilitating discussions or arranging mediation when appropriate; and
1.18 	(5) maintaining and monitoring performance measures for the ombudsperson 
1.19 	program.
1.20 	(c) The transportation ombudsperson may not hold another formal position within 
1.21 	the department. The transportation ombudsperson may not impose a complaint fee.
1.22 	(d) Amounts that may be spent to pay the costs of the transportation ombudsperson 
1.23 	program must be specifically appropriated by law and may not be transferred from any 
2.1 	other appropriation. Any excess appropriation cancels at the end of the year to the fund 
2.2 	from which it was appropriated.